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• 1. [Article] Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation - Invasive Plant Species Management Plan

  2016

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation - Invasive Plant Species Management Plan Author: Patterson, Mark Andre 2016 Title: Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation - Invasive Plant Species Management Plan Author: Patterson, Mark Andre 2016 Close

• 2. [Article] Bio-Economic Modelling of the Red King Crab Invasion in the Barents Sea

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bio-Economic Modelling of the Red King Crab Invasion in the Barents Sea Author: Armstrong, Claire, Falk-Petersen, Jannike Abstract only. Title: Bio-Economic Modelling of the Red King Crab Invasion in the Barents Sea Author: Armstrong, Claire, Falk-Petersen, Jannike Abstract only. Close

• 3. [Article] Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America

  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 Springer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America Author: Miller, Richard F., Germino, Matthew J., Grace, James B., D'Antonio, Carla, Brown, Cynthia S., Bradley, Bethany A., Hardegree, Stuart P., Pyke, David A., Chambers, Jeanne 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 published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10021. Title: Resilience to Stress and Disturbance, and Resistance to Bromus tectorum L. Invasion in Cold Desert Shrublands of Western North America Author: Miller, Richard F., Germino, Matthew J., Grace, James B., D'Antonio, Carla, Brown, Cynthia S., Bradley, Bethany A., Hardegree, Stuart P., Pyke, David A., Chambers, Jeanne 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 published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10021. Close

• 4. [Article] Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies

  Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Close

• 5. [Article] Willamette Valley prairie restoration : the Native Seed Network and Sidalcea

  My internship was conducted with the Native Seed Network program within the Institute for Applied Ecology, a non-profit organization located in Corvallis, whose focus is education, applied research and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Valley prairie restoration : the Native Seed Network and Sidalcea Author: Lambert, Joshua K. My internship was conducted with the Native Seed Network program within the Institute for Applied Ecology, a non-profit organization located in Corvallis, whose focus is education, applied research and active restoration and of native ecosystems. My internship goals were to increase my experience in applied restoration ecology and conservation biology with the emphasis on native plant communities in particular the endangered prairie communities of the Willamette Valley. These goals were met through my tenure with the Native Seed Network’s native seed collection and increase program during the 2007 field season. This work provided me strong experience with a process necessary for genetically conservative restoration and provided the NSN with a willing intern to complete their goals for 2007. Additional work I accomplished included a morphometric analysis of the native Willamette Valley prairie forb Sidalcea campestris which served as one constituent towards resolving the general ambiguity of this focal species for prairie restoration. Included in this analysis is a presentation and my interpretation of an initial molecular phylogenetic analysis on a selection of S. campestris accessions by Liston and deFeniks (unpublished) that may aid in the future resolution of S. campestris and other congeners in the Willamette Valley. The purpose of the morphological research was not mastery of population genetics or statistics but an exercise in concentration and achievement towards a more integrated and advanced application of taxonomic work oriented towards preserving biological diversity. This entire report completes the written requirement for the Professional Science Masters degree in Applied Systematic through the Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Oregon State University. Title: Willamette Valley prairie restoration : the Native Seed Network and Sidalcea Author: Lambert, Joshua K. My internship was conducted with the Native Seed Network program within the Institute for Applied Ecology, a non-profit organization located in Corvallis, whose focus is education, applied research and active restoration and of native ecosystems. My internship goals were to increase my experience in applied restoration ecology and conservation biology with the emphasis on native plant communities in particular the endangered prairie communities of the Willamette Valley. These goals were met through my tenure with the Native Seed Network’s native seed collection and increase program during the 2007 field season. This work provided me strong experience with a process necessary for genetically conservative restoration and provided the NSN with a willing intern to complete their goals for 2007. Additional work I accomplished included a morphometric analysis of the native Willamette Valley prairie forb Sidalcea campestris which served as one constituent towards resolving the general ambiguity of this focal species for prairie restoration. Included in this analysis is a presentation and my interpretation of an initial molecular phylogenetic analysis on a selection of S. campestris accessions by Liston and deFeniks (unpublished) that may aid in the future resolution of S. campestris and other congeners in the Willamette Valley. The purpose of the morphological research was not mastery of population genetics or statistics but an exercise in concentration and achievement towards a more integrated and advanced application of taxonomic work oriented towards preserving biological diversity. This entire report completes the written requirement for the Professional Science Masters degree in Applied Systematic through the Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Oregon State University. Close

• 6. [Article] Food systems in the Marys River region and reinhabitation

  Reinhabitation is an approach to building local cultures and economies within industrial society. The food system is a vital starting point. What are the principles of reinhabitory food systems? What are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Food systems in the Marys River region and reinhabitation Author: Burke, Erik P. Reinhabitation is an approach to building local cultures and economies within industrial society. The food system is a vital starting point. What are the principles of reinhabitory food systems? What are the possibilities for a locally adapted food system in the Marys River region of western Oregon? I describe past and present food systems in the region and give recommendations for building a reinhabitory food system. Native people established locally adapted food systems in the Marys River region and maintained them for thousands of years, culminating in the Kalapuyan food system that existed at Euroamerican contact. Euroamericans began to settle in the region in 1845, and immediately began to domesticate the landscape, replacing native ecosystems with cropland and pasture. By 1900, a diversified food system had emerged with several locally adapted characteristics. The industrial food system replaced the diversified food system during World War II, and has dominated since then. Locally adapted elements of food systems were rapidly abandoned. Industrialism emphasized mass production of export crops using fossil fuels, heavy machinery, and agrichemicals. A large variety of cultural, economic, and ecological problems emerged, and the health of natural and human communities was diminished. Reinhabitation is a positive response to the problems of industrial food systems. A locally adapted food system in the Marys River region is possible. There is enough agricultural land to feed the population. A small but growing segment of the local population has established alternative food systems, and initiated the process of building a regional food system. Reviewing the history of the Marys River region helps clarify how to apply principles of reinhabitation in the region. Title: Food systems in the Marys River region and reinhabitation Author: Burke, Erik P. Reinhabitation is an approach to building local cultures and economies within industrial society. The food system is a vital starting point. What are the principles of reinhabitory food systems? What are the possibilities for a locally adapted food system in the Marys River region of western Oregon? I describe past and present food systems in the region and give recommendations for building a reinhabitory food system. Native people established locally adapted food systems in the Marys River region and maintained them for thousands of years, culminating in the Kalapuyan food system that existed at Euroamerican contact. Euroamericans began to settle in the region in 1845, and immediately began to domesticate the landscape, replacing native ecosystems with cropland and pasture. By 1900, a diversified food system had emerged with several locally adapted characteristics. The industrial food system replaced the diversified food system during World War II, and has dominated since then. Locally adapted elements of food systems were rapidly abandoned. Industrialism emphasized mass production of export crops using fossil fuels, heavy machinery, and agrichemicals. A large variety of cultural, economic, and ecological problems emerged, and the health of natural and human communities was diminished. Reinhabitation is a positive response to the problems of industrial food systems. A locally adapted food system in the Marys River region is possible. There is enough agricultural land to feed the population. A small but growing segment of the local population has established alternative food systems, and initiated the process of building a regional food system. Reviewing the history of the Marys River region helps clarify how to apply principles of reinhabitation in the region. Close

• 7. [Article] Linking removal targets to the ecological effects of invaders: a predictive model and field test

  Species invasions have a range of negative effects on recipient ecosystems, and many occur at a scale and magnitude that preclude complete eradication. When complete extirpation is unlikely with available ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Linking removal targets to the ecological effects of invaders: a predictive model and field test Author: Brooks, Annabelle L. M., Côté, Isabelle M., Miller, Skylar, Green, Stephanie J., Dulvy, Nicholas K., Cooper, Andrew B., Akins, John L. Species invasions have a range of negative effects on recipient ecosystems, and many occur at a scale and magnitude that preclude complete eradication. When complete extirpation is unlikely with available management resources, an effective strategy may be to suppress invasive populations below levels predicted to cause undesirable ecological change. We illustrate this approach by developing and testing targets for the control of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) on Western Atlantic coral reefs. We first developed a size structured simulation model of predation by lionfish on native fish communities, which we used to predict threshold densities of lionfish beyond which native fish biomass should decline. We then tested our predictions by experimentally manipulating lionfish densities above or below reef-specific thresholds, and monitoring the consequences for native fish populations on 24 Bahamian patch reefs over 18 months. We found that reducing lionfish below predicted threshold densities effectively protected native fish community biomass from predation-induced declines. Reductions in density of 75- 95%, depending on the reef, were required to suppress lionfish below levels predicted to over-consume prey. On reefs where lionfish were kept threshold densities, native prey fish biomass increased by 50-70%. Gains in small (<6cm) size classes of native fishes translated into lagged increases in larger size classes over time. The biomass of larger individuals (>15cm total length), including ecologically important grazers and economically important fisheries species, had increased by 10-65% by the end of the experiment. Crucially, similar gains in prey fish biomass were realized on reefs subjected to partial and full removal of lionfish, but partial removals took 30% less time to implement. By contrast, the biomass of small native fishes declined by more than 50% on all reefs with lionfish densities exceeding reef-specific thresholds. Large inter-reef variation in the biomass of prey fishes at the outset of the study, which influences the threshold density of lionfish, means that we identify a single rule-of-thumb for guiding control efforts. However, our model provides a method for setting reef-specific targets for population control using local monitoring data. Our work is the first to demonstrate that for ongoing invasions, suppressing invaders below densitiesterms of protecting the native ecosystem on a local scale, to achieving complete eradication Title: Linking removal targets to the ecological effects of invaders: a predictive model and field test Author: Brooks, Annabelle L. M., Côté, Isabelle M., Miller, Skylar, Green, Stephanie J., Dulvy, Nicholas K., Cooper, Andrew B., Akins, John L. Species invasions have a range of negative effects on recipient ecosystems, and many occur at a scale and magnitude that preclude complete eradication. When complete extirpation is unlikely with available management resources, an effective strategy may be to suppress invasive populations below levels predicted to cause undesirable ecological change. We illustrate this approach by developing and testing targets for the control of invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) on Western Atlantic coral reefs. We first developed a size structured simulation model of predation by lionfish on native fish communities, which we used to predict threshold densities of lionfish beyond which native fish biomass should decline. We then tested our predictions by experimentally manipulating lionfish densities above or below reef-specific thresholds, and monitoring the consequences for native fish populations on 24 Bahamian patch reefs over 18 months. We found that reducing lionfish below predicted threshold densities effectively protected native fish community biomass from predation-induced declines. Reductions in density of 75- 95%, depending on the reef, were required to suppress lionfish below levels predicted to over-consume prey. On reefs where lionfish were kept threshold densities, native prey fish biomass increased by 50-70%. Gains in small (<6cm) size classes of native fishes translated into lagged increases in larger size classes over time. The biomass of larger individuals (>15cm total length), including ecologically important grazers and economically important fisheries species, had increased by 10-65% by the end of the experiment. Crucially, similar gains in prey fish biomass were realized on reefs subjected to partial and full removal of lionfish, but partial removals took 30% less time to implement. By contrast, the biomass of small native fishes declined by more than 50% on all reefs with lionfish densities exceeding reef-specific thresholds. Large inter-reef variation in the biomass of prey fishes at the outset of the study, which influences the threshold density of lionfish, means that we identify a single rule-of-thumb for guiding control efforts. However, our model provides a method for setting reef-specific targets for population control using local monitoring data. Our work is the first to demonstrate that for ongoing invasions, suppressing invaders below densitiesterms of protecting the native ecosystem on a local scale, to achieving complete eradication Close

• 8. [Article] Foraging in disturbed areas : a study of sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Oregon

  Bees provide vital ecosystem services for cropping systems as well as natural landscapes. Declines in both both native bee and managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations has brought attention to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Foraging in disturbed areas : a study of sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Oregon Author: Broussard, Melissa Bees provide vital ecosystem services for cropping systems as well as natural landscapes. Declines in both both native bee and managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations has brought attention to the significance of their role as pollinators in managed and native ecosystems. As a result, conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve them. While considerable attention has been given to honey bees, relatively little is known about many native bee species. Of particular interest is the family Halictidae, which can comprise the majority of observed individuals in many habitats. These, often small, bees are difficult to identify, and, as a result, relatively little is known about their preferred floral hosts. Because bee species assemblages vary significantly from region to region, it is important to have an understanding of local populations and their floral hosts. It is also important to understand factors which affect the quantity and quality of floral resources, such as anthropogenic disturbance. The Pacific Northwest is a diverse landscape, with rich agricultural and wildland environments that require pollinators in order to continue to thrive. Two studies examine the interface between these two systems, the first explores how roadside disturbance, which is prevalent across the world, impacts native pollinators across habitat types, and the second explores the diet of common native species, and how that diet changes across habitat types. In these studies, it was found that roadside disturbance was associated with reduced native bee diversity and abundance in the seasonally wet Willamette Valley of Oregon, but not in the more xeric Central Oregon. Bee abundance was positively correlated with temperature. Bee diet was more diverse in areas of scarce floral resources. In both regions, exotic plants were important floral hosts, representing nearly half of observed floral visitations. This thesis presents results of species analysis, floral richness and density correlations, and comparisons of floral resources used by different bee species. Implications and recommendations for land management are discussed. Title: Foraging in disturbed areas : a study of sweat bees (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) in Oregon Author: Broussard, Melissa Bees provide vital ecosystem services for cropping systems as well as natural landscapes. Declines in both both native bee and managed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) populations has brought attention to the significance of their role as pollinators in managed and native ecosystems. As a result, conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve them. While considerable attention has been given to honey bees, relatively little is known about many native bee species. Of particular interest is the family Halictidae, which can comprise the majority of observed individuals in many habitats. These, often small, bees are difficult to identify, and, as a result, relatively little is known about their preferred floral hosts. Because bee species assemblages vary significantly from region to region, it is important to have an understanding of local populations and their floral hosts. It is also important to understand factors which affect the quantity and quality of floral resources, such as anthropogenic disturbance. The Pacific Northwest is a diverse landscape, with rich agricultural and wildland environments that require pollinators in order to continue to thrive. Two studies examine the interface between these two systems, the first explores how roadside disturbance, which is prevalent across the world, impacts native pollinators across habitat types, and the second explores the diet of common native species, and how that diet changes across habitat types. In these studies, it was found that roadside disturbance was associated with reduced native bee diversity and abundance in the seasonally wet Willamette Valley of Oregon, but not in the more xeric Central Oregon. Bee abundance was positively correlated with temperature. Bee diet was more diverse in areas of scarce floral resources. In both regions, exotic plants were important floral hosts, representing nearly half of observed floral visitations. This thesis presents results of species analysis, floral richness and density correlations, and comparisons of floral resources used by different bee species. Implications and recommendations for land management are discussed. Close

• 9. [Article] Conservation of Sidalcea nelsoniana through habitat management : effects of burning, mowing, and altered flooding regime on a rare Willamette Valley perennial

  Active habitat management plays a key role in the preservation of native ecosystems and rare species, especially in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where natural succession to woodlands threatens the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conservation of Sidalcea nelsoniana through habitat management : effects of burning, mowing, and altered flooding regime on a rare Willamette Valley perennial Author: Bartels, Marilynn R. Active habitat management plays a key role in the preservation of native ecosystems and rare species, especially in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where natural succession to woodlands threatens the few wetland prairies remaining after 150 years of agriculture and urbanization. Sidalcea nelsoniana, listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, is native to these wetland prairies. The studies described here provide basic information about the habitat requirements and tolerances of S. nelsoniana while testing for the first time the impact of specific management techniques on its growth and reproduction. The effects of prescribed burning and mowing on S. nelsoniana and its habitat were investigated in a field population at W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge near Corvallis, Oregon. Measurements of S. nelsoniana and aspects of the surrounding vegetation were recorded during the summer of 1998 within 112 permanent S. nelsoniana-centered quadrats. Burning and mowing treatments were applied in the fall of 1998 and the same measurements of S. nelsoniana and the surrounding vegetation were recorded during the summer of 1999. Treatments had no direct effects on S. nelsoniana performance, but burning and mowing reduced canopy cover, a primary goal of prairie maintenance and restoration. Because perennials often respond slowly to changes in habitat, effects of these manipulations may be more evident in future years. Wetland species may also be sensitive to site hydrology, so maintaining the proper water regime is another important component of wetland prairie management and restoration. A second experimental study evaluated the flooding tolerance of S. nelsoniana. Rhizome fragments were transplanted into pots exposed to four flooding conditions: drained soil, saturated soil with no standing water, standing water from mid-November through mid-April and standing water from mid-November through mid-June. Plants with drained soil died as the spring rains declined, and plants flooded past April died by mid-June. Plants in saturated soils and those flooded until mid-April were most successful. These two treatments most closely match conditions found in Willamette Valley wetland prairies, including S. nelsoniana sites, and suggest that the current distribution of S. nelsoniana approximately matches its hydrologic requirements. Management plans to flood a S. nelsoniana site beyond mid-April might harm this protected species. Title: Conservation of Sidalcea nelsoniana through habitat management : effects of burning, mowing, and altered flooding regime on a rare Willamette Valley perennial Author: Bartels, Marilynn R. Active habitat management plays a key role in the preservation of native ecosystems and rare species, especially in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where natural succession to woodlands threatens the few wetland prairies remaining after 150 years of agriculture and urbanization. Sidalcea nelsoniana, listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act, is native to these wetland prairies. The studies described here provide basic information about the habitat requirements and tolerances of S. nelsoniana while testing for the first time the impact of specific management techniques on its growth and reproduction. The effects of prescribed burning and mowing on S. nelsoniana and its habitat were investigated in a field population at W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge near Corvallis, Oregon. Measurements of S. nelsoniana and aspects of the surrounding vegetation were recorded during the summer of 1998 within 112 permanent S. nelsoniana-centered quadrats. Burning and mowing treatments were applied in the fall of 1998 and the same measurements of S. nelsoniana and the surrounding vegetation were recorded during the summer of 1999. Treatments had no direct effects on S. nelsoniana performance, but burning and mowing reduced canopy cover, a primary goal of prairie maintenance and restoration. Because perennials often respond slowly to changes in habitat, effects of these manipulations may be more evident in future years. Wetland species may also be sensitive to site hydrology, so maintaining the proper water regime is another important component of wetland prairie management and restoration. A second experimental study evaluated the flooding tolerance of S. nelsoniana. Rhizome fragments were transplanted into pots exposed to four flooding conditions: drained soil, saturated soil with no standing water, standing water from mid-November through mid-April and standing water from mid-November through mid-June. Plants with drained soil died as the spring rains declined, and plants flooded past April died by mid-June. Plants in saturated soils and those flooded until mid-April were most successful. These two treatments most closely match conditions found in Willamette Valley wetland prairies, including S. nelsoniana sites, and suggest that the current distribution of S. nelsoniana approximately matches its hydrologic requirements. Management plans to flood a S. nelsoniana site beyond mid-April might harm this protected species. Close

• 10. [Article] Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012

  Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate, Colleen Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland loss attributed to agricultural conversion. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the State of Oregon and the State places substantial emphasis in its land use planning goals on the preservation of agricultural land. Oregon’s Willamette Valley accounts for the majority of agricultural output with 53% of the valley bottom classified as agricultural land. Additionally, the valley houses 70% of the state's population. The valley was once comprised of extensive wet prairies and abundant riparian forests along the Willamette River floodplain, but native ecosystems have been reduced to a fraction of their original distribution since Euro-American settlement in the mid 1800s. The few wetlands that remain are at high risk to loss and degradation from agricultural activity. Following national wetland conservation policies, Oregon has since attempted to monitor and regulate losses due to disturbance and modification of the State's remaining wetlands through a "no-net-loss" policy aiming to decrease wetland losses and replace disturbed wetlands through mitigation. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was designed to produce detailed maps and status reports of the characteristics and extent of the nation's wetlands and help determine the efficacy of no-net-loss policy implementation on the nation’s wetlands. In some cases, the NWI has been found to have low categorical and spatial accuracy and coarse temporal resolution, with some maps over two decades old. Although Landsat satellite imagery was originally found to lack the needed spatial resolution for classification detail and wetness designation that aerial photography provided, Landsat has 40 years of freely available, high quality annual imagery and should be explored for use in annual wetland change detection. Our objectives were to: (1) Quantify and characterize spatial and ecological trends in annual wetland change through gain, loss, and conversion in the Willamette Valley; (2) Evaluate the effect of the no-net-loss federal wetland conservation policy change enacted in 1990 on trends in net wetland area; and (3) Describe a new methodology that reaches back through the over 40-year Landsat archive to map fine scale wetland and related land-use changes from 1972-2012. We used annual Landsat MSS and TM/ETM+ images from 1972 to 2012 to manually interpret loss, gain, and type conversion of wetland area in the two-year inundation floodplain of the Main-Stem Willamette River using TimeSync, Google Earth, and ArcMap. By creating Tasseled Cap Brightness, Greenness, and Wetness indices for MSS data that visually match TM/ETM+ Tasseled Cap images, we were able to construct a complete and consistent annual time series and utilize the entire Landsat archive. Additionally, with an extended time series, we were able to compare trends of annual net change in wetland area before and after the no-net-loss policy established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in 1990. We found that wetlands experienced annual loss, gain, and type conversion across the entire study period. Vegetated wetlands (emergent and riparian wetlands) experienced a 314 ha net loss of wetland area across the 40 year study period whereas non-vegetated wetlands (lacustrine and riverine wetlands) experienced a 393 ha net gain. All wetland types combined saw a 79 ha net increase in wetland area across the full study period. The majority of both gain and loss in the study area was attributed to and from agricultural conversion followed by urban land use. Time series analysis of the rate of change of net wetland area was calculated using the Theil-Sen (TS) Slope estimate analysis. For annual change of wetland area before and after 1990 no-net-loss policy implementations, the rate of annual wetland area lost slowed for riparian wetlands and reversed into trends of annual net gain in area of emergent wetlands. The rate of annual net area gained for lacustrine wetlands was slowed post-policy. Accuracy assessment of land use change polygons in the field was only able to capture 12% of our interpretations due to access restrictions associated with private land. In spite of a low sample size (n=45), overall accuracy of land use classification through wetland change polygons was at 80%. This accuracy increased to 91.1% when land use classes were aggregated to either wetland or upland categories, indicating that our methodology was more accurate at distinguishing between general upland and wetland than finer categorical classes. Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate, Colleen Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland loss attributed to agricultural conversion. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the State of Oregon and the State places substantial emphasis in its land use planning goals on the preservation of agricultural land. Oregon’s Willamette Valley accounts for the majority of agricultural output with 53% of the valley bottom classified as agricultural land. Additionally, the valley houses 70% of the state's population. The valley was once comprised of extensive wet prairies and abundant riparian forests along the Willamette River floodplain, but native ecosystems have been reduced to a fraction of their original distribution since Euro-American settlement in the mid 1800s. The few wetlands that remain are at high risk to loss and degradation from agricultural activity. Following national wetland conservation policies, Oregon has since attempted to monitor and regulate losses due to disturbance and modification of the State's remaining wetlands through a "no-net-loss" policy aiming to decrease wetland losses and replace disturbed wetlands through mitigation. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was designed to produce detailed maps and status reports of the characteristics and extent of the nation's wetlands and help determine the efficacy of no-net-loss policy implementation on the nation’s wetlands. In some cases, the NWI has been found to have low categorical and spatial accuracy and coarse temporal resolution, with some maps over two decades old. Although Landsat satellite imagery was originally found to lack the needed spatial resolution for classification detail and wetness designation that aerial photography provided, Landsat has 40 years of freely available, high quality annual imagery and should be explored for use in annual wetland change detection. Our objectives were to: (1) Quantify and characterize spatial and ecological trends in annual wetland change through gain, loss, and conversion in the Willamette Valley; (2) Evaluate the effect of the no-net-loss federal wetland conservation policy change enacted in 1990 on trends in net wetland area; and (3) Describe a new methodology that reaches back through the over 40-year Landsat archive to map fine scale wetland and related land-use changes from 1972-2012. We used annual Landsat MSS and TM/ETM+ images from 1972 to 2012 to manually interpret loss, gain, and type conversion of wetland area in the two-year inundation floodplain of the Main-Stem Willamette River using TimeSync, Google Earth, and ArcMap. By creating Tasseled Cap Brightness, Greenness, and Wetness indices for MSS data that visually match TM/ETM+ Tasseled Cap images, we were able to construct a complete and consistent annual time series and utilize the entire Landsat archive. Additionally, with an extended time series, we were able to compare trends of annual net change in wetland area before and after the no-net-loss policy established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in 1990. We found that wetlands experienced annual loss, gain, and type conversion across the entire study period. Vegetated wetlands (emergent and riparian wetlands) experienced a 314 ha net loss of wetland area across the 40 year study period whereas non-vegetated wetlands (lacustrine and riverine wetlands) experienced a 393 ha net gain. All wetland types combined saw a 79 ha net increase in wetland area across the full study period. The majority of both gain and loss in the study area was attributed to and from agricultural conversion followed by urban land use. Time series analysis of the rate of change of net wetland area was calculated using the Theil-Sen (TS) Slope estimate analysis. For annual change of wetland area before and after 1990 no-net-loss policy implementations, the rate of annual wetland area lost slowed for riparian wetlands and reversed into trends of annual net gain in area of emergent wetlands. The rate of annual net area gained for lacustrine wetlands was slowed post-policy. Accuracy assessment of land use change polygons in the field was only able to capture 12% of our interpretations due to access restrictions associated with private land. In spite of a low sample size (n=45), overall accuracy of land use classification through wetland change polygons was at 80%. This accuracy increased to 91.1% when land use classes were aggregated to either wetland or upland categories, indicating that our methodology was more accurate at distinguishing between general upland and wetland than finer categorical classes. Close

• 11. [Article] Effects of the invasive Pacific red lionfish Pterois volitans on native Atlantic coral-reef fish communities

  Predatory lionfishes (Pterois volitans and P. miles) were introduced to Florida waters during the mid to late 1980s, and eventually established self-sustaining breeding populations in the tropical western ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of the invasive Pacific red lionfish Pterois volitans on native Atlantic coral-reef fish communities Author: Albins, Mark A. Predatory lionfishes (Pterois volitans and P. miles) were introduced to Florida waters during the mid to late 1980s, and eventually established self-sustaining breeding populations in the tropical western Atlantic. These invasive species are now widespread along the southeastern seaboard of the United States, across the Caribbean Sea, and in the Gulf of Mexico. In these regions, lionfish reach larger maximum sizes and higher abundances than they do in their native Pacific, suggesting that they have undergone ecological release. Invaded marine communities have thus far provided little if any biotic resistance. Lionfish are generalist predators with high consumption rates, inhabit a broad range of habitats, are defended from predation by venomous spines, and are capable of long-range larval dispersal. It is possible that lionfish have direct effects on native communities, through consumption of native fishes and competition with native predators, as well as indirect effects, such as overconsumption of herbivorous fishes that prevent seaweeds from outcompeting reef-building corals. There is also serious concern that invasive lionfish could act additively, or even synergistically, with existing stressors of coral-reef systems, such as overfishing and ocean warming, resulting in substantial negative consequences for native ecosystems and economically valuable fisheries. The primary goal of this dissertation was to conduct a set of controlled, replicated field experiments to rigorously examine and measure the effects of lionfish on native reef-fish communities across a range of spatial and temporal scales. In the first experiment (Chapter 2), the net recruitment of native fishes to twenty small patch reefs was compared in the presence (n = 10) and absence (n = 10) of lionfish. This study demonstrated that lionfish reduced net recruitment, or change in abundance of small native fishes, by an average (± SEM) of 78.9 ± 32.2 % over 5 weeks, affecting 23 of 38 species recruiting to reefs in both treatments. In a second experiment (Chapter 4), I examined the effects of lionfish on patch-reef communities of small native fishes relative to, and in combination with, those of a similarly sized native predator, the coney grouper (Cephalopholis fulva). Four different predator treatments were established by transplanting predators (n = 5 reefs each). Treatments included a single small invasive lionfish, a single small native grouper, a grouper and a lionfish together, and predator-free controls. Compared to controls, invasive lionfish caused reductions (mean ± SEM) in abundance (93.7 ± 17.8 %) and species richness (4.6 ± 1.6 species) of small native fishes. The negative effect of lionfish on abundance was 2.6 ± 0.5 times stronger than that of the native grouper. The greatest negative effects on abundance, species richness, evenness, and diversity of native fishes occurred when both lionfish and native grouper were present. Additionally, lionfish grew more than six times faster in both length and mass than did native grouper. A third experiment (Chapter 6) assessed the effects of lionfish on native reef-fish communities at spatial and temporal scales directly relevant to management and conservation efforts. Subsequent to baseline surveys, high- and low-density lionfish treatments were established on 10 large (1400 to 4000 m²) isolated coral reefs. After initiation of treatments, quarterly surveys of the native reef-fish communities were conducted for approximately 14 months. Lionfish caused significant reductions (mean ± SEM) in density (up to 3.22 ± 0.95 fish m⁻²), biomass (3.26 ± 1.10 g m⁻²), and species richness (4.92 ± 2.09 species) of small (<10 cm TL) native fishes. However, these negative effects on prey-sized fishes had not yet translated into declines in larger size classes during the first 14 months of this experiment. In addition to field experiments, this dissertation describes field and aquarium observations of a previously undocumented piscivorous behavior by invasive lionfish - blowing jets of water at prey fish - which may confer a high degree of predation efficiency, thus contributing to the dramatic success of the invasion (Chapter 5). Also provided is a review of the current state of knowledge about the lionfish invasion, with speculation on the long-term effects of the invasion on coral-reef communities, and a brief discussion of potential mitigation measures (Chapter 3). In sum, this research demonstrated that invasive lionfish have substantial negative effects on native communities of coral-reef fishes. In all cases, numerical reductions in small (prey-sized) native fishes caused by lionfish were substantial. Additionally, lionfish caused considerable reductions in native reef-fish species richness (via predation on rare species). These findings indicate that the lionfish invasion may have long-term, broad-scale impacts on the structure and function of coral-reef communities as a whole, potentially reducing the resilience of these systems to a myriad of existing stressors as well as their capacity to provide valuable ecosystem goods and services to humans. Title: Effects of the invasive Pacific red lionfish Pterois volitans on native Atlantic coral-reef fish communities Author: Albins, Mark A. Predatory lionfishes (Pterois volitans and P. miles) were introduced to Florida waters during the mid to late 1980s, and eventually established self-sustaining breeding populations in the tropical western Atlantic. These invasive species are now widespread along the southeastern seaboard of the United States, across the Caribbean Sea, and in the Gulf of Mexico. In these regions, lionfish reach larger maximum sizes and higher abundances than they do in their native Pacific, suggesting that they have undergone ecological release. Invaded marine communities have thus far provided little if any biotic resistance. Lionfish are generalist predators with high consumption rates, inhabit a broad range of habitats, are defended from predation by venomous spines, and are capable of long-range larval dispersal. It is possible that lionfish have direct effects on native communities, through consumption of native fishes and competition with native predators, as well as indirect effects, such as overconsumption of herbivorous fishes that prevent seaweeds from outcompeting reef-building corals. There is also serious concern that invasive lionfish could act additively, or even synergistically, with existing stressors of coral-reef systems, such as overfishing and ocean warming, resulting in substantial negative consequences for native ecosystems and economically valuable fisheries. The primary goal of this dissertation was to conduct a set of controlled, replicated field experiments to rigorously examine and measure the effects of lionfish on native reef-fish communities across a range of spatial and temporal scales. In the first experiment (Chapter 2), the net recruitment of native fishes to twenty small patch reefs was compared in the presence (n = 10) and absence (n = 10) of lionfish. This study demonstrated that lionfish reduced net recruitment, or change in abundance of small native fishes, by an average (± SEM) of 78.9 ± 32.2 % over 5 weeks, affecting 23 of 38 species recruiting to reefs in both treatments. In a second experiment (Chapter 4), I examined the effects of lionfish on patch-reef communities of small native fishes relative to, and in combination with, those of a similarly sized native predator, the coney grouper (Cephalopholis fulva). Four different predator treatments were established by transplanting predators (n = 5 reefs each). Treatments included a single small invasive lionfish, a single small native grouper, a grouper and a lionfish together, and predator-free controls. Compared to controls, invasive lionfish caused reductions (mean ± SEM) in abundance (93.7 ± 17.8 %) and species richness (4.6 ± 1.6 species) of small native fishes. The negative effect of lionfish on abundance was 2.6 ± 0.5 times stronger than that of the native grouper. The greatest negative effects on abundance, species richness, evenness, and diversity of native fishes occurred when both lionfish and native grouper were present. Additionally, lionfish grew more than six times faster in both length and mass than did native grouper. A third experiment (Chapter 6) assessed the effects of lionfish on native reef-fish communities at spatial and temporal scales directly relevant to management and conservation efforts. Subsequent to baseline surveys, high- and low-density lionfish treatments were established on 10 large (1400 to 4000 m²) isolated coral reefs. After initiation of treatments, quarterly surveys of the native reef-fish communities were conducted for approximately 14 months. Lionfish caused significant reductions (mean ± SEM) in density (up to 3.22 ± 0.95 fish m⁻²), biomass (3.26 ± 1.10 g m⁻²), and species richness (4.92 ± 2.09 species) of small (<10 cm TL) native fishes. However, these negative effects on prey-sized fishes had not yet translated into declines in larger size classes during the first 14 months of this experiment. In addition to field experiments, this dissertation describes field and aquarium observations of a previously undocumented piscivorous behavior by invasive lionfish - blowing jets of water at prey fish - which may confer a high degree of predation efficiency, thus contributing to the dramatic success of the invasion (Chapter 5). Also provided is a review of the current state of knowledge about the lionfish invasion, with speculation on the long-term effects of the invasion on coral-reef communities, and a brief discussion of potential mitigation measures (Chapter 3). In sum, this research demonstrated that invasive lionfish have substantial negative effects on native communities of coral-reef fishes. In all cases, numerical reductions in small (prey-sized) native fishes caused by lionfish were substantial. Additionally, lionfish caused considerable reductions in native reef-fish species richness (via predation on rare species). These findings indicate that the lionfish invasion may have long-term, broad-scale impacts on the structure and function of coral-reef communities as a whole, potentially reducing the resilience of these systems to a myriad of existing stressors as well as their capacity to provide valuable ecosystem goods and services to humans. Close

