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• 1. [Article] Selected elements and organic chemicals in bed sediment and fish tissue of the Tualatin River Basin, Oregon, 1992-96

  The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has worked cooperative with the Unified Sewerage Agency of Washington County (USA) since 1990 to assess water quality in the Tualatin River Basin. The objectives of this ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Selected elements and organic chemicals in bed sediment and fish tissue of the Tualatin River Basin, Oregon, 1992-96 Author: Bonn, Bernadine A., Washington County (Or.). Unified Sewerage Agency., Geological Survey (U.S.) The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has worked cooperative with the Unified Sewerage Agency of Washington County (USA) since 1990 to assess water quality in the Tualatin River Basin. The objectives of this study were to: assess the occurrence and magnitude of trace element and selected organic contaminants in streams of the Tualatin River Basin; compare contaminant levels found in Tualatin River Basin streams with published guidelines for the protection of aquatic life; place the contaminant levels found in the Tualatin River Basin streams in context, regionally and nationally, by comparing them with those found in the Willamette Basin and by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program; compare contaminant concentrations in bed sediment with those in fish tissue; and identify contaminant patterns that would help managers make decisions regarding future monitoring and the implementation of pollution prevention and abatement programs. Title: Selected elements and organic chemicals in bed sediment and fish tissue of the Tualatin River Basin, Oregon, 1992-96 Author: Bonn, Bernadine A., Washington County (Or.). Unified Sewerage Agency., Geological Survey (U.S.) The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has worked cooperative with the Unified Sewerage Agency of Washington County (USA) since 1990 to assess water quality in the Tualatin River Basin. The objectives of this study were to: assess the occurrence and magnitude of trace element and selected organic contaminants in streams of the Tualatin River Basin; compare contaminant levels found in Tualatin River Basin streams with published guidelines for the protection of aquatic life; place the contaminant levels found in the Tualatin River Basin streams in context, regionally and nationally, by comparing them with those found in the Willamette Basin and by the USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program; compare contaminant concentrations in bed sediment with those in fish tissue; and identify contaminant patterns that would help managers make decisions regarding future monitoring and the implementation of pollution prevention and abatement programs. Close

• 2. [Article] The importance of lake-specific characteristics for water quality across the continental United States

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The importance of lake-specific characteristics for water quality across the continental United States Author: Read, Emily K., Patil, Vijay P., Oliver, Samantha K., et al., Winters, Kirsten M. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecap Title: The importance of lake-specific characteristics for water quality across the continental United States Author: Read, Emily K., Patil, Vijay P., Oliver, Samantha K., et al., Winters, Kirsten M. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecap Close

• 3. [Article] Assessing water governance capacity in MENA : applying an institutional document analysis to Jordan

  Water governance has been identified as a crucial component to improving conditions and balancing supply and demand of water resources in the water-scarce Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Finding ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing water governance capacity in MENA : applying an institutional document analysis to Jordan Author: Brown, Bridget N. Water governance has been identified as a crucial component to improving conditions and balancing supply and demand of water resources in the water-scarce Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Finding a method for, and commencing the process of, evaluating water governance is thus imperative. This study analyzes the potential to assess national capacity for water governance through analysis of institutional legal and policy documents relevant to water resources, using Jordan as a case study. Usefulness and completeness of the methodology, as well as findings for Jordan are presented. Several elements of the analysis framework applied appear to be analyzable using this method; others may be ambiguous or require an alternate mode of assessment, such as government or citizen perceptions. Of the analyzable elements of water governance, Jordan demonstrates high capacity for organization in the water sector, water quality regulation, enforcement of water rights limits, infrastructure development and maintenance/operation, use of incentives and sanctions, and collecting and utilizing water data. There is also some evidence that Jordan is moving toward a more participatory and transparent governance process. Potential challenges exist for allocation, particularly where water rights trades are involved, as well as water service related responsibilities, such as enforcing standards and issuing concessions to private service providers. Title: Assessing water governance capacity in MENA : applying an institutional document analysis to Jordan Author: Brown, Bridget N. Water governance has been identified as a crucial component to improving conditions and balancing supply and demand of water resources in the water-scarce Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Finding a method for, and commencing the process of, evaluating water governance is thus imperative. This study analyzes the potential to assess national capacity for water governance through analysis of institutional legal and policy documents relevant to water resources, using Jordan as a case study. Usefulness and completeness of the methodology, as well as findings for Jordan are presented. Several elements of the analysis framework applied appear to be analyzable using this method; others may be ambiguous or require an alternate mode of assessment, such as government or citizen perceptions. Of the analyzable elements of water governance, Jordan demonstrates high capacity for organization in the water sector, water quality regulation, enforcement of water rights limits, infrastructure development and maintenance/operation, use of incentives and sanctions, and collecting and utilizing water data. There is also some evidence that Jordan is moving toward a more participatory and transparent governance process. Potential challenges exist for allocation, particularly where water rights trades are involved, as well as water service related responsibilities, such as enforcing standards and issuing concessions to private service providers. Close

