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• 1. [Article] Wildlife habitats in managed rangelands : the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wildlife habitats in managed rangelands : the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon Author: Hall, Frederick C. Title: Wildlife habitats in managed rangelands : the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon Author: Hall, Frederick C. Close

• 2. [Article] Habitat selection by nesting Swainson's hawks : a hierarchical approach

  The habitat relationships of Swainson's hawks in northern California were studied at several levels of resolution: 1) distribution of hawk populations among three adjacent geographic areas, 2) density ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat selection by nesting Swainson's hawks : a hierarchical approach Author: Woodbridge, Brian The habitat relationships of Swainson's hawks in northern California were studied at several levels of resolution: 1) distribution of hawk populations among three adjacent geographic areas, 2) density of hawk territories among landscapes within a single geographic area, 3) habitats associated with individual nesting territories, and 4) selection of foraging habitats and prey resources by individual hawks. Patterns of habitat selection observed at each level were compared to results obtained at other levels, and to temporal variations in habitat quality. Individual Swainson's hawks exhibited strong selection for specific habitats wherein prey availability was highest, however these habitats were not found in increased proportions in Swainson's hawk territories. Similarly, densities of Swainson's hawk territories among different landscapes did not reflect the availability of high-quality habitat; many pairs nested in marginal habitats and exhibited low reproductive success and large areas of apparently suitable habitat were unoccupied. At a larger scale, the distribution of Swainson's hawk populations was markedly dissimilar among three adjacent geographic areas with similar habitat composition. Lack of concordance among levels of habitat selection by Swainson's hawks was explained by behavioral and environmental factors that constrain optimal habitat selection. I suggest that high temporal variability of habitats in agricultural environments, combined with site tenacity and natal site philopatry by nesting hawks, prevented the density and distribution of the hawk population from closely tracking the available habitat. Reproductive fitness, however, was strongly associated with habitat quality. Title: Habitat selection by nesting Swainson's hawks : a hierarchical approach Author: Woodbridge, Brian The habitat relationships of Swainson's hawks in northern California were studied at several levels of resolution: 1) distribution of hawk populations among three adjacent geographic areas, 2) density of hawk territories among landscapes within a single geographic area, 3) habitats associated with individual nesting territories, and 4) selection of foraging habitats and prey resources by individual hawks. Patterns of habitat selection observed at each level were compared to results obtained at other levels, and to temporal variations in habitat quality. Individual Swainson's hawks exhibited strong selection for specific habitats wherein prey availability was highest, however these habitats were not found in increased proportions in Swainson's hawk territories. Similarly, densities of Swainson's hawk territories among different landscapes did not reflect the availability of high-quality habitat; many pairs nested in marginal habitats and exhibited low reproductive success and large areas of apparently suitable habitat were unoccupied. At a larger scale, the distribution of Swainson's hawk populations was markedly dissimilar among three adjacent geographic areas with similar habitat composition. Lack of concordance among levels of habitat selection by Swainson's hawks was explained by behavioral and environmental factors that constrain optimal habitat selection. I suggest that high temporal variability of habitats in agricultural environments, combined with site tenacity and natal site philopatry by nesting hawks, prevented the density and distribution of the hawk population from closely tracking the available habitat. Reproductive fitness, however, was strongly associated with habitat quality. Close

• 3. [Article] Floodplain Habitat Metric: User’s Guide

  The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Floodplain Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Floodplain Habitat Calculator.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain Habitat Metric: User’s Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Floodplain Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Floodplain Habitat Calculator. Title: Floodplain Habitat Metric: User’s Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Floodplain Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Floodplain Habitat Calculator. Close

• 4. [Article] The Effects of Tide Gates on Estuarine Habitats and Migratory Fish

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Effects of Tide Gates on Estuarine Habitats and Migratory Fish Author: Souder, Jon A., Giannico, Guillermo R. Title: The Effects of Tide Gates on Estuarine Habitats and Migratory Fish Author: Souder, Jon A., Giannico, Guillermo R. Close

• 5. [Article] Floodplain user guide.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Title: Floodplain user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Close

• 6. [Article] Floodplain_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected.xlsx

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected.xlsx Author: Defenders of Wildlife Title: Floodplain_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected.xlsx Author: Defenders of Wildlife Close

• 7. [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

• 8. [Article] Habitat quality and assessing risks to avian biodiversity

  Models that assess the risk to biodiversity from landscape change can help communities prioritize planning decisions. Accurate representation of the ecology and life history traits of species is necessary. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat quality and assessing risks to avian biodiversity Author: Barczak, Mary J. Models that assess the risk to biodiversity from landscape change can help communities prioritize planning decisions. Accurate representation of the ecology and life history traits of species is necessary. This study introduces the use of habitat quality in a biodiversity risk model to determine the significance of habitat quality when predicting risks to biodiversity due to landscape change. The difference between residential and forest habitats in terms of habitat quality for breeding birds was used to test the significance of habitat quality to the risk model. Relative habitat quality was estimated from population densities for 62 bird species associated with both forest and residential habitats. The effect of habitat quality was tested using two possible future landscapes: Buildout and Spine. Predicted risk for the 62 bird species due to landscape change increased by 74% in the Buildout Landscape and 31% in the Spine Landscape when habitat quality was considered. The life history traits of species most at risk were compared to the traits of species that benefited from the landscape change. Life history traits considered included foraging strategy, nest type and placement, migratory status, and area sensitivity. Species at high risk included ground nesters, foliage and tree trunk gleaners, neotropical migrants, and area sensitive species. Title: Habitat quality and assessing risks to avian biodiversity Author: Barczak, Mary J. Models that assess the risk to biodiversity from landscape change can help communities prioritize planning decisions. Accurate representation of the ecology and life history traits of species is necessary. This study introduces the use of habitat quality in a biodiversity risk model to determine the significance of habitat quality when predicting risks to biodiversity due to landscape change. The difference between residential and forest habitats in terms of habitat quality for breeding birds was used to test the significance of habitat quality to the risk model. Relative habitat quality was estimated from population densities for 62 bird species associated with both forest and residential habitats. The effect of habitat quality was tested using two possible future landscapes: Buildout and Spine. Predicted risk for the 62 bird species due to landscape change increased by 74% in the Buildout Landscape and 31% in the Spine Landscape when habitat quality was considered. The life history traits of species most at risk were compared to the traits of species that benefited from the landscape change. Life history traits considered included foraging strategy, nest type and placement, migratory status, and area sensitivity. Species at high risk included ground nesters, foliage and tree trunk gleaners, neotropical migrants, and area sensitive species. Close

• 9. [Article] Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide

  The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator. Title: Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator. Close

• 10. [Article] Comparative Characterization of Two Nearshore Rocky Reef Areas: A high-use recreational fishing reef vs. an unfished reef

  This project has provided the ODFW Marine Habitat Project with a unique opportunity to make a comparative examination of the habitats and fish communities of a heavily fished reef off of Siletz Bay, and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparative Characterization of Two Nearshore Rocky Reef Areas: A high-use recreational fishing reef vs. an unfished reef Author: Merems, Arlene, Appy, Marcus, Romsos, Chris, Weeks, Hal, Fox, David, Amend, Mark This project has provided the ODFW Marine Habitat Project with a unique opportunity to make a comparative examination of the habitats and fish communities of a heavily fished reef off of Siletz Bay, and a nearly unfished reef off Cape Perpetua. There are over 17,000 angler trips for groundfish out of Depoe Bay annually, many choosing to fish Siletz Reef. In addition, numerous whale watching and sightseeing charter vessels operate in the vicinity of the reef. Cape Perpetua Reef consists of isolated patches of rock, and is too far from Newport (the nearest port) to receive much fishing effort. This examination of the influences of fishing pressure in nearshore rocky habitat complements, and is embedded in, a broader effort to understand the distribution and character of Oregon’s nearshore rocky reefs, and the species that are dependent upon them for habitat. The ODFW Marine Habitat Project has spent the last eight years working in cooperation with scientists and other resource agencies to develop methods for classifying and mapping nearshore rocky reefs habitats off Oregon. Because nearshore reefs are in state waters, Oregon is responsible for managing these living resources and habitats to sustain their long-term use and productivity. To date, eight reefs have been surveyed and mapped with sidescan and/or multibeam bathymetry at a resolution indicative of fish habitat. ODFW has also been developing non-extractive fish survey techniques to describe fish-habitat associations and estimate fish abundance at the habitat and reef scale. The importance of habitat to reef species cannot be over-stated and is now widely accepted in the scientific community and is the focus of major research efforts in other Pacific coastal states. Better understanding of the degree to which harvest influences relative and absolute abundance, combined with species-habitat relationships, is essential for resource managers to exercise their stewardship responsibilities to protect 5 essential habitat, develop population indices for species at risk, and maintain healthy and productive ecological systems. Title: Comparative Characterization of Two Nearshore Rocky Reef Areas: A high-use recreational fishing reef vs. an unfished reef Author: Merems, Arlene, Appy, Marcus, Romsos, Chris, Weeks, Hal, Fox, David, Amend, Mark This project has provided the ODFW Marine Habitat Project with a unique opportunity to make a comparative examination of the habitats and fish communities of a heavily fished reef off of Siletz Bay, and a nearly unfished reef off Cape Perpetua. There are over 17,000 angler trips for groundfish out of Depoe Bay annually, many choosing to fish Siletz Reef. In addition, numerous whale watching and sightseeing charter vessels operate in the vicinity of the reef. Cape Perpetua Reef consists of isolated patches of rock, and is too far from Newport (the nearest port) to receive much fishing effort. This examination of the influences of fishing pressure in nearshore rocky habitat complements, and is embedded in, a broader effort to understand the distribution and character of Oregon’s nearshore rocky reefs, and the species that are dependent upon them for habitat. The ODFW Marine Habitat Project has spent the last eight years working in cooperation with scientists and other resource agencies to develop methods for classifying and mapping nearshore rocky reefs habitats off Oregon. Because nearshore reefs are in state waters, Oregon is responsible for managing these living resources and habitats to sustain their long-term use and productivity. To date, eight reefs have been surveyed and mapped with sidescan and/or multibeam bathymetry at a resolution indicative of fish habitat. ODFW has also been developing non-extractive fish survey techniques to describe fish-habitat associations and estimate fish abundance at the habitat and reef scale. The importance of habitat to reef species cannot be over-stated and is now widely accepted in the scientific community and is the focus of major research efforts in other Pacific coastal states. Better understanding of the degree to which harvest influences relative and absolute abundance, combined with species-habitat relationships, is essential for resource managers to exercise their stewardship responsibilities to protect 5 essential habitat, develop population indices for species at risk, and maintain healthy and productive ecological systems. Close

• 11. [Article] The use of logistic regression for developing habitat association models