• 12. [Article] Adapting to Climate Change on Western Public Lands: Addressing the Ecological Effects of Domestic, Wild, and Feral Ungulates

  NEWS COVERAGE: A news release based on this journal publication, which is written for a lay audience and has been approved by an author of the study, is available online: http://bit.ly/XFBYe2

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Adapting to Climate Change on Western Public Lands: Addressing the Ecological Effects of Domestic, Wild, and Feral Ungulates Author: DellaSala, Dominick A., Donahue, Deborah L., Rhodes, Jonathan J., O'Brien, Mary H., Beschta, Robert L., Fleischner, Thomas L., Karr, James R., Deacon-Williams, Cindy NEWS COVERAGE: A news release based on this journal publication, which is written for a lay audience and has been approved by an author of the study, is available online: http://bit.ly/XFBYe2 Title: Adapting to Climate Change on Western Public Lands: Addressing the Ecological Effects of Domestic, Wild, and Feral Ungulates Author: DellaSala, Dominick A., Donahue, Deborah L., Rhodes, Jonathan J., O'Brien, Mary H., Beschta, Robert L., Fleischner, Thomas L., Karr, James R., Deacon-Williams, Cindy NEWS COVERAGE: A news release based on this journal publication, which is written for a lay audience and has been approved by an author of the study, is available online: http://bit.ly/XFBYe2 Close

• 13. [Article] Key areas for conserving United States’ biodiversity likely threatened by future land use change

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.esajournal...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Key areas for conserving United States’ biodiversity likely threatened by future land use change Author: Martinuzzi, S., Helmers, D. P., Higgins, J. V., Radeloff, V. C., Plantinga, A. J., Lewis, D. J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp. Title: Key areas for conserving United States’ biodiversity likely threatened by future land use change Author: Martinuzzi, S., Helmers, D. P., Higgins, J. V., Radeloff, V. C., Plantinga, A. J., Lewis, D. J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp. Close

• 14. [Article] The Biogeochemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in native shrub ecosystems in Senegal

  Two native shrub species (Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis) are prominent vegetation components in farmers’ fields in Senegal. However, their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem function ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Biogeochemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in native shrub ecosystems in Senegal Author: Dossa, Ekw'e Lokossou, 1960- Two native shrub species (Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis) are prominent vegetation components in farmers’ fields in Senegal. However, their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem function has largely been overlooked. A study including both laboratory and field experiments was conducted to evaluate potential biophysical interactions of the two shrub species with soils and crops in Senegal. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralization potential of soils incubated with residues of the two shrubs species was studied in laboratory conditions. Additionally, the effect of shrub-residue amendment on P sorption by soils was examined. Under field conditions, the effect of presence or absence of shrubs on crop productivity and nutrient recycling in soil was investigated. Another study examined shrub species effect on spatial distribution of nutrients and P fractions. Results showed shrub residues used as amendments immobilized N and P, which suggested these residues have limited value as immediate nutrient sources for crops. However, soils amended with shrub residues sorbed less P than unamended soils, indicating that when added to P-fixing soils, shrub residues could improve P availability to crops. In the absence of fertilization or when water was limiting, shrubs increased crop yield, likely through a combination of improved soil quality and water conditions associated with the shrub canopy and rhizosphere. The presence of shrubs increased nutrient-use efficiency over sole crop systems. Shrubs were shown to create “islands of fertility” that had greater C, N and P concentrations under their canopies than in open areas. Shrubs differed in their ability to modify soil properties. G. senegalensis had higher soil C and N under its canopy and lower pH than P. reticulatum. Sequential extraction of P fractions showed that NaOH-P, most of which is organic P, was the dominant P fraction in the soils. These results showed that, in the Sahel, shrubs are important components of cropping systems that should be conserved and actively managed. Title: The Biogeochemistry of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in native shrub ecosystems in Senegal Author: Dossa, Ekw'e Lokossou, 1960- Two native shrub species (Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis) are prominent vegetation components in farmers’ fields in Senegal. However, their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem function has largely been overlooked. A study including both laboratory and field experiments was conducted to evaluate potential biophysical interactions of the two shrub species with soils and crops in Senegal. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralization potential of soils incubated with residues of the two shrubs species was studied in laboratory conditions. Additionally, the effect of shrub-residue amendment on P sorption by soils was examined. Under field conditions, the effect of presence or absence of shrubs on crop productivity and nutrient recycling in soil was investigated. Another study examined shrub species effect on spatial distribution of nutrients and P fractions. Results showed shrub residues used as amendments immobilized N and P, which suggested these residues have limited value as immediate nutrient sources for crops. However, soils amended with shrub residues sorbed less P than unamended soils, indicating that when added to P-fixing soils, shrub residues could improve P availability to crops. In the absence of fertilization or when water was limiting, shrubs increased crop yield, likely through a combination of improved soil quality and water conditions associated with the shrub canopy and rhizosphere. The presence of shrubs increased nutrient-use efficiency over sole crop systems. Shrubs were shown to create “islands of fertility” that had greater C, N and P concentrations under their canopies than in open areas. Shrubs differed in their ability to modify soil properties. G. senegalensis had higher soil C and N under its canopy and lower pH than P. reticulatum. Sequential extraction of P fractions showed that NaOH-P, most of which is organic P, was the dominant P fraction in the soils. These results showed that, in the Sahel, shrubs are important components of cropping systems that should be conserved and actively managed. Close

• 15. [Article] Short-term responses of native bees to livestock and implications for managing ecosystem services in grasslands

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Short-term responses of native bees to livestock and implications for managing ecosystem services in grasslands Author: Schmalz, Heidi, Rao, Sujaya, Kennedy, Patricia L., Kimoto, Chiho, Thorp, Robbin W., DeBano, Sandra J., Johnson, Tracey, DelCurto, Timothy, Taylor, Robert V. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp. Title: Short-term responses of native bees to livestock and implications for managing ecosystem services in grasslands Author: Schmalz, Heidi, Rao, Sujaya, Kennedy, Patricia L., Kimoto, Chiho, Thorp, Robbin W., DeBano, Sandra J., Johnson, Tracey, DelCurto, Timothy, Taylor, Robert V. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp. Close

• 16. [Article] The predation of mudflat burrowing shrimp by native Oregon crabs Red rock crab (Cancer productus) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) versus an invasive crab European green crab (Carcius maenas)

  Yaquina Bay, Oregon, has been introduced to a few The invasive species in Yaquina Bay, Oregon can have a huge effect on the native species and local ecosystem. European green crab (Carcius maenas) is an ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The predation of mudflat burrowing shrimp by native Oregon crabs Red rock crab (Cancer productus) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) versus an invasive crab European green crab (Carcius maenas) Author: Trobaugh, Sean A Yaquina Bay, Oregon, has been introduced to a few The invasive species in Yaquina Bay, Oregon can have a huge effect on the native species and local ecosystem. European green crab (Carcius maenas) is an invasive species. The European green crab can be found on the mudflats competing with the native crabs, including Red rock crab (Cancer productus) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), for food. Possible prey includes mudflat burrowing shrimp, the Ghost shrimp, (Neotrypaea californiensis) and the Mud shrimp, (Upogebia pugettensis). Thus study examines native crab (primarily Red rock) and European green crab predation on mudflat burrowing shrimp with controlled laboratory predation experiments: putting shrimp in sediment, then adding crab after an allotted burrowing time. My hypothesis is that Red rock is able to eat more shrimp than the European green crab because of the mobility of the Red rock claws. Both invasive and native crabs preyed upon the shrimp, however, the native crabs are doing statically significant greater (p-value =.001) at getting this food source then the invasive crab. The European green crab is not out competing the Red rock and Dungeness. Title: The predation of mudflat burrowing shrimp by native Oregon crabs Red rock crab (Cancer productus) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) versus an invasive crab European green crab (Carcius maenas) Author: Trobaugh, Sean A Yaquina Bay, Oregon, has been introduced to a few The invasive species in Yaquina Bay, Oregon can have a huge effect on the native species and local ecosystem. European green crab (Carcius maenas) is an invasive species. The European green crab can be found on the mudflats competing with the native crabs, including Red rock crab (Cancer productus) and Dungeness crab (Cancer magister), for food. Possible prey includes mudflat burrowing shrimp, the Ghost shrimp, (Neotrypaea californiensis) and the Mud shrimp, (Upogebia pugettensis). Thus study examines native crab (primarily Red rock) and European green crab predation on mudflat burrowing shrimp with controlled laboratory predation experiments: putting shrimp in sediment, then adding crab after an allotted burrowing time. My hypothesis is that Red rock is able to eat more shrimp than the European green crab because of the mobility of the Red rock claws. Both invasive and native crabs preyed upon the shrimp, however, the native crabs are doing statically significant greater (p-value =.001) at getting this food source then the invasive crab. The European green crab is not out competing the Red rock and Dungeness. Close

• 17. [Article] Comparing Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) management techniques in upland prairie communities of the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

  Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of many of the nation’s most threatened and endangered species, the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is highly invested in the management of some of the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) management techniques in upland prairie communities of the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge Author: Ensley, Jona L. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of many of the nation’s most threatened and endangered species, the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is highly invested in the management of some of the last remaining upland prairies once prevalent throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley. More than a century of land fragmentation, fire suppression, and cultivation has shifted species composition and physical structure of the native prairies toward woodland ecosystems, reducing habitat quality and quantity. This transition is greatly driven by the encroachment and introduction of the non-native, woody invader Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). This study focused on the three most common Himalayan blackberry management techniques used within the refuge's upland prairies: late summer mowing, late summer burning, and a combination of both. The goal was to analyze the efficacy of each technique in meeting the refuge objectives of controlling Himalayan blackberry populations and promoting native prairie physiognomy after one application using a complete random block design. Findings were presented to refuge managers to facilitate improved management of these fragile communities. Mowing was found to have the greatest reduction in blackberry stem and plant density and resulted in the lowest resprout density post-treatment. This treatment also met the refuge objectives of reducing woody cover and increasing graminoid cover, but did little to increase herbaceous cover when compared to the control group. Burning produced no significant increase in herbaceous cover or reduction in woody cover and provided favorable conditions for Himalayan blackberry seedling germination, contributing to a larger blackberry problem in years to come. In promoting herbaceous habitat for upland-dependent species, mowing with subsequent burning was the most successful technique. Though not as effective in reducing blackberry vigor as mowing alone, this treatment showed the most potential of the three in managing for all objectives. Title: Comparing Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) management techniques in upland prairie communities of the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge Author: Ensley, Jona L. Dedicated to the preservation and promotion of many of the nation’s most threatened and endangered species, the W.L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is highly invested in the management of some of the last remaining upland prairies once prevalent throughout Oregon's Willamette Valley. More than a century of land fragmentation, fire suppression, and cultivation has shifted species composition and physical structure of the native prairies toward woodland ecosystems, reducing habitat quality and quantity. This transition is greatly driven by the encroachment and introduction of the non-native, woody invader Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). This study focused on the three most common Himalayan blackberry management techniques used within the refuge's upland prairies: late summer mowing, late summer burning, and a combination of both. The goal was to analyze the efficacy of each technique in meeting the refuge objectives of controlling Himalayan blackberry populations and promoting native prairie physiognomy after one application using a complete random block design. Findings were presented to refuge managers to facilitate improved management of these fragile communities. Mowing was found to have the greatest reduction in blackberry stem and plant density and resulted in the lowest resprout density post-treatment. This treatment also met the refuge objectives of reducing woody cover and increasing graminoid cover, but did little to increase herbaceous cover when compared to the control group. Burning produced no significant increase in herbaceous cover or reduction in woody cover and provided favorable conditions for Himalayan blackberry seedling germination, contributing to a larger blackberry problem in years to come. In promoting herbaceous habitat for upland-dependent species, mowing with subsequent burning was the most successful technique. Though not as effective in reducing blackberry vigor as mowing alone, this treatment showed the most potential of the three in managing for all objectives. Close

• 18. [Article] Economic and social impacts of restoration : a case study of the Great Basin Region

  The last five decades of research in arid land ecology cites Invasive species as a source of imbalances in biodiversity through habitat destruction and reductions of native species through ecosystem alterations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic and social impacts of restoration : a case study of the Great Basin Region Author: Satyal, Vijayanand H. The last five decades of research in arid land ecology cites Invasive species as a source of imbalances in biodiversity through habitat destruction and reductions of native species through ecosystem alterations in favor of non-native species. Invasive species are known to damage not only the surrounding ecosystem but also cause economic and non-economic losses to society. This study focuses on economic and social impacts of controlling cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) on the public rangelands of the Great Basin region. This research seeks to examine the economic and social impacts of adopting different restoration strategies (herbicide use, fire, grazing and re-seeding of native grasses). The economic study seeks to assess the cost-effectiveness of adopting any versus none of the restoration strategies using a linear programming multi-period optimization framework. In order to understand if restoration of cheatgrass is socially acceptable and whether the spatial context influences economic decisions, a parallel social attitudinal study examines the perceptions held by ranchers, interest groups, agency personnel and informed public with regard to restoration, the ongoing collaborative project and expected costs of undertaking restoration. The bio-economic study incorporates ranch production and ecological site specific data into representative optimization models and solves to maximize net ranch income subject to market and resource constraints. The economic study found restoration to impact the ranches financially as the degree of restoration increased. Costs of restoration were lowest under baseline conditions and increased in magnitude with use of grazing, fire, herbicide and the integrated strategy respectively. Attitudinal data indicated that the meaning of restoration and social acceptability towards restoration strategies differed within and across stakeholder groups in the Great Basin states of Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Title: Economic and social impacts of restoration : a case study of the Great Basin Region Author: Satyal, Vijayanand H. The last five decades of research in arid land ecology cites Invasive species as a source of imbalances in biodiversity through habitat destruction and reductions of native species through ecosystem alterations in favor of non-native species. Invasive species are known to damage not only the surrounding ecosystem but also cause economic and non-economic losses to society. This study focuses on economic and social impacts of controlling cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) on the public rangelands of the Great Basin region. This research seeks to examine the economic and social impacts of adopting different restoration strategies (herbicide use, fire, grazing and re-seeding of native grasses). The economic study seeks to assess the cost-effectiveness of adopting any versus none of the restoration strategies using a linear programming multi-period optimization framework. In order to understand if restoration of cheatgrass is socially acceptable and whether the spatial context influences economic decisions, a parallel social attitudinal study examines the perceptions held by ranchers, interest groups, agency personnel and informed public with regard to restoration, the ongoing collaborative project and expected costs of undertaking restoration. The bio-economic study incorporates ranch production and ecological site specific data into representative optimization models and solves to maximize net ranch income subject to market and resource constraints. The economic study found restoration to impact the ranches financially as the degree of restoration increased. Costs of restoration were lowest under baseline conditions and increased in magnitude with use of grazing, fire, herbicide and the integrated strategy respectively. Attitudinal data indicated that the meaning of restoration and social acceptability towards restoration strategies differed within and across stakeholder groups in the Great Basin states of Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Close

• 19. [Article] Temporal Genetic Variance and Propagule-Driven Genetic Structure Characterize Naturalized Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from a Patagonian Lake Impacted by Trout Farming

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Temporal Genetic Variance and Propagule-Driven Genetic Structure Characterize Naturalized Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from a Patagonian Lake Impacted by Trout Farming Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Seeb, Lisa W., Seeb, James E., et al., Benavente, Javiera N. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Title: Temporal Genetic Variance and Propagule-Driven Genetic Structure Characterize Naturalized Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from a Patagonian Lake Impacted by Trout Farming Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Seeb, Lisa W., Seeb, James E., et al., Benavente, Javiera N. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Close

• 20. [Article] A sustainable resource development plan framework for the Neskonlith Indian Band, British Columbia

  A sustainable resource development plan framework was prepared for the Neskonlith Indian Band, who are located in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. The framework intends to address issues involving; ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A sustainable resource development plan framework for the Neskonlith Indian Band, British Columbia Author: Mackasey, J. Patrick A sustainable resource development plan framework was prepared for the Neskonlith Indian Band, who are located in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. The framework intends to address issues involving; integrated resource management, traditional native land management, ecosystem management, and community-based resource management. A soft systems (Wilson & Morren, 1990) methodology was used to work with the community and help assess the current management state and to begin the process of determining the desired future condition of their land base and how this can help build the community. However, the band was prepared only to work through the first two (out of seven) stages of the methodology. The study area used was 4259 ha in size, of which 1316 ha was reserve land. A good portion of this area is forested (52.4%), primarily with interior Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var, glauca). The study area is also represented by 13.9% open range, 8,2% cultivated land and a large lake (11 %) . Current and past resource management activities on this area include; forestry, mining, agriculture, range, recreation, and parks. The band is interested in how the land base can be managed from an integrated resource management perspective and in learning how non-consumptive uses of the forest can be further explored. This framework attempts to answer the questions and provide the band with a working Geographic Information System database and some management alternatives to examine. A Terrasoft GIS was used, which allowed for both vector and raster processing. Data layers were compiled and assembled for a variety of resource values. These data layers were analyzed using models which produced three management alternatives. These alternatives included the following emphases: economic; ecological; and balanced. The economic alternative focused solely on resource extraction. The ecological alternative focuses on protection of the environment as the main emphasis, and large parcels of land are excluded from any resource development activities. The balanced alternative offered a balance between the first two alternatives, allowing for a reasonable level of resource management activities, while protecting important ecological components across the landscape. The trade-offs expected to be encountered with each management scenario were discussed with the community and the balanced alternative was resolved as the preferred choice. This framework is expected to be used by the band to help construct a comprehensive integrated resource management plan. Recommendations are provided with the third management alternative to assist the band with integrated resource management planning. It was concluded that although the band has much information available on resource management, they still have a great deal of work left ahead of them to become fully involved in a functional, integrated resource management program. Title: A sustainable resource development plan framework for the Neskonlith Indian Band, British Columbia Author: Mackasey, J. Patrick A sustainable resource development plan framework was prepared for the Neskonlith Indian Band, who are located in the interior of British Columbia, Canada. The framework intends to address issues involving; integrated resource management, traditional native land management, ecosystem management, and community-based resource management. A soft systems (Wilson & Morren, 1990) methodology was used to work with the community and help assess the current management state and to begin the process of determining the desired future condition of their land base and how this can help build the community. However, the band was prepared only to work through the first two (out of seven) stages of the methodology. The study area used was 4259 ha in size, of which 1316 ha was reserve land. A good portion of this area is forested (52.4%), primarily with interior Douglas-Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var, glauca). The study area is also represented by 13.9% open range, 8,2% cultivated land and a large lake (11 %) . Current and past resource management activities on this area include; forestry, mining, agriculture, range, recreation, and parks. The band is interested in how the land base can be managed from an integrated resource management perspective and in learning how non-consumptive uses of the forest can be further explored. This framework attempts to answer the questions and provide the band with a working Geographic Information System database and some management alternatives to examine. A Terrasoft GIS was used, which allowed for both vector and raster processing. Data layers were compiled and assembled for a variety of resource values. These data layers were analyzed using models which produced three management alternatives. These alternatives included the following emphases: economic; ecological; and balanced. The economic alternative focused solely on resource extraction. The ecological alternative focuses on protection of the environment as the main emphasis, and large parcels of land are excluded from any resource development activities. The balanced alternative offered a balance between the first two alternatives, allowing for a reasonable level of resource management activities, while protecting important ecological components across the landscape. The trade-offs expected to be encountered with each management scenario were discussed with the community and the balanced alternative was resolved as the preferred choice. This framework is expected to be used by the band to help construct a comprehensive integrated resource management plan. Recommendations are provided with the third management alternative to assist the band with integrated resource management planning. It was concluded that although the band has much information available on resource management, they still have a great deal of work left ahead of them to become fully involved in a functional, integrated resource management program. Close

• 21. [Article] Seed and establishment limitation contribute to long-term native forb declines in California grasslands

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seed and establishment limitation contribute to long-term native forb declines in California grasslands Author: Brandt, Angela J., Seabloom, Eric W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esa.org/. Title: Seed and establishment limitation contribute to long-term native forb declines in California grasslands Author: Brandt, Angela J., Seabloom, Eric W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esa.org/. Close

• 22. [Article] Germination and establishment in Willamette Valley native prairie plants

  Native plants provide many ecosystem services while also having great beauty and are a valuable component of the landscape. As use of these plants in habitat restoration, agricultural insectary plantings, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Germination and establishment in Willamette Valley native prairie plants Author: Russell, Michael C. Native plants provide many ecosystem services while also having great beauty and are a valuable component of the landscape. As use of these plants in habitat restoration, agricultural insectary plantings, and home landscapes increases so does demand for information on the basic biology of a group of species that have only been sparingly studied. Germination is one of the first major events in a plant’s life cycle and can be affected by both the physiological state of the seed and the environment the seed is in. Seeds can become dormant and may require some environmental signal for germination. I conducted a series of germination trials on a set of Willamette Valley native prairie plants to test whether cold stratification or various scarification treatments can be used to break seed dormancy. I used each species’ responses to classify the dormancy type of each species. The environmental conditions that the seed experiences also affect germination. The effect of temperature on germination was studied using a temperature gradient table. Seeds were tested to characterize species based on the temperature range at which its seeds can germinate. Germination in some species was bounded within clearly defined temperature limits, while germination in others occurred over the full range of studied temperatures. The germination data were modeled with linear regression to create standard estimates for the physiological limits of each species to allow for comparisons between the species. After seeds germinate the initial stages of establishment can have great implications on the survival of the plant. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the competitive interactions of six of the species. Plants were grown together in pots for 90 days and biomass collected. The mean competitive effect and competitive response of each species was calculated and the results were regressed against each species' values for several physiological traits that were available from the literature. The experiment found that species with higher relative growth rates had greater competitive effects on other species. The first two experiments measured physiological traits of several Oregon native species. The third demonstrated the utility of standardized traits in predicting ecological behavior. This trait based approach has great potential as a tool for comparing ecological similarities and differences across different ecosystems and different species pools. Title: Germination and establishment in Willamette Valley native prairie plants Author: Russell, Michael C. Native plants provide many ecosystem services while also having great beauty and are a valuable component of the landscape. As use of these plants in habitat restoration, agricultural insectary plantings, and home landscapes increases so does demand for information on the basic biology of a group of species that have only been sparingly studied. Germination is one of the first major events in a plant’s life cycle and can be affected by both the physiological state of the seed and the environment the seed is in. Seeds can become dormant and may require some environmental signal for germination. I conducted a series of germination trials on a set of Willamette Valley native prairie plants to test whether cold stratification or various scarification treatments can be used to break seed dormancy. I used each species’ responses to classify the dormancy type of each species. The environmental conditions that the seed experiences also affect germination. The effect of temperature on germination was studied using a temperature gradient table. Seeds were tested to characterize species based on the temperature range at which its seeds can germinate. Germination in some species was bounded within clearly defined temperature limits, while germination in others occurred over the full range of studied temperatures. The germination data were modeled with linear regression to create standard estimates for the physiological limits of each species to allow for comparisons between the species. After seeds germinate the initial stages of establishment can have great implications on the survival of the plant. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the competitive interactions of six of the species. Plants were grown together in pots for 90 days and biomass collected. The mean competitive effect and competitive response of each species was calculated and the results were regressed against each species' values for several physiological traits that were available from the literature. The experiment found that species with higher relative growth rates had greater competitive effects on other species. The first two experiments measured physiological traits of several Oregon native species. The third demonstrated the utility of standardized traits in predicting ecological behavior. This trait based approach has great potential as a tool for comparing ecological similarities and differences across different ecosystems and different species pools. Close

• 23. [Article] Habitat relationships of native and non-native fishes of the Willamette River, Oregon

  The Willamette River flows north between the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range of western Oregon within a 29,728-km² basin. The fish community in the geologically young basin consists of 36 native species, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat relationships of native and non-native fishes of the Willamette River, Oregon Author: Williams, Joshua E. (Joshua Everett) The Willamette River flows north between the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range of western Oregon within a 29,728-km² basin. The fish community in the geologically young basin consists of 36 native species, but introductions of non-native fishes have added 33 additional species for a total of 69 fish species. During the summers of 2011-2013, fish distributions were sampled from the confluence of the McKenzie River downstream to the confluence of the Columbia River to assess: (1) fish community composition, (2) differences in community composition between mainstem river and slough habitats, and (3) relationships between native and non-native fish species and physical habitat characteristics. In addition, a 182-ha seasonally inundated floodplain habitat along the middle Willamette River was sampled during winter 2011 through spring 2012 to assess: (1) fish community composition, (2) spawning and rearing, and (3) timing of use and movement by fish species. Throughout the three years of longitudinal sampling, 36,586 fish were collected comprising 41 species, 22 native and 19 non-native. Overall, native fish represented 93% of the total fish sampled. Higher numbers of fish were collected in the upper river, and higher proportions of those fish were native species. Though non-native fish were more common in slough habitats than mainstem sties, the majority of fish collected in both habitat types were native. The strongest environmental predictors of fish community were quantitative measures of longitudinal distance, velocity, depth, percent macrophyte cover and percent embeddedness. Habitat type (slough versus mainstem) was also a significant predictor. Native fish species exhibited greater variability in habitat relationships than non-native fishes, though several native species were strongly associated with specific environmental attributes. Non-native species were more associated with slough habitats and sites with high amount of macrophyte growth and embedded substrates. Overall, 25 species had a high fidelity to mainstem or slough habitats. Equal numbers of native species showed a fidelity to either mainstem or slough sites, but non-native species were significantly related only to slough habitats. In the seasonally inundated floodplain habitat, an estimated 43,000 fish were collected comprising 23 species; 12 native and 11 non-native. Of these 98.1% were native. The most common native species were threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus and peamouth Mylocheilus caurinus while the most common non-native species were bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinus. Several species used the inundated floodplain for spawning and rearing, particularly threespine stickleback, peamouth and western mosquitofish. With the exception of young-of-year threespine stickleback, native species were collected mostly in the beginning and middle of the sampling period while non-native species were collected in the latter portion of the sampling. The Willamette River Basin has a long history of environmental modification. Understanding relationships of a broad range of species to their environment and to each other provides a technical foundation for ecosystem based management by state and federal agencies, local municipalities, and private landowners. The need for ecosystem based management is vital for future conservation and recovery of large river floodplain ecosystems. Title: Habitat relationships of native and non-native fishes of the Willamette River, Oregon Author: Williams, Joshua E. (Joshua Everett) The Willamette River flows north between the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range of western Oregon within a 29,728-km² basin. The fish community in the geologically young basin consists of 36 native species, but introductions of non-native fishes have added 33 additional species for a total of 69 fish species. During the summers of 2011-2013, fish distributions were sampled from the confluence of the McKenzie River downstream to the confluence of the Columbia River to assess: (1) fish community composition, (2) differences in community composition between mainstem river and slough habitats, and (3) relationships between native and non-native fish species and physical habitat characteristics. In addition, a 182-ha seasonally inundated floodplain habitat along the middle Willamette River was sampled during winter 2011 through spring 2012 to assess: (1) fish community composition, (2) spawning and rearing, and (3) timing of use and movement by fish species. Throughout the three years of longitudinal sampling, 36,586 fish were collected comprising 41 species, 22 native and 19 non-native. Overall, native fish represented 93% of the total fish sampled. Higher numbers of fish were collected in the upper river, and higher proportions of those fish were native species. Though non-native fish were more common in slough habitats than mainstem sties, the majority of fish collected in both habitat types were native. The strongest environmental predictors of fish community were quantitative measures of longitudinal distance, velocity, depth, percent macrophyte cover and percent embeddedness. Habitat type (slough versus mainstem) was also a significant predictor. Native fish species exhibited greater variability in habitat relationships than non-native fishes, though several native species were strongly associated with specific environmental attributes. Non-native species were more associated with slough habitats and sites with high amount of macrophyte growth and embedded substrates. Overall, 25 species had a high fidelity to mainstem or slough habitats. Equal numbers of native species showed a fidelity to either mainstem or slough sites, but non-native species were significantly related only to slough habitats. In the seasonally inundated floodplain habitat, an estimated 43,000 fish were collected comprising 23 species; 12 native and 11 non-native. Of these 98.1% were native. The most common native species were threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus and peamouth Mylocheilus caurinus while the most common non-native species were bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinus. Several species used the inundated floodplain for spawning and rearing, particularly threespine stickleback, peamouth and western mosquitofish. With the exception of young-of-year threespine stickleback, native species were collected mostly in the beginning and middle of the sampling period while non-native species were collected in the latter portion of the sampling. The Willamette River Basin has a long history of environmental modification. Understanding relationships of a broad range of species to their environment and to each other provides a technical foundation for ecosystem based management by state and federal agencies, local municipalities, and private landowners. The need for ecosystem based management is vital for future conservation and recovery of large river floodplain ecosystems. Close

• 24. [Article] The effects of native plants on non-native plant abundance in a restoration setting : differences among native species and the predictive ability of species traits

  Reducing the cover of non-native species is one of the challenges of ecosystem restoration. The goal of this study is to identify native species traits that will increase native species cover and reduce ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of native plants on non-native plant abundance in a restoration setting : differences among native species and the predictive ability of species traits Author: Goodridge, Jennifer M. Reducing the cover of non-native species is one of the challenges of ecosystem restoration. The goal of this study is to identify native species traits that will increase native species cover and reduce non-native species cover in the first growing season at upland and wetland prairie restoration sites. Native and non-native prairie species were planted in the fall and harvested the following summer at both an upland and a wetland site. Native species traits, such as plant weight, leaf area, relative growth rate, leaf area ratio, leaf weight ratio, net assimilation rate, and specific leaf area were measured under laboratory conditions for 7- and 21-day old seedlings. Germination rate (laboratory) and phenology (field) were also measured. At the upland site, species with a large 7-day plant weight and a high germination rate also had high native cover in the field (P<0.00l, R²=0.83). At the wetland site, high 21-day leaf area, low 21-day leaf weight ratio, and high net assimilation rate predicted increased native cover in the field (P<0.00l, R²=0.87). An abundance of natives, as measured by native cover, native biomass, and number of individuals, likely results in fewer resources (light, nutrients, and water) available for the non-native species growth resulting in a reduction in the non-native cover. Intrinsic traits of native species also predicted the field performance of non-native species, although the amount of variation explained was lower than the amount of variation explained in the models that predicted native cover. In the upland site, native species with high leaf weight ratio (21-day) tended to have lower non-native cover in their field plots (P=0.087, R²=0.23). In the wetland site, the native species traits that predict non-native cover were low 21-day leaf area and high 21-day leaf weight ratio (P<0.00l, R²=0.46). These traits were similar to those that predicted native species cover at the wetland site. This study demonstrates the ability of species traits to predict field performance. Predictive models were generated using native species traits to select species for restoration that will increase native cover and decrease non-native cover in the first growing season. Traits can be measured for species not included in this study and the models generated can be used to predict the field performance of species at similar sites. Title: The effects of native plants on non-native plant abundance in a restoration setting : differences among native species and the predictive ability of species traits Author: Goodridge, Jennifer M. Reducing the cover of non-native species is one of the challenges of ecosystem restoration. The goal of this study is to identify native species traits that will increase native species cover and reduce non-native species cover in the first growing season at upland and wetland prairie restoration sites. Native and non-native prairie species were planted in the fall and harvested the following summer at both an upland and a wetland site. Native species traits, such as plant weight, leaf area, relative growth rate, leaf area ratio, leaf weight ratio, net assimilation rate, and specific leaf area were measured under laboratory conditions for 7- and 21-day old seedlings. Germination rate (laboratory) and phenology (field) were also measured. At the upland site, species with a large 7-day plant weight and a high germination rate also had high native cover in the field (P<0.00l, R²=0.83). At the wetland site, high 21-day leaf area, low 21-day leaf weight ratio, and high net assimilation rate predicted increased native cover in the field (P<0.00l, R²=0.87). An abundance of natives, as measured by native cover, native biomass, and number of individuals, likely results in fewer resources (light, nutrients, and water) available for the non-native species growth resulting in a reduction in the non-native cover. Intrinsic traits of native species also predicted the field performance of non-native species, although the amount of variation explained was lower than the amount of variation explained in the models that predicted native cover. In the upland site, native species with high leaf weight ratio (21-day) tended to have lower non-native cover in their field plots (P=0.087, R²=0.23). In the wetland site, the native species traits that predict non-native cover were low 21-day leaf area and high 21-day leaf weight ratio (P<0.00l, R²=0.46). These traits were similar to those that predicted native species cover at the wetland site. This study demonstrates the ability of species traits to predict field performance. Predictive models were generated using native species traits to select species for restoration that will increase native cover and decrease non-native cover in the first growing season. Traits can be measured for species not included in this study and the models generated can be used to predict the field performance of species at similar sites. Close