• 4. [Article] Trask Watershed assessment

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Trask Watershed assessment Author: Follansbee, Bruce Title: Trask Watershed assessment Author: Follansbee, Bruce Close

• 5. [Article] Kilchis watershed analysis

  This analysis was performed for two reasons: 1) the KWG needed a way to focus and synthesize the results of applied research on the condition and trends of natural resources, and the factors affecting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Kilchis watershed analysis Author: Follansbee, Bruce, Stark, Ann This analysis was performed for two reasons: 1) the KWG needed a way to focus and synthesize the results of applied research on the condition and trends of natural resources, and the factors affecting those resources; and 2) a detailed watershed analysis was needed to supplement watershed assessments planned for the region. Title: Kilchis watershed analysis Author: Follansbee, Bruce, Stark, Ann This analysis was performed for two reasons: 1) the KWG needed a way to focus and synthesize the results of applied research on the condition and trends of natural resources, and the factors affecting those resources; and 2) a detailed watershed analysis was needed to supplement watershed assessments planned for the region. Close

• 6. [Article] Quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin, Oregon, 1993-95

  The purposes of this report are to describe the quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin and to identify relationships between shallow ground-water quality and various ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin, Oregon, 1993-95 Author: National Water-Quality Assessment Program (U.S.), Geological Survey (U.S.), Hinkle, Stephen R. The purposes of this report are to describe the quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin and to identify relationships between shallow ground-water quality and various natural and anthropogenic factors. Several natural and anthropogenic factors (soil characteristics, cumulative thickness of clay above open interval of well, surficial geology, and land use) were evaluated because of the potential for these factors to either control or be related to contaminant occurrence and spatial distribution. Spatial distributions of nitrite plus nitrite, phosphorous, pesticides and pesticide degradation products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trace elements (primarily arsenic, a trace element of local concern), and radon were evaluated for 1993-95. Ancillary chemical data--nitrite, chloride, tritium (H-3), and dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations--also are presented. Title: Quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin, Oregon, 1993-95 Author: National Water-Quality Assessment Program (U.S.), Geological Survey (U.S.), Hinkle, Stephen R. The purposes of this report are to describe the quality of shallow ground water in alluvial aquifers of the Willamette Basin and to identify relationships between shallow ground-water quality and various natural and anthropogenic factors. Several natural and anthropogenic factors (soil characteristics, cumulative thickness of clay above open interval of well, surficial geology, and land use) were evaluated because of the potential for these factors to either control or be related to contaminant occurrence and spatial distribution. Spatial distributions of nitrite plus nitrite, phosphorous, pesticides and pesticide degradation products, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trace elements (primarily arsenic, a trace element of local concern), and radon were evaluated for 1993-95. Ancillary chemical data--nitrite, chloride, tritium (H-3), and dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations--also are presented. Close