  Quantitative habitat models of wildlife-habitat relationships are developed to formalize our current understanding about an ecological system. A habitat association model is one of these models that is ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The use of logistic regression for developing habitat association models Author: Sjamsoe'oed, Roza Quantitative habitat models of wildlife-habitat relationships are developed to formalize our current understanding about an ecological system. A habitat association model is one of these models that is useful for answering questions about how the habitat is occupied, how much growth habitat is required by the animal, or how the animal selects its food and habitat. Radio telemetry is adopted as a technique for studying home range and habitat use. The major objective of a radio telemetry study is to collect behavioral or demographic data in order to be able to estimate population parameters for home range and habitat selection. A radio telemetry study is a kind of multinomial experiment. The Logistic Regression Model is often used for estimating the relationship between animal activities and the habitat characteristics of the location used (animal preference). However, this model is not a good model for the telemetry data. Under this model, the slope parameter estimate becomes lower and farther from the true value as the Average Habitat Quality (AHQ) increases, with Diversity fixed. The Multinomial Model is better suited to telemetry data. Using the Logistic Regression Model, a habitat association study can be conducted in conjunction with adaptive cluster sampling. In terms of the variance of the regression parameter estimate, adaptive cluster sampling is better than simple random sampling. Adaptive sampling plans are also satisfied for habitat association analysis with imperfect detectability. Title: The use of logistic regression for developing habitat association models Author: Sjamsoe'oed, Roza Quantitative habitat models of wildlife-habitat relationships are developed to formalize our current understanding about an ecological system. A habitat association model is one of these models that is useful for answering questions about how the habitat is occupied, how much growth habitat is required by the animal, or how the animal selects its food and habitat. Radio telemetry is adopted as a technique for studying home range and habitat use. The major objective of a radio telemetry study is to collect behavioral or demographic data in order to be able to estimate population parameters for home range and habitat selection. A radio telemetry study is a kind of multinomial experiment. The Logistic Regression Model is often used for estimating the relationship between animal activities and the habitat characteristics of the location used (animal preference). However, this model is not a good model for the telemetry data. Under this model, the slope parameter estimate becomes lower and farther from the true value as the Average Habitat Quality (AHQ) increases, with Diversity fixed. The Multinomial Model is better suited to telemetry data. Using the Logistic Regression Model, a habitat association study can be conducted in conjunction with adaptive cluster sampling. In terms of the variance of the regression parameter estimate, adaptive cluster sampling is better than simple random sampling. Adaptive sampling plans are also satisfied for habitat association analysis with imperfect detectability. Close

• 12. [Article] The Nehalem Estuary

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Nehalem Estuary Title: The Nehalem Estuary Close

• 13. [Article] Abundance and habitat associations of Washington ground squirrels in north-central Oregon

  Much of the Columbia River Basin has been cultivated for agriculture, which has reduced and fragmented the native shrub-steppe habitats. As a result, the range of the Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance and habitat associations of Washington ground squirrels in north-central Oregon Author: Greene, Eric Much of the Columbia River Basin has been cultivated for agriculture, which has reduced and fragmented the native shrub-steppe habitats. As a result, the range of the Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni) has been significantly reduced, prompting the states of Washington and Oregon to review their status. Consequently, I investigated abundance and habitat selection of Washington ground squirrels on the Boardman Bombing Range, Morrow County, Oregon during February through July of 1996 - 1997. Transect surveys were used to determine relative abundance among seven habitats, and live-trapping was used to compare density of squirrels in habitats in which they were present. Habitat associations were determined by comparing vegetative and soil characteristics at occupied sites and unoccupied sites. I made comparisons at two levels of resolution: a macro-habitat and a micro-habitat comparison at the colony level. Micro-habitat analysis used matched-pair logistic regression to compare habitat characteristics of colonies to a paired site where squirrels were not present. I located 44 colonies to investigate the habitat associations of this species. Transect surveys indicated highest densities in sagebrush, followed by grassland habitat. No squirrels were detected in bitterbrush or low-shrub habitats during the transect surveys. Results from capture-recapture methods also suggested higher densities in sagebrush habitat. Recruitment was highest in sagebrush followed by bunchgrass and low-shrub habitats. Mean weight for adult and juvenile squirrels were highest in bunchgrass habitat, followed by sagebrush and low-shrub. Mean maximum distance moved was greater for males than females (P = 0.0006) for adults and juveniles alike, while sex-ratios favored females in both age classes. Habitat associations at the macro-habitat level revealed selection for sites with a higher silt content (Warden soils) of the soil (P = 0.0006) and higher vegetative cover (P = 0.032). Micro-habitat associations indicated a selection for sites with a lower clay content of the soil (P = 0.004). The continued existence of Washington ground squirrels depends upon maintenance of the remaining suitable habitat, particularly large contiguous tracts. Moderate grazing does not appear to be incompatible with squirrels, though grazing intensity should be investigated in further studies. Title: Abundance and habitat associations of Washington ground squirrels in north-central Oregon Author: Greene, Eric Much of the Columbia River Basin has been cultivated for agriculture, which has reduced and fragmented the native shrub-steppe habitats. As a result, the range of the Washington ground squirrel (Spermophilus washingtoni) has been significantly reduced, prompting the states of Washington and Oregon to review their status. Consequently, I investigated abundance and habitat selection of Washington ground squirrels on the Boardman Bombing Range, Morrow County, Oregon during February through July of 1996 - 1997. Transect surveys were used to determine relative abundance among seven habitats, and live-trapping was used to compare density of squirrels in habitats in which they were present. Habitat associations were determined by comparing vegetative and soil characteristics at occupied sites and unoccupied sites. I made comparisons at two levels of resolution: a macro-habitat and a micro-habitat comparison at the colony level. Micro-habitat analysis used matched-pair logistic regression to compare habitat characteristics of colonies to a paired site where squirrels were not present. I located 44 colonies to investigate the habitat associations of this species. Transect surveys indicated highest densities in sagebrush, followed by grassland habitat. No squirrels were detected in bitterbrush or low-shrub habitats during the transect surveys. Results from capture-recapture methods also suggested higher densities in sagebrush habitat. Recruitment was highest in sagebrush followed by bunchgrass and low-shrub habitats. Mean weight for adult and juvenile squirrels were highest in bunchgrass habitat, followed by sagebrush and low-shrub. Mean maximum distance moved was greater for males than females (P = 0.0006) for adults and juveniles alike, while sex-ratios favored females in both age classes. Habitat associations at the macro-habitat level revealed selection for sites with a higher silt content (Warden soils) of the soil (P = 0.0006) and higher vegetative cover (P = 0.032). Micro-habitat associations indicated a selection for sites with a lower clay content of the soil (P = 0.004). The continued existence of Washington ground squirrels depends upon maintenance of the remaining suitable habitat, particularly large contiguous tracts. Moderate grazing does not appear to be incompatible with squirrels, though grazing intensity should be investigated in further studies. Close

• 14. [Article] Juvenile Rockfish (Sebastes spp.) Community Composition and Habitat use of Yaquina Bay, Oregon

  Estuaries, which provide viable habitat for a plethora of fish and invertebrate species, are being increasingly impacted by anthropogenic and natural forces. Estuaries are important nursery habitat for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Juvenile Rockfish (Sebastes spp.) Community Composition and Habitat use of Yaquina Bay, Oregon Author: Lindsley, Amy J. Estuaries, which provide viable habitat for a plethora of fish and invertebrate species, are being increasingly impacted by anthropogenic and natural forces. Estuaries are important nursery habitat for young-of-the-year (YOY) Pacific rockfish (Sebastes spp.). Yaquina Bay, a marine-dominated estuary on the central Oregon Coast, served as a study site for the estuarine use of juvenile rockfishes, and large numbers of juvenile rockfish have been captured in this bay. Nursery habitats must provide rearing habitat, adequate food resources and refuge. A vital but lacking connection in our understanding of estuaries as nursery habitat is how rockfishes use the different microhabitats within an estuarine ecosystem. As habitats structure biotic communities, determining the ecological requirements for juvenile rockfish habitats that minimize mortality, maximize growth and increase population numbers will assist managers and biologists in managing and protecting critical high-quality nursery areas. This study provides insight into Oregon rockfish life history, evaluating the spatial and temporal use of estuarine nursery habitat by juvenile rockfishes. The primary objectives were to (1) determine which species of rockfish utilize Yaquina Bay, (2) determine seasonal variations in abundance, and (3) assess the utilization of natural (eelgrass beds, Zostera marina) versus anthropogenic (piers) estuarine habitat. I conducted a mark-recapture study of juvenile rockfishes to begin to elucidate how these species may be using different habitats in the bay. This study provides evidence for the presence of previously undocumented rockfish species, the overwinter persistence of juvenile rockfish in the estuary, some degree of site fidelity, and apparent minimal movement of juvenile rockfish in the Yaquina Bay estuary during the period of this study, as well as a shift in rockfish community dominance from S. melanops to S. maliger and S. caurinus. The survival and recapture of juveniles in both natural (Z. marina) and anthropogenic (piers) habitat demonstrates rockfishes’ successful use of multiple Yaquina Bay habitat types as nursery grounds year-round. There is seasonal variability in rockfish use of the anthropogenic and natural habitat, with the anthropogenic habitats having an overall higher capture rate and a higher occurrence of larger rockfish. All eight species S. melanops, S. maliger, S. caurinus, S. paucispinis, S. flavidus, S. nebulosus, S. pinniger and S. auriculatus are present in the natural, Z. marina habitat. Sebastes pinniger and S. auriculatus are absent from anthropogenic, pier habitat. The implications of determining habitat parameters, community interactions, seasonal changes of the fish community, and ecosystem mechanisms may be invaluable to support further recreational and commercial fishing and help sustain or increase adult populations. My findings present a significant contribution towards the proper management and conservation of essential habitat for rockfish, a group of species with high commercial value and substantial recreational harvest. Title: Juvenile Rockfish (Sebastes spp.) Community Composition and Habitat use of Yaquina Bay, Oregon Author: Lindsley, Amy J. Estuaries, which provide viable habitat for a plethora of fish and invertebrate species, are being increasingly impacted by anthropogenic and natural forces. Estuaries are important nursery habitat for young-of-the-year (YOY) Pacific rockfish (Sebastes spp.). Yaquina Bay, a marine-dominated estuary on the central Oregon Coast, served as a study site for the estuarine use of juvenile rockfishes, and large numbers of juvenile rockfish have been captured in this bay. Nursery habitats must provide rearing habitat, adequate food resources and refuge. A vital but lacking connection in our understanding of estuaries as nursery habitat is how rockfishes use the different microhabitats within an estuarine ecosystem. As habitats structure biotic communities, determining the ecological requirements for juvenile rockfish habitats that minimize mortality, maximize growth and increase population numbers will assist managers and biologists in managing and protecting critical high-quality nursery areas. This study provides insight into Oregon rockfish life history, evaluating the spatial and temporal use of estuarine nursery habitat by juvenile rockfishes. The primary objectives were to (1) determine which species of rockfish utilize Yaquina Bay, (2) determine seasonal variations in abundance, and (3) assess the utilization of natural (eelgrass beds, Zostera marina) versus anthropogenic (piers) estuarine habitat. I conducted a mark-recapture study of juvenile rockfishes to begin to elucidate how these species may be using different habitats in the bay. This study provides evidence for the presence of previously undocumented rockfish species, the overwinter persistence of juvenile rockfish in the estuary, some degree of site fidelity, and apparent minimal movement of juvenile rockfish in the Yaquina Bay estuary during the period of this study, as well as a shift in rockfish community dominance from S. melanops to S. maliger and S. caurinus. The survival and recapture of juveniles in both natural (Z. marina) and anthropogenic (piers) habitat demonstrates rockfishes’ successful use of multiple Yaquina Bay habitat types as nursery grounds year-round. There is seasonal variability in rockfish use of the anthropogenic and natural habitat, with the anthropogenic habitats having an overall higher capture rate and a higher occurrence of larger rockfish. All eight species S. melanops, S. maliger, S. caurinus, S. paucispinis, S. flavidus, S. nebulosus, S. pinniger and S. auriculatus are present in the natural, Z. marina habitat. Sebastes pinniger and S. auriculatus are absent from anthropogenic, pier habitat. The implications of determining habitat parameters, community interactions, seasonal changes of the fish community, and ecosystem mechanisms may be invaluable to support further recreational and commercial fishing and help sustain or increase adult populations. My findings present a significant contribution towards the proper management and conservation of essential habitat for rockfish, a group of species with high commercial value and substantial recreational harvest. Close