• 25. [Article] Native bee diversity and floral resource availability in two Willamette Valley Oregon ecosystems

  The importance of pollinators in native and managed landscapes is well known, and recent interest is directed towards investigating the role of native bees as providers of pollination ecosystem services. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native bee diversity and floral resource availability in two Willamette Valley Oregon ecosystems Author: Bergh, Jennifer E. The importance of pollinators in native and managed landscapes is well known, and recent interest is directed towards investigating the role of native bees as providers of pollination ecosystem services. Uncertainty about bee populations at global and local scales has prompted research and general interest in conservation of bee diversity. To sustain robust populations, bees need nesting habitat and quality forage resources. This thesis describes two studies related to the relationship between bee diversity and landscape floral resource availability in two Willamette Valley ecosystems: wet prairies and blueberry agroecosystems. The wetlands are florally diverse, heterogeneous, and temporally patchy in spring and summer, whereas blueberries are florally abundant during spring crop bloom with potentially fewer floral resources after berry set; the intention of these studies was to determine if the floral resources in each ecosystem were adequate to support robust native bee communities. For each site type, the bee fauna and associated melittophilous floral resources are described and characterized. In the studies, it was determined that bee diversity, and specifically bee abundance, was positively correlated with floral resources. This thesis presents the results of community analyses, floral resources that were identified as important forage sources, and a discussion of the relationship between landscape phenology and bee population dynamics in each ecosystem type. Implications and recommendations for landscape management to conserve and potentially enhance local native bee communities are discussed. Title: Native bee diversity and floral resource availability in two Willamette Valley Oregon ecosystems Author: Bergh, Jennifer E. The importance of pollinators in native and managed landscapes is well known, and recent interest is directed towards investigating the role of native bees as providers of pollination ecosystem services. Uncertainty about bee populations at global and local scales has prompted research and general interest in conservation of bee diversity. To sustain robust populations, bees need nesting habitat and quality forage resources. This thesis describes two studies related to the relationship between bee diversity and landscape floral resource availability in two Willamette Valley ecosystems: wet prairies and blueberry agroecosystems. The wetlands are florally diverse, heterogeneous, and temporally patchy in spring and summer, whereas blueberries are florally abundant during spring crop bloom with potentially fewer floral resources after berry set; the intention of these studies was to determine if the floral resources in each ecosystem were adequate to support robust native bee communities. For each site type, the bee fauna and associated melittophilous floral resources are described and characterized. In the studies, it was determined that bee diversity, and specifically bee abundance, was positively correlated with floral resources. This thesis presents the results of community analyses, floral resources that were identified as important forage sources, and a discussion of the relationship between landscape phenology and bee population dynamics in each ecosystem type. Implications and recommendations for landscape management to conserve and potentially enhance local native bee communities are discussed. Close

• 26. [Article] Vegetation response to prescribed fire in mountain big sagebrush ecosystems at Lava Beds National Monument, California

  Anthropogenic land use alterations such as livestock grazing and fire suppression have greatly altered sagebrush grasslands of the Great Basin, facilitating invasion of exotic annuals, increases in woody ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vegetation response to prescribed fire in mountain big sagebrush ecosystems at Lava Beds National Monument, California Author: Ellsworth, Lisa M. Anthropogenic land use alterations such as livestock grazing and fire suppression have greatly altered sagebrush grasslands of the Great Basin, facilitating invasion of exotic annuals, increases in woody species, and losses of native species. Much of the current research surrounding wildland and prescribed fire in sagebrush dominated ecosystems has focused on a persistent belief that fire in sagebrush systems results in a loss of native flora and a trend toward dominance by exotic annuals. Fire was historically the dominant disturbance throughout the sagebrush steppe and the plant species that comprised these communities possess a variety of adaptations facilitating survival to the fire regime. In order to restore ecosystems, land managers will need to reintroduce natural ecosystem processes, including natural disturbance processes. To describe the response of these plant communities to fire, I examined the plant community response, seedbank response, and reproductive and density responses of three native bunchgrasses (Pseudoroegneria spicata, Achnatherum therberianum, and Elymus elymoides) as well as one native forb (Calochortus macrocarpus) following spring and fall prescribed fires at Lava Beds National Monument. Fires were applied to three Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (Mountain Big Sagebrush) plant communities with different land use and fire histories. These communities were different in composition ranging from a dominance of exotic annuals to dominance by native grasses, shrubs, and trees. Little is known about how prescribed fire affects the soil seed bank in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems. To address this, we quantified the emergence of Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) seedlings as well as emergence of seedlings of functional groups (native forbs, bunchgrasses, and shrubs) in a seedbank germination study. At the invasive dominated site (Gillems Camp), we found 91% fewer B. tectorum seedlings germinated in spring burned sites than in controls immediately following spring prescribed burns. However, soils collected one-year following fire had 40% more B. tectorum germinants (8017 germinants/m [superscript 2]) than unburned controls (5132 germinants/m [superscript 2]). Following fall burns at this site there was a similar response, with a 56% immediate reduction in B. tectorum (as compared to unburned control) and a 59% increase in B. tectorum and 58% increase in exotic forb germinants one year following fires. There was an increase in native forb germination following spring burns (94%) and fall burns (45%) at a site dominated by native plants (Fleener Chimneys). Native bunchgrass seed germination declined following spring fire in sites dominated by sagebrush and native understory vegetation (79%), and in sites where Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) and other woody species dominated (Merrill Caves) (71%). In invasive-dominated sites (Gillems Camp), there was a decrease in B. tectorum cover following both spring (81% decrease) and fall fires (82% decrease), and little native vegetation composition change. Shrub cover, made up predominantly of Chrysothamnus nauseosus, decreased following spring (95% decrease) and fall (93% decrease) fires. At the sagebrush, native understory site (Fleener Chimneys), there was a reduction in native bunchgrass cover (64% decrease), and an increase in native forbs (168% increase) following spring burns, with no changes following fall fires. At the juniper- woody dominated site (Merrill Caves), fire treatments resulted in a decrease in woody plant cover, with no immediate postfire differences seen in the herbaceous plant community. Density of bunchgrass species (Pseudoroegneria spicata, Achnatherum therberianum, Elymus elymoides) did not change following either spring or fall prescribed fire treatments. Fire enhanced flowering was not seen in C. macrocarpus following spring or fall burns at the native or juniper dominated sites. There was increased reproductive effort in native bunchgrass species following fires in all communities studied. Following spring fires at invasive dominated sites, there was a 245% increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata. Following fall fires in native dominated sites, we saw a 974% increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata and a 184% increase in reproductive culms of A. therberianum. Following fall fires at juniper-dominated sites, we saw in an increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata (678% increase), A. thurberianum (356% increase), and Elymus elymoides (209% increase). These results suggest that implementing prescribed fire in order to restore the natural disturbance regime in these fire-adapted ecosystems is beneficial to restoration and preservation of the native biota. Title: Vegetation response to prescribed fire in mountain big sagebrush ecosystems at Lava Beds National Monument, California Author: Ellsworth, Lisa M. Anthropogenic land use alterations such as livestock grazing and fire suppression have greatly altered sagebrush grasslands of the Great Basin, facilitating invasion of exotic annuals, increases in woody species, and losses of native species. Much of the current research surrounding wildland and prescribed fire in sagebrush dominated ecosystems has focused on a persistent belief that fire in sagebrush systems results in a loss of native flora and a trend toward dominance by exotic annuals. Fire was historically the dominant disturbance throughout the sagebrush steppe and the plant species that comprised these communities possess a variety of adaptations facilitating survival to the fire regime. In order to restore ecosystems, land managers will need to reintroduce natural ecosystem processes, including natural disturbance processes. To describe the response of these plant communities to fire, I examined the plant community response, seedbank response, and reproductive and density responses of three native bunchgrasses (Pseudoroegneria spicata, Achnatherum therberianum, and Elymus elymoides) as well as one native forb (Calochortus macrocarpus) following spring and fall prescribed fires at Lava Beds National Monument. Fires were applied to three Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (Mountain Big Sagebrush) plant communities with different land use and fire histories. These communities were different in composition ranging from a dominance of exotic annuals to dominance by native grasses, shrubs, and trees. Little is known about how prescribed fire affects the soil seed bank in sagebrush-dominated ecosystems. To address this, we quantified the emergence of Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) seedlings as well as emergence of seedlings of functional groups (native forbs, bunchgrasses, and shrubs) in a seedbank germination study. At the invasive dominated site (Gillems Camp), we found 91% fewer B. tectorum seedlings germinated in spring burned sites than in controls immediately following spring prescribed burns. However, soils collected one-year following fire had 40% more B. tectorum germinants (8017 germinants/m [superscript 2]) than unburned controls (5132 germinants/m [superscript 2]). Following fall burns at this site there was a similar response, with a 56% immediate reduction in B. tectorum (as compared to unburned control) and a 59% increase in B. tectorum and 58% increase in exotic forb germinants one year following fires. There was an increase in native forb germination following spring burns (94%) and fall burns (45%) at a site dominated by native plants (Fleener Chimneys). Native bunchgrass seed germination declined following spring fire in sites dominated by sagebrush and native understory vegetation (79%), and in sites where Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) and other woody species dominated (Merrill Caves) (71%). In invasive-dominated sites (Gillems Camp), there was a decrease in B. tectorum cover following both spring (81% decrease) and fall fires (82% decrease), and little native vegetation composition change. Shrub cover, made up predominantly of Chrysothamnus nauseosus, decreased following spring (95% decrease) and fall (93% decrease) fires. At the sagebrush, native understory site (Fleener Chimneys), there was a reduction in native bunchgrass cover (64% decrease), and an increase in native forbs (168% increase) following spring burns, with no changes following fall fires. At the juniper- woody dominated site (Merrill Caves), fire treatments resulted in a decrease in woody plant cover, with no immediate postfire differences seen in the herbaceous plant community. Density of bunchgrass species (Pseudoroegneria spicata, Achnatherum therberianum, Elymus elymoides) did not change following either spring or fall prescribed fire treatments. Fire enhanced flowering was not seen in C. macrocarpus following spring or fall burns at the native or juniper dominated sites. There was increased reproductive effort in native bunchgrass species following fires in all communities studied. Following spring fires at invasive dominated sites, there was a 245% increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata. Following fall fires in native dominated sites, we saw a 974% increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata and a 184% increase in reproductive culms of A. therberianum. Following fall fires at juniper-dominated sites, we saw in an increase in reproductive culms of P. spicata (678% increase), A. thurberianum (356% increase), and Elymus elymoides (209% increase). These results suggest that implementing prescribed fire in order to restore the natural disturbance regime in these fire-adapted ecosystems is beneficial to restoration and preservation of the native biota. Close

• 27. [Article] Drivers of plant community dynamics in sagebrush steppe ecosystems : cattle grazing, heat and water stress

  Sagebrush steppe ecosystems are one of the most widespread but endangered ecosystems in North America. A diverse array of human-related stressors has gradually compromised these ecosystems' resilience ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Drivers of plant community dynamics in sagebrush steppe ecosystems : cattle grazing, heat and water stress Author: Reisner, Michael D. Sagebrush steppe ecosystems are one of the most widespread but endangered ecosystems in North America. A diverse array of human-related stressors has gradually compromised these ecosystems' resilience to disturbance and invasion by Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass). The role of the foundational shrub Artemisia as a driver of herbaceous community structure and dynamics during this degradation process is poorly understood. Many of the individual factors driving B. tectorum invasions are well documented. However a predictive understanding of the relative importance of complex, interacting factors in the causal network of simultaneously occurring processes determining invasibility has proven elusive. I examined these issues at the landscape level across 75 sites capturing a range of soil and landscape properties and cattle grazing levels similar to those found across the Great Basin. Cumulative cattle herbivory stress levels were a predominant component of both the overlapping heat and water stress gradients driving the structure of Artemisia interactions with herbaceous species. Consistent with the stress gradient hypothesis, Artemisia facilitation of herbaceous species was most frequent and strongest at the highest stress levels, and competition was most frequent and strongest at the lowest stress levels. The two species with the highest competitive response abilities, Elymus elymoides and Poa secunda, showed the strongest facilitation at the upper limits of their stress tolerances. The structure of Artemisia interactions with the invasive B. tectorum was strikingly different than those with native bunchgrasses. Artemisia interactions with native bunchgrasses shifted from competition to facilitation with increasing heat, water, and herbivory stress, but its interactions remained competitive with B. tectorum along the entire stress gradient. Shifts in the structure of interactions between Artemisia and native bunchgrasses were associated with both an increase and decrease in community compositional and functional stability. I report the first evidence of native species facilitation decreasing community invasibility. Artemisia facilitation increased native bunchgrass composition, which reduced the magnitude of B. tectorum invasion in under-shrub compared to interspace communities. This decreased invasibility did not translate into lower invasibility at the community level because of the limited spatial scale over which such facilitation occurs. Artemisia facilitation increased community compositional and functional stability at intermediate stress levels but decreased community stability at high stress levels. Facilitation became a destabilizing force when native bunchgrass species became "obligate" beneficiaries, i.e. strongly dependent on Artemisia facilitation for their continued persistence in the community. Structural equation modeling assessed the structure of the causal network and relative importance of factors and processes predicted to drive community invasibility. The linchpin of ecosystem invasibility was the size of and connectivity between basal gaps in perennial vegetation, driven by shifts in the structure and spatial aggregation of the native bunchgrass community. Landscape orientation and soil physical properties determined inherent risk to invasion. Resident bunchgrass and biological soil crust communities provided biotic resistance to invasion by reducing the size of and connectivity between basal gaps and thereby limiting available resources and reducing safe sites for B. tectorum establishment. High levels of cattle grazing reduced ecosystem resilience by reducing native bunchgrass and biological soil crust abundance and altering bunchgrass community composition and facilitated B. tectorum invasion. Conserving and restoring resilience and resistance of these imperiled ecosystems will require reducing cumulative stress levels. As global climate change increases heat and water stress, reducing cumulative cattle grazing intensities by altering utilization rates and/or seasons of use may be the only effective means of accomplishing these goals. Title: Drivers of plant community dynamics in sagebrush steppe ecosystems : cattle grazing, heat and water stress Author: Reisner, Michael D. Sagebrush steppe ecosystems are one of the most widespread but endangered ecosystems in North America. A diverse array of human-related stressors has gradually compromised these ecosystems' resilience to disturbance and invasion by Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass). The role of the foundational shrub Artemisia as a driver of herbaceous community structure and dynamics during this degradation process is poorly understood. Many of the individual factors driving B. tectorum invasions are well documented. However a predictive understanding of the relative importance of complex, interacting factors in the causal network of simultaneously occurring processes determining invasibility has proven elusive. I examined these issues at the landscape level across 75 sites capturing a range of soil and landscape properties and cattle grazing levels similar to those found across the Great Basin. Cumulative cattle herbivory stress levels were a predominant component of both the overlapping heat and water stress gradients driving the structure of Artemisia interactions with herbaceous species. Consistent with the stress gradient hypothesis, Artemisia facilitation of herbaceous species was most frequent and strongest at the highest stress levels, and competition was most frequent and strongest at the lowest stress levels. The two species with the highest competitive response abilities, Elymus elymoides and Poa secunda, showed the strongest facilitation at the upper limits of their stress tolerances. The structure of Artemisia interactions with the invasive B. tectorum was strikingly different than those with native bunchgrasses. Artemisia interactions with native bunchgrasses shifted from competition to facilitation with increasing heat, water, and herbivory stress, but its interactions remained competitive with B. tectorum along the entire stress gradient. Shifts in the structure of interactions between Artemisia and native bunchgrasses were associated with both an increase and decrease in community compositional and functional stability. I report the first evidence of native species facilitation decreasing community invasibility. Artemisia facilitation increased native bunchgrass composition, which reduced the magnitude of B. tectorum invasion in under-shrub compared to interspace communities. This decreased invasibility did not translate into lower invasibility at the community level because of the limited spatial scale over which such facilitation occurs. Artemisia facilitation increased community compositional and functional stability at intermediate stress levels but decreased community stability at high stress levels. Facilitation became a destabilizing force when native bunchgrass species became "obligate" beneficiaries, i.e. strongly dependent on Artemisia facilitation for their continued persistence in the community. Structural equation modeling assessed the structure of the causal network and relative importance of factors and processes predicted to drive community invasibility. The linchpin of ecosystem invasibility was the size of and connectivity between basal gaps in perennial vegetation, driven by shifts in the structure and spatial aggregation of the native bunchgrass community. Landscape orientation and soil physical properties determined inherent risk to invasion. Resident bunchgrass and biological soil crust communities provided biotic resistance to invasion by reducing the size of and connectivity between basal gaps and thereby limiting available resources and reducing safe sites for B. tectorum establishment. High levels of cattle grazing reduced ecosystem resilience by reducing native bunchgrass and biological soil crust abundance and altering bunchgrass community composition and facilitated B. tectorum invasion. Conserving and restoring resilience and resistance of these imperiled ecosystems will require reducing cumulative stress levels. As global climate change increases heat and water stress, reducing cumulative cattle grazing intensities by altering utilization rates and/or seasons of use may be the only effective means of accomplishing these goals. Close

• 28. [Article] Native wildlife species (Pseudacris regilla) utilizing invasive-dominated habitat in a highly disturbed ecosystem

  The Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) is commonly encountered throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be an indicator for ecosystem health. At each life stage P. regilla utilizes a different habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native wildlife species (Pseudacris regilla) utilizing invasive-dominated habitat in a highly disturbed ecosystem Author: Epperly, Haley K. The Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) is commonly encountered throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be an indicator for ecosystem health. At each life stage P. regilla utilizes a different habitat and therefore it is important to understand habitat use at all life stages to properly manage the ecosystem, however, few studies have been conducted on the juvenile form. To determine juvenile P. regilla riparian habitat use, and thus create appropriate habitat management plans, field work must be conducted. Transect surveys were conducted at two highly disturbed ephemeral ponds with a variety of open and dense vegetative riparian habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. P. regilla was found in the highest abundance in habitat shaded by a thin border of Oregon Ash around the pond perimeter, and was composed mainly of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). This habitat provided a moist region where P. regilla could avoid desiccation and possibly predation. Rubus armeniacus is non-native and often found in highly disturbed ecosystems. Pseudacris regilla’s use of R. armeniacus as habitat suggests that P. regilla is a generalist species capable of utilizing invasive plant species to its advantage. Future research is needed comparing P. regilla habitat use in invasive-dominated verse native-dominated ephemeral ponds. Title: Native wildlife species (Pseudacris regilla) utilizing invasive-dominated habitat in a highly disturbed ecosystem Author: Epperly, Haley K. The Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla) is commonly encountered throughout the Pacific Northwest and can be an indicator for ecosystem health. At each life stage P. regilla utilizes a different habitat and therefore it is important to understand habitat use at all life stages to properly manage the ecosystem, however, few studies have been conducted on the juvenile form. To determine juvenile P. regilla riparian habitat use, and thus create appropriate habitat management plans, field work must be conducted. Transect surveys were conducted at two highly disturbed ephemeral ponds with a variety of open and dense vegetative riparian habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. P. regilla was found in the highest abundance in habitat shaded by a thin border of Oregon Ash around the pond perimeter, and was composed mainly of Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). This habitat provided a moist region where P. regilla could avoid desiccation and possibly predation. Rubus armeniacus is non-native and often found in highly disturbed ecosystems. Pseudacris regilla’s use of R. armeniacus as habitat suggests that P. regilla is a generalist species capable of utilizing invasive plant species to its advantage. Future research is needed comparing P. regilla habitat use in invasive-dominated verse native-dominated ephemeral ponds. Close

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

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-Native Plant Invasion along Elevation and Canopy Closure Gradients in a Middle Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Author: Parks, Catherine G., DelCurto, Tim, Mata-González, Ricardo, Naylor, Bridgett J., McCune, Bruce, Averett, Joshua P. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Title: Non-Native Plant Invasion along Elevation and Canopy Closure Gradients in a Middle Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Author: Parks, Catherine G., DelCurto, Tim, Mata-González, Ricardo, Naylor, Bridgett J., McCune, Bruce, Averett, Joshua P. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Close

• 30. [Article] The potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (Oregon, USA)

  The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (Oregon, USA) Author: Palacios, Kelly C. The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted to learn why the Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata), a culturally and ecologically important species, was declining in the streams within their native land area. The project included interviewing native elders, characterizing stream habitat, monitoring water quality, creating a geographic information system (GIS) and educating tribal members on the cultural and ecological importance of the Pacific lamprey. Dynamic segmentation, a GIS data structure, was used to link standard stream survey data on the river unit scale to a base stream coverage (1:24,000). Dynamic segmentation efficiently associates georeferenced data to a linear feature, thus allowing the data to be readily assessable on desktop computer systems. To be more useful to the tribal and local resource managers, it is recommended that these GIS coverages of aquatic habitat should be used in conjunction with additional data coverages and basic regional models for watershed analysis and better management of aquatic ecosystems. Title: The potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (Oregon, USA) Author: Palacios, Kelly C. The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted to learn why the Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata), a culturally and ecologically important species, was declining in the streams within their native land area. The project included interviewing native elders, characterizing stream habitat, monitoring water quality, creating a geographic information system (GIS) and educating tribal members on the cultural and ecological importance of the Pacific lamprey. Dynamic segmentation, a GIS data structure, was used to link standard stream survey data on the river unit scale to a base stream coverage (1:24,000). Dynamic segmentation efficiently associates georeferenced data to a linear feature, thus allowing the data to be readily assessable on desktop computer systems. To be more useful to the tribal and local resource managers, it is recommended that these GIS coverages of aquatic habitat should be used in conjunction with additional data coverages and basic regional models for watershed analysis and better management of aquatic ecosystems. Close

• 31. [Article] Wolves and the Ecology of Fear: Can Predation Risk Structure Ecosystems?

  We investigated how large carnivores, herbivores, and plants may be linked to the maintenance of native species biodiversity through trophic cascades. The extirpation of wolves (Canis lupus) from Yellowstone ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wolves and the Ecology of Fear: Can Predation Risk Structure Ecosystems? Author: Beschta, Robert L., Ripple, William J. We investigated how large carnivores, herbivores, and plants may be linked to the maintenance of native species biodiversity through trophic cascades. The extirpation of wolves (Canis lupus) from Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1920s and their reintroduction in 1995 provided the opportunity to examine the cascading effects of carnivore–herbivore interactions on woody browse species, as well as ecological responses involving riparian functions, beaver (Castor canadensis) populations, and general food webs. Our results indicate that predation risk may have profound effects on the structure of ecosystems and is an important constituent of native biodiversity. Our conclusions are based on theory involving trophic cascades, predation risk, and optimal foraging; on the research literature; and on our own recent studies in Yellowstone National Park. Additional research is needed to understand how the lethal effects of predation interact with its nonlethal effects to structure ecosystems. Title: Wolves and the Ecology of Fear: Can Predation Risk Structure Ecosystems? Author: Beschta, Robert L., Ripple, William J. We investigated how large carnivores, herbivores, and plants may be linked to the maintenance of native species biodiversity through trophic cascades. The extirpation of wolves (Canis lupus) from Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1920s and their reintroduction in 1995 provided the opportunity to examine the cascading effects of carnivore–herbivore interactions on woody browse species, as well as ecological responses involving riparian functions, beaver (Castor canadensis) populations, and general food webs. Our results indicate that predation risk may have profound effects on the structure of ecosystems and is an important constituent of native biodiversity. Our conclusions are based on theory involving trophic cascades, predation risk, and optimal foraging; on the research literature; and on our own recent studies in Yellowstone National Park. Additional research is needed to understand how the lethal effects of predation interact with its nonlethal effects to structure ecosystems. Close

• 32. [Article] Nitrogen limitation, 15N tracer retention, and growth response in intact and Bromus tectorum-invaded Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis communities

  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 Springer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Nitrogen limitation, 15N tracer retention, and growth response in intact and Bromus tectorum-invaded Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis communities Author: Doescher, Paul S., Perakis, Steven S., DeCrappeo, Nicole M., Witwicki, Dana L., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0. Title: Nitrogen limitation, 15N tracer retention, and growth response in intact and Bromus tectorum-invaded Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis communities Author: Doescher, Paul S., Perakis, Steven S., DeCrappeo, Nicole M., Witwicki, Dana L., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0. Close

• 33. [Article] Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999

  Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999 Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After three treatments periods (1994, 1996, and 1998) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal consistently caused the greatest reduction in cover of woody species. Mowing with removal of cut material did not reduce the abundance of woody species compared to the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species All management treatments consistently failed to significantly increase the cover of Deschampsia cespitosa, while burning decreased the number of inflorescences. As a group, native graminoid flowering consistently showed no significant responses to the management treatments. Although burning and hand-removal significantly increased the cover of native forbs as group after the second treatment period in 1997, native forbs showed no significant responses to treatments in 1999. • Non-native herbaceous species Response of non-native forb cover to management treatments has been inconsistent during the five year study period with no significant differences in 1995, significant reductions by burning and hand-removal in 1997, and increases with mowing in 1997. Mowing consistently increased flowering of nonnative graminoids as a group. Overall no treatment was clearly superior in fulfilling restoration objectives. Burning was effective in reducing woody cover and did not promote non-native herbaceous, but it reduced the flowering the dominant native grass, Deschampsia cespitosa. Hand-removal woody species was also effective at reducing woody cover and sometimes promoted the abundance of some native species at different times, but it also at times promoted non-native herbaceous species. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment is not a recommended management strategy. Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999 Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After three treatments periods (1994, 1996, and 1998) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal consistently caused the greatest reduction in cover of woody species. Mowing with removal of cut material did not reduce the abundance of woody species compared to the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species All management treatments consistently failed to significantly increase the cover of Deschampsia cespitosa, while burning decreased the number of inflorescences. As a group, native graminoid flowering consistently showed no significant responses to the management treatments. Although burning and hand-removal significantly increased the cover of native forbs as group after the second treatment period in 1997, native forbs showed no significant responses to treatments in 1999. • Non-native herbaceous species Response of non-native forb cover to management treatments has been inconsistent during the five year study period with no significant differences in 1995, significant reductions by burning and hand-removal in 1997, and increases with mowing in 1997. Mowing consistently increased flowering of nonnative graminoids as a group. Overall no treatment was clearly superior in fulfilling restoration objectives. Burning was effective in reducing woody cover and did not promote non-native herbaceous, but it reduced the flowering the dominant native grass, Deschampsia cespitosa. Hand-removal woody species was also effective at reducing woody cover and sometimes promoted the abundance of some native species at different times, but it also at times promoted non-native herbaceous species. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment is not a recommended management strategy. Close

• 34. [Article] Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001

  Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001 Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand-removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After four treatments periods (1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal of woody plants every two years consistently decreased the cover of woody species, even with a gradual increase in the controls to over double 1994 levels. The change in woody cover after mowing with removal of cut material was not significantly different from that in the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species None of the treatments had a significant effect after four treatment periods on the proportional change in cover or in number of inflorescences of Deschampsia cespitosa, although the change in number of inflorescences was consistently less than that in the control, including a significant decrease with burning in 1997. As a group, native graminoid species showed no significant differences in flowering response to treatments during any of the four treatment periods. However, burning and mowing consistently promoted flowering of Juncus tenuis. The cover of native forbs as a group was not significantly different from that of the control, with the exception of 1997, where cover increased with burning and hand-removal. Even though native forbs as a group have generally not shown significant differences, individual native forb species have shown positive responses to treatments: Sidalcea cusickii, spp. purpurea, Eriophyllum lanatum, and Sisyrinchium idahoensis. • Non-native herbaceous species Both hand-removal and mowing promoted flowering of non-native graminoids as a group. In contrast, burning maintained levels of flowering of non-native graminoids similar to that of the controls. Cover of non-native forbs as a group showed no significant treatment differences except for 1997, in which significant reductions in cover occurred after burning and hand-removal. The results to date show that prescribed burning is the best option of the three tested management treatments for achieving the restoration goals for native wetland prairies. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment should be avoided. Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001 Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand-removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After four treatments periods (1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal of woody plants every two years consistently decreased the cover of woody species, even with a gradual increase in the controls to over double 1994 levels. The change in woody cover after mowing with removal of cut material was not significantly different from that in the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species None of the treatments had a significant effect after four treatment periods on the proportional change in cover or in number of inflorescences of Deschampsia cespitosa, although the change in number of inflorescences was consistently less than that in the control, including a significant decrease with burning in 1997. As a group, native graminoid species showed no significant differences in flowering response to treatments during any of the four treatment periods. However, burning and mowing consistently promoted flowering of Juncus tenuis. The cover of native forbs as a group was not significantly different from that of the control, with the exception of 1997, where cover increased with burning and hand-removal. Even though native forbs as a group have generally not shown significant differences, individual native forb species have shown positive responses to treatments: Sidalcea cusickii, spp. purpurea, Eriophyllum lanatum, and Sisyrinchium idahoensis. • Non-native herbaceous species Both hand-removal and mowing promoted flowering of non-native graminoids as a group. In contrast, burning maintained levels of flowering of non-native graminoids similar to that of the controls. Cover of non-native forbs as a group showed no significant treatment differences except for 1997, in which significant reductions in cover occurred after burning and hand-removal. The results to date show that prescribed burning is the best option of the three tested management treatments for achieving the restoration goals for native wetland prairies. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment should be avoided. Close

• 35. [Article] The Potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific Lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

  The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific Lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Author: Palacios, Kelly C. The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted to learn why the Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata), a culturally and ecologically important species, was declining in the streams within their native land area. The project included interviewing native elders, characterizing stream habitat, monitoring water quality, creating a geographic information system (GIS) and educating tribal members on the cultural and ecological importance of the Pacific lamprey. Dynamic segmentation, a GIS data structure, was used to link standard stream survey data on the river unit scale to a base stream coverage (1:24,000). Dynamic segmentation efficiently associates georeferenced data to a linear feature, thus allowing the data to be readily assessable on desktop computer systems. To be more useful to the tribal and local resource managers, it is recommended that these GIS coverages of aquatic habitat should be used in conjunction with additional data coverages and basic regional models for watershed analysis and better management of aquatic ecosystems. Title: The Potential of dynamic segmentation for aquatic ecosystem management : Pacific Lamprey decline in the native lands of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Author: Palacios, Kelly C. The Lamprey Eel Decline project conducted by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI) combined traditional ecological knowledge, scientific research and geographic information science. CTSI wanted to learn why the Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata), a culturally and ecologically important species, was declining in the streams within their native land area. The project included interviewing native elders, characterizing stream habitat, monitoring water quality, creating a geographic information system (GIS) and educating tribal members on the cultural and ecological importance of the Pacific lamprey. Dynamic segmentation, a GIS data structure, was used to link standard stream survey data on the river unit scale to a base stream coverage (1:24,000). Dynamic segmentation efficiently associates georeferenced data to a linear feature, thus allowing the data to be readily assessable on desktop computer systems. To be more useful to the tribal and local resource managers, it is recommended that these GIS coverages of aquatic habitat should be used in conjunction with additional data coverages and basic regional models for watershed analysis and better management of aquatic ecosystems. Close

• 36. [Article] Contrasting distribution patterns of invasive and naturalized non-native species along environmental gradients in a semi-arid montane ecosystem

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Contrasting distribution patterns of invasive and naturalized non-native species along environmental gradients in a semi-arid montane ecosystem Author: Andersen, Kelly M., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Naylor, Bridgett J. 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 International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Title: Contrasting distribution patterns of invasive and naturalized non-native species along environmental gradients in a semi-arid montane ecosystem Author: Andersen, Kelly M., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Naylor, Bridgett J. 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 International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Close

• 37. [Article] Investigating temporal patterns of a native bee community in a remnant North American bunchgrass prairie using blue vane traps