• 7. [Article] Water Governance Process Assessment : Evaluating the Link between Decision Making Processes and Outcomes in the Columbia River Basin

  Academics and practitioners agree that in water governance, the quality of a decision making process should influence the quality of the outcome and the degree to which it is accepted by interested parties. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water Governance Process Assessment : Evaluating the Link between Decision Making Processes and Outcomes in the Columbia River Basin Author: Ogren, Kimberly Academics and practitioners agree that in water governance, the quality of a decision making process should influence the quality of the outcome and the degree to which it is accepted by interested parties. However, finding a feasible way to evaluate and then improve the quality of a decision making process has proven elusive. Systematically collecting evidence of a link between process and outcome is also challenging. In my dissertation, I developed a synthesis framework for evaluating and improving water governance decision making to address these two challenges. The synthesis framework, which I call the Water Governance Process Assessment (Water GPA), draws upon 22 existing frameworks rooted in resilience, adaptive governance, and good governance. From these frameworks, I identified and provided a way to evaluate four characteristics critical to good water governance decision making processes: 1) accountability, 2) inclusivity, and 3) information, and 4) context. I applied the Water GPA framework to the recent reviews of the Columbia River Treaty by the United States and Canada. I collected data for the case studies through semi-structured interviews and surveys of process participants from the federal agencies, Tribal and First Nations, state/provincial governments, local governments, stakeholder interests, and citizens. I coded and analyzed the interviews using the qualitative analysis software QSR NVivo and the characteristics identified in the Water GPA framework. I used the two case study applications to demonstrate how to use the framework. I identified what aspects of the four process categories served as barriers and building blocks for good water governance in each water governance process. I also gleaned lessons learned and recommendations including some for determining process leadership, ensuring meaningful engagement and inclusivity, addressing sovereignty issues, setting decision criteria, sharing decision authority, allocating resources in future processes in the US and BC portions of the Columbia River Basin and similar basins. In my case studies, I also investigated which characteristics of the water governance decision making process influenced the direct outcomes of those processes (the decisions) as well as other non-target outcomes (such as trust, co-produced science, new coalitions, etc.). All four characteristics outlined in the Water Governance Process Assessment (Water GPA), played some role in the development of the content and/or support of the two case study decision documents (US Regional Recommendation and BC Provincial Decision). Generally, when the characteristic of the process was done well, it improved the legitimacy and acceptance of the decision. At the same time performing poorly in one area did not necessarily torpedo the process or decision. In both case studies, it appears that the interplay between the process characteristics (that is where two or more characteristics converge) had a greater influence over the decision. Further work is needed to clearly identify what characteristics of a process are most influential in different situations. The Water GPA is one useful tool for this effort. Title: Water Governance Process Assessment : Evaluating the Link between Decision Making Processes and Outcomes in the Columbia River Basin Author: Ogren, Kimberly Academics and practitioners agree that in water governance, the quality of a decision making process should influence the quality of the outcome and the degree to which it is accepted by interested parties. However, finding a feasible way to evaluate and then improve the quality of a decision making process has proven elusive. Systematically collecting evidence of a link between process and outcome is also challenging. In my dissertation, I developed a synthesis framework for evaluating and improving water governance decision making to address these two challenges. The synthesis framework, which I call the Water Governance Process Assessment (Water GPA), draws upon 22 existing frameworks rooted in resilience, adaptive governance, and good governance. From these frameworks, I identified and provided a way to evaluate four characteristics critical to good water governance decision making processes: 1) accountability, 2) inclusivity, and 3) information, and 4) context. I applied the Water GPA framework to the recent reviews of the Columbia River Treaty by the United States and Canada. I collected data for the case studies through semi-structured interviews and surveys of process participants from the federal agencies, Tribal and First Nations, state/provincial governments, local governments, stakeholder interests, and citizens. I coded and analyzed the interviews using the qualitative analysis software QSR NVivo and the characteristics identified in the Water GPA framework. I used the two case study applications to demonstrate how to use the framework. I identified what aspects of the four process categories served as barriers and building blocks for good water governance in each water governance process. I also gleaned lessons learned and recommendations including some for determining process leadership, ensuring meaningful engagement and inclusivity, addressing sovereignty issues, setting decision criteria, sharing decision authority, allocating resources in future processes in the US and BC portions of the Columbia River Basin and similar basins. In my case studies, I also investigated which characteristics of the water governance decision making process influenced the direct outcomes of those processes (the decisions) as well as other non-target outcomes (such as trust, co-produced science, new coalitions, etc.). All four characteristics outlined in the Water Governance Process Assessment (Water GPA), played some role in the development of the content and/or support of the two case study decision documents (US Regional Recommendation and BC Provincial Decision). Generally, when the characteristic of the process was done well, it improved the legitimacy and acceptance of the decision. At the same time performing poorly in one area did not necessarily torpedo the process or decision. In both case studies, it appears that the interplay between the process characteristics (that is where two or more characteristics converge) had a greater influence over the decision. Further work is needed to clearly identify what characteristics of a process are most influential in different situations. The Water GPA is one useful tool for this effort. Close