• 15. [Article] The evolution of mapping habitat for northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina): A comparison of photo-interpreted, Landsat-based, and lidar-based habitat maps

  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 Elsevier ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The evolution of mapping habitat for northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina): A comparison of photo-interpreted, Landsat-based, and lidar-based habitat maps Author: Ackers, Steven H., Dugger, Katie M., Davis, Raymond J., Olsen, Keith 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 Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/remote-sensing-of-environment. Title: The evolution of mapping habitat for northern spotted owls (Strix occidentalis caurina): A comparison of photo-interpreted, Landsat-based, and lidar-based habitat maps Author: Ackers, Steven H., Dugger, Katie M., Davis, Raymond J., Olsen, Keith 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 Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/remote-sensing-of-environment. Close

• 16. [Article] Individual Habitat Quotas for Fisheries

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Individual Habitat Quotas for Fisheries Author: Holland, Daniel S., Schnier, Kurt E. Research Paper Title: Individual Habitat Quotas for Fisheries Author: Holland, Daniel S., Schnier, Kurt E. Research Paper Close

• 17. [Article] An economic analysis of alternative water allocations and habitat investments for anadromous fish production, John Day Basin, Oregon

  This thesis focuses on the economic efficiency of alternative habitat, streamfiow, and land use allocations within a major drainage of the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, productivity of present habitat and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An economic analysis of alternative water allocations and habitat investments for anadromous fish production, John Day Basin, Oregon Author: Cerda, Arcadio Alberto This thesis focuses on the economic efficiency of alternative habitat, streamfiow, and land use allocations within a major drainage of the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, productivity of present habitat and streamfiow conditions is evaluated with respect to anadromous fish species (chinook salmon and steelhead trout) in the John Day River Basin, a high-desert system in the Pacific Northwest. Alternative water allocations and fish habitat enhancements to improve anadromous fish productivity are also examined. This biophysical information is combined with economics concepts to evaluate comparative benefits and economic efficiency of selected technically feasible habitat/streamflow alternatives. The John Day River Basin is used as a case study because it provides one of the most significant runs of wild summer steelhead trout and spring chinook salmon in the Columbia River Basin. Specific categories of alternative enhancements included water transfers to instream flow, habitat vegetation improvements, and habitat structural measures. The benefits of changes in fish numbers are valued through the travel cost method. Costs of habitat investments are derived from a synthesis of cost data for similar investments for the region. For most lower-reach stream sections, benefits of habitat investments/streamflow alternatives do not equal costs. However, changes in water allocations and habitat do appear economically efficient to some upper reaches. The main results suggest that economic efficiency varies greatly within the system, indicating the need for site-specific proposals for streamfiow or habitat alterations within this or similar high desert streams. In addition to providing preliminary estimates of the economic efficency of streamfiow and habitat investments, this thesis serves as a methodological template for future integrated bioeconomic evaluations of water and fishery management issues. Title: An economic analysis of alternative water allocations and habitat investments for anadromous fish production, John Day Basin, Oregon Author: Cerda, Arcadio Alberto This thesis focuses on the economic efficiency of alternative habitat, streamfiow, and land use allocations within a major drainage of the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, productivity of present habitat and streamfiow conditions is evaluated with respect to anadromous fish species (chinook salmon and steelhead trout) in the John Day River Basin, a high-desert system in the Pacific Northwest. Alternative water allocations and fish habitat enhancements to improve anadromous fish productivity are also examined. This biophysical information is combined with economics concepts to evaluate comparative benefits and economic efficiency of selected technically feasible habitat/streamflow alternatives. The John Day River Basin is used as a case study because it provides one of the most significant runs of wild summer steelhead trout and spring chinook salmon in the Columbia River Basin. Specific categories of alternative enhancements included water transfers to instream flow, habitat vegetation improvements, and habitat structural measures. The benefits of changes in fish numbers are valued through the travel cost method. Costs of habitat investments are derived from a synthesis of cost data for similar investments for the region. For most lower-reach stream sections, benefits of habitat investments/streamflow alternatives do not equal costs. However, changes in water allocations and habitat do appear economically efficient to some upper reaches. The main results suggest that economic efficiency varies greatly within the system, indicating the need for site-specific proposals for streamfiow or habitat alterations within this or similar high desert streams. In addition to providing preliminary estimates of the economic efficency of streamfiow and habitat investments, this thesis serves as a methodological template for future integrated bioeconomic evaluations of water and fishery management issues. Close

• 18. [Article] Identification and mapping of habitat types in the vicinity of Mount Tolman in eastern Washington

  Studies were conducted in the vicinity of Mount Tolman on the Colville Indian Reservation in eastern Washington in order to identify vegetation habitat types of the area. After field studies were completed, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Identification and mapping of habitat types in the vicinity of Mount Tolman in eastern Washington Author: Wilson, Mary Loverna Studies were conducted in the vicinity of Mount Tolman on the Colville Indian Reservation in eastern Washington in order to identify vegetation habitat types of the area. After field studies were completed, Daubenmire's keys to habitat types of eastern Washington (1968, 1970) were used to determine habitat types of the area. On the basis of sampling results, eleven habitat types were identified and described. This information was used in conjunction with aerial photointerpretation to prepare a vegetation map. Daubenmire's baseline studies, from which the habitat type keys were developed, were conducted in pristine climax stands. The Mount Tolman study area vegetation has been subjected to human disturbance for many years. Agriculture, grazing, logging, mining, and urbanization have all had an impact on the natural vegetation of the area. It was of interest to see at what levels of disturbance it would still be possible to determine habitat types from remnant native vegetation. Steppe habitat types identified were Agropyron spicatum/Festuca idahoensis and Purshia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum. Very little vegetation representative of these habitat types remained in the study area because of conversion of most open land to either agricultural crops or pasture. Most steppe portions of the study area had been heavily grazed and supported disclimax vegetation dominated by Bromus tectorum and other weedy species. Four Pinus ponderosa habitat types were identified. They were Pinus ponderosa/Agropyron spicatum, Pinus ponderosa/Festuca idahoensis, Pinus ponderosa/Purshia tridentata, and Pinus ponderosa/Symphoricarpos albus. Together they composed 43 percent of the study area. Three other forest habitats, Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus, Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus malvaceus, and Abies grandis/Pachistima myrsinites, occupied 30 percent of the study area. Two riparian habitat types occurred consistently in the creek drainages. One of these was Crataegus douglasii/ Symphoricarpus albus, both the Crataegus phase, and Populus tremuloides phase; the other was Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum. Using Daubenmire's keys, coupled with information about seral communities and successional patterns, proved to be effective in determining habitat types in all but the most disturbed sites. Title: Identification and mapping of habitat types in the vicinity of Mount Tolman in eastern Washington Author: Wilson, Mary Loverna Studies were conducted in the vicinity of Mount Tolman on the Colville Indian Reservation in eastern Washington in order to identify vegetation habitat types of the area. After field studies were completed, Daubenmire's keys to habitat types of eastern Washington (1968, 1970) were used to determine habitat types of the area. On the basis of sampling results, eleven habitat types were identified and described. This information was used in conjunction with aerial photointerpretation to prepare a vegetation map. Daubenmire's baseline studies, from which the habitat type keys were developed, were conducted in pristine climax stands. The Mount Tolman study area vegetation has been subjected to human disturbance for many years. Agriculture, grazing, logging, mining, and urbanization have all had an impact on the natural vegetation of the area. It was of interest to see at what levels of disturbance it would still be possible to determine habitat types from remnant native vegetation. Steppe habitat types identified were Agropyron spicatum/Festuca idahoensis and Purshia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum. Very little vegetation representative of these habitat types remained in the study area because of conversion of most open land to either agricultural crops or pasture. Most steppe portions of the study area had been heavily grazed and supported disclimax vegetation dominated by Bromus tectorum and other weedy species. Four Pinus ponderosa habitat types were identified. They were Pinus ponderosa/Agropyron spicatum, Pinus ponderosa/Festuca idahoensis, Pinus ponderosa/Purshia tridentata, and Pinus ponderosa/Symphoricarpos albus. Together they composed 43 percent of the study area. Three other forest habitats, Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos albus, Pseudotsuga menziesii/Physocarpus malvaceus, and Abies grandis/Pachistima myrsinites, occupied 30 percent of the study area. Two riparian habitat types occurred consistently in the creek drainages. One of these was Crataegus douglasii/ Symphoricarpus albus, both the Crataegus phase, and Populus tremuloides phase; the other was Alnus incana/Lysichitum americanum. Using Daubenmire's keys, coupled with information about seral communities and successional patterns, proved to be effective in determining habitat types in all but the most disturbed sites. Close

• 19. [Article] A Bioeconomic Model of Fishery-Habitat Impacts

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Bioeconomic Model of Fishery-Habitat Impacts Author: Kahui, Viktoria, Armstrong, Claire Abstract only. Title: A Bioeconomic Model of Fishery-Habitat Impacts Author: Kahui, Viktoria, Armstrong, Claire Abstract only. Close