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center and can be found at: http://www.insectscience.org/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Investigating temporal patterns of a native bee community in a remnant North American bunchgrass prairie using blue vane traps Author: Rao, Sujaya, Stephen, William P., Kimoto, Chiho, Thorp, Robbin W., DeBano, Sandra J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center and can be found at: http://www.insectscience.org/. Title: Investigating temporal patterns of a native bee community in a remnant North American bunchgrass prairie using blue vane traps Author: Rao, Sujaya, Stephen, William P., Kimoto, Chiho, Thorp, Robbin W., DeBano, Sandra J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center and can be found at: http://www.insectscience.org/. Close

• 38. [Article] Re-examining the relationship between invasive lionfish and native grouper in the Caribbean

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by PeerJ. The published article can be found at: https://peerj.com/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Re-examining the relationship between invasive lionfish and native grouper in the Caribbean Author: Hackerott, Serena, Valdivia, Abel, Bruno, John F., Cox, Courtney E., Green, Stephanie J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by PeerJ. The published article can be found at: https://peerj.com/. Title: Re-examining the relationship between invasive lionfish and native grouper in the Caribbean Author: Hackerott, Serena, Valdivia, Abel, Bruno, John F., Cox, Courtney E., Green, Stephanie J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by PeerJ. The published article can be found at: https://peerj.com/. Close

• 39. [Article] Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Powers, Breanna F. Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the Willamette Valley, have decreased dramatically due to loss or degradation of habitat. More research is needed on sustaining the populations of butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems. The purpose of my study was to examine the role prairie-oak habitats have in structuring butterfly communities in the Willamette Valley. My objectives were to: (1) assess how butterfly community structure and species composition (density, abundance, and species richness) varies along an oak canopy cover gradient in order to understand the role of habitat type in structuring butterfly communities in prairie-oak ecosystems; (2) characterize community composition of nectar resources and environmental variables known to be important for butterfly species. I also investigated temporal and structural relationships between butterfly and flower communities. I found that butterfly abundance and density were greater (p < 0.02) in prairies than in oak savannas or oak woodlands; however, species richness did not differ among habitats (p = 0.54). Ordination of prairie-oak habitats in butterfly species space with a joint plot overlay of environmental variables revealed several strong correlations; butterfly community structure was negatively correlated with litter and oak canopy cover and positively correlated to vegetation cover. The prairie, oak savanna, and oak woodland habitat types differed in nectar species community structure, though this difference was small. Non-native species were some of the most abundant flowers species found in all stands. Butterfly communities were positively related to flower communities. I detected significant seasonal patterns among the habitat types in butterfly and flower communities. Prairies appear to be the most important habitat for native butterfly populations compared to oak savanna and oak woodlands. Flowers were most prevalent in prairies and prairies had the highest percentage of native flower species; the prevalence of non-native flower species was greatest in oak woodlands. My study may represent a short-term community transition as a result of management or it may represent a more permanent community. Further study is needed to understand the effects of different management strategies for habitat restoration and the presence of non-native flower species on butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley. Title: Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Powers, Breanna F. Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the Willamette Valley, have decreased dramatically due to loss or degradation of habitat. More research is needed on sustaining the populations of butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems. The purpose of my study was to examine the role prairie-oak habitats have in structuring butterfly communities in the Willamette Valley. My objectives were to: (1) assess how butterfly community structure and species composition (density, abundance, and species richness) varies along an oak canopy cover gradient in order to understand the role of habitat type in structuring butterfly communities in prairie-oak ecosystems; (2) characterize community composition of nectar resources and environmental variables known to be important for butterfly species. I also investigated temporal and structural relationships between butterfly and flower communities. I found that butterfly abundance and density were greater (p < 0.02) in prairies than in oak savannas or oak woodlands; however, species richness did not differ among habitats (p = 0.54). Ordination of prairie-oak habitats in butterfly species space with a joint plot overlay of environmental variables revealed several strong correlations; butterfly community structure was negatively correlated with litter and oak canopy cover and positively correlated to vegetation cover. The prairie, oak savanna, and oak woodland habitat types differed in nectar species community structure, though this difference was small. Non-native species were some of the most abundant flowers species found in all stands. Butterfly communities were positively related to flower communities. I detected significant seasonal patterns among the habitat types in butterfly and flower communities. Prairies appear to be the most important habitat for native butterfly populations compared to oak savanna and oak woodlands. Flowers were most prevalent in prairies and prairies had the highest percentage of native flower species; the prevalence of non-native flower species was greatest in oak woodlands. My study may represent a short-term community transition as a result of management or it may represent a more permanent community. Further study is needed to understand the effects of different management strategies for habitat restoration and the presence of non-native flower species on butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley. Close

• 40. [Article] Quantifying the Potential of Native Plants for Improving Pollination and Biological Control in Agroecosystems

  Agricultural areas can be inhospitable to the attraction and maintenance of beneficial insects like natural enemies and pollinators and this can result in a decrease in the ecosystem services of pollination ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Quantifying the Potential of Native Plants for Improving Pollination and Biological Control in Agroecosystems Author: Winfield, Tammy L. Agricultural areas can be inhospitable to the attraction and maintenance of beneficial insects like natural enemies and pollinators and this can result in a decrease in the ecosystem services of pollination and pest control that these insects supply. If habitat can be created and maintained on-farm, an increase in the numbers and diversity of beneficial insects could be seen which could correspond to an increase in ecosystem services. This study was undertaken to quantify what insect communities are supported by a set of native Oregon plants and to test for differences in the relative attractiveness of plant species to three broad categories of insects: herbivores, natural enemies, and pollinators. This first season of research shows that plant species vary in their relative attractiveness to the three functional groups of insects. Some of this variation is likely related to differences in flowering phenology. There was a significant positive association between percent peak bloom and the number of natural enemies collected on a particular plant species. The numbers of natural enemies, herbivores, and pollinators collected on plant species also varied across sites, suggesting that landscape characteristics also influence the insect communities associated with particular plant species. Title: Quantifying the Potential of Native Plants for Improving Pollination and Biological Control in Agroecosystems Author: Winfield, Tammy L. Agricultural areas can be inhospitable to the attraction and maintenance of beneficial insects like natural enemies and pollinators and this can result in a decrease in the ecosystem services of pollination and pest control that these insects supply. If habitat can be created and maintained on-farm, an increase in the numbers and diversity of beneficial insects could be seen which could correspond to an increase in ecosystem services. This study was undertaken to quantify what insect communities are supported by a set of native Oregon plants and to test for differences in the relative attractiveness of plant species to three broad categories of insects: herbivores, natural enemies, and pollinators. This first season of research shows that plant species vary in their relative attractiveness to the three functional groups of insects. Some of this variation is likely related to differences in flowering phenology. There was a significant positive association between percent peak bloom and the number of natural enemies collected on a particular plant species. The numbers of natural enemies, herbivores, and pollinators collected on plant species also varied across sites, suggesting that landscape characteristics also influence the insect communities associated with particular plant species. Close

• 41. [Article] Non-native and native plant species distributions and variability along an elevation gradient in the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon

  Invasion by non-native plants into natural areas is an important component of global change that threatens biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. Mountains are currently among the least invaded ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-native and native plant species distributions and variability along an elevation gradient in the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon Author: Averett, Joshua P. Invasion by non-native plants into natural areas is an important component of global change that threatens biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. Mountains are currently among the least invaded ecosystems, however, these biodiversity hotspots are increasingly under threat of exotic plant invasion. Evaluation of plant species distribution patterns in mountain ecosystems can provide insight into dominant processes of plant invasion and inform management to reduce the spread of non-native plants in mountains. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the main drivers of plant invasions in the Wallowa Mountain Range of northeastern Oregon, and the extent patterns of native species distributions and their causes differed from non-native species along an elevation gradient; and 2) investigate inter- and intra-annual understory vascular plant species variability along an elevation gradient to inform long-term monitoring of plant invasion dynamics in the Wallowa Mountains. We sampled understory vascular plant communities in summer 2012 along three forest roads in the Wallowa Mountains. Transects (n=20) were evenly stratified by elevation (60 meters) along each road. Indicator species analysis (ISA) was used to identify habitat tendencies for non-native species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) related community composition to environmental and species trait factors. Predictors of non-native and native species abundance and richness were evaluated using Non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR). Canopy openness and elevation niche widths were modeled for all common species and evaluated for evidence of high elevation or closed canopy specialization. Non-native species richness decreased continuously with increasing elevation. In contrast, native species richness displayed a unimodal distribution with maximum richness at the mid-elevations. According to NMS and NPMR, elevation, canopy openness, and disturbance were the strongest correlates of non-native species abundance. Non-native species were concentrated in low elevation bunchgrass, roadside, and open forest habitats with high canopy openness, and moderate to high disturbance intensity. Overlays of species trait factors onto ordinations revealed that the transition into the subalpine community and over-story canopy closure exceeding approximately 60 percent were potential barriers to non-native species establishment. Vegetation sampling was repeated three times (June, July, and August 2013) during the growing season in summer 2013 for a subset (n=10) of our transects. Blocked Multi Response Permutation Procedure (MRBP) was used to test the hypothesis of no change in species composition between years (summer 2012 and summer 2013) and between each sampling period (June, July, and August) within one growing season. NMS related community composition at different times to environmental and trait category factors. Blocked Indicator Species Analysis was used to identify species with tendencies towards specific sampling periods. Important predictors of vegetation change were identified and indicator species distributions were related to NMS axes using NPMR. Vegetation composition changed both between years and between each sampling period within one growing season. Species richness increased with sampling effort, dominant species were consistently found throughout all sampling periods and rare species showed the highest rate of turnover between sampling periods. The highest species richness and greatest number of indicator species were associated with the early summer (June) sampling period. Approximately 25% of all non-native species showed tendencies towards a specific sampling period where greater than half favored the June sampling period within lowland bunchgrass communities. Annual species including the most dominant non-native species within the lowland and montane zones showed the highest inter- and intra-annual variability compared to other trait categories. Total species richness was positively related to turnover and was the most important predictor of relative abundance change between all sampling periods. Species turnover was highest in species rich montane plots; however, trait abundance and richness did not statistically differ in montane plots. These data suggest that elevation, canopy, openness, and disturbance are important factors structuring non-native plant distributions in the Wallowa Mountains. Our findings that non-native species tended to be concentrated in low elevation, early successional habitats coupled with a lack of high elevation or closed canopy specialization indicates that non-native plants that occurr at the highest elevations are likely generalist species that depend on disturbance (primarily open over-story canopy) for spread into higher elevation sites until they are eventually filtered out by harsh environmental conditions coincident with the subalpine transition zone. Collectively these results suggest that interactions between introduction pathways that favor human assisted dispersal into the low-elevations where ruderal species are favored and environmental filters (elevation, canopy openness, and disturbance) are the dominant factors structuring non-native plant distributions in the Wallowa Mountains. Our results also indicate that long-term monitoring of vegetation change in the Wallowa Mountains will be improved through periodic sampling during each growing season. Sampling once during the spring or early summer and then again coincident with peak biomass should improve estimates of species distributions and diversity patterns by capturing both vernal and late season species. Early season sampling may be particularly important for monitoring non-native plants in the Wallowa Mountains as most non-natives were concentrated in low elevation semiarid bunchgrass communities where spring and early summer specialization is common. Title: Non-native and native plant species distributions and variability along an elevation gradient in the Wallowa Mountains, Oregon Author: Averett, Joshua P. Invasion by non-native plants into natural areas is an important component of global change that threatens biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. Mountains are currently among the least invaded ecosystems, however, these biodiversity hotspots are increasingly under threat of exotic plant invasion. Evaluation of plant species distribution patterns in mountain ecosystems can provide insight into dominant processes of plant invasion and inform management to reduce the spread of non-native plants in mountains. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the main drivers of plant invasions in the Wallowa Mountain Range of northeastern Oregon, and the extent patterns of native species distributions and their causes differed from non-native species along an elevation gradient; and 2) investigate inter- and intra-annual understory vascular plant species variability along an elevation gradient to inform long-term monitoring of plant invasion dynamics in the Wallowa Mountains. We sampled understory vascular plant communities in summer 2012 along three forest roads in the Wallowa Mountains. Transects (n=20) were evenly stratified by elevation (60 meters) along each road. Indicator species analysis (ISA) was used to identify habitat tendencies for non-native species. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) related community composition to environmental and species trait factors. Predictors of non-native and native species abundance and richness were evaluated using Non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR). Canopy openness and elevation niche widths were modeled for all common species and evaluated for evidence of high elevation or closed canopy specialization. Non-native species richness decreased continuously with increasing elevation. In contrast, native species richness displayed a unimodal distribution with maximum richness at the mid-elevations. According to NMS and NPMR, elevation, canopy openness, and disturbance were the strongest correlates of non-native species abundance. Non-native species were concentrated in low elevation bunchgrass, roadside, and open forest habitats with high canopy openness, and moderate to high disturbance intensity. Overlays of species trait factors onto ordinations revealed that the transition into the subalpine community and over-story canopy closure exceeding approximately 60 percent were potential barriers to non-native species establishment. Vegetation sampling was repeated three times (June, July, and August 2013) during the growing season in summer 2013 for a subset (n=10) of our transects. Blocked Multi Response Permutation Procedure (MRBP) was used to test the hypothesis of no change in species composition between years (summer 2012 and summer 2013) and between each sampling period (June, July, and August) within one growing season. NMS related community composition at different times to environmental and trait category factors. Blocked Indicator Species Analysis was used to identify species with tendencies towards specific sampling periods. Important predictors of vegetation change were identified and indicator species distributions were related to NMS axes using NPMR. Vegetation composition changed both between years and between each sampling period within one growing season. Species richness increased with sampling effort, dominant species were consistently found throughout all sampling periods and rare species showed the highest rate of turnover between sampling periods. The highest species richness and greatest number of indicator species were associated with the early summer (June) sampling period. Approximately 25% of all non-native species showed tendencies towards a specific sampling period where greater than half favored the June sampling period within lowland bunchgrass communities. Annual species including the most dominant non-native species within the lowland and montane zones showed the highest inter- and intra-annual variability compared to other trait categories. Total species richness was positively related to turnover and was the most important predictor of relative abundance change between all sampling periods. Species turnover was highest in species rich montane plots; however, trait abundance and richness did not statistically differ in montane plots. These data suggest that elevation, canopy, openness, and disturbance are important factors structuring non-native plant distributions in the Wallowa Mountains. Our findings that non-native species tended to be concentrated in low elevation, early successional habitats coupled with a lack of high elevation or closed canopy specialization indicates that non-native plants that occurr at the highest elevations are likely generalist species that depend on disturbance (primarily open over-story canopy) for spread into higher elevation sites until they are eventually filtered out by harsh environmental conditions coincident with the subalpine transition zone. Collectively these results suggest that interactions between introduction pathways that favor human assisted dispersal into the low-elevations where ruderal species are favored and environmental filters (elevation, canopy openness, and disturbance) are the dominant factors structuring non-native plant distributions in the Wallowa Mountains. Our results also indicate that long-term monitoring of vegetation change in the Wallowa Mountains will be improved through periodic sampling during each growing season. Sampling once during the spring or early summer and then again coincident with peak biomass should improve estimates of species distributions and diversity patterns by capturing both vernal and late season species. Early season sampling may be particularly important for monitoring non-native plants in the Wallowa Mountains as most non-natives were concentrated in low elevation semiarid bunchgrass communities where spring and early summer specialization is common. Close

• 42. [Article] The influence of biophysical feedbacks and species interactions on grass invasions and coastal dune morphology in the Pacific Northwest, USA

  Biological invasions provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms that regulate community composition and ecosystem function. Invasive species that are also ecosystem engineers can substantially ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The influence of biophysical feedbacks and species interactions on grass invasions and coastal dune morphology in the Pacific Northwest, USA Author: Zarnetske, Phoebe Lehmann, 1979- Biological invasions provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms that regulate community composition and ecosystem function. Invasive species that are also ecosystem engineers can substantially alter physical features in an environment, and this can lead to cascading effects on the biological community. Aquatic-terrestrial interface ecosystems are excellent systems to study the interactions among invasive ecosystem engineers, physical features, and biological communities, because interactions among vegetation, sediment, and fluids within biophysical feedbacks create and modify distinct physical features. Further, these systems provide important ecosystem services including coastal protection afforded by their natural features. In this dissertation, I investigate the interactions and feedbacks among sand-binding beach grass species (a native, Elymus mollis (Trin.), and two non-natives, Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link and A. breviligulata Fernald), sediment supply, and dune shape along the U.S. Pacific Northwest coast. Dunes dominated by A. arenaria tend to be taller and narrower compared to the shorter, wider dunes dominated by A. breviligulata. These patterns suggest an ecological control on dune shape, and thus, coastal vulnerability to overtopping waves. I investigate the causes and consequences of these patterns with experiments, field observations, and modeling. Specifically, I investigate the relative roles of vegetation and sediment supply in shaping coastal dunes over inter-annual and multi-decadal time scales (Chapter 2), characterize a biophysical feedback between beach grass species growth habit and sediment supply (Chapter 3), uncover the mechanisms leading to beach grass coexistence and whether A. breviligulata can invade and dominate new sections of coastline (Chapter 4), and examine the non-target effects resulting from management actions that remove Ammophila for the recovery of the threatened Western Snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) (Chapter 5). I found that vegetation and sediment supply play important roles in dune shape changes across inter-annual and multi-decadal time scales (Chapter 2). I determined that a biophysical feedback between the beach grass growth habits and sediment supply results in species-specific differences in sand capture ability, and thus, is a likely explanation for differences in dune shape (Chapter 3). I found that all three beach grass species can coexist across different sediment deposition rates, and that this coexistence is largely mediated by positive direct and indirect species interactions. I further determined that A. breviligulata is capable of invading and dominating the beach grass community in regions where it is currently absent (Chapter 4). Combined, these findings indicate that A. breviligulata is an inferior dune building species as compared to A. arenaria, and suggest that in combination with sediment supply gradients, these species differences ultimately lead to differences in dune shape. Potential further invasions of A. breviligulata into southern regions of the Pacific Northwest may diminish the coastal protection ability of dunes currently dominated by A. arenaria, but this effect could be moderated by the predicted near co-dominance of A. arenaria in these lower sediment supply conditions. Finally, I found that the techniques used to remove Ammophila for plover recovery have unintended consequences for the native and endemic dune plant communities, and disrupt the natural disturbance regime of shifting sand. A whole-ecosystem restoration focus would be an improvement over the target-species approach, as it would promote the return of the natural disturbance regime, which in turn, would help recover the native biological community. The findings from this dissertation research provide a robust knowledge base that can guide further investigations of biological and physical changes to the coastal dunes, can help improve the management of dune ecosystem services and the restoration of native communities, and can help anticipate the impacts of future beach grass invasions and climate change induced changes to the coast. Title: The influence of biophysical feedbacks and species interactions on grass invasions and coastal dune morphology in the Pacific Northwest, USA Author: Zarnetske, Phoebe Lehmann, 1979- Biological invasions provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms that regulate community composition and ecosystem function. Invasive species that are also ecosystem engineers can substantially alter physical features in an environment, and this can lead to cascading effects on the biological community. Aquatic-terrestrial interface ecosystems are excellent systems to study the interactions among invasive ecosystem engineers, physical features, and biological communities, because interactions among vegetation, sediment, and fluids within biophysical feedbacks create and modify distinct physical features. Further, these systems provide important ecosystem services including coastal protection afforded by their natural features. In this dissertation, I investigate the interactions and feedbacks among sand-binding beach grass species (a native, Elymus mollis (Trin.), and two non-natives, Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link and A. breviligulata Fernald), sediment supply, and dune shape along the U.S. Pacific Northwest coast. Dunes dominated by A. arenaria tend to be taller and narrower compared to the shorter, wider dunes dominated by A. breviligulata. These patterns suggest an ecological control on dune shape, and thus, coastal vulnerability to overtopping waves. I investigate the causes and consequences of these patterns with experiments, field observations, and modeling. Specifically, I investigate the relative roles of vegetation and sediment supply in shaping coastal dunes over inter-annual and multi-decadal time scales (Chapter 2), characterize a biophysical feedback between beach grass species growth habit and sediment supply (Chapter 3), uncover the mechanisms leading to beach grass coexistence and whether A. breviligulata can invade and dominate new sections of coastline (Chapter 4), and examine the non-target effects resulting from management actions that remove Ammophila for the recovery of the threatened Western Snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) (Chapter 5). I found that vegetation and sediment supply play important roles in dune shape changes across inter-annual and multi-decadal time scales (Chapter 2). I determined that a biophysical feedback between the beach grass growth habits and sediment supply results in species-specific differences in sand capture ability, and thus, is a likely explanation for differences in dune shape (Chapter 3). I found that all three beach grass species can coexist across different sediment deposition rates, and that this coexistence is largely mediated by positive direct and indirect species interactions. I further determined that A. breviligulata is capable of invading and dominating the beach grass community in regions where it is currently absent (Chapter 4). Combined, these findings indicate that A. breviligulata is an inferior dune building species as compared to A. arenaria, and suggest that in combination with sediment supply gradients, these species differences ultimately lead to differences in dune shape. Potential further invasions of A. breviligulata into southern regions of the Pacific Northwest may diminish the coastal protection ability of dunes currently dominated by A. arenaria, but this effect could be moderated by the predicted near co-dominance of A. arenaria in these lower sediment supply conditions. Finally, I found that the techniques used to remove Ammophila for plover recovery have unintended consequences for the native and endemic dune plant communities, and disrupt the natural disturbance regime of shifting sand. A whole-ecosystem restoration focus would be an improvement over the target-species approach, as it would promote the return of the natural disturbance regime, which in turn, would help recover the native biological community. The findings from this dissertation research provide a robust knowledge base that can guide further investigations of biological and physical changes to the coastal dunes, can help improve the management of dune ecosystem services and the restoration of native communities, and can help anticipate the impacts of future beach grass invasions and climate change induced changes to the coast. Close

• 43. [Article] Ecosystem services provided by Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) habitat and Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) habitat; Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) production in Willapa Bay, WA

  Oyster reefs provide an array of ecosystem services. Specifically, they provide structurally complex habitat for fish and invertebrate species such as the commercially important Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecosystem services provided by Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) habitat and Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) habitat; Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) production in Willapa Bay, WA Author: Ramsay, Jessica Oyster reefs provide an array of ecosystem services. Specifically, they provide structurally complex habitat for fish and invertebrate species such as the commercially important Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister. This ecosystem service, once provided by the native oyster Ostrea lurida, is now provided by the commercially cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas in many estuaries on the U.S west coast. An economic investigation was conducted examining the ecosystem services provided by oyster habitat, common economic valuation theories and techniques, and tradeoffs between oyster restoration and aquaculture expansion. A scientific investigation, comprised of three studies, was also conducted to examine Dungeness crab production as an ecosystem service provided by oyster habitat. Because natural ecosystems, such as oyster reefs, provide beneficial goods and services through time, they should be valued as any other economic asset or capital. Until recently many of these beneficial services have not been accounted for within resource management plans, often resulting in the over-exploitation of those resources. Activities such as coastal development, dredging, aquaculture expansion, or even habitat restoration can affect estuarine ecosystems. While valuing the ecosystems themselves might be difficult, valuation of the services they provide can be a useful tool for identifying and protecting key ecosystem services while implementing plans with minimal negative impact. The oysters, O. lurida and C. gigas inhabit different regions of the tidal zone. O. lurida is predominantly found in subtidal and low intertidal regions whereas C. gigas is predominantly found in intertidal regions. The shift in the dominant species has resulted in a subsequent shift of available recruitment habitat for M. magister. We conducted an across-estuary study to examine settlement of M. magister in existing O. lurida, C. gigas, eelgrass, and open mud habitats in Willapa Bay, WA, Netarts Bay, OR, and Coos Bay, OR, to determine tradeoffs in crab production between habitat types. A second study using shell bags as settlement substrate at various tidal elevations was conducted in Yaquina Bay, OR, to obtain density data of M. magister by depth. We used these densities, in combination with pre-existing data from Willapa Bay, to compare the production of Dungeness crab as an ecosystem service historically provided by O. lurida habitat and production currently provided by C. gigas habitat in Willapa Bay, WA. A third study using shell piles was conducted in Yaquina Bay, OR to estimate survival of juvenile M. magister. The results of these three studies generally support prior research indicating that densities of juvenile M. magister are greater in oyster and eelgrass habitats than in open mud, and are generally greater in oyster habitat than in eelgrass. The Yaquina Bay shell bag study indicated greater densities of juvenile M. magister in subtidal regions, while the shell pile study indicated greater densities in higher intertidal regions. Title: Ecosystem services provided by Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) habitat and Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) habitat; Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) production in Willapa Bay, WA Author: Ramsay, Jessica Oyster reefs provide an array of ecosystem services. Specifically, they provide structurally complex habitat for fish and invertebrate species such as the commercially important Dungeness crab, Metacarcinus magister. This ecosystem service, once provided by the native oyster Ostrea lurida, is now provided by the commercially cultured oyster Crassostrea gigas in many estuaries on the U.S west coast. An economic investigation was conducted examining the ecosystem services provided by oyster habitat, common economic valuation theories and techniques, and tradeoffs between oyster restoration and aquaculture expansion. A scientific investigation, comprised of three studies, was also conducted to examine Dungeness crab production as an ecosystem service provided by oyster habitat. Because natural ecosystems, such as oyster reefs, provide beneficial goods and services through time, they should be valued as any other economic asset or capital. Until recently many of these beneficial services have not been accounted for within resource management plans, often resulting in the over-exploitation of those resources. Activities such as coastal development, dredging, aquaculture expansion, or even habitat restoration can affect estuarine ecosystems. While valuing the ecosystems themselves might be difficult, valuation of the services they provide can be a useful tool for identifying and protecting key ecosystem services while implementing plans with minimal negative impact. The oysters, O. lurida and C. gigas inhabit different regions of the tidal zone. O. lurida is predominantly found in subtidal and low intertidal regions whereas C. gigas is predominantly found in intertidal regions. The shift in the dominant species has resulted in a subsequent shift of available recruitment habitat for M. magister. We conducted an across-estuary study to examine settlement of M. magister in existing O. lurida, C. gigas, eelgrass, and open mud habitats in Willapa Bay, WA, Netarts Bay, OR, and Coos Bay, OR, to determine tradeoffs in crab production between habitat types. A second study using shell bags as settlement substrate at various tidal elevations was conducted in Yaquina Bay, OR, to obtain density data of M. magister by depth. We used these densities, in combination with pre-existing data from Willapa Bay, to compare the production of Dungeness crab as an ecosystem service historically provided by O. lurida habitat and production currently provided by C. gigas habitat in Willapa Bay, WA. A third study using shell piles was conducted in Yaquina Bay, OR to estimate survival of juvenile M. magister. The results of these three studies generally support prior research indicating that densities of juvenile M. magister are greater in oyster and eelgrass habitats than in open mud, and are generally greater in oyster habitat than in eelgrass. The Yaquina Bay shell bag study indicated greater densities of juvenile M. magister in subtidal regions, while the shell pile study indicated greater densities in higher intertidal regions. Close

• 44. [Article] Success of Seeding Native Compared with Introduced Perennial Vegetation for Revegetating Medusahead-Invaded Sagebrush Rangeland

  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 Range ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Success of Seeding Native Compared with Introduced Perennial Vegetation for Revegetating Medusahead-Invaded Sagebrush Rangeland Author: Boyd, C. S., Nafus, A. M., Davies, K. W., Madsen, M. D., Johnson, D. 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 Society for Range Management and published by Elsevier. It can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/rama Title: Success of Seeding Native Compared with Introduced Perennial Vegetation for Revegetating Medusahead-Invaded Sagebrush Rangeland Author: Boyd, C. S., Nafus, A. M., Davies, K. W., Madsen, M. D., Johnson, D. 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 Society for Range Management and published by Elsevier. It can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/rama Close

• 45. [Article] The effects of site preparation on native forb establishment in a wet prairie, Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Wetlands and wet prairies are economically and environmentally valuable ecosystems, but many have been degraded or converted to other uses. As human understanding of wetlands' value has increased, restoration ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of site preparation on native forb establishment in a wet prairie, Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Norman, Katherine N. Wetlands and wet prairies are economically and environmentally valuable ecosystems, but many have been degraded or converted to other uses. As human understanding of wetlands' value has increased, restoration efforts have grown correspondingly. Restoration attempts use a diversity of methods, which often include seeding with native plant species. This thesis reports on early results from a restoration project that was conducted in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon on a study site that historically supported wet prairie but had been converted to agricultural use. The site was withdrawn from agricultural use 11 – 12 years prior to the work reported here, contoured to reestablish wetland hydrological conditions, and planted with the native perennial, tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), in a preliminary attempt to recreate wet prairie conditions. The subsequent management goal, addressed in the work reported here, was to increase native species richness without increasing exotic plant cover by seeding the site with a mixture of 27 common wetland natives. In each of three blocks at the site, four units were treated either by burning (N = 2 per block) or mowing (N = 2 per block), then seeded with a mixture of 27 common native wetland species. One each of the burned and mowed units from each block was treated with glyphosate herbicide. Thus burning, burning + herbicide, mowing, mowing + herbicide, all with seeding of native species, and an unseeded control each occurred in one unit in each of three blocks at the site. The specific objectives of this study were to determine: 1. If treatments varied in their effects on plant communities, 2. Whether treatments differed in the degree to which they enhanced establishment of seeded species or other native species, 3. If so, which treatment was most effective at increasing cover or richness of native or seeded species, and 4. Consequences of treatments in terms of exotic species cover or richness. Although the low number of replications (N = 3) limited statistical inference, it appeared post-treatment plant communities differed among treatment groups (including controls) (Blocked Multi-Response Permutation Procedure; A-value 0.249 to 0.312; p-value < 0.005). While all four seeding treatments enhanced cover by native species compared to that in controls, burning without herbicide appeared to be particularly effective. Burning and burning + herbicide enhanced cover of seeded species more than did mowing treatments; while all four seeding treatments appeared to increase richness of native species overall, relative to that in unseeded controls, differences were not statistically significant. However, treatments also tended to increase cover and richness of exotic species relative to those in controls. While the increases in exotic species richness post-treatment were generally smaller than the increases in native species richness, changes in cover tended to be similar between the two species groups. Further monitoring of this site will be necessary to determine longer term consequences of these treatments for the plant communities. Title: The effects of site preparation on native forb establishment in a wet prairie, Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Norman, Katherine N. Wetlands and wet prairies are economically and environmentally valuable ecosystems, but many have been degraded or converted to other uses. As human understanding of wetlands' value has increased, restoration efforts have grown correspondingly. Restoration attempts use a diversity of methods, which often include seeding with native plant species. This thesis reports on early results from a restoration project that was conducted in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon on a study site that historically supported wet prairie but had been converted to agricultural use. The site was withdrawn from agricultural use 11 – 12 years prior to the work reported here, contoured to reestablish wetland hydrological conditions, and planted with the native perennial, tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa), in a preliminary attempt to recreate wet prairie conditions. The subsequent management goal, addressed in the work reported here, was to increase native species richness without increasing exotic plant cover by seeding the site with a mixture of 27 common wetland natives. In each of three blocks at the site, four units were treated either by burning (N = 2 per block) or mowing (N = 2 per block), then seeded with a mixture of 27 common native wetland species. One each of the burned and mowed units from each block was treated with glyphosate herbicide. Thus burning, burning + herbicide, mowing, mowing + herbicide, all with seeding of native species, and an unseeded control each occurred in one unit in each of three blocks at the site. The specific objectives of this study were to determine: 1. If treatments varied in their effects on plant communities, 2. Whether treatments differed in the degree to which they enhanced establishment of seeded species or other native species, 3. If so, which treatment was most effective at increasing cover or richness of native or seeded species, and 4. Consequences of treatments in terms of exotic species cover or richness. Although the low number of replications (N = 3) limited statistical inference, it appeared post-treatment plant communities differed among treatment groups (including controls) (Blocked Multi-Response Permutation Procedure; A-value 0.249 to 0.312; p-value < 0.005). While all four seeding treatments enhanced cover by native species compared to that in controls, burning without herbicide appeared to be particularly effective. Burning and burning + herbicide enhanced cover of seeded species more than did mowing treatments; while all four seeding treatments appeared to increase richness of native species overall, relative to that in unseeded controls, differences were not statistically significant. However, treatments also tended to increase cover and richness of exotic species relative to those in controls. While the increases in exotic species richness post-treatment were generally smaller than the increases in native species richness, changes in cover tended to be similar between the two species groups. Further monitoring of this site will be necessary to determine longer term consequences of these treatments for the plant communities. Close

• 46. [Article] Vertebrates, arthropods, and invasive plants : an investigation of the top-down and bottom-up interactions of multiple herbivore guilds in a grassland system