• 20. [Article] Ecology of aquatic habitats associated with stream margins

  The morphology and ecological importance of habitats associated with the margin of third-order stream channels in the Oregon Cascades were studied in streams in three different riparian types: 450-year-old ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecology of aquatic habitats associated with stream margins Author: Moore, Kelly M. S. The morphology and ecological importance of habitats associated with the margin of third-order stream channels in the Oregon Cascades were studied in streams in three different riparian types: 450-year-old conifers, 40-year-old alder, and an open, herbaceous-dominated clearcut. Margins, backwaters, and side channels in streams create important habitat for fry of cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki clarki) and support benthic invertebrate assemblages of high denSity and distinctive composition. These lateral habitats are characterized by slow, shallow water, heterogeneous size distribution of substrates, abundant detritus, and by hydraulic and morphologic persistence. In the study reaches, area of lateral habitat was maximum in early summer, averaging 15 percent of total stream area. The amount of lateral habitat decreased with either lower or higher flows. During a 1-yr period lateral habitats in the coniferous site changed the least. The volume and hydraulic characteristics of individual lateral habitats were functions of the morphology of the structures that formed the habitat and the orientation and location of the habitat relative to the central axis of the strea Large woody debris and large boulders created lateral habitats that were larger, had longer hydrologic residence times, and were more persistent when streamflow changed than lateral habitats formed by small boulders and cobble. Stream margins and backwaters were major sites of detritus storage. Average detritus standing crop in backwaters and stream margins was 5 to 15 times greater than standing crops in riffles or pools in the same stream. Detritus at the coniferous reach had higher organic matter content and a greater percentage of lignin than detritus at the deciduous reach. Detritus at the open reach was much lower in organic matter content, but the ratio of cellulose to lignin was greater than in the forested reaches. The activity of microbial assemblages associated with fine detritus was generally highest at the open reach. Average standing crop of chlorophyll a was highest at the open site. The abundance and quality of nutritional resources in lateral habitats were reflected in the associated invertebrate communities. High densities of chironomids, early instar Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, oligochaetes, and micro-crustacea were found in stream margins and backwaters at each site. Mean invertebrate density in lateral habitats was similar in the coniferous (66,500 individuals/m²) and open (75,000 individuals/m²) reaches, but lower at the deciduous site (24,000 individuals/m²). Collector-gatherer, shredder, and predator functional feeding groups were well represented at each site. Differences in functional roup organization between reaches were primarily related tp increased numbers of herbivorous collector-gatherers at the open site and a greater relative abundance of shredders at the deciduous site. Cutthroat trout fry populations were directly linked to the length of stream edge and the area of lateral habitat. Fry occupy lateral habitats immediately after emergence and may not move from lateral habitats until the end of their first summer. In an experimental manipulation of nine stream reaches, increasing lateral habitat prior to fry emergence resulted in 2.5 times higher fry density than in control reaches and reducing lateral habitat virtually eliminated fry populations. Cutthroat trout in headwater streams continue to use lateral habitats throughout their life cycle as refuge for all age classes during high streamflow and by adult trout as spawning areas. Title: Ecology of aquatic habitats associated with stream margins Author: Moore, Kelly M. S. The morphology and ecological importance of habitats associated with the margin of third-order stream channels in the Oregon Cascades were studied in streams in three different riparian types: 450-year-old conifers, 40-year-old alder, and an open, herbaceous-dominated clearcut. Margins, backwaters, and side channels in streams create important habitat for fry of cutthroat trout (Salmo clarki clarki) and support benthic invertebrate assemblages of high denSity and distinctive composition. These lateral habitats are characterized by slow, shallow water, heterogeneous size distribution of substrates, abundant detritus, and by hydraulic and morphologic persistence. In the study reaches, area of lateral habitat was maximum in early summer, averaging 15 percent of total stream area. The amount of lateral habitat decreased with either lower or higher flows. During a 1-yr period lateral habitats in the coniferous site changed the least. The volume and hydraulic characteristics of individual lateral habitats were functions of the morphology of the structures that formed the habitat and the orientation and location of the habitat relative to the central axis of the strea Large woody debris and large boulders created lateral habitats that were larger, had longer hydrologic residence times, and were more persistent when streamflow changed than lateral habitats formed by small boulders and cobble. Stream margins and backwaters were major sites of detritus storage. Average detritus standing crop in backwaters and stream margins was 5 to 15 times greater than standing crops in riffles or pools in the same stream. Detritus at the coniferous reach had higher organic matter content and a greater percentage of lignin than detritus at the deciduous reach. Detritus at the open reach was much lower in organic matter content, but the ratio of cellulose to lignin was greater than in the forested reaches. The activity of microbial assemblages associated with fine detritus was generally highest at the open reach. Average standing crop of chlorophyll a was highest at the open site. The abundance and quality of nutritional resources in lateral habitats were reflected in the associated invertebrate communities. High densities of chironomids, early instar Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, oligochaetes, and micro-crustacea were found in stream margins and backwaters at each site. Mean invertebrate density in lateral habitats was similar in the coniferous (66,500 individuals/m²) and open (75,000 individuals/m²) reaches, but lower at the deciduous site (24,000 individuals/m²). Collector-gatherer, shredder, and predator functional feeding groups were well represented at each site. Differences in functional roup organization between reaches were primarily related tp increased numbers of herbivorous collector-gatherers at the open site and a greater relative abundance of shredders at the deciduous site. Cutthroat trout fry populations were directly linked to the length of stream edge and the area of lateral habitat. Fry occupy lateral habitats immediately after emergence and may not move from lateral habitats until the end of their first summer. In an experimental manipulation of nine stream reaches, increasing lateral habitat prior to fry emergence resulted in 2.5 times higher fry density than in control reaches and reducing lateral habitat virtually eliminated fry populations. Cutthroat trout in headwater streams continue to use lateral habitats throughout their life cycle as refuge for all age classes during high streamflow and by adult trout as spawning areas. Close

• 21. [Article] Clover Creek restoration

  This project included 8 miles of fencing, 18 stock water tanks, 10 acres of riparian planting, 1 hardened crossing and 1 culvert crossing. Six landowners participated in the project.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Clover Creek restoration Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers This project included 8 miles of fencing, 18 stock water tanks, 10 acres of riparian planting, 1 hardened crossing and 1 culvert crossing. Six landowners participated in the project. Title: Clover Creek restoration Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers This project included 8 miles of fencing, 18 stock water tanks, 10 acres of riparian planting, 1 hardened crossing and 1 culvert crossing. Six landowners participated in the project. Close

• 22. [Article] A guide to placing large wood in streams

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A guide to placing large wood in streams Author: Oregon. Forest Practices Section, Oregon. Habitat Conservation Division Title: A guide to placing large wood in streams Author: Oregon. Forest Practices Section, Oregon. Habitat Conservation Division Close

• 23. [Article] Stocking levels and seedling heights on clearcuts in relation to habitat type in the Western Cascades of Oregon

  Stocking characteristics and heights attained by tree seedlings at ages five and seven were measured on 45 study units, representing five habitat types, established on clearcuts in the Abies amabilis zone ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stocking levels and seedling heights on clearcuts in relation to habitat type in the Western Cascades of Oregon Author: Sullivan, Michael James Stocking characteristics and heights attained by tree seedlings at ages five and seven were measured on 45 study units, representing five habitat types, established on clearcuts in the Abies amabilis zone in the Western Cascades of Oregon. The study units ranged from six to 30 acres in size, seven to 15 years in age (time elapsed since harvest), and occupied a variety of slope aspects, inclinations, and topographic positions. A restricted random sampling procedure and circular one-milacre plots were employed to collect data. Mean post-harvest stocking levels (on a one-milacre basis) ranged from 14.4% in the Abies amabilis-Tsuga mertensiana/ Xerophyiium tenax habitat type to 48.3% in the Abies amabilis/Rhododendron macrophyllum-Vaccinium alaskaense/Cornus canadensis habitat type, and mean advance stocking levels ranged from 2.0% in the Abies amabiiis/Vaccinium membranaceum/ Xerophyiium tenax habitat type to 16.5% in the Abies/ Rhododendron-Vaccinium/Cornus habitat type. Differences in mean post-harvest stocking among the habitat types were found to be inversely correlated with differences in mean radiation indices and mean elevations. Differences were also found among the habitat types in the comparative stocking levels of individual tree species. Abies procera (noble fir) stocking was generally less than or equal to that of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) in habitat types typically positioned on lower-to mid-slopes, but much greater than that of Pseudotsuga menziesii in habitat types which are typically located on or near ridgetops. Mean heights of tree seedlings were found to vary considerably among tree species and habitat types. Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings generally grow to roughly equivalent or to greater heights than do Abies procera seedlings in all habitat types. Both Pseudotsuga menziesii and Abies procera seedlings attained greatest heights in the Abies amabilis/ Achlys triphylla habitat type, and lowest heights in an undocumented Abies amabilis/Rhododendron macrophyllum-Vaccinium membranaceum habitat type. The structure and composition of successional plant communities which developed following clearcutting was also found to vary considerably among habitat types. Clearcuts in habitat types typically located on lower-to mid-slopes were occupied by plant communities often dominated by shrubs, whereas plant communities dominated by herbs usually occupied clearcuts located in habitat types typically positioned on or near ridgetops. The results of this research imply that each habitat type seems best suited for specific silvicultural practices. Habitat type classification and mapping can be a productive tool for foresters involved with the regeneration management of Abies amabilis zone forests of the Western Cascades of Oregon. Title: Stocking levels and seedling heights on clearcuts in relation to habitat type in the Western Cascades of Oregon Author: Sullivan, Michael James Stocking characteristics and heights attained by tree seedlings at ages five and seven were measured on 45 study units, representing five habitat types, established on clearcuts in the Abies amabilis zone in the Western Cascades of Oregon. The study units ranged from six to 30 acres in size, seven to 15 years in age (time elapsed since harvest), and occupied a variety of slope aspects, inclinations, and topographic positions. A restricted random sampling procedure and circular one-milacre plots were employed to collect data. Mean post-harvest stocking levels (on a one-milacre basis) ranged from 14.4% in the Abies amabilis-Tsuga mertensiana/ Xerophyiium tenax habitat type to 48.3% in the Abies amabilis/Rhododendron macrophyllum-Vaccinium alaskaense/Cornus canadensis habitat type, and mean advance stocking levels ranged from 2.0% in the Abies amabiiis/Vaccinium membranaceum/ Xerophyiium tenax habitat type to 16.5% in the Abies/ Rhododendron-Vaccinium/Cornus habitat type. Differences in mean post-harvest stocking among the habitat types were found to be inversely correlated with differences in mean radiation indices and mean elevations. Differences were also found among the habitat types in the comparative stocking levels of individual tree species. Abies procera (noble fir) stocking was generally less than or equal to that of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) in habitat types typically positioned on lower-to mid-slopes, but much greater than that of Pseudotsuga menziesii in habitat types which are typically located on or near ridgetops. Mean heights of tree seedlings were found to vary considerably among tree species and habitat types. Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings generally grow to roughly equivalent or to greater heights than do Abies procera seedlings in all habitat types. Both Pseudotsuga menziesii and Abies procera seedlings attained greatest heights in the Abies amabilis/ Achlys triphylla habitat type, and lowest heights in an undocumented Abies amabilis/Rhododendron macrophyllum-Vaccinium membranaceum habitat type. The structure and composition of successional plant communities which developed following clearcutting was also found to vary considerably among habitat types. Clearcuts in habitat types typically located on lower-to mid-slopes were occupied by plant communities often dominated by shrubs, whereas plant communities dominated by herbs usually occupied clearcuts located in habitat types typically positioned on or near ridgetops. The results of this research imply that each habitat type seems best suited for specific silvicultural practices. Habitat type classification and mapping can be a productive tool for foresters involved with the regeneration management of Abies amabilis zone forests of the Western Cascades of Oregon. Close

• 24. [Article] Habitat selection by American martens (Martes americana) in coastal northwestern California

  The Humboldt marten, Martes americana humboldtensis, has undergone a dramatic decline throughout its historical distribution in coastal Northwestern California. There is currently only one known population ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat selection by American martens (Martes americana) in coastal northwestern California Author: Slauson, Keith M. The Humboldt marten, Martes americana humboldtensis, has undergone a dramatic decline throughout its historical distribution in coastal Northwestern California. There is currently only one known population occupying an area occurring in <5% of the historical distribution of the subspecies. Conservation and management efforts to benefit this population are hampered by lack of information on the habitat ecology of martens in the coastal forest of northwestern California. Furthermore there have been no investigations of the habitat ecology of marten populations anywhere in the coastal forests of the Pacific States. I investigated habitat relationships of the only known population of martens within the historical distribution of M a. humboldtensis at three spatial scales (microhabitat, stand, and home range) and in relation to four forest management regimes (industrial timberlands, and U. S. Forest Service (USFS) matrix lands, late-successional reserves, and wilderness). Over 12 months of fieldwork during 2000 and 2001, I detected martens at 26 of 159 track plate sample units distributed on a systematic grid located over the region known to be occupied by the population. I used an information-theoretic approach to rank 56 a priori candidate models that described hypothesized habitat relationships at each spatial scale. Marten detections occurred in two distinct habitat types, those with forests on serpentine soils and forests associated with more productive soil types, which are more common in the region. At the microhabitat scale in serpentine habitats, martens were detected at sites with dense shrub cover, sparse tree cover, and abundant surface rocks. Dense shrub cover and abundant surface rocks may provide key overhead and escape cover for martens in serpentine habitats. At the microhabitat scale in non-serpentine habitats martens were detected at sites having the most mesic aspects, with dense tree and shrub cover, and with a higher abundance of large diameter snags. At the stand scale martens selected conifer-dominated stands with dense shrub cover in the latest seral stages (old growth and late-mature) in non-serpentine habitats and variable seral stages in serpentine habitats. At the home-range scale the probability of detecting a marten decreased with increasing amounts of logging within 1-km of the sample unit and increased with increasing maximum patch size of old growth, old growth plus late-mature, or serpentine habitat within 1-km of the sample unit. Martens were detected significantly more frequently in USFS lands than in private industrial timberlands. Within USFS lands, martens were detected most frequently in matrix and late-successional reserves, and least frequently in the wilderness area. This study provides new information on the habitat ecology of martens in the coastal forests of northwestern California. It demonstrates the importance of investigating marten habitat at multiple spatial scales and provides insights to linkages among scales and how martens respond to forest management. It also provides information to aid conservation and restoration of martens in northwestern California through identification of areas currently occupied or with suitable habitat, information to identify suitable habitat in areas outside the study area, and information to guide conservation planning for martens and site-specific habitat restoration. Title: Habitat selection by American martens (Martes americana) in coastal northwestern California Author: Slauson, Keith M. The Humboldt marten, Martes americana humboldtensis, has undergone a dramatic decline throughout its historical distribution in coastal Northwestern California. There is currently only one known population occupying an area occurring in <5% of the historical distribution of the subspecies. Conservation and management efforts to benefit this population are hampered by lack of information on the habitat ecology of martens in the coastal forest of northwestern California. Furthermore there have been no investigations of the habitat ecology of marten populations anywhere in the coastal forests of the Pacific States. I investigated habitat relationships of the only known population of martens within the historical distribution of M a. humboldtensis at three spatial scales (microhabitat, stand, and home range) and in relation to four forest management regimes (industrial timberlands, and U. S. Forest Service (USFS) matrix lands, late-successional reserves, and wilderness). Over 12 months of fieldwork during 2000 and 2001, I detected martens at 26 of 159 track plate sample units distributed on a systematic grid located over the region known to be occupied by the population. I used an information-theoretic approach to rank 56 a priori candidate models that described hypothesized habitat relationships at each spatial scale. Marten detections occurred in two distinct habitat types, those with forests on serpentine soils and forests associated with more productive soil types, which are more common in the region. At the microhabitat scale in serpentine habitats, martens were detected at sites with dense shrub cover, sparse tree cover, and abundant surface rocks. Dense shrub cover and abundant surface rocks may provide key overhead and escape cover for martens in serpentine habitats. At the microhabitat scale in non-serpentine habitats martens were detected at sites having the most mesic aspects, with dense tree and shrub cover, and with a higher abundance of large diameter snags. At the stand scale martens selected conifer-dominated stands with dense shrub cover in the latest seral stages (old growth and late-mature) in non-serpentine habitats and variable seral stages in serpentine habitats. At the home-range scale the probability of detecting a marten decreased with increasing amounts of logging within 1-km of the sample unit and increased with increasing maximum patch size of old growth, old growth plus late-mature, or serpentine habitat within 1-km of the sample unit. Martens were detected significantly more frequently in USFS lands than in private industrial timberlands. Within USFS lands, martens were detected most frequently in matrix and late-successional reserves, and least frequently in the wilderness area. This study provides new information on the habitat ecology of martens in the coastal forests of northwestern California. It demonstrates the importance of investigating marten habitat at multiple spatial scales and provides insights to linkages among scales and how martens respond to forest management. It also provides information to aid conservation and restoration of martens in northwestern California through identification of areas currently occupied or with suitable habitat, information to identify suitable habitat in areas outside the study area, and information to guide conservation planning for martens and site-specific habitat restoration. Close

• 25. [Article] An analysis of guild structure of avian communities, Columbia River, Oregon

  Effects of habitat and season on guild structure of avian communities were examined for islands in the estuary zone of the Columbia River, Oregon. Bird species were classified into guilds according to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An analysis of guild structure of avian communities, Columbia River, Oregon Author: Noyes, Cecilia Lea Barham Effects of habitat and season on guild structure of avian communities were examined for islands in the estuary zone of the Columbia River, Oregon. Bird species were classified into guilds according to their major food item, typical foraging substrate, and foraging behavior. Variation in community structure indices (number of guilds, guild diversity, evenness, bird density, and biomass) among habitats and seasons were analyzed with multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis. Cluster analysis was used to examine patterns of guild distribution among habitats and seasons. Four habitat-bird community associations (tree-shrub, upland, beach-low marsh, and high marsh) were described based on results from this study. High guild evenness within tree-shrub habitats during the breeding season (spring and summer) distinguished tree-shrub bird communities from communities within the 3 other habitats. Relatively stable bird density within tree-shrub habitats was attributed to high vegetation heterogeniety and later successional stage of tree-shrub habitats. Seasonal variation of community structure indices was greatest within upland habitats. Comparison of seasonal patterns in number of guilds, guild evenness, bird density, and guild composition between tree-shrub and upland habitats suggested greater stability of food resource productivity, availability, and diversity within tree-shrub habitats. Differences in avian community structure between the 2 terrestrial seral stages (tree-shrub and upland) were ascribed to differences in successional stage and vegetation complexity. High avian biomass distinguished bird communities of beach-low marsh habitats and was probably related to high productivity typical of estuary systems. Seasonal variation of community structure, primarily a winter reduction in bird density, was least definitive in beach-low marsh habitats. Lack of winter reduction in number of guilds and seasonal changes in guild composition suggested low winter density was related to reduced availability of food resources as affected by tidal inundation, low temperatures, and ice on the river. Bird communities associated with the high marsh habitat were characterized from all other bird community-habitat associations by greater number of guilds. Less extensive tidal inundation, greater vegetation complexity and more edge effect in the high marsh habitat than in beach-low marsh habitats seemed to affect greater occurrence of terrestrial associated guilds. Results of this study indicated description of avian community structure on the basis of food-resource defined guilds was useful in interpreting how environmental (habitat and season) variation may affect bird communities. Validity of inferences from this study requires more detailed analysis of the bird communities and their habitats. Thus, the guild approach as used in this research is most appropriate for preliminary examination of communities, indicating areas where more specific study should increase understanding of the structure and functioning of avian communities. Title: An analysis of guild structure of avian communities, Columbia River, Oregon Author: Noyes, Cecilia Lea Barham Effects of habitat and season on guild structure of avian communities were examined for islands in the estuary zone of the Columbia River, Oregon. Bird species were classified into guilds according to their major food item, typical foraging substrate, and foraging behavior. Variation in community structure indices (number of guilds, guild diversity, evenness, bird density, and biomass) among habitats and seasons were analyzed with multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis. Cluster analysis was used to examine patterns of guild distribution among habitats and seasons. Four habitat-bird community associations (tree-shrub, upland, beach-low marsh, and high marsh) were described based on results from this study. High guild evenness within tree-shrub habitats during the breeding season (spring and summer) distinguished tree-shrub bird communities from communities within the 3 other habitats. Relatively stable bird density within tree-shrub habitats was attributed to high vegetation heterogeniety and later successional stage of tree-shrub habitats. Seasonal variation of community structure indices was greatest within upland habitats. Comparison of seasonal patterns in number of guilds, guild evenness, bird density, and guild composition between tree-shrub and upland habitats suggested greater stability of food resource productivity, availability, and diversity within tree-shrub habitats. Differences in avian community structure between the 2 terrestrial seral stages (tree-shrub and upland) were ascribed to differences in successional stage and vegetation complexity. High avian biomass distinguished bird communities of beach-low marsh habitats and was probably related to high productivity typical of estuary systems. Seasonal variation of community structure, primarily a winter reduction in bird density, was least definitive in beach-low marsh habitats. Lack of winter reduction in number of guilds and seasonal changes in guild composition suggested low winter density was related to reduced availability of food resources as affected by tidal inundation, low temperatures, and ice on the river. Bird communities associated with the high marsh habitat were characterized from all other bird community-habitat associations by greater number of guilds. Less extensive tidal inundation, greater vegetation complexity and more edge effect in the high marsh habitat than in beach-low marsh habitats seemed to affect greater occurrence of terrestrial associated guilds. Results of this study indicated description of avian community structure on the basis of food-resource defined guilds was useful in interpreting how environmental (habitat and season) variation may affect bird communities. Validity of inferences from this study requires more detailed analysis of the bird communities and their habitats. Thus, the guild approach as used in this research is most appropriate for preliminary examination of communities, indicating areas where more specific study should increase understanding of the structure and functioning of avian communities. Close

• 26. [Article] Response of trout, sculpins, and salamanders to experimental manipulation of large wood in Cascade Mountain streams

  Response of aquatic vertebrates to increased pool habitat complexity due to abundance of large wood was evaluated experimentally in three streams in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. No difference in aquatic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Response of trout, sculpins, and salamanders to experimental manipulation of large wood in Cascade Mountain streams Author: Burgess, Jack A. Response of aquatic vertebrates to increased pool habitat complexity due to abundance of large wood was evaluated experimentally in three streams in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. No difference in aquatic vertebrate density was detected among treatments, though there was a trend of increasing aquatic vertebrate density with increasing large wood abundance. The small change in density of aquatic vertebrate species may have been due to the overriding influence of the high habitat heterogeneity associated with cobble/boulder substrate in these streams. Large wood may have a stronger influence in simpler streams with smaller particle size, in differing environmental regimes, or at spatial scales larger than channel unit. Mark-recapture estimates, catchability-based estimates, and maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates were compared in all three streams. Physical heterogeneity influenced efficiency of capture. The single pass catchability-based estimates were larger than mark-recapture estimates and maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates. Mark-recapture estimates were larger than maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates. The mark-recapture method gives more reliable and accurate estimates than maximum likelihood multiple removal method, but both methods may substantially underestimate the population. Taxon, fish length, and habitat variables influenced catchability for the population estimators examined. Probability of capture of vertebrates for the catchability-based estimator consistently decreased with increasing habitat complexity. Understanding factors that affect the accuracy of population estimators and the impact that habitat may have on catchability will assist fisheries scientists and managers in making informed decisions regarding the selection of a population estimation method. Research on habitat restoration and habitat relationships must recognize limitations of population estimators and catchability. Recognition of the limitations of population estimators and catchability should allow resource scientists to design more reliable monitoring and evaluation of habitat restoration projects. Title: Response of trout, sculpins, and salamanders to experimental manipulation of large wood in Cascade Mountain streams Author: Burgess, Jack A. Response of aquatic vertebrates to increased pool habitat complexity due to abundance of large wood was evaluated experimentally in three streams in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. No difference in aquatic vertebrate density was detected among treatments, though there was a trend of increasing aquatic vertebrate density with increasing large wood abundance. The small change in density of aquatic vertebrate species may have been due to the overriding influence of the high habitat heterogeneity associated with cobble/boulder substrate in these streams. Large wood may have a stronger influence in simpler streams with smaller particle size, in differing environmental regimes, or at spatial scales larger than channel unit. Mark-recapture estimates, catchability-based estimates, and maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates were compared in all three streams. Physical heterogeneity influenced efficiency of capture. The single pass catchability-based estimates were larger than mark-recapture estimates and maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates. Mark-recapture estimates were larger than maximum likelihood multiple removal estimates. The mark-recapture method gives more reliable and accurate estimates than maximum likelihood multiple removal method, but both methods may substantially underestimate the population. Taxon, fish length, and habitat variables influenced catchability for the population estimators examined. Probability of capture of vertebrates for the catchability-based estimator consistently decreased with increasing habitat complexity. Understanding factors that affect the accuracy of population estimators and the impact that habitat may have on catchability will assist fisheries scientists and managers in making informed decisions regarding the selection of a population estimation method. Research on habitat restoration and habitat relationships must recognize limitations of population estimators and catchability. Recognition of the limitations of population estimators and catchability should allow resource scientists to design more reliable monitoring and evaluation of habitat restoration projects. Close