  Humans are increasing the scale and frequency of many natural disturbances, as well as adding novel disturbances to ecosystems. This thesis uses the arthropod community as a metric to examine the multi-trophic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vertebrates, arthropods, and invasive plants : an investigation of the top-down and bottom-up interactions of multiple herbivore guilds in a grassland system Author: Farrell, Kelly Anne Humans are increasing the scale and frequency of many natural disturbances, as well as adding novel disturbances to ecosystems. This thesis uses the arthropod community as a metric to examine the multi-trophic responses to disturbances in California grasslands. Chapter 2 explores how the long-term exclusion of native vertebrate herbivores has impacted arthropod community and trophic structure at Hastings Natural History Reserve. Chapter 3 investigates the impacts of grazing and invasive plants on the arthropod community in a manipulative plant provenance x grazing experiment that had been in place for two years at the Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center. Few long-term studies have explored the interactions between vertebrate herbivore guilds and the arthropod community. We studied the long-term impact on arthropod community structure and composition of removing vertebrate herbivores from a California oak savannah. We used paired plots to sample arthropods and plant communities inside and outside 11 long-term vertebrate exclosures. We found that arthropods respond to vertebrate access mainly via plant compositional shifts, but that different groups of vertebrates cause changes via different pathways. Large herbivores, including deer, caused a shift from native perennial to exotic annual plants which increased plant nutritional content and supported more herbivore and detritivore arthropods. Burrowing vertebrates such as gophers reduced the predatory arthropod community by reducing vegetation structure, releasing other arthropod groups and resulting in an overall increase in arthropod abundance. These results highlight that alterations to different parts of the vertebrate community can have qualitatively different effects on arthropod community structure. The invasion and spread of non-native plants and the prevalence of livestock grazing are two human-induced disturbances that can have widespread ecosystem impacts. We used a manipulative study to examine how the replacement of native perennial grasses by exotic annual grasses and the introduction of heavy cattle grazing impact arthropod community structure. Arthropod richness, diversity, and abundance did not vary predictably between native perennial and exotic annual grass communities, though arthropods responded to plant community characteristics. In the presence of grazing, arthropod biovolume increased in annual grass treatments, which could trigger a positive-feedback cycle with vector-transmitted plant pathogens to further increase the prevalence of non-native annual grasses. Arthropod community was strongly impacted by cattle grazing, which decreased the biovolume of predatory arthropods, causing a top-down increase in herbivorous arthropod biovolume. Grazing thus impacts plant composition both through the direct removal of biomass and increased plant species evenness, and through arthropod-mediated impacts. Together, these studies show that human alterations of different vertebrate guilds can impact the trophic structure of the arthropod community. Because arthropods mediate a number of ecosystem services, disturbances that alter arthropod assemblages can have far-reaching ecosystem impacts. By exploring the mechanisms by which manipulations of the vertebrate guild alter arthropod community, this thesis demonstrates the importance of horizontal and vertical diversity in multi-trophic interactions. Title: Vertebrates, arthropods, and invasive plants : an investigation of the top-down and bottom-up interactions of multiple herbivore guilds in a grassland system Author: Farrell, Kelly Anne Humans are increasing the scale and frequency of many natural disturbances, as well as adding novel disturbances to ecosystems. This thesis uses the arthropod community as a metric to examine the multi-trophic responses to disturbances in California grasslands. Chapter 2 explores how the long-term exclusion of native vertebrate herbivores has impacted arthropod community and trophic structure at Hastings Natural History Reserve. Chapter 3 investigates the impacts of grazing and invasive plants on the arthropod community in a manipulative plant provenance x grazing experiment that had been in place for two years at the Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center. Few long-term studies have explored the interactions between vertebrate herbivore guilds and the arthropod community. We studied the long-term impact on arthropod community structure and composition of removing vertebrate herbivores from a California oak savannah. We used paired plots to sample arthropods and plant communities inside and outside 11 long-term vertebrate exclosures. We found that arthropods respond to vertebrate access mainly via plant compositional shifts, but that different groups of vertebrates cause changes via different pathways. Large herbivores, including deer, caused a shift from native perennial to exotic annual plants which increased plant nutritional content and supported more herbivore and detritivore arthropods. Burrowing vertebrates such as gophers reduced the predatory arthropod community by reducing vegetation structure, releasing other arthropod groups and resulting in an overall increase in arthropod abundance. These results highlight that alterations to different parts of the vertebrate community can have qualitatively different effects on arthropod community structure. The invasion and spread of non-native plants and the prevalence of livestock grazing are two human-induced disturbances that can have widespread ecosystem impacts. We used a manipulative study to examine how the replacement of native perennial grasses by exotic annual grasses and the introduction of heavy cattle grazing impact arthropod community structure. Arthropod richness, diversity, and abundance did not vary predictably between native perennial and exotic annual grass communities, though arthropods responded to plant community characteristics. In the presence of grazing, arthropod biovolume increased in annual grass treatments, which could trigger a positive-feedback cycle with vector-transmitted plant pathogens to further increase the prevalence of non-native annual grasses. Arthropod community was strongly impacted by cattle grazing, which decreased the biovolume of predatory arthropods, causing a top-down increase in herbivorous arthropod biovolume. Grazing thus impacts plant composition both through the direct removal of biomass and increased plant species evenness, and through arthropod-mediated impacts. Together, these studies show that human alterations of different vertebrate guilds can impact the trophic structure of the arthropod community. Because arthropods mediate a number of ecosystem services, disturbances that alter arthropod assemblages can have far-reaching ecosystem impacts. By exploring the mechanisms by which manipulations of the vertebrate guild alter arthropod community, this thesis demonstrates the importance of horizontal and vertical diversity in multi-trophic interactions. Close

• 47. [Article] Forecasting functional implications of global changes in riparian plant communities

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forecasting functional implications of global changes in riparian plant communities Author: Mineau, Madeleine M., McElarney, Yvonne R., Fischer, Dylan G., Tiegs, Scott D., Canhoto, Cristina, Larranaga, Aitor, Giling, Darren P., Swan, Christopher M., Kominoski, John S., LeRoy, Carri J., Gonzalez, Eduardo, Griffiths, Natalie A., Shirley, Susan M., Follstad Shah, Jennifer J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://esa.org/. Title: Forecasting functional implications of global changes in riparian plant communities Author: Mineau, Madeleine M., McElarney, Yvonne R., Fischer, Dylan G., Tiegs, Scott D., Canhoto, Cristina, Larranaga, Aitor, Giling, Darren P., Swan, Christopher M., Kominoski, John S., LeRoy, Carri J., Gonzalez, Eduardo, Griffiths, Natalie A., Shirley, Susan M., Follstad Shah, Jennifer J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://esa.org/. Close

• 48. [Article] Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M. Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native burning, Willamette Valley prairies have become highly fragmented and invaded by non-native species, leaving little room for native plant diversity. Even though wetland prairie conservation and restoration has been a priority for many government agencies there is a need for research on what restoration techniques and management are necessary for increasing native species richness and abundance in remnant and restored wet prairie sites. In this research project, two studies were conducted. In the first study, data were collected on species presence and abundance from three 100m² randomized plots within three remnant wet prairies (Green Mountain, Gotter Prairie South, Knez) and three restored wet prairies (Hutchinson, Gotter Prairie North, Lovejoy) to answer the following research question, 'Are there differences between remnant and restored prairie plant communities with respect to the diversity and abundance of native species?' Analysis of variance and multivariate ordination techniques were used to assess the ecological differences between uncultivated, minimally-managed remnant wet prairies and newly-restored, highly managed wet prairies. Data on soils collected from agricultural sites (Westbrook, Zurcher, Gotter Prairie Ag), as well as the remnant and restored wet prairies mentioned above, were also used to compare soil quality and processes with the remnant and restored wetlands. Restored wet prairie had 23% higher native species cover than remnant prairie (p-value=0.089, N=6). Remnant and restored sites did not differ in native species richness (p-value=0.949, N=6). The relatively high per cent cover of native species at restored sites, (significant at the 10% level), suggests that land managers have successfully restored agricultural properties with an abundance of native species. The lack of significant difference in native species richness between remnant and restored sites also suggests that land managers have also been able to restore native plant diversity into former agricultural properties equivalent to some of the best intact remnant prairies within the Northern Willamette Valley in a short period of time (8 years or less). However, a non-metric scaling (NMS) ordination of the species matrix separated the remnant sites from the restored sites, suggesting that community composition distinguishes restored sites from remnants. The NMS results, which include environmental data in the analysis, also suggest that there is a positive correlation of percent soil moisture and percent soil organic matter associated with the remnant prairies and a positive correlation of management practices such as yearly chemical use, mowing, and clean crops, associated with the restored prairies. The location of Gotter Prairie North restoration within the ordination, between the remnant and restored sites, suggests an intermediate plant composition and soil quality. This could be attributed to intensive weed suppression and soil organic matter build up over time (8 years) in comparison to younger restored sites (3 and 4 years). Indicator species analysis identified many species with high indicator values (IVs) in the remnant prairies; Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex densa and Phalaris arundinacea being the highest. The use of fire as a management tool produced only one species with a high IV (Camassia quamash). In the second study, three seeding treatments (Grass first, Grass and Forb together, Forb first) were compared within a 4 hectare experimental wet prairie unit to answer the research question „Which of the three seeding treatments used leads to the highest native species abundance and species richness?‟ Results from an analysis of variance indicated significant differences between treatments in native species richness for 2009 and 2010 (p-values=0.002 & 0.004 respectively) at the 5% level and native species abundance in 2010 only (p-value=0.099) at the 10% level. The Grass and Forb and Forb first treatments were highest in native species richness for 2009 and 2010, whereas the Grass and Forb and Grass first treatments were highest in native species abundance in 2010. A NMS ordination suggests that Juncus tenuis is one of the dominant species, in all seeding treatments, after one year of growth. Title: Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M. Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native burning, Willamette Valley prairies have become highly fragmented and invaded by non-native species, leaving little room for native plant diversity. Even though wetland prairie conservation and restoration has been a priority for many government agencies there is a need for research on what restoration techniques and management are necessary for increasing native species richness and abundance in remnant and restored wet prairie sites. In this research project, two studies were conducted. In the first study, data were collected on species presence and abundance from three 100m² randomized plots within three remnant wet prairies (Green Mountain, Gotter Prairie South, Knez) and three restored wet prairies (Hutchinson, Gotter Prairie North, Lovejoy) to answer the following research question, 'Are there differences between remnant and restored prairie plant communities with respect to the diversity and abundance of native species?' Analysis of variance and multivariate ordination techniques were used to assess the ecological differences between uncultivated, minimally-managed remnant wet prairies and newly-restored, highly managed wet prairies. Data on soils collected from agricultural sites (Westbrook, Zurcher, Gotter Prairie Ag), as well as the remnant and restored wet prairies mentioned above, were also used to compare soil quality and processes with the remnant and restored wetlands. Restored wet prairie had 23% higher native species cover than remnant prairie (p-value=0.089, N=6). Remnant and restored sites did not differ in native species richness (p-value=0.949, N=6). The relatively high per cent cover of native species at restored sites, (significant at the 10% level), suggests that land managers have successfully restored agricultural properties with an abundance of native species. The lack of significant difference in native species richness between remnant and restored sites also suggests that land managers have also been able to restore native plant diversity into former agricultural properties equivalent to some of the best intact remnant prairies within the Northern Willamette Valley in a short period of time (8 years or less). However, a non-metric scaling (NMS) ordination of the species matrix separated the remnant sites from the restored sites, suggesting that community composition distinguishes restored sites from remnants. The NMS results, which include environmental data in the analysis, also suggest that there is a positive correlation of percent soil moisture and percent soil organic matter associated with the remnant prairies and a positive correlation of management practices such as yearly chemical use, mowing, and clean crops, associated with the restored prairies. The location of Gotter Prairie North restoration within the ordination, between the remnant and restored sites, suggests an intermediate plant composition and soil quality. This could be attributed to intensive weed suppression and soil organic matter build up over time (8 years) in comparison to younger restored sites (3 and 4 years). Indicator species analysis identified many species with high indicator values (IVs) in the remnant prairies; Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex densa and Phalaris arundinacea being the highest. The use of fire as a management tool produced only one species with a high IV (Camassia quamash). In the second study, three seeding treatments (Grass first, Grass and Forb together, Forb first) were compared within a 4 hectare experimental wet prairie unit to answer the research question „Which of the three seeding treatments used leads to the highest native species abundance and species richness?‟ Results from an analysis of variance indicated significant differences between treatments in native species richness for 2009 and 2010 (p-values=0.002 & 0.004 respectively) at the 5% level and native species abundance in 2010 only (p-value=0.099) at the 10% level. The Grass and Forb and Forb first treatments were highest in native species richness for 2009 and 2010, whereas the Grass and Forb and Grass first treatments were highest in native species abundance in 2010. A NMS ordination suggests that Juncus tenuis is one of the dominant species, in all seeding treatments, after one year of growth. Close

• 49. [Article] Mercury bioaccumulation in remote subalpine lakes : assessing the influence of invasive trout on salamanders

  Mercury (Hg) contamination is a global conservation threat to freshwater ecosystems, detected in even the protected lakes of Olympic National Park (Washington, USA). Although considered some of the most ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mercury bioaccumulation in remote subalpine lakes : assessing the influence of invasive trout on salamanders Author: Pfleeger, Adam Mercury (Hg) contamination is a global conservation threat to freshwater ecosystems, detected in even the protected lakes of Olympic National Park (Washington, USA). Although considered some of the most remote and pristine US ecosystems, these lakes are currently subject to multiple environmental stressors, including climate change and fish introductions; adding contaminants, such as Hg, could exacerbate the effects of these stressors on native species. Amphibians are undergoing large worldwide declines, which include declines in protected areas, such as our National Parks. Our goal is to better understand the effect of historically stocked fish in Olympic National Park on native amphibian Hg bioaccumulation. To minimize the need for lethal sampling of this already threatened group, we first examine how Hg concentrations in non-lethally sampled amphibian tissues correlated with whole-body Hg concentrations, depending on species and the different type of non-lethal tissue sample used. Second, we aimed to understand how a food web altered by fish impacted Hg bioaccumulation in native species. We measured Hg and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in organisms across trophic levels from 18 subalpine lakes. We detected small shifts in salamander food web indices and minor changes to salamander Hg concentration associated with the presence of fish. Importantly, we found increased mercury trophic magnification slopes in lakes with fish compared to fishless lakes. This research provides evidence that historic fish introductions can elevate mercury exposure in pristine ecosystems compared to natural fishless lakes. Title: Mercury bioaccumulation in remote subalpine lakes : assessing the influence of invasive trout on salamanders Author: Pfleeger, Adam Mercury (Hg) contamination is a global conservation threat to freshwater ecosystems, detected in even the protected lakes of Olympic National Park (Washington, USA). Although considered some of the most remote and pristine US ecosystems, these lakes are currently subject to multiple environmental stressors, including climate change and fish introductions; adding contaminants, such as Hg, could exacerbate the effects of these stressors on native species. Amphibians are undergoing large worldwide declines, which include declines in protected areas, such as our National Parks. Our goal is to better understand the effect of historically stocked fish in Olympic National Park on native amphibian Hg bioaccumulation. To minimize the need for lethal sampling of this already threatened group, we first examine how Hg concentrations in non-lethally sampled amphibian tissues correlated with whole-body Hg concentrations, depending on species and the different type of non-lethal tissue sample used. Second, we aimed to understand how a food web altered by fish impacted Hg bioaccumulation in native species. We measured Hg and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in organisms across trophic levels from 18 subalpine lakes. We detected small shifts in salamander food web indices and minor changes to salamander Hg concentration associated with the presence of fish. Importantly, we found increased mercury trophic magnification slopes in lakes with fish compared to fishless lakes. This research provides evidence that historic fish introductions can elevate mercury exposure in pristine ecosystems compared to natural fishless lakes. Close

• 50. [Article] Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two)

  Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, prairies require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective for this project is to synthesize the scientific information now available relevant to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands project and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination rates, and reducing competitive pressure from nonnative plants. In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of data in the West Eugene Wetlands establishment data set on plant abundance after sowing native species during wetland restoration (Wilson 2004). In year two, we will build and expand on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor. • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on knowing species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be converted into management recommendations, such as which species to sow and which site preparation and maintenance regimes should be followed to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project –plant traits and the database– are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations Title: Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, prairies require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective for this project is to synthesize the scientific information now available relevant to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands project and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination rates, and reducing competitive pressure from nonnative plants. In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of data in the West Eugene Wetlands establishment data set on plant abundance after sowing native species during wetland restoration (Wilson 2004). In year two, we will build and expand on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor. • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on knowing species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be converted into management recommendations, such as which species to sow and which site preparation and maintenance regimes should be followed to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project –plant traits and the database– are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations Close

• 51. [Article] Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two)

  Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, and require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective is to synthesize the scientific information now available pertinent to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program. In year two, we are building and expanding on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be restated as management recommendations, such as which species to sow and site preparation and maintenance regimes to follow to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Title: Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, and require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective is to synthesize the scientific information now available pertinent to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program. In year two, we are building and expanding on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be restated as management recommendations, such as which species to sow and site preparation and maintenance regimes to follow to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Close

• 52. [Article] Directing ecological succession : the role of competition in restoring semi-arid grasslands dominated by invasive plants

  Successful ecosystem restoration requires an understanding of the ecological processes directing succession. One of the challenges in the semi-arid grasslands of western United States is replacement of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Directing ecological succession : the role of competition in restoring semi-arid grasslands dominated by invasive plants Author: Mangla, Seema Successful ecosystem restoration requires an understanding of the ecological processes directing succession. One of the challenges in the semi-arid grasslands of western United States is replacement of native species by invasive annual grasses. Solutions to this problem require identifying and manipulating ecological processes that direct succession to favor desired vegetation. The overall objective of this research was to identify and understand processes or factors directing restoration of semi-arid grassland ecosystems dominated with invasive annual grasses. Two invasive annual (Bromus tectorum L. and Taeniatherum caput-medusae L. Nevski) and two native perennial (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A) and Poa secunda J. Presl) grass species were used to provide a model system of semi-arid grasslands of western United States. Plant competition is considered to be the primary ecological process limiting the success of grassland restoration. Successful restoration requires knowing the relative strength and magnitude of competition during the early stages of plant growth and how this might be impacted by nitrogen (N) availability. My research involved three experiments designed to compare competition and growth rates of native and invasive species. First, in order to understand the degree to which intra- versus inter-specific competition controls invasive and native plant growth during the early phase of establishment, I performed a diallel competition experiment with species grown either alone or in 1:1 binary combinations in a greenhouse. I hypothesized that the type and intensity of competition for invasive and native species would vary among harvest times and competitive intensity for invasive species will be higher than native species with higher N availability. My results indicated that invasive and native species are subject to both intra- and inter-specific competition; however, the dominant type differed among harvests. Invasive species also became more competitive than native species with increasing N. I suggest that opportunities to improve restoration success exist by determining the optimum combination of density, species proportion, and their spatial arrangement in various ecosystems and environments. Second, I performed an addition series competition experiment in the field for two years to determine the intensity and importance of competition in an arid, resource poor production system. My results indicated that in resource poor environments, the intensity of competition did not significantly influence plant dominance during the first two years of plant establishment, and thus, competition was not important. I suggest that land managers may be most successful at restoration of resource poor ecosystems by overcoming the barriers associated with plant establishment other than plant-plant interactions, such as abiotic factors. Third, I studied growth rate and growth patterns of medusahead with bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass in the field for two years. I hypothesized that medusahead would have a higher RGR, a longer period of growth, and as a consequence, more total biomass at the end of the growing season than bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass. Medusahead had a longer period of growth, more total biomass and higher RGR than cheatgrass. However, bluebunch wheatgrass had more biomass and higher RGR than medusahead in 2008, but the relationship was reversed in 2009. Weather data identified that precipitation in 2008 was well below average, and this level of drought was very infrequent. Collectively, my results suggest that the continued invasion and dominance of medusahead onto native and cheatgrass dominated grasslands will continue to increase in severity because of its higher RGR and extended period of growth. The inability to identify key ecological processes important in directing invasion and succession has limited the adoption and implementation of ecologically based invasive plant management (EBIPM). A framework that allows ecologist to identify and prioritize ecological processes most in need of repair would help overcome this barrier. I developed an initial framework that allows ecologists to prioritize the ecological processes that appear to play a dominate role in vegetation dynamics. This was accomplished by using sensitivity analysis to identify the most important transitions in the life cycle of associated species and linking those transitions with key ecological processes and their modifying factors. This method could increase land manager's ability to implement EBIPM by allowing identification and prioritization of those ecological processes that appear to play a dominating role in vegetation dynamics. Title: Directing ecological succession : the role of competition in restoring semi-arid grasslands dominated by invasive plants Author: Mangla, Seema Successful ecosystem restoration requires an understanding of the ecological processes directing succession. One of the challenges in the semi-arid grasslands of western United States is replacement of native species by invasive annual grasses. Solutions to this problem require identifying and manipulating ecological processes that direct succession to favor desired vegetation. The overall objective of this research was to identify and understand processes or factors directing restoration of semi-arid grassland ecosystems dominated with invasive annual grasses. Two invasive annual (Bromus tectorum L. and Taeniatherum caput-medusae L. Nevski) and two native perennial (Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A) and Poa secunda J. Presl) grass species were used to provide a model system of semi-arid grasslands of western United States. Plant competition is considered to be the primary ecological process limiting the success of grassland restoration. Successful restoration requires knowing the relative strength and magnitude of competition during the early stages of plant growth and how this might be impacted by nitrogen (N) availability. My research involved three experiments designed to compare competition and growth rates of native and invasive species. First, in order to understand the degree to which intra- versus inter-specific competition controls invasive and native plant growth during the early phase of establishment, I performed a diallel competition experiment with species grown either alone or in 1:1 binary combinations in a greenhouse. I hypothesized that the type and intensity of competition for invasive and native species would vary among harvest times and competitive intensity for invasive species will be higher than native species with higher N availability. My results indicated that invasive and native species are subject to both intra- and inter-specific competition; however, the dominant type differed among harvests. Invasive species also became more competitive than native species with increasing N. I suggest that opportunities to improve restoration success exist by determining the optimum combination of density, species proportion, and their spatial arrangement in various ecosystems and environments. Second, I performed an addition series competition experiment in the field for two years to determine the intensity and importance of competition in an arid, resource poor production system. My results indicated that in resource poor environments, the intensity of competition did not significantly influence plant dominance during the first two years of plant establishment, and thus, competition was not important. I suggest that land managers may be most successful at restoration of resource poor ecosystems by overcoming the barriers associated with plant establishment other than plant-plant interactions, such as abiotic factors. Third, I studied growth rate and growth patterns of medusahead with bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass in the field for two years. I hypothesized that medusahead would have a higher RGR, a longer period of growth, and as a consequence, more total biomass at the end of the growing season than bluebunch wheatgrass and cheatgrass. Medusahead had a longer period of growth, more total biomass and higher RGR than cheatgrass. However, bluebunch wheatgrass had more biomass and higher RGR than medusahead in 2008, but the relationship was reversed in 2009. Weather data identified that precipitation in 2008 was well below average, and this level of drought was very infrequent. Collectively, my results suggest that the continued invasion and dominance of medusahead onto native and cheatgrass dominated grasslands will continue to increase in severity because of its higher RGR and extended period of growth. The inability to identify key ecological processes important in directing invasion and succession has limited the adoption and implementation of ecologically based invasive plant management (EBIPM). A framework that allows ecologist to identify and prioritize ecological processes most in need of repair would help overcome this barrier. I developed an initial framework that allows ecologists to prioritize the ecological processes that appear to play a dominate role in vegetation dynamics. This was accomplished by using sensitivity analysis to identify the most important transitions in the life cycle of associated species and linking those transitions with key ecological processes and their modifying factors. This method could increase land manager's ability to implement EBIPM by allowing identification and prioritization of those ecological processes that appear to play a dominating role in vegetation dynamics. Close

• 53. [Article] Man and the land : an ecological history of fire and grazing on eastern Oregon rangelands

  Ecological and historical information are combined in examining the environmental influence of fire and grazing on rangelands in eastern Oregon through time. Competitive relationships between herbaceous ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Man and the land : an ecological history of fire and grazing on eastern Oregon rangelands Author: Shinn, Dean Allison Ecological and historical information are combined in examining the environmental influence of fire and grazing on rangelands in eastern Oregon through time. Competitive relationships between herbaceous and woody flora in the northern Great Basin are discussed, focusing broadly on the shrubsteppe regions 'of Franklin and Dyrness (1973) but with special reference to the Artemisia/Agropyron association. Impacts of native and domestic grazing animals and of cultural burning are traced from the distant past into recent history. During the Pleistocene Epoch North America supported a wide diversity of large mammals. Toward the end of the Pleistocene, many of these fauna became extinct, perhaps as a result of post-glacial climatic change, perhaps also under the influence of incoming primitive hunting cultures and their broadcast burning practices. Some question exists about the intensity of native grazing in the northern Great Basin during the last few thousand years. Actual levels of bison populations and the duration of their residence in the study area have not been determined. The character of indigenous vegetations, however, indicates that native grazing was relatively light for an extended period primevally. Twenty-four references to native cultural burning at the time of European contact were found in historical journals. Though the antiquity of these customs is uncertain, an analysis of Native American fire myths demonstrates the depth of native cultural perceptions of the relationship between man and fire, and supports the likelihood that fire was used primevally in the northern Great Basin as it was used by aboriginal peoples elsewhere in North America. With the influx of European culture during the 19th century, misapprehensions about fire among whites distorted the influence of native cultural burning. Exotic flora and fauna were introduced, and ecosystems began to change. Large herds of livestock depleted native herbaceous populations. Early irresponsible burning by whites became associated with declining rangeland resources, and efforts toward total fire suppression became incorporated in developing conservation policies. Native woody flora and exotics began to invade open rangeland communities. Climatic flux during the period of European settlement in the northern Great Basin may have exacerbated the impacts of intensified grazing and elimination of burning. Early photographs of rangelands in east-central Oregon were gathered; their dates range from 1880 to the early 1930's. Sites represented in these pictures were re-photographed in 1976. Photo-set comparisons show expansion of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) populations into rangeland ecosystems, demonstrating the consequences of cultural disturbances during the last 150 to 200 years. Title: Man and the land : an ecological history of fire and grazing on eastern Oregon rangelands Author: Shinn, Dean Allison Ecological and historical information are combined in examining the environmental influence of fire and grazing on rangelands in eastern Oregon through time. Competitive relationships between herbaceous and woody flora in the northern Great Basin are discussed, focusing broadly on the shrubsteppe regions 'of Franklin and Dyrness (1973) but with special reference to the Artemisia/Agropyron association. Impacts of native and domestic grazing animals and of cultural burning are traced from the distant past into recent history. During the Pleistocene Epoch North America supported a wide diversity of large mammals. Toward the end of the Pleistocene, many of these fauna became extinct, perhaps as a result of post-glacial climatic change, perhaps also under the influence of incoming primitive hunting cultures and their broadcast burning practices. Some question exists about the intensity of native grazing in the northern Great Basin during the last few thousand years. Actual levels of bison populations and the duration of their residence in the study area have not been determined. The character of indigenous vegetations, however, indicates that native grazing was relatively light for an extended period primevally. Twenty-four references to native cultural burning at the time of European contact were found in historical journals. Though the antiquity of these customs is uncertain, an analysis of Native American fire myths demonstrates the depth of native cultural perceptions of the relationship between man and fire, and supports the likelihood that fire was used primevally in the northern Great Basin as it was used by aboriginal peoples elsewhere in North America. With the influx of European culture during the 19th century, misapprehensions about fire among whites distorted the influence of native cultural burning. Exotic flora and fauna were introduced, and ecosystems began to change. Large herds of livestock depleted native herbaceous populations. Early irresponsible burning by whites became associated with declining rangeland resources, and efforts toward total fire suppression became incorporated in developing conservation policies. Native woody flora and exotics began to invade open rangeland communities. Climatic flux during the period of European settlement in the northern Great Basin may have exacerbated the impacts of intensified grazing and elimination of burning. Early photographs of rangelands in east-central Oregon were gathered; their dates range from 1880 to the early 1930's. Sites represented in these pictures were re-photographed in 1976. Photo-set comparisons show expansion of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) populations into rangeland ecosystems, demonstrating the consequences of cultural disturbances during the last 150 to 200 years. Close

• 54. [Article] Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland

  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 International ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland Author: Pekin, Burak K., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Naylor, Bridgett J. 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 International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John WIley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Title: Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland Author: Pekin, Burak K., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Naylor, Bridgett J. 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 International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John WIley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Close

• 55. [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

• 56. [Article] Evidence for the Potential Hybridization of Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria in the Pacific Northwest.

  Coastal dunes are dynamic and unique ecosystems. On the Pacific coast, dunes are generally dominated by the beach grasses, Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria, two invasive species introduced ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evidence for the Potential Hybridization of Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria in the Pacific Northwest. Author: Borland, Joshua J. Coastal dunes are dynamic and unique ecosystems. On the Pacific coast, dunes are generally dominated by the beach grasses, Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria, two invasive species introduced in the early 1900’s to stabilize sand and create foredunes that serve to protect people who live behind them. Recently, a novel variant of Ammophila, a potential hybrid of the two congeners, has been observed on the coast and this project was aimed at investigating the possible source of this unique grass. To investigate, I measured morphological traits among four different grasses, A. arenaria, A. breviligulata, Elymus mollis and the potential hybrid. The potential hybrid was shown to be statistically different in morphology when compared to the other Ammophila species, and the native out-group E. mollis, including; intermediate ligule length, number of tillers per plant, and above ground biomass but greater tillers per m², tiller length, and below ground biomass. Further studies are needed on the presumed hybrid to confirm its genetic background, as well as its potential effects on the dune ecosystem. In particular, can it compete with its parent or native species and will it change the shape of the dune through biophysical feedbacks, thus altering coastal protection. Title: Evidence for the Potential Hybridization of Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria in the Pacific Northwest. Author: Borland, Joshua J. Coastal dunes are dynamic and unique ecosystems. On the Pacific coast, dunes are generally dominated by the beach grasses, Ammophila breviligulata and Ammophila arenaria, two invasive species introduced in the early 1900’s to stabilize sand and create foredunes that serve to protect people who live behind them. Recently, a novel variant of Ammophila, a potential hybrid of the two congeners, has been observed on the coast and this project was aimed at investigating the possible source of this unique grass. To investigate, I measured morphological traits among four different grasses, A. arenaria, A. breviligulata, Elymus mollis and the potential hybrid. The potential hybrid was shown to be statistically different in morphology when compared to the other Ammophila species, and the native out-group E. mollis, including; intermediate ligule length, number of tillers per plant, and above ground biomass but greater tillers per m², tiller length, and below ground biomass. Further studies are needed on the presumed hybrid to confirm its genetic background, as well as its potential effects on the dune ecosystem. In particular, can it compete with its parent or native species and will it change the shape of the dune through biophysical feedbacks, thus altering coastal protection. Close

• 57. [Article] The economic value of native pollinators in regard to Oregon blueberry production

  Blueberry production in Oregon is highly reliant upon the ecosystem services of native pollinators, which provide as much as a quarter of the total pollination services received by Blueberry growers. However, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The economic value of native pollinators in regard to Oregon blueberry production Author: Ritter, Daniel J. (Daniel James) Blueberry production in Oregon is highly reliant upon the ecosystem services of native pollinators, which provide as much as a quarter of the total pollination services received by Blueberry growers. However, the health of these pollinator populations may be affected in yet unforeseen ways as growers adopt new pest management regimes to combat a new invasive pest, spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila susukii). In order to fully understand what is at stake with the usage of new regimes, this paper attempts to put monetary values to the services currently provided by native pollinators. The benefits of these services were analyzed from the perspective of both producers and consumers of Oregon blueberries through the use of the welfare measures of producer and consumer surplus. Welfare measures were derived for two separate scenarios, one of which holds Oregon blueberry prices constant while the other has Oregon blueberry prices fluctuate with supply. Using these methods, the calculated total welfare from native pollinator services ranged from $9 to a high of $41 million. Title: The economic value of native pollinators in regard to Oregon blueberry production Author: Ritter, Daniel J. (Daniel James) Blueberry production in Oregon is highly reliant upon the ecosystem services of native pollinators, which provide as much as a quarter of the total pollination services received by Blueberry growers. However, the health of these pollinator populations may be affected in yet unforeseen ways as growers adopt new pest management regimes to combat a new invasive pest, spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila susukii). In order to fully understand what is at stake with the usage of new regimes, this paper attempts to put monetary values to the services currently provided by native pollinators. The benefits of these services were analyzed from the perspective of both producers and consumers of Oregon blueberries through the use of the welfare measures of producer and consumer surplus. Welfare measures were derived for two separate scenarios, one of which holds Oregon blueberry prices constant while the other has Oregon blueberry prices fluctuate with supply. Using these methods, the calculated total welfare from native pollinator services ranged from $9 to a high of $41 million. Close

• 58. [Article] Final report: Predicting field establishment rates from standardized plant traits - Year two of: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management

  Willamette Valley wetland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species (Wilson et al. 1993, Noss et al. 1995, USFWS 2000, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report: Predicting field establishment rates from standardized plant traits - Year two of: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management Author: Wilson, Mark V., Roberts, Rachel E., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species (Wilson et al. 1993, Noss et al. 1995, USFWS 2000, Schultz et al. 2003). A rigorous program of ecosystem restoration can protect and enhance wetland plants, animals, and services (Pywell and Putwain 1996). The restoration projects of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) comprise one of the few large-scale and long-term integrated restoration programs in the world. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program (Wilson 2004). In year two, our objectives were to expand on these results in several important ways: • Generalize these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • Systematically compile the results into a trait database. This database includes findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • Testing the effect of habitat variation on the relationship between traits and seedling establishment patterns. Our goal is to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, in this case establishment rates, based on species traits and habitat. These predictions can then be applied as management recommendations, such as which species to sow to maximize native plant abundance at a given site, even if the species have not been field tested. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Title: Final report: Predicting field establishment rates from standardized plant traits - Year two of: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management Author: Wilson, Mark V., Roberts, Rachel E., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species (Wilson et al. 1993, Noss et al. 1995, USFWS 2000, Schultz et al. 2003). A rigorous program of ecosystem restoration can protect and enhance wetland plants, animals, and services (Pywell and Putwain 1996). The restoration projects of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) comprise one of the few large-scale and long-term integrated restoration programs in the world. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program (Wilson 2004). In year two, our objectives were to expand on these results in several important ways: • Generalize these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • Systematically compile the results into a trait database. This database includes findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • Testing the effect of habitat variation on the relationship between traits and seedling establishment patterns. Our goal is to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, in this case establishment rates, based on species traits and habitat. These predictions can then be applied as management recommendations, such as which species to sow to maximize native plant abundance at a given site, even if the species have not been field tested. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Close

• 59. [Article] Evaluating taxonomic homogenization of freshwater fish assemblages in Chile

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by SpringerOpen. The published article can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/40693

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating taxonomic homogenization of freshwater fish assemblages in Chile Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Gomez-Uchida, Daniel, Vargas, Pamela V. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by SpringerOpen. The published article can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/40693 Title: Evaluating taxonomic homogenization of freshwater fish assemblages in Chile Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Gomez-Uchida, Daniel, Vargas, Pamela V. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by SpringerOpen. The published article can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/40693 Close

• 60. [Article] Ecological Change on California’s Channel Islands from the Pleistocene to the Anthropocene

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecological Change on California’s Channel Islands from the Pleistocene to the Anthropocene Author: Ghalambor, Cameron K., Still, Christopher, Rick, Torben C., et al., Sillett, T. Scott To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://bioscience.oxfordjournals.org/. Title: Ecological Change on California’s Channel Islands from the Pleistocene to the Anthropocene Author: Ghalambor, Cameron K., Still, Christopher, Rick, Torben C., et al., Sillett, T. Scott To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://bioscience.oxfordjournals.org/. Close

• 61. [Article] Pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from Oregon waterways

  Described as one of the most destructive pathogens of agricultural crops and forest trees, Phytophthora is a genus of microorganisms containing over 100 known species. Phytophthora alni has caused collar ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from Oregon waterways Author: Navarro, Sarah M. Described as one of the most destructive pathogens of agricultural crops and forest trees, Phytophthora is a genus of microorganisms containing over 100 known species. Phytophthora alni has caused collar and root disease in alders throughout Europe and a form of the species has recently been isolated in North America. Red alder, Alnus rubra, is native to Oregon and has been reported to be suffering from dieback, which prompted a survey of their overall health as well as determining if P. alni was present. Over 1200 individual Phytophthora isolates were recovered in the survey, which are representative of 22 species and 2 taxa, including P. alni subsp. uniformis. High levels of mortality for red alder were not observed during the WORE survey, which suggests these Phytophthora species are not aggressive pathogens of red alder. In order to test the hypothesis that red alder is not susceptible to the twelve Phytophthora species recovered from western Oregon riparian ecosystems, a variety of pathogenicity tests were conducted. Twelve species of Phytophthora were selected from the Phytophthora species recovered from the western Oregon riparian ecosystem survey for pathogenicity testing. Red alder seedlings were selected for testing because they have adapted to survive in riparian ecosystems, which is where these Phytophthora species have been recovered. Pathogenicity tests conducted for this study demonstrated that the twelve Phytophthora species from the survey of riparian ecosystems were able to cause minor disease symptoms on red alder, but did not cause the same symptoms observed during the WORE survey. Phytophthora species have the potential to have global impacts on forest ecosystems, which can be mitigated by conducting research on indigenous species before they become global issues of forest health. Title: Pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from Oregon waterways Author: Navarro, Sarah M. Described as one of the most destructive pathogens of agricultural crops and forest trees, Phytophthora is a genus of microorganisms containing over 100 known species. Phytophthora alni has caused collar and root disease in alders throughout Europe and a form of the species has recently been isolated in North America. Red alder, Alnus rubra, is native to Oregon and has been reported to be suffering from dieback, which prompted a survey of their overall health as well as determining if P. alni was present. Over 1200 individual Phytophthora isolates were recovered in the survey, which are representative of 22 species and 2 taxa, including P. alni subsp. uniformis. High levels of mortality for red alder were not observed during the WORE survey, which suggests these Phytophthora species are not aggressive pathogens of red alder. In order to test the hypothesis that red alder is not susceptible to the twelve Phytophthora species recovered from western Oregon riparian ecosystems, a variety of pathogenicity tests were conducted. Twelve species of Phytophthora were selected from the Phytophthora species recovered from the western Oregon riparian ecosystem survey for pathogenicity testing. Red alder seedlings were selected for testing because they have adapted to survive in riparian ecosystems, which is where these Phytophthora species have been recovered. Pathogenicity tests conducted for this study demonstrated that the twelve Phytophthora species from the survey of riparian ecosystems were able to cause minor disease symptoms on red alder, but did not cause the same symptoms observed during the WORE survey. Phytophthora species have the potential to have global impacts on forest ecosystems, which can be mitigated by conducting research on indigenous species before they become global issues of forest health. Close

• 62. [Article] Stress-gradient hypothesis explains susceptibility to Bromus tectorum invasion and community stability in North America's semi-arid Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis ecosystems

  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 International Association ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stress-gradient hypothesis explains susceptibility to Bromus tectorum invasion and community stability in North America's semi-arid Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis ecosystems Author: Doescher, Paul S., Reisner, Michael D., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-1103 Title: Stress-gradient hypothesis explains susceptibility to Bromus tectorum invasion and community stability in North America's semi-arid Artemisia tridentata wyomingensis ecosystems Author: Doescher, Paul S., Reisner, Michael D., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-1103 Close

• 63. [Article] Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR

  Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Blakeley-Smith, Matt, Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce, Wilson, Mark V. Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling with herbicides. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Title: Final report, year two: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1514 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Blakeley-Smith, Matt, Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce, Wilson, Mark V. Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling with herbicides. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Close

• 64. [Article] Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR

  Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Wilson, Mark V., Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Title: Final report [year one]: Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and restoration of rare native upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County ODA 1342 GR Author: Johnson, Deborah, Pfund, Fred, Hammond, Paul, Wilson, Mark V., Vomocil, Marc, Kaye, Tom, Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950-, Kelpsas, Bruce Our project goal is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum. This site is one of the three most important remaining habitats for the Fender’s blue butterfly and Kincaid’s lupine, listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. We propose to develop and implement herbicide treatments that control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation. We will also develop and implement measures to reestablish native species from seed after removal of Brachypodium sylvaticum. Conifers and mature shrubs that have encroached on the meadow, both on the edge and in the complex, will be removed by mechanical means or girdling. We propose to construct a buffer zone between the boundary of Butterfly Meadows and the neighboring intact forest and recently clear-cut areas, which are continuing sources of seed of Brachypodium sylvaticum invading Butterfly Meadows. This buffer zone will extend into both Starker Forest owned portions and OSU owned portions. To determine the success of control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and woody species and restoration of native vegetation, we will monitor changes in abundance of Brachypodium sylvaticum, woody species, and native vegetation. We will use monitoring results to adjust future Brachypodium sylvaticum control measures and native vegetation restoration measures as needed. Close

• 65. [Article] Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR

  We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Close

• 66. [Article] Padlock Ranch: carbon sequestration case study

  Case study.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Padlock Ranch: carbon sequestration case study Author: Gosnell, Hannah Case study. Title: Padlock Ranch: carbon sequestration case study Author: Gosnell, Hannah Case study. Close

• 67. [Article] Resilience and Resistance of Sagebrush Ecosystems: Implications for State and Transition Models and Management Treatments

  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 Society ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Resilience and Resistance of Sagebrush Ecosystems: Implications for State and Transition Models and Management Treatments Author: Chambers, Jeanne C., Board, David I., Schupp, Eugene W., Grace, James B., Roundy, Bruce A., Tausch, Robin J., Pyke, David A., Miller, Richard F. 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 Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Title: Resilience and Resistance of Sagebrush Ecosystems: Implications for State and Transition Models and Management Treatments Author: Chambers, Jeanne C., Board, David I., Schupp, Eugene W., Grace, James B., Roundy, Bruce A., Tausch, Robin J., Pyke, David A., Miller, Richard F. 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 Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Close

• 68. [Article] Nature in chains : the effects of Thomas Jefferson’s rectangular survey on a Pacific Northwest landscape

  Understanding the impact of humans on the environment has long been a topic of scholarly interest and debate. As environmental problems mount, accounts of historic ecological conditions and the factors ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Nature in chains : the effects of Thomas Jefferson’s rectangular survey on a Pacific Northwest landscape Author: Schweickert, Tina K. Understanding the impact of humans on the environment has long been a topic of scholarly interest and debate. As environmental problems mount, accounts of historic ecological conditions and the factors of change become increasingly useful. This study considers competing schools of interpretation about human impacts on ecological landscapes and develops a case study of one thirty-six square mile township in Oregon’s Waldo Hills. Built on evidence from 1851 surveyor notes, maps, journals, aerial photos, interviews, and contemporary environmental and ecological data, this study demonstrates a transformation from ecologically diverse ecosystems under the management of native peoples to ecologically depressed monoculture landscapes under industrialized agriculture. This thesis argues that the fundamental beliefs of human societies (i.e., worldviews) become expressed in the landscape. The nature-as-community view of the Kalapuya Indians resulted in a complex, curvilinear mosaic of prairie, savanna, and woodland. The individualized and rationalized view of the Euroamericans resulted in a simplified landscape of squared-off fields, channelized streams, and roads aligned to the survey grid. Thomas Jefferson’s rectangular survey, built on the ‘virtuous square’, is examined as a symbolic and tangible instrument of rapid expansion and exploitation across the American West. Understanding that worldviews become expressed in physical conditions may benefit those working to create sustainable futures; i.e., long-term and widespread ecological improvements will likely succeed only if society at large shares a fundamental belief in the value of healthy ecosystems. Title: Nature in chains : the effects of Thomas Jefferson’s rectangular survey on a Pacific Northwest landscape Author: Schweickert, Tina K. Understanding the impact of humans on the environment has long been a topic of scholarly interest and debate. As environmental problems mount, accounts of historic ecological conditions and the factors of change become increasingly useful. This study considers competing schools of interpretation about human impacts on ecological landscapes and develops a case study of one thirty-six square mile township in Oregon’s Waldo Hills. Built on evidence from 1851 surveyor notes, maps, journals, aerial photos, interviews, and contemporary environmental and ecological data, this study demonstrates a transformation from ecologically diverse ecosystems under the management of native peoples to ecologically depressed monoculture landscapes under industrialized agriculture. This thesis argues that the fundamental beliefs of human societies (i.e., worldviews) become expressed in the landscape. The nature-as-community view of the Kalapuya Indians resulted in a complex, curvilinear mosaic of prairie, savanna, and woodland. The individualized and rationalized view of the Euroamericans resulted in a simplified landscape of squared-off fields, channelized streams, and roads aligned to the survey grid. Thomas Jefferson’s rectangular survey, built on the ‘virtuous square’, is examined as a symbolic and tangible instrument of rapid expansion and exploitation across the American West. Understanding that worldviews become expressed in physical conditions may benefit those working to create sustainable futures; i.e., long-term and widespread ecological improvements will likely succeed only if society at large shares a fundamental belief in the value of healthy ecosystems. Close

• 69. [Article] Hydrological consequences of two native shrubs in semi-arid Senegal : patterns, processes, concepts and methods

  Water availability is a critical limiting element in semi-arid ecosystem productivity and presents particular challenges in Sahelian countries such as Senegal. The landscapes are characterized by the presence ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Hydrological consequences of two native shrubs in semi-arid Senegal : patterns, processes, concepts and methods Author: Kizito, Fred Water availability is a critical limiting element in semi-arid ecosystem productivity and presents particular challenges in Sahelian countries such as Senegal. The landscapes are characterized by the presence of two common semi-arid shrubs (Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis), both of which may be important hydraulic regulators in these water-limited ecosystems. Dry season observations revealed higher moisture levels in soil surrounding the shrub shallower roots relative to bare soil. This observation led us to hypothesize that these shrubs may participate in a natural irrigation phenomenon termed as "hydraulic redistribution" (HR). This dissertation reports on three studies performed to ascertain the existence of and investigate the characteristics of this hypothesized phenomenon. The first study investigated seasonal variability in soil water and shrub root patterns. Soil moisture content declined steadily in the 0.9-1.2 m depth range and increased in the 0.2-0.4 m depth range, which supports the HR hypothesis. The second study quantified plot scale water balance fluxes. Notably, shrub water uptake from the water table served as a crucial contribution to the system water balance. The third study investigated the magnitude and dynamics of HR during the dry season. Crop-shrub associations were evaluated from measurements of soil moisture and potential, root sap flow and plant physiological measurements. This study proved the existence of HR and quantified the HR magnitude (~0.1 mm d⁻¹). For shrubs and annual crops in close association with shrubs, HR clearly provides a mechanism for drought-stress avoidance and maintenance of plant physiological functions. At the landscape scale, the interplay between shrub root morphology and HR may play a vital role in ecosystem function with practical implications for nutrient cycling and water balance in arid ecosystems. Title: Hydrological consequences of two native shrubs in semi-arid Senegal : patterns, processes, concepts and methods Author: Kizito, Fred Water availability is a critical limiting element in semi-arid ecosystem productivity and presents particular challenges in Sahelian countries such as Senegal. The landscapes are characterized by the presence of two common semi-arid shrubs (Piliostigma reticulatum and Guiera senegalensis), both of which may be important hydraulic regulators in these water-limited ecosystems. Dry season observations revealed higher moisture levels in soil surrounding the shrub shallower roots relative to bare soil. This observation led us to hypothesize that these shrubs may participate in a natural irrigation phenomenon termed as "hydraulic redistribution" (HR). This dissertation reports on three studies performed to ascertain the existence of and investigate the characteristics of this hypothesized phenomenon. The first study investigated seasonal variability in soil water and shrub root patterns. Soil moisture content declined steadily in the 0.9-1.2 m depth range and increased in the 0.2-0.4 m depth range, which supports the HR hypothesis. The second study quantified plot scale water balance fluxes. Notably, shrub water uptake from the water table served as a crucial contribution to the system water balance. The third study investigated the magnitude and dynamics of HR during the dry season. Crop-shrub associations were evaluated from measurements of soil moisture and potential, root sap flow and plant physiological measurements. This study proved the existence of HR and quantified the HR magnitude (~0.1 mm d⁻¹). For shrubs and annual crops in close association with shrubs, HR clearly provides a mechanism for drought-stress avoidance and maintenance of plant physiological functions. At the landscape scale, the interplay between shrub root morphology and HR may play a vital role in ecosystem function with practical implications for nutrient cycling and water balance in arid ecosystems. Close

• 70. [Article] Interactive effects of silvicultural herbicides and cervid herbivory on early seral plant communities of the northern Oregon Coast Range

  Intensive forest management (IFM, dense conifer plantings and herbicide applications) may alter the characteristics of early seral plant communities that function as major habitat resources for a host ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Interactive effects of silvicultural herbicides and cervid herbivory on early seral plant communities of the northern Oregon Coast Range Author: Stokely, Thomas Intensive forest management (IFM, dense conifer plantings and herbicide applications) may alter the characteristics of early seral plant communities that function as major habitat resources for a host of wildlife species, including cervid herbivores such as Cervus elaphus and Odocoileus hemionus. Such large herbivores can also substantially affect plant community characteristics and succession, especially in disturbed early seral habitats. I hypothesized that the effect of cervid herbivory on early seral plant communities is mediated by the effect of silvicultural herbicide treatments. If that is the case, intensively treated stands with low plant cover and diversity should be most susceptible to herbivory, as cervids are less selective and herbivory impacts are highly concentrated where forage has been diminished. To test this hypothesis, I experimentally established paired 225 m² cervid Exclusion and Open-Herbivory treatment plots in 28, 12-15 ha early seral plantation stands throughout the northern Oregon Coast Range, USA, representing a gradient in IFM. The gradient included three herbicide treatments and a no-spray Control applied at the stand scale and replicated using a randomized complete block design. I compared estimates of cover, height and diversity for entire plant communities and specific functional groups among herbivory and herbicide treatments using mixed-effects models with a blocked split-plot design. I found convincing evidence that the effect of herbivory was mediated by herbicide treatment. No-spray Control stands were too vigorous, diverse and rich with native perennial herb and deciduous shrub forage to be substantially impacted by cervid herbivory. The herbaceous specific, Light herbicide treatment reduced Shannon diversity and the cover and richness of native-perennial herbs, releasing deciduous shrub height growth where cervids where excluded. Highly selective herbivory suppressed the shrub height response by 20.5 cm, increasing the abundance and richness of introduced herb species. The broad spectrum, Moderate herbicide treatment reduced diversity, forage cover and diminished the cover and richness of deciduous shrubs and native-perennial herbs, favoring the dominance of introduced-ruderal herbs. Herbivory in the Moderate treatment reduced total cover by 17.7 percent cover, moderate-quality forage cover by 13.2 percent cover and native perennial herb richness by 1.5 species, while suppressing the cover of introduced-ruderal herbs by 4.58 percent cover and reducing the height of ferns and introduced-perennial herbs by 19.9 and 17.3 cm, respectively. Plant communities subject to the Heavy treatment were the most depauperate of all and herbivory exacerbated the effect of this treatment on native-perennial herbs only. Average height of dominant vegetation was consistently lower with cervid access across all stands, especially with Moderate herbicide treatment. My results provide evidence that by reducing diversity and the abundance of native forage species, herbicide treatments altered herbivory selectivity and pressure. The alteration of herbivory pressure in turn influenced the outcome of herbicide treatments, resulting in an exacerbated effect with Moderate and Heavy treatments. The effect of herbivory in controlling vegetation in managed stands may have positive implications for conifer seedling growth, constituting a possible 'ecosystem service' by cervids in the Pacific Northwest. This 'service' may be to the detriment of biodiversity and other early seral associates when coupled with common intensive forest management practices. Title: Interactive effects of silvicultural herbicides and cervid herbivory on early seral plant communities of the northern Oregon Coast Range Author: Stokely, Thomas Intensive forest management (IFM, dense conifer plantings and herbicide applications) may alter the characteristics of early seral plant communities that function as major habitat resources for a host of wildlife species, including cervid herbivores such as Cervus elaphus and Odocoileus hemionus. Such large herbivores can also substantially affect plant community characteristics and succession, especially in disturbed early seral habitats. I hypothesized that the effect of cervid herbivory on early seral plant communities is mediated by the effect of silvicultural herbicide treatments. If that is the case, intensively treated stands with low plant cover and diversity should be most susceptible to herbivory, as cervids are less selective and herbivory impacts are highly concentrated where forage has been diminished. To test this hypothesis, I experimentally established paired 225 m² cervid Exclusion and Open-Herbivory treatment plots in 28, 12-15 ha early seral plantation stands throughout the northern Oregon Coast Range, USA, representing a gradient in IFM. The gradient included three herbicide treatments and a no-spray Control applied at the stand scale and replicated using a randomized complete block design. I compared estimates of cover, height and diversity for entire plant communities and specific functional groups among herbivory and herbicide treatments using mixed-effects models with a blocked split-plot design. I found convincing evidence that the effect of herbivory was mediated by herbicide treatment. No-spray Control stands were too vigorous, diverse and rich with native perennial herb and deciduous shrub forage to be substantially impacted by cervid herbivory. The herbaceous specific, Light herbicide treatment reduced Shannon diversity and the cover and richness of native-perennial herbs, releasing deciduous shrub height growth where cervids where excluded. Highly selective herbivory suppressed the shrub height response by 20.5 cm, increasing the abundance and richness of introduced herb species. The broad spectrum, Moderate herbicide treatment reduced diversity, forage cover and diminished the cover and richness of deciduous shrubs and native-perennial herbs, favoring the dominance of introduced-ruderal herbs. Herbivory in the Moderate treatment reduced total cover by 17.7 percent cover, moderate-quality forage cover by 13.2 percent cover and native perennial herb richness by 1.5 species, while suppressing the cover of introduced-ruderal herbs by 4.58 percent cover and reducing the height of ferns and introduced-perennial herbs by 19.9 and 17.3 cm, respectively. Plant communities subject to the Heavy treatment were the most depauperate of all and herbivory exacerbated the effect of this treatment on native-perennial herbs only. Average height of dominant vegetation was consistently lower with cervid access across all stands, especially with Moderate herbicide treatment. My results provide evidence that by reducing diversity and the abundance of native forage species, herbicide treatments altered herbivory selectivity and pressure. The alteration of herbivory pressure in turn influenced the outcome of herbicide treatments, resulting in an exacerbated effect with Moderate and Heavy treatments. The effect of herbivory in controlling vegetation in managed stands may have positive implications for conifer seedling growth, constituting a possible 'ecosystem service' by cervids in the Pacific Northwest. This 'service' may be to the detriment of biodiversity and other early seral associates when coupled with common intensive forest management practices. Close

• 71. [Article] Impacts of fuel reduction thinning treatments on oak and chaparral communities of southwestern Oregon

  In response to concerns about excessive stand densities and high-severity wildfires, land managers in the western United States are carrying out extensive programs of fuel reduction thinning. How will ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Impacts of fuel reduction thinning treatments on oak and chaparral communities of southwestern Oregon Author: Perchemlides, Keith A. In response to concerns about excessive stand densities and high-severity wildfires, land managers in the western United States are carrying out extensive programs of fuel reduction thinning. How will these sudden reductions in canopy cover and associated changes in habitat affect native and exotic herbaceous vegetation and canopy species regeneration? Where thinning treatments have both fuel-reduction and ecological restoration objectives, to what extent are these goals compatible? I compared vegetation and abiotic site characteristics between thinned and unthinned chaparral and oak communities of southwestern Oregon where landscape-scale fuel-reduction thinning is occurring. I sampled paired thinned and unthinned transects, established four to seven years post-treatment. I also contrasted impacts of manual vs. mechanical thinning methods, and examined differences in herbaceous composition and responses among canopy community types. Thinning treatments had significant impacts on site conditions and herbaceous cover and composition. Herbaceous cover increased on thinned sites, but species richness and diversity did not change. The strongest differences were decreases in perennial species cover and a near doubling of cover by annual species on thinned sites. While overall proportions of natives and exotics did not change, there were changes at the functional group level. Exotic annual grass cover and the proportion of herbaceous community cover composed of these species increased, while cover by native perennial grasses and regeneration of oaks did not. Cover and proportion of native annual forbs increased more than all other functional groups, while exotic annual forbs and native perennial forbs declined. Herbaceous communities at thinned sites had an early-post-disturbance type of composition dominated by native annual forbs and exotic annual grasses four to seven years after treatments. Re-establishment of native shrubs was sparse in thinned areas, likely due to a lack of fire-stimulated germination. Sites that varied in canopy species composition also supported different herbaceous communities in the absence of thinning, and appeared to respond differently to fuel reduction treatments. Manual and mechanical treatment impacts on abiotic site conditions differed, but their overall impacts on vegetation across canopy community types did not. Treatment type differences in herbaceous responses to thinning were found within some canopy vegetation groups, but sample sizes were small. Results suggest that fuel-reduction thinning may have some unintended negative impacts on oak and chaparral communities of southwestern Oregon. Although treatments have altered fuel conditions, thinning does not appear to have achieved restoration goals and may have substantially changed the composition and regeneration of native perennial communities including canopy species. Continued research and expanded monitoring that account for differences between canopy vegetation communities and treatment types are needed to inform adaptive management in these ecosystems. Title: Impacts of fuel reduction thinning treatments on oak and chaparral communities of southwestern Oregon Author: Perchemlides, Keith A. In response to concerns about excessive stand densities and high-severity wildfires, land managers in the western United States are carrying out extensive programs of fuel reduction thinning. How will these sudden reductions in canopy cover and associated changes in habitat affect native and exotic herbaceous vegetation and canopy species regeneration? Where thinning treatments have both fuel-reduction and ecological restoration objectives, to what extent are these goals compatible? I compared vegetation and abiotic site characteristics between thinned and unthinned chaparral and oak communities of southwestern Oregon where landscape-scale fuel-reduction thinning is occurring. I sampled paired thinned and unthinned transects, established four to seven years post-treatment. I also contrasted impacts of manual vs. mechanical thinning methods, and examined differences in herbaceous composition and responses among canopy community types. Thinning treatments had significant impacts on site conditions and herbaceous cover and composition. Herbaceous cover increased on thinned sites, but species richness and diversity did not change. The strongest differences were decreases in perennial species cover and a near doubling of cover by annual species on thinned sites. While overall proportions of natives and exotics did not change, there were changes at the functional group level. Exotic annual grass cover and the proportion of herbaceous community cover composed of these species increased, while cover by native perennial grasses and regeneration of oaks did not. Cover and proportion of native annual forbs increased more than all other functional groups, while exotic annual forbs and native perennial forbs declined. Herbaceous communities at thinned sites had an early-post-disturbance type of composition dominated by native annual forbs and exotic annual grasses four to seven years after treatments. Re-establishment of native shrubs was sparse in thinned areas, likely due to a lack of fire-stimulated germination. Sites that varied in canopy species composition also supported different herbaceous communities in the absence of thinning, and appeared to respond differently to fuel reduction treatments. Manual and mechanical treatment impacts on abiotic site conditions differed, but their overall impacts on vegetation across canopy community types did not. Treatment type differences in herbaceous responses to thinning were found within some canopy vegetation groups, but sample sizes were small. Results suggest that fuel-reduction thinning may have some unintended negative impacts on oak and chaparral communities of southwestern Oregon. Although treatments have altered fuel conditions, thinning does not appear to have achieved restoration goals and may have substantially changed the composition and regeneration of native perennial communities including canopy species. Continued research and expanded monitoring that account for differences between canopy vegetation communities and treatment types are needed to inform adaptive management in these ecosystems. Close

• 72. [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

• 73. [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

• 74. [Article] Treatment options for controlling Brachypodium sylvaticum and impacts on native vegetation

  Invasive vegetation control studies traditionally aim to control existing populations as well as limit future spread of the species. However, little additional attention has been dedicated to aiding native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Treatment options for controlling Brachypodium sylvaticum and impacts on native vegetation Author: Fjeran, Taylor K. Invasive vegetation control studies traditionally aim to control existing populations as well as limit future spread of the species. However, little additional attention has been dedicated to aiding native communities to recover and reestablish. One prominent example of a studied invasive is Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds.) P. Beauv. (false brome), a bunchgrass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but invasive to North America. B. sylvaticum is capable of forming dense monocultures under forested canopies in North America. Such invasions can detrimentally affect the ecological functions and processes of an inhabited ecosystem. To address the negative ecological effects of this grass' invasion, this study evaluated how herbicide and prescribed burns, singly and in combination, affected B. sylvaticum abundance and the surrounding plant community in western Oregon foothills. The specific objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the most effective treatment in reducing B. sylvaticum abundance or cover in the field, 2) evaluate how different treatments alter total plant community cover, excluding B. sylvaticum, 3) assess residual seed bank following prescribed treatments, and 4) describe compositional changes in the plant communities after one growing season following control treatments. My study was located in Oregon State University's McDonald Forest under a split-plot design with 12 blocks total and 10 treatments randomly assigned within each block, which included the use of two herbicides and prescribed burning in various combinations, for a total of 9 treatments and a no-treatment control. All treatments that involved application of an aggressive, broad-spectrum, foliar herbicide applied in the summer were most effective in reducing not only the existing B. sylvaticum in the field, but also the residual seed bank one year after application, while maintaining native community seed bank abundance. A prescribed burn following the aforementioned summer herbicide demonstrated no added benefit in controlling B. sylvaticum. Less intense fall prescribed burns without a previous broad-spectrum herbicide treatment may promote B. sylvaticum growth. All treatments involving the aggressive summer herbicide displayed significant reductions in total native species cover and species richness compared to the controls. Treatments without this herbicide demonstrated richness and diversity similar to the controls, but the remaining species after one growing season were primarily dominant shrubs or non-native weeds. Using multivariate community analysis, I documented a shift in species composition due to treatment in which the strongest effect also associated with summer herbicide application. This study now serves as a baseline to develop and refine cost-effective techniques for both controlling B. sylvaticum populations in the Oregon Coast Range and restoring invaded native plant communities. Future studies should monitor any responding B. sylvaticum populations and species composition beyond the first growing season, consider incorporating multiple applications of such treatments, and quantify seed recruitment by both B. sylvaticum and native species. Title: Treatment options for controlling Brachypodium sylvaticum and impacts on native vegetation Author: Fjeran, Taylor K. Invasive vegetation control studies traditionally aim to control existing populations as well as limit future spread of the species. However, little additional attention has been dedicated to aiding native communities to recover and reestablish. One prominent example of a studied invasive is Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds.) P. Beauv. (false brome), a bunchgrass native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but invasive to North America. B. sylvaticum is capable of forming dense monocultures under forested canopies in North America. Such invasions can detrimentally affect the ecological functions and processes of an inhabited ecosystem. To address the negative ecological effects of this grass' invasion, this study evaluated how herbicide and prescribed burns, singly and in combination, affected B. sylvaticum abundance and the surrounding plant community in western Oregon foothills. The specific objectives of this study were to: 1) determine the most effective treatment in reducing B. sylvaticum abundance or cover in the field, 2) evaluate how different treatments alter total plant community cover, excluding B. sylvaticum, 3) assess residual seed bank following prescribed treatments, and 4) describe compositional changes in the plant communities after one growing season following control treatments. My study was located in Oregon State University's McDonald Forest under a split-plot design with 12 blocks total and 10 treatments randomly assigned within each block, which included the use of two herbicides and prescribed burning in various combinations, for a total of 9 treatments and a no-treatment control. All treatments that involved application of an aggressive, broad-spectrum, foliar herbicide applied in the summer were most effective in reducing not only the existing B. sylvaticum in the field, but also the residual seed bank one year after application, while maintaining native community seed bank abundance. A prescribed burn following the aforementioned summer herbicide demonstrated no added benefit in controlling B. sylvaticum. Less intense fall prescribed burns without a previous broad-spectrum herbicide treatment may promote B. sylvaticum growth. All treatments involving the aggressive summer herbicide displayed significant reductions in total native species cover and species richness compared to the controls. Treatments without this herbicide demonstrated richness and diversity similar to the controls, but the remaining species after one growing season were primarily dominant shrubs or non-native weeds. Using multivariate community analysis, I documented a shift in species composition due to treatment in which the strongest effect also associated with summer herbicide application. This study now serves as a baseline to develop and refine cost-effective techniques for both controlling B. sylvaticum populations in the Oregon Coast Range and restoring invaded native plant communities. Future studies should monitor any responding B. sylvaticum populations and species composition beyond the first growing season, consider incorporating multiple applications of such treatments, and quantify seed recruitment by both B. sylvaticum and native species. Close

• 75. [Article] Biophysical feedback mediates effects of invasive grasses on coastal dune shape

  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: Biophysical feedback mediates effects of invasive grasses on coastal dune shape Author: Zarnetske, Phoebe L., Seabloom, Eric W., Hacker, Sally D., Killian, Jason R., Maddux, Timothy B., Cox, Daniel, Ruggiero, Peter 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: Biophysical feedback mediates effects of invasive grasses on coastal dune shape Author: Zarnetske, Phoebe L., Seabloom, Eric W., Hacker, Sally D., Killian, Jason R., Maddux, Timothy B., Cox, Daniel, Ruggiero, Peter 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