• 27. [Article] A study of the Columbian black-tailed deer Odocolieus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) and its habitat in Oregon

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A study of the Columbian black-tailed deer Odocolieus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) and its habitat in Oregon Author: Lindzey, James Shotwell Title: A study of the Columbian black-tailed deer Odocolieus hemionus columbianus (Richardson) and its habitat in Oregon Author: Lindzey, James Shotwell Close

• 28. [Article] The LizLand model : geomorphic landform and surface composition analysis of lizard habitat in the California Mojave Desert

  This dissertation had three main objectives: 1) investigate the role of macro and micro geomorphology in determining lizard distributions in the Southern California Mojave Desert; 2) develop a spatially ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The LizLand model : geomorphic landform and surface composition analysis of lizard habitat in the California Mojave Desert Author: Heaton, Jill S. This dissertation had three main objectives: 1) investigate the role of macro and micro geomorphology in determining lizard distributions in the Southern California Mojave Desert; 2) develop a spatially explicit lizard habitat model based upon geomorphology; and, 3) determine the interactive effects of geomorphology, roads, and land use in defining lizard habitat. To achieve these objectives a new concept of reptile habitat was developed. Primary field data on presence/absence of lizards in relation to macro and micro geomorphology were collected for three conspicuous and widely distributed Mojave Desert lizard species: Cnemidophorus tigris, Callisaurus draconoides, and Uta stansburiana. Study sites were distributed between the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) and Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) in the Southern California Mojave Desert. Chapter 2 develops a new concept of reptile habitat in and environments. This concept is based upon geomorphic landform and surface composition, which are used to distinguish lizard macro and micro-habitat components. The micro-habitat requirements of individual species are linked to macro geomorphic landforms via their mutual microhabitat characterizations. Chapter 3 describes the development of the spatially explicit LizLand habitat model. LizLand is based on the concept of reptile habitat developed and described in Chapter 2. Digital data used to construct the model include geomorphic landform, surface composition, hydrologic, and elevation data. The model is validated for MCAGCC using secondary species locational data and developed for two additional species for which no primary data were collected. The implications of LizLand for military land management are discussed. The final paper explores in greater depth the relationship between Callisaurus draconoides and the geomorphic landform habitat class alluvial plains. It compares C. draconoides observations on unpaved alluvial plain roads to surrounding habitats and observations between MCAGCC and JOTR. Finally, it considers the use of C. draconoides as an indicator species given its affinity for unpaved alluvial plain roads. Title: The LizLand model : geomorphic landform and surface composition analysis of lizard habitat in the California Mojave Desert Author: Heaton, Jill S. This dissertation had three main objectives: 1) investigate the role of macro and micro geomorphology in determining lizard distributions in the Southern California Mojave Desert; 2) develop a spatially explicit lizard habitat model based upon geomorphology; and, 3) determine the interactive effects of geomorphology, roads, and land use in defining lizard habitat. To achieve these objectives a new concept of reptile habitat was developed. Primary field data on presence/absence of lizards in relation to macro and micro geomorphology were collected for three conspicuous and widely distributed Mojave Desert lizard species: Cnemidophorus tigris, Callisaurus draconoides, and Uta stansburiana. Study sites were distributed between the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) and Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) in the Southern California Mojave Desert. Chapter 2 develops a new concept of reptile habitat in and environments. This concept is based upon geomorphic landform and surface composition, which are used to distinguish lizard macro and micro-habitat components. The micro-habitat requirements of individual species are linked to macro geomorphic landforms via their mutual microhabitat characterizations. Chapter 3 describes the development of the spatially explicit LizLand habitat model. LizLand is based on the concept of reptile habitat developed and described in Chapter 2. Digital data used to construct the model include geomorphic landform, surface composition, hydrologic, and elevation data. The model is validated for MCAGCC using secondary species locational data and developed for two additional species for which no primary data were collected. The implications of LizLand for military land management are discussed. The final paper explores in greater depth the relationship between Callisaurus draconoides and the geomorphic landform habitat class alluvial plains. It compares C. draconoides observations on unpaved alluvial plain roads to surrounding habitats and observations between MCAGCC and JOTR. Finally, it considers the use of C. draconoides as an indicator species given its affinity for unpaved alluvial plain roads. Close

• 29. [Article] Oak habitat user guide.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak habitat user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Title: Oak habitat user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Close

• 30. [Article] Structure-forming benthic invertebrates : habitat distributions on the continental margin of Oregon and Washington

  Structure-forming invertebrates belong to a polyphyletic group of primarily sessile and sedentary megafauna that can significantly enhance the complexity of physical habitats. A number of these organisms, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Structure-forming benthic invertebrates : habitat distributions on the continental margin of Oregon and Washington Author: Strom, Natalie A. Structure-forming invertebrates belong to a polyphyletic group of primarily sessile and sedentary megafauna that can significantly enhance the complexity of physical habitats. A number of these organisms, including cold-water corals and sponges, are known to be slow growing and vulnerable to physical disturbance. In addition, as filter feeders, these invertebrates can indicate areas of consistently favorable conditions for feeding and growth. This study provides the first quantitative analysis of structure-forming invertebrate communities in many areas along the continental margin of Oregon and Washington. Geological surveys during 1992-95, using the occupied submersible, Delta, sampled an extensive area in this region, primarily on and around rock outcrops. The videos from these surveys were analyzed to inventory and catalog sessile structure-forming invertebrates and to document their associations with geological habitat types. Detailed data on geological substrate, invertebrate diversity, abundance, and density were compiled and analyzed. It was found that geological substrate and depth were reliable indicators of suitable habitat for most species included in the study. Gorgonian corals tended to concentrate in high densities in depths between 200-250m, at the southern edges of submerged rocky banks, and where hard rocky substrate was covered with a thick layer of sediment. Because of recent fishery regulation changes, this information can be used as baseline data for future studies on the effectiveness of closed areas on the recovery of structure-forming invertebrates from disturbance, particularly bottom trawling. Title: Structure-forming benthic invertebrates : habitat distributions on the continental margin of Oregon and Washington Author: Strom, Natalie A. Structure-forming invertebrates belong to a polyphyletic group of primarily sessile and sedentary megafauna that can significantly enhance the complexity of physical habitats. A number of these organisms, including cold-water corals and sponges, are known to be slow growing and vulnerable to physical disturbance. In addition, as filter feeders, these invertebrates can indicate areas of consistently favorable conditions for feeding and growth. This study provides the first quantitative analysis of structure-forming invertebrate communities in many areas along the continental margin of Oregon and Washington. Geological surveys during 1992-95, using the occupied submersible, Delta, sampled an extensive area in this region, primarily on and around rock outcrops. The videos from these surveys were analyzed to inventory and catalog sessile structure-forming invertebrates and to document their associations with geological habitat types. Detailed data on geological substrate, invertebrate diversity, abundance, and density were compiled and analyzed. It was found that geological substrate and depth were reliable indicators of suitable habitat for most species included in the study. Gorgonian corals tended to concentrate in high densities in depths between 200-250m, at the southern edges of submerged rocky banks, and where hard rocky substrate was covered with a thick layer of sediment. Because of recent fishery regulation changes, this information can be used as baseline data for future studies on the effectiveness of closed areas on the recovery of structure-forming invertebrates from disturbance, particularly bottom trawling. Close

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

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

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

  An introduction to habitats in the Willamette River Basin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• 41. [Article] An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin.

  Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin. Author: Fontaine, Barbara L. Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted in each season over the course of 1 year. Blast pools created in bedrock glides increased the carrying capacity of stream reaches during late summer. Three types of boulder and log structures in gravel-cobble glides did not significantly increase the late summer standing crop of juvenile steelhead. During summer, juvenile steelhead selected the habitat provided by the four types of structures over the untreated glide habitats. The instream structures were used by steelhead for feeding stations, resting areas, and hiding cover. Structures located near the thalweg held substantially more summering steelhead than structures in off-thalweg positions, regardless of structure design. In winter, seven structure designs were evaluated. The structures that were placed in zones of slow water (deep pools, margin backwater pools, and dam pools) provided the most effective winter habitat for juvenile steelhead. The structures with the largest concentrations of boulders and rubble generally held the highest winter densities. During the spring and fall months, habitat utilization was less predictable. Spring and fall were times of transition in which the utilization of habitat structures was probably influenced by changing water temperatures and hydraulic conditions. Prior to initiating habitat modification programs, habitat managers should conduct an on-site examination of the rearing strategy and seasonal habitat needs of the target species. A pre-work evaluation should be designed to gain an understanding of the most likely environmental factors that limit production. Without such preliminary information, and without a follow-up evaluation, managers cannot recognize their mistakes, innovate appropriate new techniques or determine if funds have been wisely spent. Title: An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin. Author: Fontaine, Barbara L. Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted in each season over the course of 1 year. Blast pools created in bedrock glides increased the carrying capacity of stream reaches during late summer. Three types of boulder and log structures in gravel-cobble glides did not significantly increase the late summer standing crop of juvenile steelhead. During summer, juvenile steelhead selected the habitat provided by the four types of structures over the untreated glide habitats. The instream structures were used by steelhead for feeding stations, resting areas, and hiding cover. Structures located near the thalweg held substantially more summering steelhead than structures in off-thalweg positions, regardless of structure design. In winter, seven structure designs were evaluated. The structures that were placed in zones of slow water (deep pools, margin backwater pools, and dam pools) provided the most effective winter habitat for juvenile steelhead. The structures with the largest concentrations of boulders and rubble generally held the highest winter densities. During the spring and fall months, habitat utilization was less predictable. Spring and fall were times of transition in which the utilization of habitat structures was probably influenced by changing water temperatures and hydraulic conditions. Prior to initiating habitat modification programs, habitat managers should conduct an on-site examination of the rearing strategy and seasonal habitat needs of the target species. A pre-work evaluation should be designed to gain an understanding of the most likely environmental factors that limit production. Without such preliminary information, and without a follow-up evaluation, managers cannot recognize their mistakes, innovate appropriate new techniques or determine if funds have been wisely spent. Close

• 42. [Article] Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary

  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 American Fisheries ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Bosley, Katelyn M., Hosack, Geoffrey R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/utaf20/current Title: Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Bosley, Katelyn M., Hosack, Geoffrey R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/utaf20/current Close

• 43. [Article] Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon Author: Miller, J. A., Marin Jarrin, J. R. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/estuarine-coastal-and-shelf-science/. Title: Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon Author: Miller, J. A., Marin Jarrin, J. R. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/estuarine-coastal-and-shelf-science/. Close

• 44. [Article] A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction

  For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction Author: Lockett, Daniel Edwin IV For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy devices may impact the seafloor and benthos has renewed research interest in the distribution of marine benthic invertebrates and factors influencing their distribution. A Bayesian belief network approach was employed for learning species-habitat associations for Rhabdus rectius, a tusk-shaped marine infaunal Mollusk. Environmental variables describing surficial geology and water depth were found to be most influential to the distribution of R. rectius. Water property variables, such as temperature and salinity, were less influential as distribution predictors. Species-habitat associations were used to predict habitat suitability probabilities for R. rectius, which were then mapped over an area of interest along the south-central Oregon coast. Habitat suitability prediction models tested well against data withheld for crossvalidation supporting our conclusion that Bayesian learning extracts useful information available in very small, incomplete data sets and identifies which variables drive habitat suitability for R. rectius. Additionally, Bayesian belief networks are easily updated with new information, quantitative or qualitative, which provides a flexible mechanism for multiple scenario analyses. The prediction framework presented here is a practical tool informing marine spatial planning assessment through visualization of habitat suitability. Title: A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction Author: Lockett, Daniel Edwin IV For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy devices may impact the seafloor and benthos has renewed research interest in the distribution of marine benthic invertebrates and factors influencing their distribution. A Bayesian belief network approach was employed for learning species-habitat associations for Rhabdus rectius, a tusk-shaped marine infaunal Mollusk. Environmental variables describing surficial geology and water depth were found to be most influential to the distribution of R. rectius. Water property variables, such as temperature and salinity, were less influential as distribution predictors. Species-habitat associations were used to predict habitat suitability probabilities for R. rectius, which were then mapped over an area of interest along the south-central Oregon coast. Habitat suitability prediction models tested well against data withheld for crossvalidation supporting our conclusion that Bayesian learning extracts useful information available in very small, incomplete data sets and identifies which variables drive habitat suitability for R. rectius. Additionally, Bayesian belief networks are easily updated with new information, quantitative or qualitative, which provides a flexible mechanism for multiple scenario analyses. The prediction framework presented here is a practical tool informing marine spatial planning assessment through visualization of habitat suitability. Close

• 45. [Article] Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)

  Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) Author: Petrie, Megan E. Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is known regarding the habitat requirements of post-settlement juveniles. Many juvenile fish use structural components of habitat to alleviate the risk of predation, as well as for foraging. Laboratory experiments and a field tagging study were performed in order to investigate habitat preference in juvenile lingcod, as well as factors that govern habitat use. Initial laboratory experiments demonstrated an affinity by juvenile lingcod for structure over bare sand habitats, whether the structure was rock, shell or seagrass. Body size, nutritional state, and light level were also found to be determinants of the extent to which juvenile lingcod use structural refuges. In the laboratory, older, larger individuals exhibited a higher propensity for structure use than did smaller juvenile fish. In fish of both body sizes, increasing hunger levels caused fish to emerge more readily from refuges than did those that were satiated. Die! patterns of ambient illumination were simulated in the laboratory, and refuge use decreased significantly in response to lower nocturnal light levels, a pattern that was not observed in the smaller size class. An acoustic tagging study conducted in Yaquina Bay, Oregon corroborated the basic habitat preferences seen in laboratory experiments. Juvenile lingcod showed a high degree of site fidelity, remaining in discreet areas of significant structural complexity, as revealed by underwater video of benthic habitat. The way in which an animal utilizes structural refuges adds or detracts from individual fitness, making this investigation into the habitat requirements of post-settlement lingcod an important step in understanding the life history and ecology of an important recreational and commercial species. Title: Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) Author: Petrie, Megan E. Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is known regarding the habitat requirements of post-settlement juveniles. Many juvenile fish use structural components of habitat to alleviate the risk of predation, as well as for foraging. Laboratory experiments and a field tagging study were performed in order to investigate habitat preference in juvenile lingcod, as well as factors that govern habitat use. Initial laboratory experiments demonstrated an affinity by juvenile lingcod for structure over bare sand habitats, whether the structure was rock, shell or seagrass. Body size, nutritional state, and light level were also found to be determinants of the extent to which juvenile lingcod use structural refuges. In the laboratory, older, larger individuals exhibited a higher propensity for structure use than did smaller juvenile fish. In fish of both body sizes, increasing hunger levels caused fish to emerge more readily from refuges than did those that were satiated. Die! patterns of ambient illumination were simulated in the laboratory, and refuge use decreased significantly in response to lower nocturnal light levels, a pattern that was not observed in the smaller size class. An acoustic tagging study conducted in Yaquina Bay, Oregon corroborated the basic habitat preferences seen in laboratory experiments. Juvenile lingcod showed a high degree of site fidelity, remaining in discreet areas of significant structural complexity, as revealed by underwater video of benthic habitat. The way in which an animal utilizes structural refuges adds or detracts from individual fitness, making this investigation into the habitat requirements of post-settlement lingcod an important step in understanding the life history and ecology of an important recreational and commercial species. Close

• 46. [Article] Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream

  Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream Author: Rodnick, Kenneth J. Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, Benton County, Oregon. Intensive stream mapping procedures and snorkling observations provided most of the quantitative measures for habitat availability and utilization respectively. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification suggested spatial segregation of young of the year and adult redside shiners along gradients of water velocity and depth of the water column. Throughout the year, young redside shiners occupied shallower water than adults and utilized areas with lower mean water velocities. Associated with increased winter stream flows and lowered water temperatures (< 10° C), redside shiners were inactive and found in habitats offering the most cover and refuge from current. Overwintering areas populated by redside shiners included undercut banks, root wads, bank failures, fallen trees, and backwaters. During the transitional period between winter and summer, adult redside shiners shifted from overwintering habitats to the faster water of the main channel. Activities related to spawning and aggressive defense of space accompanied this shift. Young redside shiners continued to utilize protected margins. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification comparing available and utilized stream habitats provided indices of habitat selection. Both young of the year and adult redside shiners were relatively selective in the stream habitats they utilized. The importance of four physical components (depth, current velocity, substrate composition, and cover forms) varied seasonally and with the life stage considered. Similar patterns of habitat utilization for redside shiners were observed in four larger streams and rivers. The availability of large, deep pools was important, new habitat for both young and adult redside shiners during periods of reduced stream flow in larger streams and rivers. Title: Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream Author: Rodnick, Kenneth J. Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, Benton County, Oregon. Intensive stream mapping procedures and snorkling observations provided most of the quantitative measures for habitat availability and utilization respectively. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification suggested spatial segregation of young of the year and adult redside shiners along gradients of water velocity and depth of the water column. Throughout the year, young redside shiners occupied shallower water than adults and utilized areas with lower mean water velocities. Associated with increased winter stream flows and lowered water temperatures (< 10° C), redside shiners were inactive and found in habitats offering the most cover and refuge from current. Overwintering areas populated by redside shiners included undercut banks, root wads, bank failures, fallen trees, and backwaters. During the transitional period between winter and summer, adult redside shiners shifted from overwintering habitats to the faster water of the main channel. Activities related to spawning and aggressive defense of space accompanied this shift. Young redside shiners continued to utilize protected margins. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification comparing available and utilized stream habitats provided indices of habitat selection. Both young of the year and adult redside shiners were relatively selective in the stream habitats they utilized. The importance of four physical components (depth, current velocity, substrate composition, and cover forms) varied seasonally and with the life stage considered. Similar patterns of habitat utilization for redside shiners were observed in four larger streams and rivers. The availability of large, deep pools was important, new habitat for both young and adult redside shiners during periods of reduced stream flow in larger streams and rivers. Close

• 47. [Article] Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon

  I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon Author: Price, David M. I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande Ronde, John Day, and Imnaha basins. The objective was to compare habitat use and availability among streams, channel units, and microhabitats, and to assess chinook salmon fidelity to those habitats using radio-telemetry. The analyses showed that habitat quality and availability in the seven study streams varied. Each stream posed different physical constraints on adult chinook salmon habitat; this was reflected by the differential use of habitat by salmon among streams. Salmon elected pools almost exclusively in the John Day Basin, whereas pools and riffles were elected in near equal proportion in the Grande Ronde and Inmaha basins. Within streams, use was similar between years. Almost all salmon were observed in association with cover, but the type of cover largely reflected availablity. Chinook salmon elected the deepest depths within channel units (microhabitat scale), but not necessarily the deepest channel units among streams (channel unit scale). Chinook salmon did not elect cooler stream temperatures within channel units in any study stream, except the Middle Fork John Day River. Radio-tagged chinook showed a high fidelity to habitats, except when stream temperatures approached lethal limits. Due to stream specific differences in habitat availability and use, multiscale habitat assessments for individual streams are recommended to increase the success of watershed restoration activities. Title: Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon Author: Price, David M. I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande Ronde, John Day, and Imnaha basins. The objective was to compare habitat use and availability among streams, channel units, and microhabitats, and to assess chinook salmon fidelity to those habitats using radio-telemetry. The analyses showed that habitat quality and availability in the seven study streams varied. Each stream posed different physical constraints on adult chinook salmon habitat; this was reflected by the differential use of habitat by salmon among streams. Salmon elected pools almost exclusively in the John Day Basin, whereas pools and riffles were elected in near equal proportion in the Grande Ronde and Inmaha basins. Within streams, use was similar between years. Almost all salmon were observed in association with cover, but the type of cover largely reflected availablity. Chinook salmon elected the deepest depths within channel units (microhabitat scale), but not necessarily the deepest channel units among streams (channel unit scale). Chinook salmon did not elect cooler stream temperatures within channel units in any study stream, except the Middle Fork John Day River. Radio-tagged chinook showed a high fidelity to habitats, except when stream temperatures approached lethal limits. Due to stream specific differences in habitat availability and use, multiscale habitat assessments for individual streams are recommended to increase the success of watershed restoration activities. Close