• 76. [Article] Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Alverson, Edward R., VanderSchaaf, Dick, Kagan, James S., Christy, John A., Titus, John H. As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian plant communities and their threatened biota in the Willamette Valley. Between October 1994 and September 1996, we evaluated 172 wetland and riparian sites throughout the Willamette Valley. A site is a stream or river reach or wetland area that was inventoried at one to many locations. Of these sites, 21 are high-quality remnants important for future protection and restoration efforts. We identified 153 natural communities as occurring in native wetland and riparian habitats, of which 101 are new to the plant community classification of the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. Twenty-six species of rare animals and 23 species of rare plants occur in the Willamette Valley. Thirty-two species of rare plants and animals appear to be directly dependent on wetland and riparian communities in the Willamette Valley, and twenty-two species are dependent on upland communities in the Willamette Valley. Mapping of presettlement vegetation in the Willamette Valley indicates that 456,119 hectares (1,127,071 ac) of wetland and riparian habitat have been lost overall, with 12 communities impacted in particular. As for uplands, 732,432 hectares (1,809,841 ac) of habitat have been lost overall, with 7 natural communities impacted in particular. We recommend local citizen involvement, land purchases and restoration as means of protecting and restoring remnant ecosystems and their biota in the Willamette Valley. Title: Native wetland, riparian, and upland plant communities and their biota in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Alverson, Edward R., VanderSchaaf, Dick, Kagan, James S., Christy, John A., Titus, John H. As part of the Willamette Basin Geographic Initiative Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded The Nature Conservancy of Oregon to inventory, classify, and map native wetland and riparian plant communities and their threatened biota in the Willamette Valley. Between October 1994 and September 1996, we evaluated 172 wetland and riparian sites throughout the Willamette Valley. A site is a stream or river reach or wetland area that was inventoried at one to many locations. Of these sites, 21 are high-quality remnants important for future protection and restoration efforts. We identified 153 natural communities as occurring in native wetland and riparian habitats, of which 101 are new to the plant community classification of the Oregon Natural Heritage Program. Twenty-six species of rare animals and 23 species of rare plants occur in the Willamette Valley. Thirty-two species of rare plants and animals appear to be directly dependent on wetland and riparian communities in the Willamette Valley, and twenty-two species are dependent on upland communities in the Willamette Valley. Mapping of presettlement vegetation in the Willamette Valley indicates that 456,119 hectares (1,127,071 ac) of wetland and riparian habitat have been lost overall, with 12 communities impacted in particular. As for uplands, 732,432 hectares (1,809,841 ac) of habitat have been lost overall, with 7 natural communities impacted in particular. We recommend local citizen involvement, land purchases and restoration as means of protecting and restoring remnant ecosystems and their biota in the Willamette Valley. Close

• 77. [Article] A global assessment of freshwater fish introductions in Mediterranean-climate regions

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10750.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A global assessment of freshwater fish introductions in Mediterranean-climate regions Author: Tarkan, A. Serhan, Sanda, Radek, Arismendi, Ivan, Olden, Julian D., Garcia-Berthou, Emili, Caleta, Marko, Leprieur, Fabien, Morgan, David L., Nocita, Annamaria, Marr, Sean M. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10750. Title: A global assessment of freshwater fish introductions in Mediterranean-climate regions Author: Tarkan, A. Serhan, Sanda, Radek, Arismendi, Ivan, Olden, Julian D., Garcia-Berthou, Emili, Caleta, Marko, Leprieur, Fabien, Morgan, David L., Nocita, Annamaria, Marr, Sean M. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/10750. Close

• 78. [Article] Marine species invasions in estuaries and harbors

  The version of record is embargoed until 03-08-2016. The final peer reviewed, accepted manuscript is available without an embargo. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine species invasions in estuaries and harbors Author: Briggs, John C. The version of record is embargoed until 03-08-2016. The final peer reviewed, accepted manuscript is available without an embargo. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/. Title: Marine species invasions in estuaries and harbors Author: Briggs, John C. The version of record is embargoed until 03-08-2016. The final peer reviewed, accepted manuscript is available without an embargo. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/. Close

• 79. [Article] Field guide to common fish of the Willamette Valley floodplain

  Published June 2014. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Field guide to common fish of the Willamette Valley floodplain Author: Withrow-Robinson, Brad, Williams, Josh E., Giannico, Guillermo R., Oregon State University. Extension Service Published June 2014. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Title: Field guide to common fish of the Willamette Valley floodplain Author: Withrow-Robinson, Brad, Williams, Josh E., Giannico, Guillermo R., Oregon State University. Extension Service Published June 2014. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Close

• 80. [Article] Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly

  Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). This site is one of three most important remaining habitats for the Fender's blue butterfly and Kincaid's lupine, federally listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. Most of Butterfly Meadows is owned by Starker Forests (Corvallis) with a small portion owned by Oregon State University. A partnership was formed in 2002 of people and organizations interested in protecting and restoring Butterfly Meadows: Fred Pfund (Starker Forests) Matt Blakeley-Smith (Institute for Applied Ecology) Deborah Clark (Oregon State University, Biology Program) Paul Hammond (Entomologist, Private consultant) Debbie Johnson (Oregon State University, College Forests) Tom Kaye (Institute for Applied Ecology) Bruce Kelpsas (Helena Chemical Company) In fall 2002, the partnership submitted a proposal (Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and Restoration of Rare Native Upland Prairie Habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County) and received funding from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The project goal was and is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Since receiving funding in 2002, the partnership has developed and implemented herbicide treatments, beginning with small scale experiments, which control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation or the Fender's blue butterfly. We used the results of these small-scale experiments to develop strategies for restoration of larger areas of the Butterfly Meadows, which Starker Forests has implemented at its own expense. These strategies have been relatively successful in controlling false brome, but we are now at a time where we need to revegetate these areas where false brome has been controlled. These areas are too large to quickly revegetate with existing native herbaceous species, so we need to augment the site with additional seed. Transplanting greenhouse grown plants is also an option but is much more costly. We hope to apply for additional funding elsewhere for these transplants. Title: Native plant revegetation at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), habitat for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. One of the largest remaining parcels of native upland prairie, Butterfly Meadows (Benton County), is being invaded by Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). This site is one of three most important remaining habitats for the Fender's blue butterfly and Kincaid's lupine, federally listed as Endangered and Threatened respectively. Most of Butterfly Meadows is owned by Starker Forests (Corvallis) with a small portion owned by Oregon State University. A partnership was formed in 2002 of people and organizations interested in protecting and restoring Butterfly Meadows: Fred Pfund (Starker Forests) Matt Blakeley-Smith (Institute for Applied Ecology) Deborah Clark (Oregon State University, Biology Program) Paul Hammond (Entomologist, Private consultant) Debbie Johnson (Oregon State University, College Forests) Tom Kaye (Institute for Applied Ecology) Bruce Kelpsas (Helena Chemical Company) In fall 2002, the partnership submitted a proposal (Control of Brachypodium sylvaticum and Restoration of Rare Native Upland Prairie Habitat at Butterfly Meadows, Benton County) and received funding from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The project goal was and is to protect and restore rare Willamette Valley upland prairie habitat at Butterfly Meadows (Benton County) from invasion by the noxious weed Brachypodium sylvaticum (false brome). Since receiving funding in 2002, the partnership has developed and implemented herbicide treatments, beginning with small scale experiments, which control Brachypodium sylvaticum without harming native prairie vegetation or the Fender's blue butterfly. We used the results of these small-scale experiments to develop strategies for restoration of larger areas of the Butterfly Meadows, which Starker Forests has implemented at its own expense. These strategies have been relatively successful in controlling false brome, but we are now at a time where we need to revegetate these areas where false brome has been controlled. These areas are too large to quickly revegetate with existing native herbaceous species, so we need to augment the site with additional seed. Transplanting greenhouse grown plants is also an option but is much more costly. We hope to apply for additional funding elsewhere for these transplants. Close

• 81. [Article] Multidisciplinary, Multisite Evaluation of Alternative Sagebrush Steppe Restoration Treatments: The SageSTEP Project

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.srmjournals.or...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Multidisciplinary, Multisite Evaluation of Alternative Sagebrush Steppe Restoration Treatments: The SageSTEP Project Author: Brunson, Mark, McIver, James This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.srmjournals.org/ Title: Multidisciplinary, Multisite Evaluation of Alternative Sagebrush Steppe Restoration Treatments: The SageSTEP Project Author: Brunson, Mark, McIver, James This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.srmjournals.org/ Close

• 82. [Article] Recreational fisheries in the USA: economics, management strategies, and ecological threats

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science and published by Springer. It can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/125...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recreational fisheries in the USA: economics, management strategies, and ecological threats Author: Hughes, Robert M. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science and published by Springer. It can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/12562 Title: Recreational fisheries in the USA: economics, management strategies, and ecological threats Author: Hughes, Robert M. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science and published by Springer. It can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/12562 Close

• 83. [Article] Are salmon-derived nutrients being incorporated in food webs of invaded streams? Evidence from southern Chile

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences for the Office National de l'Eau et des Milieux Aquatiques (ONEMA)and can be found at: http://www.kmae-journal.o...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Are salmon-derived nutrients being incorporated in food webs of invaded streams? Evidence from southern Chile Author: Soto, D., Arismendi, I. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences for the Office National de l'Eau et des Milieux Aquatiques (ONEMA)and can be found at: http://www.kmae-journal.org/. Title: Are salmon-derived nutrients being incorporated in food webs of invaded streams? Evidence from southern Chile Author: Soto, D., Arismendi, I. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences for the Office National de l'Eau et des Milieux Aquatiques (ONEMA)and can be found at: http://www.kmae-journal.org/. Close

• 84. [Article] Ecological effects of post-wildfire management activities (salvage-logging and grass-seeding) on vegetation composition, diversity, biomass, and growth and survival of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata

  Salvage-logging and artificial seeding of grass following wildfire are common practices in coniferous forests of the western United States, yet few studies have quantified the ecological effects of these ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecological effects of post-wildfire management activities (salvage-logging and grass-seeding) on vegetation composition, diversity, biomass, and growth and survival of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata Author: Sexton, Timothy Ogden Salvage-logging and artificial seeding of grass following wildfire are common practices in coniferous forests of the western United States, yet few studies have quantified the ecological effects of these post-fire activities. The effects of post-wildfire salvage-logging and grass-seeding on vegetation composition, aboveground biomass, and growth and survival of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata were quantified on the area burned by the 1992 Lone Pine Fire, Winema National Forest in the Klamath Basin, Oregon. Prior to the fire, the area was dominated by uneven-aged stands of Pinus ponderosa with Purshia tridentata and Stipa occidentalis in the understory. The fire was a stand-replacement disturbance, where the majority of trees, the herbaceous component, and crowns of understory shrubs were killed. Salvage logging resulted in a significant decrease in understory biomass, species richness, species diversity, and growth and survival of P. ponderosa and P. tridentata. In addition plant community composition was shifted from native forb dominance to grass dominance. In 1993, the understory biomass of salvage-logged sites was 38% of the aboveground biomass produced on nonsalvaged sites (322 kg ha^-1 vs 843 kg ha^-1). In 1994, salvage-logged sites produced only 27% of the biomass produced on nonsalvaged sites (402 kg ha^-1 vs 1468 kg ha^-1). Salvage-logging reduced species richness, species diversity, and altered species composition. The first and second years following logging, species richness was reduced by 13% (20 versus 23), and 30% (15 versus 22), respectively. In 1993 and 1994, native forb frequency on nonsalvaged sites was 80% and 77% respectively, while salvage-logged sites recorded 68% and 31% respectively. Conversely, graminoid frequency was significantly higher on salvage-logged sites. In 1994, native graminoid frequency was 35% in nonsalvaged sites and > 61% on salvage-logged sites. During the first two years following salvage-logging, mean height growth of naturally-regenerated Pinus ponderosa was significantly lower on salvaged sites (9.4 versus 7.8 cm yr^-1) as was density of natural Purshia tridentata seedlings (313 versus 530 seedlings ha^-1). Survival in salvage-logged treatments was 22% lower for planted Purshia tridentata seedlings (57% versus 45%). Height growth in salvage-logged treatments was 16% lower for planted Pinus ponderosa (4.4 versus 3.7 cm). Total aboveground biomass on nonsalvaged burned sites (controls) averaged 843 kg ha^-1 in 1993, and 1473 kg ha^-1 in 1994. In 1993, the first year following the fire, sites seeded to Secale cereale produced = 1995 kg ha^-1 total aboveground biomass; most of the biomass was S. cereale. Those seeded sites produced 89% less native forb biomass than controls (82 versus 780 kg ha^-1), and = 80% less native forb biomass than areas seeded to the native grasses Sitanion hystrix and Festuca idahoensis. In 1994, the second post-fire year, biomass on sites seeded to S. cereale was >1653 kg ha^-1, dominated by S. cereale. In 1994, no differences in total aboveground biomass were detected between S. cereale, F idahoensis, S. hystrix, and the Control, indicating that the erosion reducing benefits of grass-seeding did not last for more than one year. Treatments seeded with S. cereale produced 58% less native forb biomass than controls (350 versus 825 kg ha^-1). Seeding S. cereale also reduced by 69% the biomass ofStipa occidentalis, the most common native grass in the area (311 kg ha^-1 on control sites versus 96 kg ha^-1 on S. cereale sites). In 1993 and 1994, fewer species were recorded on S. cereale sites than on all other sites. Grass-seeded sites exhibited no significant differences in frequency of noxious weeds in either of the two years following wildfire and seeding, rejecting the hypothesis that grass-seeding reduces noxious weeds. However, native graminoid frequency was reduced on all grass-seeded treatments. There were no significant differences between grass-seeding treatments in height and density of natural P. ponderosa and P. tridentata seedlings or growth and survival of planted P. ponderosa and P. tridentata seedlings. While salvage-logging provides an economic benefit to local communities through the extraction of commercially valuable timber, there is an ecological cost. Reduction in ecosystem structure, production, species richness, diversity and alterations in species composition are important ecological consequences of salvage logging. In addition, this study demonstrates that salvage-logging retards the re-establishment and early growth of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata, two important wildfire restoration priorities. Grass-seeding also results in significant ecological changes. Alterations in ecosystem production, species richness, diversity and species composition are important ecological consequences of grass-seeding. Managers should consider these long-term influences on ecosystem composition and structure when faced with decisions concerning post-fire rehabilitation and management. Title: Ecological effects of post-wildfire management activities (salvage-logging and grass-seeding) on vegetation composition, diversity, biomass, and growth and survival of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata Author: Sexton, Timothy Ogden Salvage-logging and artificial seeding of grass following wildfire are common practices in coniferous forests of the western United States, yet few studies have quantified the ecological effects of these post-fire activities. The effects of post-wildfire salvage-logging and grass-seeding on vegetation composition, aboveground biomass, and growth and survival of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata were quantified on the area burned by the 1992 Lone Pine Fire, Winema National Forest in the Klamath Basin, Oregon. Prior to the fire, the area was dominated by uneven-aged stands of Pinus ponderosa with Purshia tridentata and Stipa occidentalis in the understory. The fire was a stand-replacement disturbance, where the majority of trees, the herbaceous component, and crowns of understory shrubs were killed. Salvage logging resulted in a significant decrease in understory biomass, species richness, species diversity, and growth and survival of P. ponderosa and P. tridentata. In addition plant community composition was shifted from native forb dominance to grass dominance. In 1993, the understory biomass of salvage-logged sites was 38% of the aboveground biomass produced on nonsalvaged sites (322 kg ha^-1 vs 843 kg ha^-1). In 1994, salvage-logged sites produced only 27% of the biomass produced on nonsalvaged sites (402 kg ha^-1 vs 1468 kg ha^-1). Salvage-logging reduced species richness, species diversity, and altered species composition. The first and second years following logging, species richness was reduced by 13% (20 versus 23), and 30% (15 versus 22), respectively. In 1993 and 1994, native forb frequency on nonsalvaged sites was 80% and 77% respectively, while salvage-logged sites recorded 68% and 31% respectively. Conversely, graminoid frequency was significantly higher on salvage-logged sites. In 1994, native graminoid frequency was 35% in nonsalvaged sites and > 61% on salvage-logged sites. During the first two years following salvage-logging, mean height growth of naturally-regenerated Pinus ponderosa was significantly lower on salvaged sites (9.4 versus 7.8 cm yr^-1) as was density of natural Purshia tridentata seedlings (313 versus 530 seedlings ha^-1). Survival in salvage-logged treatments was 22% lower for planted Purshia tridentata seedlings (57% versus 45%). Height growth in salvage-logged treatments was 16% lower for planted Pinus ponderosa (4.4 versus 3.7 cm). Total aboveground biomass on nonsalvaged burned sites (controls) averaged 843 kg ha^-1 in 1993, and 1473 kg ha^-1 in 1994. In 1993, the first year following the fire, sites seeded to Secale cereale produced = 1995 kg ha^-1 total aboveground biomass; most of the biomass was S. cereale. Those seeded sites produced 89% less native forb biomass than controls (82 versus 780 kg ha^-1), and = 80% less native forb biomass than areas seeded to the native grasses Sitanion hystrix and Festuca idahoensis. In 1994, the second post-fire year, biomass on sites seeded to S. cereale was >1653 kg ha^-1, dominated by S. cereale. In 1994, no differences in total aboveground biomass were detected between S. cereale, F idahoensis, S. hystrix, and the Control, indicating that the erosion reducing benefits of grass-seeding did not last for more than one year. Treatments seeded with S. cereale produced 58% less native forb biomass than controls (350 versus 825 kg ha^-1). Seeding S. cereale also reduced by 69% the biomass ofStipa occidentalis, the most common native grass in the area (311 kg ha^-1 on control sites versus 96 kg ha^-1 on S. cereale sites). In 1993 and 1994, fewer species were recorded on S. cereale sites than on all other sites. Grass-seeded sites exhibited no significant differences in frequency of noxious weeds in either of the two years following wildfire and seeding, rejecting the hypothesis that grass-seeding reduces noxious weeds. However, native graminoid frequency was reduced on all grass-seeded treatments. There were no significant differences between grass-seeding treatments in height and density of natural P. ponderosa and P. tridentata seedlings or growth and survival of planted P. ponderosa and P. tridentata seedlings. While salvage-logging provides an economic benefit to local communities through the extraction of commercially valuable timber, there is an ecological cost. Reduction in ecosystem structure, production, species richness, diversity and alterations in species composition are important ecological consequences of salvage logging. In addition, this study demonstrates that salvage-logging retards the re-establishment and early growth of Pinus ponderosa and Purshia tridentata, two important wildfire restoration priorities. Grass-seeding also results in significant ecological changes. Alterations in ecosystem production, species richness, diversity and species composition are important ecological consequences of grass-seeding. Managers should consider these long-term influences on ecosystem composition and structure when faced with decisions concerning post-fire rehabilitation and management. Close

• 85. [Article] Predicting invasion in grassland ecosystems: is exotic dominance the real embarrassment of richness?

  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: Predicting invasion in grassland ecosystems: is exotic dominance the real embarrassment of richness? Author: Schuetz, Martin, Cleland, Elsa E., Mitchell, Charles E., Kay, Adam, Iribarne, Oscar, Gruner, Daniel S., Jin, Virginia L., Li, Wei, Wardle, Glenda M., Firn, Jennifer, Leakey, Andrew D. B., Blumenthal, Dana, Risch, Anita C., Hautier, Yann, Hagenah, Nicole, Fay, Philip A., Lambrinos, John G., Alberti, Juan, Pascual, Jesus, Bakker, Jonathan D., Knops, Johannes M. H., Klein, Julia A., Decrappeo, Nicole M., Davies, Kendi, Seabloom, Eric W., Wright, Justin, Frater, Paul, Hector, Andrew, Buckley, Yvonne, Orrock, John L., Mcculley, Rebecca, Yang, Louie, Dickman, Chris R., Li, Qi, Prober, Suzanne M., Smith, Melinda, Mortensen, Brent, Caldeira, Maria, Stevens, Carly, Anderson, T. Michael, Sankaran, Mahesh, Brudvig, Lars A., Lind, Eric, O'Halloran, Lydia R., Wolkovich, Elizabeth M., D'Antonio, Carla M., Ladwig, Laura M., Macdougall, Andrew, Kirkman, Kevin P., Humphries, Hope C., Daleo, Pedro, Salguero-Gomez, Roberto, Borer, Elizabeth T., Biederman, Lori A., Harpole, W. Stanley, Chu, Chengjin, Paertel, Meelis, Du, Guozhen, Moore, Joslin L., Brown, Cynthia S., Crawley, Michael J., Wragg, Peter D., Sullivan, Lauren, Melbourne, Brett, Hofmockel, Kirsten S., Hillebrand, Helmut, La Pierre, Kimberly J., Morgan, John, Pyke, David A., Simonsen, Anna, Adler, Peter, Helm, Aveliina, Damschen, Ellen I. 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/(ISSN)1365-2486. Title: Predicting invasion in grassland ecosystems: is exotic dominance the real embarrassment of richness? Author: Schuetz, Martin, Cleland, Elsa E., Mitchell, Charles E., Kay, Adam, Iribarne, Oscar, Gruner, Daniel S., Jin, Virginia L., Li, Wei, Wardle, Glenda M., Firn, Jennifer, Leakey, Andrew D. B., Blumenthal, Dana, Risch, Anita C., Hautier, Yann, Hagenah, Nicole, Fay, Philip A., Lambrinos, John G., Alberti, Juan, Pascual, Jesus, Bakker, Jonathan D., Knops, Johannes M. H., Klein, Julia A., Decrappeo, Nicole M., Davies, Kendi, Seabloom, Eric W., Wright, Justin, Frater, Paul, Hector, Andrew, Buckley, Yvonne, Orrock, John L., Mcculley, Rebecca, Yang, Louie, Dickman, Chris R., Li, Qi, Prober, Suzanne M., Smith, Melinda, Mortensen, Brent, Caldeira, Maria, Stevens, Carly, Anderson, T. Michael, Sankaran, Mahesh, Brudvig, Lars A., Lind, Eric, O'Halloran, Lydia R., Wolkovich, Elizabeth M., D'Antonio, Carla M., Ladwig, Laura M., Macdougall, Andrew, Kirkman, Kevin P., Humphries, Hope C., Daleo, Pedro, Salguero-Gomez, Roberto, Borer, Elizabeth T., Biederman, Lori A., Harpole, W. Stanley, Chu, Chengjin, Paertel, Meelis, Du, Guozhen, Moore, Joslin L., Brown, Cynthia S., Crawley, Michael J., Wragg, Peter D., Sullivan, Lauren, Melbourne, Brett, Hofmockel, Kirsten S., Hillebrand, Helmut, La Pierre, Kimberly J., Morgan, John, Pyke, David A., Simonsen, Anna, Adler, Peter, Helm, Aveliina, Damschen, Ellen I. 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/(ISSN)1365-2486. Close

• 86. [Article] Urban and rural-residential land uses : their role in watershed health and the rehabilitation of Oregon's wild salmonids

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Urban and rural-residential land uses : their role in watershed health and the rehabilitation of Oregon's wild salmonids Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team This report was prepared by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Title: Urban and rural-residential land uses : their role in watershed health and the rehabilitation of Oregon's wild salmonids Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team This report was prepared by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Close

• 87. [Article] An introduced Asian parasite threatens northeastern Pacific estuarine ecosystems

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1387-3547/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An introduced Asian parasite threatens northeastern Pacific estuarine ecosystems Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Chapman, John W., Markham, John C., Itani, Gyo This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1387-3547/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: An introduced Asian parasite threatens northeastern Pacific estuarine ecosystems Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Chapman, John W., Markham, John C., Itani, Gyo This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1387-3547/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 88. [Article] Mapping mortality following a long-term drought in a pinyon-juniper ecosystem in Arizona and New Mexico using Landsat data

  Protracted drought in the southwest U.S. has had significant impacts on the region’s keystone ecosystem, the pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands. Drought conditions in 9 of the last 10 years, exacerbated by ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping mortality following a long-term drought in a pinyon-juniper ecosystem in Arizona and New Mexico using Landsat data Author: Kirschbaum, Alan A. Protracted drought in the southwest U.S. has had significant impacts on the region’s keystone ecosystem, the pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands. Drought conditions in 9 of the last 10 years, exacerbated by extreme drought in one year, stressed the pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) trees, making them highly vulnerable to native ips beetles (Ips confusus). Current global climate predictions include further increases in temperatures and more extreme climatic events such as drought which will likely cause even more large-scale disturbances such as shifts in ecotones and increased insect outbreaks. This study investigated the utility of the Landsat satellite sensor for predicting percent dead tree cover in the PJ ecosystem in Arizona and New Mexico by relating field measurements of percent tree cover with Landsat spectral data. Direct change modeling and state model differencing (Healey et al. 2006)were compared in the two study areas in terms of RMSE for predicting percent dead cover. Direct change modeling outperformed state model differencing in both AZ and NM, with RMSEs of 4.2% and 7.3%, respectively. Landscape patterns were investigated in maps of dead cover made from the models. Consistent with expectations of the mechanism of the mortality, percent mortality on southwest aspects was higher than on northeast aspects. Percent dead cover model predictions were also validated with an independent data source (Forest Health Monitoring overflight data) in AZ and NM with overall agreement of 80 and 76%, respectively. Title: Mapping mortality following a long-term drought in a pinyon-juniper ecosystem in Arizona and New Mexico using Landsat data Author: Kirschbaum, Alan A. Protracted drought in the southwest U.S. has had significant impacts on the region’s keystone ecosystem, the pinyon-juniper (PJ) woodlands. Drought conditions in 9 of the last 10 years, exacerbated by extreme drought in one year, stressed the pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) trees, making them highly vulnerable to native ips beetles (Ips confusus). Current global climate predictions include further increases in temperatures and more extreme climatic events such as drought which will likely cause even more large-scale disturbances such as shifts in ecotones and increased insect outbreaks. This study investigated the utility of the Landsat satellite sensor for predicting percent dead tree cover in the PJ ecosystem in Arizona and New Mexico by relating field measurements of percent tree cover with Landsat spectral data. Direct change modeling and state model differencing (Healey et al. 2006)were compared in the two study areas in terms of RMSE for predicting percent dead cover. Direct change modeling outperformed state model differencing in both AZ and NM, with RMSEs of 4.2% and 7.3%, respectively. Landscape patterns were investigated in maps of dead cover made from the models. Consistent with expectations of the mechanism of the mortality, percent mortality on southwest aspects was higher than on northeast aspects. Percent dead cover model predictions were also validated with an independent data source (Forest Health Monitoring overflight data) in AZ and NM with overall agreement of 80 and 76%, respectively. Close

• 89. [Article] Political economy and trade effects of invasive species regulation : the case of noxious weeds

  Many non-native weed pests of food, fiber, and nursery crops pose threats to U.S. environment and agriculture. Noxious weed regulations play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Political economy and trade effects of invasive species regulation : the case of noxious weeds Author: Min, He Many non-native weed pests of food, fiber, and nursery crops pose threats to U.S. environment and agriculture. Noxious weed regulations play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of non-native plants, thereby protecting the local biodiversity, environment and economic activities. However, these regulations could also hamper agricultural trade. The three essays of this dissertation address the causes and consequences of cross-state differences in noxious weed regulations. In the first essay, a political-economic model is developed to derive cross-state regulatory congruence as a function of ecological and agronomic characteristics, and interest-group lobbying through political contributions. Econometric estimation suggests ecological and agronomic dissimilarities are primary causes of cross-state differences in noxious weed regulation. However, evidence of lobbying effects is statistically and economically significant. In particular, agricultural seed producers favor more uniform weed regulations across states, while commodity producers and consumers prefer that their state maintain a distinct weed list to protect its ecosystem and agronomic conditions. The impact of noxious weed regulations on inter-state agricultural trade is measured in the second essay. In particular, the extent of trade distortions arising from interest-groups' lobbying is estimated. For this purpose, each state’s net trade in three industries - agricultural seeds, nursery products and commodities - is derived as a function of weed regulatory congruence. The resulting spatial-autoregressive tobit model of inter-state agricultural trade is estimated using a modified Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The empirical results show that the noxious weed regulatory congruence has a positive and significant effect on inter-state trade flows. Moreover, the inter-state trade distortion from consumer and commodity-producers lobbies is estimated to be as much as $1.1 billion. In the third essay, a leader-follower framework is used to examine when a weed species on one state's (leader) regulation is added to that of another (follower) state. For this purpose, an ordered logit model of noxious weeds' listing time is specified as a function of invader characteristics and ecosystem invasibility. The empirical results suggest that the invader status and attributes are relatively more important than ecosystem characteristics in determining the weed listing time. Together, the three essays suggest greater emphasis on the use of science than interest-group lobbying for listing noxious weeds. Moreover, a better documentation of potential invaders, their characteristics and impacts on non-native environments, is important in controlling the introduction and spread of noxious weeds, and the consequent economic and ecological damages. Title: Political economy and trade effects of invasive species regulation : the case of noxious weeds Author: Min, He Many non-native weed pests of food, fiber, and nursery crops pose threats to U.S. environment and agriculture. Noxious weed regulations play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of non-native plants, thereby protecting the local biodiversity, environment and economic activities. However, these regulations could also hamper agricultural trade. The three essays of this dissertation address the causes and consequences of cross-state differences in noxious weed regulations. In the first essay, a political-economic model is developed to derive cross-state regulatory congruence as a function of ecological and agronomic characteristics, and interest-group lobbying through political contributions. Econometric estimation suggests ecological and agronomic dissimilarities are primary causes of cross-state differences in noxious weed regulation. However, evidence of lobbying effects is statistically and economically significant. In particular, agricultural seed producers favor more uniform weed regulations across states, while commodity producers and consumers prefer that their state maintain a distinct weed list to protect its ecosystem and agronomic conditions. The impact of noxious weed regulations on inter-state agricultural trade is measured in the second essay. In particular, the extent of trade distortions arising from interest-groups' lobbying is estimated. For this purpose, each state’s net trade in three industries - agricultural seeds, nursery products and commodities - is derived as a function of weed regulatory congruence. The resulting spatial-autoregressive tobit model of inter-state agricultural trade is estimated using a modified Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The empirical results show that the noxious weed regulatory congruence has a positive and significant effect on inter-state trade flows. Moreover, the inter-state trade distortion from consumer and commodity-producers lobbies is estimated to be as much as $1.1 billion. In the third essay, a leader-follower framework is used to examine when a weed species on one state's (leader) regulation is added to that of another (follower) state. For this purpose, an ordered logit model of noxious weeds' listing time is specified as a function of invader characteristics and ecosystem invasibility. The empirical results suggest that the invader status and attributes are relatively more important than ecosystem characteristics in determining the weed listing time. Together, the three essays suggest greater emphasis on the use of science than interest-group lobbying for listing noxious weeds. Moreover, a better documentation of potential invaders, their characteristics and impacts on non-native environments, is important in controlling the introduction and spread of noxious weeds, and the consequent economic and ecological damages. Close

• 90. [Article] The Role of Plant-soil Feedback in the Invasion of Brachypodium sylvaticum in Douglas-fir Forests