• 48. [Article] Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon

  Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon Author: Lovtang, Jens C. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project on the Deschutes River. Plans have been developed to reestablish passage of anadromous fish through the Project. However, only anecdotal evidence exists on the historic distribution of spring Chinook juveniles in the Basin. A recent approach to characterizing habitat quality for anadromous fishes in the Basin was the development of HabRate (Burke et al. In Press), which presented a relative quality rating of habitat based upon published fish-habitat relationships at the stream reach spatial scale. The present study was initiated to test the predictions of HabRate for summer rearing juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius Basin. Chinook salmon fry were released in the winters of 2002 and 2003, and their densities and sizes were quantified via snorkeling and fish collection in six unique study reaches in the upper Metolius River Basin. Each of these stream reaches varied in terms of temperature, habitat availability, invertebrate drift availability, and fish community composition. My observations were not consistent with the qualitative predictions of HabRate. Moreover, habitat utilization was not consistent among study reaches. Similar to other qualitative habitat rating models (e.g. Habitat Suitability Indices (Raleigh et al. 1986) and Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (Bovee 1982)), HabRate's predictions rely solely on physical habitat characteristics, with the assumption that habitat will be used consistently among stream reaches (i.e. a pool in one reach is of equal importance as a pool in another reach). My results suggest that the unique ecological setting of each study reach provides the context for understanding the patterns of growth, habitat use, and diurnal activity of juvenile Chinook salmon. The inclusion of ecological components, such as food availability, the bioenergetic constraints of temperature, and the risk of predation can make these models more biologically realistic. Growth of juvenile Chinook salmon among study reaches had a curvilinear relationship to water temperature, and was also positively related to the drift density of invertebrate biomass. In three collection seasons (fall 2002, spring 2003 and fall 2003) 41 to 69% of the variations in fork lengths were explained by a multiple regression model including temperature and invertebrate drift. Based on these findings, I present a conceptual growth capacity model based on the tenets of bioenergetics as a basis for understanding the relative quality of the habitat among stream reaches for juvenile Chinook salmon. Fish community composition can help to explain observed patterns in habitat utilization and diel activity patterns. In the study reaches that had a greater presence of adult trout (potential predators), observations of juvenile Chinook salmon in mid-channel habitat were infrequent to non-existent during the day and abundances were higher in all habitat types at night. In the study reaches with colder water temperatures, observed juvenile Chinook salmon densities were higher at night. I suggest that habitat selection and diurnal activity patterns in some study reaches are reflective of strategies taken by the fish to minimize risks of predation. Title: Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon Author: Lovtang, Jens C. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project on the Deschutes River. Plans have been developed to reestablish passage of anadromous fish through the Project. However, only anecdotal evidence exists on the historic distribution of spring Chinook juveniles in the Basin. A recent approach to characterizing habitat quality for anadromous fishes in the Basin was the development of HabRate (Burke et al. In Press), which presented a relative quality rating of habitat based upon published fish-habitat relationships at the stream reach spatial scale. The present study was initiated to test the predictions of HabRate for summer rearing juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius Basin. Chinook salmon fry were released in the winters of 2002 and 2003, and their densities and sizes were quantified via snorkeling and fish collection in six unique study reaches in the upper Metolius River Basin. Each of these stream reaches varied in terms of temperature, habitat availability, invertebrate drift availability, and fish community composition. My observations were not consistent with the qualitative predictions of HabRate. Moreover, habitat utilization was not consistent among study reaches. Similar to other qualitative habitat rating models (e.g. Habitat Suitability Indices (Raleigh et al. 1986) and Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (Bovee 1982)), HabRate's predictions rely solely on physical habitat characteristics, with the assumption that habitat will be used consistently among stream reaches (i.e. a pool in one reach is of equal importance as a pool in another reach). My results suggest that the unique ecological setting of each study reach provides the context for understanding the patterns of growth, habitat use, and diurnal activity of juvenile Chinook salmon. The inclusion of ecological components, such as food availability, the bioenergetic constraints of temperature, and the risk of predation can make these models more biologically realistic. Growth of juvenile Chinook salmon among study reaches had a curvilinear relationship to water temperature, and was also positively related to the drift density of invertebrate biomass. In three collection seasons (fall 2002, spring 2003 and fall 2003) 41 to 69% of the variations in fork lengths were explained by a multiple regression model including temperature and invertebrate drift. Based on these findings, I present a conceptual growth capacity model based on the tenets of bioenergetics as a basis for understanding the relative quality of the habitat among stream reaches for juvenile Chinook salmon. Fish community composition can help to explain observed patterns in habitat utilization and diel activity patterns. In the study reaches that had a greater presence of adult trout (potential predators), observations of juvenile Chinook salmon in mid-channel habitat were infrequent to non-existent during the day and abundances were higher in all habitat types at night. In the study reaches with colder water temperatures, observed juvenile Chinook salmon densities were higher at night. I suggest that habitat selection and diurnal activity patterns in some study reaches are reflective of strategies taken by the fish to minimize risks of predation. Close

• 49. [Article] Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon

  Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon Author: Gilbert, Griffith J. Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon in order to both broaden the current information base of riparian ecology and inform future willow plantings aimed at improving riparian habitat. Willow species included in the research were: S. lemmonii (Lemmon willow), S. scouleriana (Scouler willow), S. boothii (Booth willow), S. geyeriana (Geyer willow), S. exigua (coyote willow), S. lasiandra (whiplash willow), and S. lutea (yellow willow). The habitat parameters measured were: height and distance of willow individual from stream channel bankfull elevation, stream channel slope, entrenchment ratio, width-to-depth ratio, watershed elevation, valley azimuth, valley width, soil rock size distribution, soil texture, and winter air temperature. Logistic regression models were built to describe probabilities of occurrence for five out of the seven willow species based on the habitat data collected. Multi-response permutation procedures were performed to describe differences between respective willow habitats. Booth and Geyer willow habitats were best described by watershed elevation as these species dominated the research stream channel’s upper reaches. Whiplash willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with high stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Specifically, the odds of whiplash willow occurrence are expected to increase by 17% with a unit increase in width-to-depth ratio. Yellow willow habitat was best described by watershed elevation and stream channel width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred only on the lower reaches of the research stream channel. Lemmon willow habitat was best described by interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio as the first of these interactions worked to create air temperatures favorable for species occurrence. Coyote willow habitat was best described by stream channel slope, entrenchment, and width-todepth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with combinations of stream channel slopes, entrenchment, and width-to-depth ratios able to promote frequent streambank rejuvenation. Scouler willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment ratio, as well as interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio. Specifically, the odds of Scouler willow occurrence are expected to decrease by 89% with a unit increase in entrenchment ratio. Scouler willow, on average, occurs in habitats with air temperature dynamics similar to those described above for Lemmon willow, and on hydraulically efficient stream channels with low entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Title: Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon Author: Gilbert, Griffith J. Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon in order to both broaden the current information base of riparian ecology and inform future willow plantings aimed at improving riparian habitat. Willow species included in the research were: S. lemmonii (Lemmon willow), S. scouleriana (Scouler willow), S. boothii (Booth willow), S. geyeriana (Geyer willow), S. exigua (coyote willow), S. lasiandra (whiplash willow), and S. lutea (yellow willow). The habitat parameters measured were: height and distance of willow individual from stream channel bankfull elevation, stream channel slope, entrenchment ratio, width-to-depth ratio, watershed elevation, valley azimuth, valley width, soil rock size distribution, soil texture, and winter air temperature. Logistic regression models were built to describe probabilities of occurrence for five out of the seven willow species based on the habitat data collected. Multi-response permutation procedures were performed to describe differences between respective willow habitats. Booth and Geyer willow habitats were best described by watershed elevation as these species dominated the research stream channel’s upper reaches. Whiplash willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with high stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Specifically, the odds of whiplash willow occurrence are expected to increase by 17% with a unit increase in width-to-depth ratio. Yellow willow habitat was best described by watershed elevation and stream channel width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred only on the lower reaches of the research stream channel. Lemmon willow habitat was best described by interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio as the first of these interactions worked to create air temperatures favorable for species occurrence. Coyote willow habitat was best described by stream channel slope, entrenchment, and width-todepth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with combinations of stream channel slopes, entrenchment, and width-to-depth ratios able to promote frequent streambank rejuvenation. Scouler willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment ratio, as well as interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio. Specifically, the odds of Scouler willow occurrence are expected to decrease by 89% with a unit increase in entrenchment ratio. Scouler willow, on average, occurs in habitats with air temperature dynamics similar to those described above for Lemmon willow, and on hydraulically efficient stream channels with low entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Close

• 50. [Article] Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon

  Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon Author: Tomas, Walfrido Moraes Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address habitat and microhabitat features that sustain both livestock production and wildlife diversity. I conducted a study to determine how small mammal distributions and abundance differ among 3 structurally different riparian habitats in eastern Oregon. The 3 habitat types, herbaceous, discontinuous willow, and continuous willow, represent a range of habitats typical of riparian zones in central and eastern Oregon. I estimated small mammal population sizes in 9 trap grids placed in riparian zones using capture-recapture techniques. Four species of small mammals were captured during 7 trapping periods from August 1994 to September 1995. Small mammal distributions and population sizes of each species varied both within and among riparian pastures. Montane voles (Microtus montanus) were the most abundant species in all grids. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) had high population sizes in grids with low montane vole populations and moderate to high willow cover. Competition with voles appeared to occur in riparian habitats of Bear Valley, and influenced the distribution and numbers of deer mice. Western jumping mice (Zapus princeps) were captured at relatively low numbers and almost exclusively in continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews (Sorex vagrans) were captured on all grids, and population sizes were small. Haying negatively affected survival rates of voles. Biomass, vegetation height, and percent ground cover were the habitat variables most frequently associated with occurrence of montane voles in Bear Valley. The probability of occurrence of this species was positively correlated with these habitat variables. Deer mice probability of occurrence was positively correlated with percent ground cover, plant biomass, and soil moisture. Most deer mice captures occurred in continuous willow habitats, and the number of captures increased with willow basal cover (R²=0.7579, P<0.001). Western jumping mice occurrence was positively correlated with plant biomass and soil moisture, and negatively correlated with distance from willow and percent ground cover. Western jumping mice also were more frequently captured in willow than nonwillow vegetation associations (P=0.054) within continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews were positively associated with plant biomass, vegetation height, and soil moisture. Small mammal habitat associations from my study sites in Bear Valley are in agreement with the literature, suggesting relatively consistent patterns in species-habitat associations. Distribution of small mammal species differed among pastures probably as a result of historical management practices. Alterations of riparian zone structure from historical management practices were evident in the study area, including elimination or decreased willow density, channel entrenchment, and invasion of riparian areas by xeric vegetation. Western jumping mice are apparently the most sensitive species in this area, requiring dense willow stands, suggesting that jumping mice could serve as an indicator species for riparian habitat condition. Title: Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon Author: Tomas, Walfrido Moraes Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address habitat and microhabitat features that sustain both livestock production and wildlife diversity. I conducted a study to determine how small mammal distributions and abundance differ among 3 structurally different riparian habitats in eastern Oregon. The 3 habitat types, herbaceous, discontinuous willow, and continuous willow, represent a range of habitats typical of riparian zones in central and eastern Oregon. I estimated small mammal population sizes in 9 trap grids placed in riparian zones using capture-recapture techniques. Four species of small mammals were captured during 7 trapping periods from August 1994 to September 1995. Small mammal distributions and population sizes of each species varied both within and among riparian pastures. Montane voles (Microtus montanus) were the most abundant species in all grids. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) had high population sizes in grids with low montane vole populations and moderate to high willow cover. Competition with voles appeared to occur in riparian habitats of Bear Valley, and influenced the distribution and numbers of deer mice. Western jumping mice (Zapus princeps) were captured at relatively low numbers and almost exclusively in continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews (Sorex vagrans) were captured on all grids, and population sizes were small. Haying negatively affected survival rates of voles. Biomass, vegetation height, and percent ground cover were the habitat variables most frequently associated with occurrence of montane voles in Bear Valley. The probability of occurrence of this species was positively correlated with these habitat variables. Deer mice probability of occurrence was positively correlated with percent ground cover, plant biomass, and soil moisture. Most deer mice captures occurred in continuous willow habitats, and the number of captures increased with willow basal cover (R²=0.7579, P<0.001). Western jumping mice occurrence was positively correlated with plant biomass and soil moisture, and negatively correlated with distance from willow and percent ground cover. Western jumping mice also were more frequently captured in willow than nonwillow vegetation associations (P=0.054) within continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews were positively associated with plant biomass, vegetation height, and soil moisture. Small mammal habitat associations from my study sites in Bear Valley are in agreement with the literature, suggesting relatively consistent patterns in species-habitat associations. Distribution of small mammal species differed among pastures probably as a result of historical management practices. Alterations of riparian zone structure from historical management practices were evident in the study area, including elimination or decreased willow density, channel entrenchment, and invasion of riparian areas by xeric vegetation. Western jumping mice are apparently the most sensitive species in this area, requiring dense willow stands, suggesting that jumping mice could serve as an indicator species for riparian habitat condition. Close