  Invasive plants have the capacity to transform landscapes and alter ecosystem function, causing significant economic and ecological damage. These effects include displacement and reduction of native flora ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Role of Plant-soil Feedback in the Invasion of Brachypodium sylvaticum in Douglas-fir Forests Author: Esterson, Andrew Invasive plants have the capacity to transform landscapes and alter ecosystem function, causing significant economic and ecological damage. These effects include displacement and reduction of native flora and fauna, altered fire regimes, modification of biotic and abiotic soil properties, as well as local, regional, and global economic impacts. With such large impacts it is important that we better understand invasion dynamics to help with prevention, control and mitigation of invasive species. One process that has been associated with plant invasion is plant-soil feedback (PSF). A PSF occurs when plants alter biotic and abiotic soil properties through a variety of root exudates and litter decomposition such that subsequent plant growth is either positively or negatively affected. Positive conspecific and negative heterospecific responses have been theorized to be invasive species traits that promote invasion. Once an invasive species is removed from a system, there is a chance that PSFs generated by that species will persist in the soil, which is often referred to as 'plant legacies' or 'legacy effects' and may negatively influence restoration efforts. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW), Brachypodium sylvaticum (slender false brome), a perennial bunch grass native to Eurasia, is listed as a quarantined invasive species in California, Oregon, and Washington. Currently, B. sylvaticum is in the midst of rapid population growth and range expansion with populations in New York, Virginia, and Ontario, Canada. With a quickly expanding range research is critical for successful efforts to reduce the spread of B. sylvaticum. We developed two experiments to determine if PSF is a contributing factor to B. sylvaticum invasion in PNW forests. We hypothesized that 1) B. sylvaticum has positive conspecific and negative heterospecific PSF, 2) native species PSF has no effect on B. sylvaticum, and 3) PSF generated by B. sylvaticum will persist in the soil once removed, but over time, response of native species, soil nutrients and bacterial community composition will change from the invaded conditioned. To test our first two hypotheses, B. sylvaticum and five common native plants from the Oregon Coastal range, including the economically important tree, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), were grown in a greenhouse on wild forest soils that had either been sterilized or kept live to condition the soil biotic community to the invader and the native species. Brachypodium sylvaticum was then grown on soil conditioned by itself and soil conditioned by natives; each of the five native species was grown on soil conditioned by B. sylvaticum and on their own conditioned soils. Plant biomass along with species specific measurements (number of leaves, stems, tillers, stem diameter and height) were recorded and a relative response (RR) index was used to determine the direction of PSF for the invader and native species. To test our third hypothesis, in March, 2015, ten plots were established in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest located in Corvallis, OR where B. sylvaticum had at least 75% cover. Herbicide was applied to half of each plot to make two soil treatments: soil with B. sylvaticum and soil without B. sylvaticum. Over a nine-month period three soil collections took place where soil was collected from all plots and treatments. Plant response was evaluated by growing four native species and B. sylvaticum on both soil treatments and evaluating total biomass with a RR index; plant response (via growth), soil nutrients and bacterial communities were measured for each collection period. Bacterial communities were measured with phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and high throughput 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing. Contrary to our hypotheses, the RR to PSF generated by B. sylvaticum was negative for the invader and P. menziesii and neutral for all other natives. Soils conditioned by Bromus vulgaris inhibited B. sylvaticum growth whereas soils conditioned by Prunella vulgaris and P. menziesii promoted B. sylvaticum growth. When testing for legacy effects, the RR of P. menziesii was negative when grown on soils where B. sylvaticum had been removed for six-months (six-month soils) but when grown on soils where B. sylvaticum had been removed for nine-months (nine-month soil) the RR of P. menziesii was neutral. The RR of P. vulgaris to six-month soils was positive while its RR to nine-month soils was negative. Nutrient and bacterial communities did not change in response to B. sylvaticum removal suggesting that the biotic and abiotic legacy requires longer than nine-months to be observed or B. sylvaticum does not affect the response variables measured. Overall, our data suggest that PSF generated by B. sylvaticum does not facilitate the invasion process but does differentially affect native species growth over time. PSF generated by native grasses may be a useful restoration tool to help prevent B. sylvaticum invasion and we suggest planting native species at least nine-months after B. sylvaticum removal. Title: The Role of Plant-soil Feedback in the Invasion of Brachypodium sylvaticum in Douglas-fir Forests Author: Esterson, Andrew Invasive plants have the capacity to transform landscapes and alter ecosystem function, causing significant economic and ecological damage. These effects include displacement and reduction of native flora and fauna, altered fire regimes, modification of biotic and abiotic soil properties, as well as local, regional, and global economic impacts. With such large impacts it is important that we better understand invasion dynamics to help with prevention, control and mitigation of invasive species. One process that has been associated with plant invasion is plant-soil feedback (PSF). A PSF occurs when plants alter biotic and abiotic soil properties through a variety of root exudates and litter decomposition such that subsequent plant growth is either positively or negatively affected. Positive conspecific and negative heterospecific responses have been theorized to be invasive species traits that promote invasion. Once an invasive species is removed from a system, there is a chance that PSFs generated by that species will persist in the soil, which is often referred to as 'plant legacies' or 'legacy effects' and may negatively influence restoration efforts. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW), Brachypodium sylvaticum (slender false brome), a perennial bunch grass native to Eurasia, is listed as a quarantined invasive species in California, Oregon, and Washington. Currently, B. sylvaticum is in the midst of rapid population growth and range expansion with populations in New York, Virginia, and Ontario, Canada. With a quickly expanding range research is critical for successful efforts to reduce the spread of B. sylvaticum. We developed two experiments to determine if PSF is a contributing factor to B. sylvaticum invasion in PNW forests. We hypothesized that 1) B. sylvaticum has positive conspecific and negative heterospecific PSF, 2) native species PSF has no effect on B. sylvaticum, and 3) PSF generated by B. sylvaticum will persist in the soil once removed, but over time, response of native species, soil nutrients and bacterial community composition will change from the invaded conditioned. To test our first two hypotheses, B. sylvaticum and five common native plants from the Oregon Coastal range, including the economically important tree, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir), were grown in a greenhouse on wild forest soils that had either been sterilized or kept live to condition the soil biotic community to the invader and the native species. Brachypodium sylvaticum was then grown on soil conditioned by itself and soil conditioned by natives; each of the five native species was grown on soil conditioned by B. sylvaticum and on their own conditioned soils. Plant biomass along with species specific measurements (number of leaves, stems, tillers, stem diameter and height) were recorded and a relative response (RR) index was used to determine the direction of PSF for the invader and native species. To test our third hypothesis, in March, 2015, ten plots were established in the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest located in Corvallis, OR where B. sylvaticum had at least 75% cover. Herbicide was applied to half of each plot to make two soil treatments: soil with B. sylvaticum and soil without B. sylvaticum. Over a nine-month period three soil collections took place where soil was collected from all plots and treatments. Plant response was evaluated by growing four native species and B. sylvaticum on both soil treatments and evaluating total biomass with a RR index; plant response (via growth), soil nutrients and bacterial communities were measured for each collection period. Bacterial communities were measured with phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and high throughput 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing. Contrary to our hypotheses, the RR to PSF generated by B. sylvaticum was negative for the invader and P. menziesii and neutral for all other natives. Soils conditioned by Bromus vulgaris inhibited B. sylvaticum growth whereas soils conditioned by Prunella vulgaris and P. menziesii promoted B. sylvaticum growth. When testing for legacy effects, the RR of P. menziesii was negative when grown on soils where B. sylvaticum had been removed for six-months (six-month soils) but when grown on soils where B. sylvaticum had been removed for nine-months (nine-month soil) the RR of P. menziesii was neutral. The RR of P. vulgaris to six-month soils was positive while its RR to nine-month soils was negative. Nutrient and bacterial communities did not change in response to B. sylvaticum removal suggesting that the biotic and abiotic legacy requires longer than nine-months to be observed or B. sylvaticum does not affect the response variables measured. Overall, our data suggest that PSF generated by B. sylvaticum does not facilitate the invasion process but does differentially affect native species growth over time. PSF generated by native grasses may be a useful restoration tool to help prevent B. sylvaticum invasion and we suggest planting native species at least nine-months after B. sylvaticum removal. Close

• 91. [Article] Establishment tolerance of six native sagebrush steppe species to imazapic (PLATEAU®) herbicide implications for restoration and recovery

  Scientists and land managers realize that integrated weed management (IWM) strategies are needed to attain successful and lasting improvements of weed infested landscapes. At this time no broadly reliable ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Establishment tolerance of six native sagebrush steppe species to imazapic (PLATEAU®) herbicide implications for restoration and recovery Author: Bekedam, Steven Scientists and land managers realize that integrated weed management (IWM) strategies are needed to attain successful and lasting improvements of weed infested landscapes. At this time no broadly reliable and environmentally safe IWM strategy has been developed to control exotic annual grasses that dominate many ecosystems of the northern Great Basin. This study determined the efficacy of several nascent control strategies at a site near Mountain Home, ID, USA with particular emphasis on the tolerance of native species to chemical control techniques applied before their emergence. In autumn 2002, prescribed burning and a single preemergent application of imazapic (PLATEAU®) herbicide were used separately and combined to control medusahead wildrye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.). Seeds of six native perennial species, selected for their range of life histories and ability to provide effective competition, were planted as monocultures two-weeks after fire and herbicide applications. A monthly census determined native seedling emergence and survival from late winter through autumn 2003. In addition, end-of-season population size and reproduction were determined for both exotic annual grasses in each treatment. We hypothesized that application of imazapic would reduce and delay emergence, cause earlier mortality rates, and lower overall persistence of seeded natives because of adverse impacts to early seedling development throughout the growing season. Burning and imazapic applications combined would amplify these effects with reduced plant residue cover and increased surface evaporation. Prescribed treatments reduced densities of mature exotic annual grasses by 31.1% for burning alone, 79.1% for imazapic alone, and 92.1% for areas with burning and imazapic combined when compared to untreated controls. Few seedlings of globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossularifolia (Hook & Arn.) Rydb.) emerged from any treatment due to extreme dormancy and/or poor site adaptation. Significant responses of the five remaining native species fell into three general patterns associated with three functional/structural plant groups. Deeper-rooted perennials, big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus M.E. Jones) and Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis J. Carlson & Barkworth), showed positive responses to imazapic applications. For E. multisetus, more seedlings emerged in areas treated with imazapic alone than in any other treatment (P<0.01). Rather than impacts from imazapic application, E. multisetus seedlings emerged earlier in unburned versus burned areas (P<0.01) likely due to greater moisture retention and moderated temperature extremes from the presence of surface litter. For native dicots, Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. var. occidentalis DC.), overall emergence was reduced by an average of 20% in burned relative to unburned plots likely because of variable surface temperatures, frost heaving of the upper soil profile, and more rapid evaporation of available moisture early in the growing season. Emergence was 3.2 and 2.2 times sooner for A. tridentata (P=0.02) and A. millefolium (P=0.02) on unburned relative to burned treatments for reasons similar to those of deeper-rooted perennials. A. millefolium seedlings experienced particularly slow emergence in plots burned and treated with imazapic. Prescribed burn plots had seedlings emerge 2.1 times (P=0.04) sooner than burning with imazapic. This implies that imazapic, as well as burning, may be slowing seedling development of this species. Burned plots also exhibited seedling mortality in nine-tenths the time than unburned plots for A. tridentata and A. millefolium (P=0.03 and P=0.05). The shallow-rooted perennial, Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl.), was the only seeded species to carry on a population into the fall of 2003. Untreated controls had 3.3 times more plants per m² than plots applied with imazapic alone (P=0.03) implying a degree of imazapic intolerance for this species. Although this research indicates that some native arid species are tolerant to imazapic, experiments should continue to incorporate fall preemergent applications of this herbicide to improve our understanding of native species responses and foster the development of an effective IWM strategy for arid rangelands of the Great Basin. Title: Establishment tolerance of six native sagebrush steppe species to imazapic (PLATEAU®) herbicide implications for restoration and recovery Author: Bekedam, Steven Scientists and land managers realize that integrated weed management (IWM) strategies are needed to attain successful and lasting improvements of weed infested landscapes. At this time no broadly reliable and environmentally safe IWM strategy has been developed to control exotic annual grasses that dominate many ecosystems of the northern Great Basin. This study determined the efficacy of several nascent control strategies at a site near Mountain Home, ID, USA with particular emphasis on the tolerance of native species to chemical control techniques applied before their emergence. In autumn 2002, prescribed burning and a single preemergent application of imazapic (PLATEAU®) herbicide were used separately and combined to control medusahead wildrye (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.). Seeds of six native perennial species, selected for their range of life histories and ability to provide effective competition, were planted as monocultures two-weeks after fire and herbicide applications. A monthly census determined native seedling emergence and survival from late winter through autumn 2003. In addition, end-of-season population size and reproduction were determined for both exotic annual grasses in each treatment. We hypothesized that application of imazapic would reduce and delay emergence, cause earlier mortality rates, and lower overall persistence of seeded natives because of adverse impacts to early seedling development throughout the growing season. Burning and imazapic applications combined would amplify these effects with reduced plant residue cover and increased surface evaporation. Prescribed treatments reduced densities of mature exotic annual grasses by 31.1% for burning alone, 79.1% for imazapic alone, and 92.1% for areas with burning and imazapic combined when compared to untreated controls. Few seedlings of globemallow (Sphaeralcea grossularifolia (Hook & Arn.) Rydb.) emerged from any treatment due to extreme dormancy and/or poor site adaptation. Significant responses of the five remaining native species fell into three general patterns associated with three functional/structural plant groups. Deeper-rooted perennials, big squirreltail (Elymus multisetus M.E. Jones) and Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis J. Carlson & Barkworth), showed positive responses to imazapic applications. For E. multisetus, more seedlings emerged in areas treated with imazapic alone than in any other treatment (P<0.01). Rather than impacts from imazapic application, E. multisetus seedlings emerged earlier in unburned versus burned areas (P<0.01) likely due to greater moisture retention and moderated temperature extremes from the presence of surface litter. For native dicots, Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. wyomingensis Beetle and Young) and western yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. var. occidentalis DC.), overall emergence was reduced by an average of 20% in burned relative to unburned plots likely because of variable surface temperatures, frost heaving of the upper soil profile, and more rapid evaporation of available moisture early in the growing season. Emergence was 3.2 and 2.2 times sooner for A. tridentata (P=0.02) and A. millefolium (P=0.02) on unburned relative to burned treatments for reasons similar to those of deeper-rooted perennials. A. millefolium seedlings experienced particularly slow emergence in plots burned and treated with imazapic. Prescribed burn plots had seedlings emerge 2.1 times (P=0.04) sooner than burning with imazapic. This implies that imazapic, as well as burning, may be slowing seedling development of this species. Burned plots also exhibited seedling mortality in nine-tenths the time than unburned plots for A. tridentata and A. millefolium (P=0.03 and P=0.05). The shallow-rooted perennial, Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl.), was the only seeded species to carry on a population into the fall of 2003. Untreated controls had 3.3 times more plants per m² than plots applied with imazapic alone (P=0.03) implying a degree of imazapic intolerance for this species. Although this research indicates that some native arid species are tolerant to imazapic, experiments should continue to incorporate fall preemergent applications of this herbicide to improve our understanding of native species responses and foster the development of an effective IWM strategy for arid rangelands of the Great Basin. Close

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

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

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

• 93. [Article] Riparian bird communities in Portland, Oregon : habitat, urbanization, and spatial scale patterns

  Urban ecosystems are characterized by human disturbance and changes in the amount, types, and spatial arrangement of wildlife habitat. The relative importance of habitat and human associated variables ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Riparian bird communities in Portland, Oregon : habitat, urbanization, and spatial scale patterns Author: Hennings, Lori A. Urban ecosystems are characterized by human disturbance and changes in the amount, types, and spatial arrangement of wildlife habitat. The relative importance of habitat and human associated variables to urban birds is unknown. In 1999, I surveyed spring bird and plant communities along 54 perennial streams in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan region. My objectives were to determine (1) what habitat and human-associated variables were related to avian community measures, (2) how far from riparian areas did relationships between avifauna and canopy cover and development extend, and (3) habitat characteristics associated with individual bird species. I used Principal Components Analysis to cluster and reduce the number of explanatory variables, and regressed bird community variables against the resulting principal components. Total and nonnative bird abundance were negatively related to the first principal component, PC 1 (high-scoring PC 1 sites had wide, structurally complex native forests) (r2 = 0.38, P < 0.0001 and r2 = 0.63, P < 0.0001, respectively). Several weak (r2 = 0.17-0.31, P < 0.003) curvilinear relationships emerged between overall and native species richness and diversity versus PC 1. Neotropical migratory bird (NMB) species richness and diversity were negatively related to human development variables, and positively related to native shrubs (adjusted r2 = 0.21 and 0.18, respectively; P < 0.003). I regressed bird community variables against canopy cover and street density for each of ten 50-m buffers around sites, then plotted the model fit (r) against buffer width. Native and nonnative abundance measures were negatively related to canopy cover. Total abundance was best predicted by canopy cover 300-350 m from the stream whereas normative abundance was predicted nearly equally by canopy cover in each buffer. The relationships between total species richness, native species richness, total diversity and native diversity were curvilinearly related to canopy cover, with canopy in the first 50 m appearing most important. Neotropical migratory bird species richness, diversity and abundance were negatively related to street density within 150 m of the stream. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) abundance was increasingly, negatively related to canopy cover as spatial scale increased. I used logistic regression to identify habitat and/or human-associated variables that predicted the occurrence of 32 species. The occurrence of four species (American Crow [Corvus brachyrhynchos], House Finch [Carpodacus mexicanus], Red-breasted Nuthatch [Sitta canadensis], and Vaux's Swift [Chaetura vauxi]) was positively, and five species (Black-headed Grosbeak [Pheucticus melanocephalus], Common Yellowthroat [Geothlypis trichas], Rufous Hummingbird [Selasphorus rufus], Steller's Jay [Cyanocitta setlleri], and Swainson's Thrush [Catharus ustulatus]) negatively related to human-associated variables. My results suggest that increasing urban canopy cover is the most valuable land management action for many breeding bird species. Preserving large undeveloped habitats and controlling urban sprawl may help prevent regional declines of NMB species. Title: Riparian bird communities in Portland, Oregon : habitat, urbanization, and spatial scale patterns Author: Hennings, Lori A. Urban ecosystems are characterized by human disturbance and changes in the amount, types, and spatial arrangement of wildlife habitat. The relative importance of habitat and human associated variables to urban birds is unknown. In 1999, I surveyed spring bird and plant communities along 54 perennial streams in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan region. My objectives were to determine (1) what habitat and human-associated variables were related to avian community measures, (2) how far from riparian areas did relationships between avifauna and canopy cover and development extend, and (3) habitat characteristics associated with individual bird species. I used Principal Components Analysis to cluster and reduce the number of explanatory variables, and regressed bird community variables against the resulting principal components. Total and nonnative bird abundance were negatively related to the first principal component, PC 1 (high-scoring PC 1 sites had wide, structurally complex native forests) (r2 = 0.38, P < 0.0001 and r2 = 0.63, P < 0.0001, respectively). Several weak (r2 = 0.17-0.31, P < 0.003) curvilinear relationships emerged between overall and native species richness and diversity versus PC 1. Neotropical migratory bird (NMB) species richness and diversity were negatively related to human development variables, and positively related to native shrubs (adjusted r2 = 0.21 and 0.18, respectively; P < 0.003). I regressed bird community variables against canopy cover and street density for each of ten 50-m buffers around sites, then plotted the model fit (r) against buffer width. Native and nonnative abundance measures were negatively related to canopy cover. Total abundance was best predicted by canopy cover 300-350 m from the stream whereas normative abundance was predicted nearly equally by canopy cover in each buffer. The relationships between total species richness, native species richness, total diversity and native diversity were curvilinearly related to canopy cover, with canopy in the first 50 m appearing most important. Neotropical migratory bird species richness, diversity and abundance were negatively related to street density within 150 m of the stream. Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) abundance was increasingly, negatively related to canopy cover as spatial scale increased. I used logistic regression to identify habitat and/or human-associated variables that predicted the occurrence of 32 species. The occurrence of four species (American Crow [Corvus brachyrhynchos], House Finch [Carpodacus mexicanus], Red-breasted Nuthatch [Sitta canadensis], and Vaux's Swift [Chaetura vauxi]) was positively, and five species (Black-headed Grosbeak [Pheucticus melanocephalus], Common Yellowthroat [Geothlypis trichas], Rufous Hummingbird [Selasphorus rufus], Steller's Jay [Cyanocitta setlleri], and Swainson's Thrush [Catharus ustulatus]) negatively related to human-associated variables. My results suggest that increasing urban canopy cover is the most valuable land management action for many breeding bird species. Preserving large undeveloped habitats and controlling urban sprawl may help prevent regional declines of NMB species. Close

• 94. [Article] Community ecology of invasions: direct and indirect effects of multiple invasive species on aquatic communities

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community ecology of invasions: direct and indirect effects of multiple invasive species on aquatic communities Author: Preston, Daniel L., Henderson, Jeremy S. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esa.org/. Title: Community ecology of invasions: direct and indirect effects of multiple invasive species on aquatic communities Author: Preston, Daniel L., Henderson, Jeremy S. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esa.org/. Close

• 95. [Article] Comparing Vegetation and Soils of Remnant and Restored Wetland Prairies in the Northern Willamette Valley

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwests...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing Vegetation and Soils of Remnant and Restored Wetland Prairies in the Northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M., Santelmann, Mary V. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/page-937324 Title: Comparing Vegetation and Soils of Remnant and Restored Wetland Prairies in the Northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M., Santelmann, Mary V. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/page-937324 Close

• 96. [Article] The Distribution and Abundance of a Non-native Eelgrass, Zostera japonica, in Oregon Estuaries

  Senior Thesis Bachelor of Science Degree April 2006 Major professor=Sylvia Yamada

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Distribution and Abundance of a Non-native Eelgrass, Zostera japonica, in Oregon Estuaries Author: Dudoit, Chana Makale’a Senior Thesis Bachelor of Science Degree April 2006 Major professor=Sylvia Yamada Title: The Distribution and Abundance of a Non-native Eelgrass, Zostera japonica, in Oregon Estuaries Author: Dudoit, Chana Makale’a Senior Thesis Bachelor of Science Degree April 2006 Major professor=Sylvia Yamada Close

• 97. [Article] Native and exotic plant cover vary inversely along a climate gradient 11 years following stand-replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest, Oregon, USA

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., and can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/jo...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Native and exotic plant cover vary inversely along a climate gradient 11 years following stand-replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest, Oregon, USA Author: Root, Heather T., Dodson, Erich K. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. 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: Native and exotic plant cover vary inversely along a climate gradient 11 years following stand-replacing wildfire in a dry coniferous forest, Oregon, USA Author: Root, Heather T., Dodson, Erich K. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. 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

• 98. [Article] Castilleja and Pedicularis are confirmed as telial hosts for white pine blister rust in whitebark pine ecosystems of Oregon and Washington

  The primary objective of this research was to determine if native species within the genera Castilleja and Pedicularis are naturally infected by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) in whitebark ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Castilleja and Pedicularis are confirmed as telial hosts for white pine blister rust in whitebark pine ecosystems of Oregon and Washington Author: Mulvey, Robin L. The primary objective of this research was to determine if native species within the genera Castilleja and Pedicularis are naturally infected by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) in whitebark pine ecosystems of the Oregon and Washington Cascade Range. Secondary objectives were to monitor the phenology of aecial and telial hosts to determine if there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its lifecycle within high-elevation stands, and to evaluate the extent and variety of susceptible native hosts within these genera through field and growth chamber inoculation. These objectives were approached through fieldwork in 2008 and 2009 in whitebark pine ecosystems at Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Mtn. and Crater Lake. Forty-nine observational study plots were established (28 in 2008 and 21 in 2009) and monitored three to six times per season. Natural C. ribicola infection was detected on 84 Pedicularis racemosa plants and five Castilleja plants (C. applegatei, C. miniata, and C. parviflora). Field observations provided evidence that there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its lifecycle on hosts within high-elevation whitebark pine stands. In 2009, 18 field inoculation plots were established at Mt. Rainier and Crater Lake. Field inoculation confirmed the susceptibility of two additional species within these genera, C. arachnoidea and P. bracteosa. The species identity of the rust on field specimens was verified through PCR and genetic sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of DNA. All four Castilleja species inoculated in the growth chamber developed infection, with an overall infection incidence of 62% (167 out of 270 plants). Improved understanding of the role of these newly recognized hosts in white pine blister rust epidemiology should be used to prioritize sites for the restoration of ecologically-valuable whitebark pine. Title: Castilleja and Pedicularis are confirmed as telial hosts for white pine blister rust in whitebark pine ecosystems of Oregon and Washington Author: Mulvey, Robin L. The primary objective of this research was to determine if native species within the genera Castilleja and Pedicularis are naturally infected by white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) in whitebark pine ecosystems of the Oregon and Washington Cascade Range. Secondary objectives were to monitor the phenology of aecial and telial hosts to determine if there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its lifecycle within high-elevation stands, and to evaluate the extent and variety of susceptible native hosts within these genera through field and growth chamber inoculation. These objectives were approached through fieldwork in 2008 and 2009 in whitebark pine ecosystems at Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, Tumalo Mtn. and Crater Lake. Forty-nine observational study plots were established (28 in 2008 and 21 in 2009) and monitored three to six times per season. Natural C. ribicola infection was detected on 84 Pedicularis racemosa plants and five Castilleja plants (C. applegatei, C. miniata, and C. parviflora). Field observations provided evidence that there is sufficient time for C. ribicola to complete its lifecycle on hosts within high-elevation whitebark pine stands. In 2009, 18 field inoculation plots were established at Mt. Rainier and Crater Lake. Field inoculation confirmed the susceptibility of two additional species within these genera, C. arachnoidea and P. bracteosa. The species identity of the rust on field specimens was verified through PCR and genetic sequencing of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of DNA. All four Castilleja species inoculated in the growth chamber developed infection, with an overall infection incidence of 62% (167 out of 270 plants). Improved understanding of the role of these newly recognized hosts in white pine blister rust epidemiology should be used to prioritize sites for the restoration of ecologically-valuable whitebark pine. Close

• 99. [Article] Impacts of instream flows on the Colorado River Delta, Mexico : spatial vegetation change analysis and opportunities for restoration

  Until the 1930s, flows of the Colorado River maintained approximately 781,060 hectares of wetlands in its delta. These wetlands provided important feeding and nesting grounds for resident and migratory ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Impacts of instream flows on the Colorado River Delta, Mexico : spatial vegetation change analysis and opportunities for restoration Author: Zamora-Arroyo, Jose Francisco Until the 1930s, flows of the Colorado River maintained approximately 781,060 hectares of wetlands in its delta. These wetlands provided important feeding and nesting grounds for resident and migratory birds as well as spawning and protection habitat for many fish and other invertebrate species. However, the Delta's wetlands started to disappear as water was used for agricultural and urban uses in the United States and Mexico. The 1944 United States-Mexico water treaty, which allocates 1.8 million m³/year to Mexico, did not define a minimum flow to maintain the Delta's ecosystems. The resulting degraded Delta lead to the perception in the 1980s that the Delta was a dead ecosystem. This study investigates whether this "dead Delta" perception is valid. Its central hypothesis is that regenerated vegetation in riparian and flood plain zones is associated with surplus river flows during the 1990s. A vegetation analysis, using satellite imagery and field methods, shows that native trees have regenerated during the last 20 years, and now account for 23% of vegetation in a 100 km, non-perennial, stretch of river below the United States-Mexico border. A spatial trend analysis using multi-temporal data on percent vegetation cover indicates that there are 6,320 hectares that show a significant increasing trend (p-value<0.05) in vegetation cover, with the Delta's riparian zone having at least 18% of its area showing this trend. The study estimates that once in four years February to April flow of 300 million m³ (at 80-120 m³/s) is sufficient to germinate and establish new cohorts of native trees, and highlights the need for smaller but more periodic flows in order to maintain wetland areas. It is concluded that there is clear evidence of the resilience of the Delta's ecosystems and that the "dead Delta" perception is no longer valid. There exist critical habitat in the Delta that needs to be protected, while there also exist short and long term opportunities to ecologically enhance and expand current habitat. Hydrological and ecological studies are needed to estimate specific water requirements for these areas in order to efficiently target them for immediate and long term conservation actions. Title: Impacts of instream flows on the Colorado River Delta, Mexico : spatial vegetation change analysis and opportunities for restoration Author: Zamora-Arroyo, Jose Francisco Until the 1930s, flows of the Colorado River maintained approximately 781,060 hectares of wetlands in its delta. These wetlands provided important feeding and nesting grounds for resident and migratory birds as well as spawning and protection habitat for many fish and other invertebrate species. However, the Delta's wetlands started to disappear as water was used for agricultural and urban uses in the United States and Mexico. The 1944 United States-Mexico water treaty, which allocates 1.8 million m³/year to Mexico, did not define a minimum flow to maintain the Delta's ecosystems. The resulting degraded Delta lead to the perception in the 1980s that the Delta was a dead ecosystem. This study investigates whether this "dead Delta" perception is valid. Its central hypothesis is that regenerated vegetation in riparian and flood plain zones is associated with surplus river flows during the 1990s. A vegetation analysis, using satellite imagery and field methods, shows that native trees have regenerated during the last 20 years, and now account for 23% of vegetation in a 100 km, non-perennial, stretch of river below the United States-Mexico border. A spatial trend analysis using multi-temporal data on percent vegetation cover indicates that there are 6,320 hectares that show a significant increasing trend (p-value<0.05) in vegetation cover, with the Delta's riparian zone having at least 18% of its area showing this trend. The study estimates that once in four years February to April flow of 300 million m³ (at 80-120 m³/s) is sufficient to germinate and establish new cohorts of native trees, and highlights the need for smaller but more periodic flows in order to maintain wetland areas. It is concluded that there is clear evidence of the resilience of the Delta's ecosystems and that the "dead Delta" perception is no longer valid. There exist critical habitat in the Delta that needs to be protected, while there also exist short and long term opportunities to ecologically enhance and expand current habitat. Hydrological and ecological studies are needed to estimate specific water requirements for these areas in order to efficiently target them for immediate and long term conservation actions. Close

• 100. [Article] Ecophysiology of Marine Bivalves : Physiological Rate Processes in Dynamic Environments

  Marine bivalves are globally recognized as ecologically and commercially valuable species and, for over a century, researchers have been studying their feeding, digestion and other related physiological ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecophysiology of Marine Bivalves : Physiological Rate Processes in Dynamic Environments Author: Gray, Matthew W. Marine bivalves are globally recognized as ecologically and commercially valuable species and, for over a century, researchers have been studying their feeding, digestion and other related physiological processes. These studies have shown that marine bivalves have complex feeding and particle processing behaviors to maximize growth in dynamic environmental conditions. Additionally, these studies have provided insights into the ecological roles that these animals can play in coastal waters. Suspension-feeding bivalves are commonly regarded as providing key ecosystem services through their feeding activities that improve water quality and clarity. However, marine bivalves are currently under threat from a variety of anthropogenic effects and there is concern about their future health under these new stresses. Here I examined several unexplored aspects of adult and larval bivalve feeding physiology in an attempt to better understand environmental effects on their feeding activity and ecosystem services. In Chapter 2, my co-authors and I examined the ecological feeding physiology of native Olympia oysters Ostrea lurida by determining their feeding and particle processing behavior in response to the effects of temperature, salinity, and total particulate matter. We examined and compared these processes to those of the non-native yet dominant commercial oyster species, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. From these studies, we describe the first modern detailed feeding behavior of O. lurida. We found that, although markedly different in laboratory studies, in situ feeding rates were similar between these species seasonally. We concluded that bivalve filtration services are likely to be greater with the emergence of C. gigas as the now dominant species in many PNW estuaries and seasonally much greater than the services historically contributed by O. lurida. In Chapters 3, my co-authors and I examined the particle processing behavior of bivalve larvae. This study was novel in that it utilized methods of our own design to examine the rarely evaluated post-oral particle processing behavior of larvae that historically has been difficult to measure. Additionally, it represented the first attempt at modeling larval guts as chemical reactors to provide insights into their digestive strategies. In Chapter 4, we again applied these novel techniques to evaluate the effects of ocean acidification on ingestion rates and particle processing of larvae of the California mussel Mytilus californianus. These data were applied to a simple larval energy budget to understand how impacts of ocean acidification on initial larval development may affect their subsequent development rates. The outcomes of these experiments provide useful information on feeding and particle processing activities of the adult and larval life stages of marine bivalves and the effects of environmental factors, such as ocean acidification. Title: Ecophysiology of Marine Bivalves : Physiological Rate Processes in Dynamic Environments Author: Gray, Matthew W. Marine bivalves are globally recognized as ecologically and commercially valuable species and, for over a century, researchers have been studying their feeding, digestion and other related physiological processes. These studies have shown that marine bivalves have complex feeding and particle processing behaviors to maximize growth in dynamic environmental conditions. Additionally, these studies have provided insights into the ecological roles that these animals can play in coastal waters. Suspension-feeding bivalves are commonly regarded as providing key ecosystem services through their feeding activities that improve water quality and clarity. However, marine bivalves are currently under threat from a variety of anthropogenic effects and there is concern about their future health under these new stresses. Here I examined several unexplored aspects of adult and larval bivalve feeding physiology in an attempt to better understand environmental effects on their feeding activity and ecosystem services. In Chapter 2, my co-authors and I examined the ecological feeding physiology of native Olympia oysters Ostrea lurida by determining their feeding and particle processing behavior in response to the effects of temperature, salinity, and total particulate matter. We examined and compared these processes to those of the non-native yet dominant commercial oyster species, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. From these studies, we describe the first modern detailed feeding behavior of O. lurida. We found that, although markedly different in laboratory studies, in situ feeding rates were similar between these species seasonally. We concluded that bivalve filtration services are likely to be greater with the emergence of C. gigas as the now dominant species in many PNW estuaries and seasonally much greater than the services historically contributed by O. lurida. In Chapters 3, my co-authors and I examined the particle processing behavior of bivalve larvae. This study was novel in that it utilized methods of our own design to examine the rarely evaluated post-oral particle processing behavior of larvae that historically has been difficult to measure. Additionally, it represented the first attempt at modeling larval guts as chemical reactors to provide insights into their digestive strategies. In Chapter 4, we again applied these novel techniques to evaluate the effects of ocean acidification on ingestion rates and particle processing of larvae of the California mussel Mytilus californianus. These data were applied to a simple larval energy budget to understand how impacts of ocean acidification on initial larval development may affect their subsequent development rates. The outcomes of these experiments provide useful information on feeding and particle processing activities of the adult and larval life stages of marine bivalves and the effects of environmental factors, such as ocean acidification. Close