• 8. [Article] Essays on land use regulation

  This dissertation consists of three papers on land use economics and regulation. The first paper focuses on the environmental impacts of land use and their implications for the design on water quality ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Essays on land use regulation Author: Hascic, Ivan This dissertation consists of three papers on land use economics and regulation. The first paper focuses on the environmental impacts of land use and their implications for the design on water quality trading policies. The second and third papers address local land use regulations and their impact on land values and land use patterns. The first paper provides a national-scale, watershed-level assessment of land use impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems in the United States. The results suggest that the level of conventional water pollution in a watershed is significantly affected by the amount of land allocated to intensive agriculture and urban development, while the level of toxic water pollution is significantly affected by the amount of land allocated to transportation and mining. Implications of the results for the design and implementation of water quality trading policies are discussed. The second paper develops an empirical framework to conduct an exploratory analysis of effects of land use regulations on land values and land use patterns in a GIS-based landscape near Eugene, Oregon. All the land use regulations considered in this study, including exclusive farm use zoning, forest zoning, urban growth boundary designation, residential density zoning, commercial zoning, and industrial zoning, are found to affect land value and use both inside and outside of the designated zones. While there are many issues this framework does not address, preliminary results indicate that regulations (except commercial zoning) tend to increase the value of land outside the designated zones, but reduce the value of land inside the designated zones. The framework is applied to measure the reduction in value due to regulations vs. the value of individual exemptions at the parcel level to illuminate the controversy surrounding Oregon's Measure 37. The reductions in value due to regulations are found to be considerably smaller than the values of individual exemptions for almost all regulations contested in the Measure 37 claims. The third paper evaluates the efficiency of the current system of land use regulation, analyzes the possible changes to the regulatory structure, and studies the role of spatial and temporal interaction among neighboring land uses. Title: Essays on land use regulation Author: Hascic, Ivan This dissertation consists of three papers on land use economics and regulation. The first paper focuses on the environmental impacts of land use and their implications for the design on water quality trading policies. The second and third papers address local land use regulations and their impact on land values and land use patterns. The first paper provides a national-scale, watershed-level assessment of land use impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems in the United States. The results suggest that the level of conventional water pollution in a watershed is significantly affected by the amount of land allocated to intensive agriculture and urban development, while the level of toxic water pollution is significantly affected by the amount of land allocated to transportation and mining. Implications of the results for the design and implementation of water quality trading policies are discussed. The second paper develops an empirical framework to conduct an exploratory analysis of effects of land use regulations on land values and land use patterns in a GIS-based landscape near Eugene, Oregon. All the land use regulations considered in this study, including exclusive farm use zoning, forest zoning, urban growth boundary designation, residential density zoning, commercial zoning, and industrial zoning, are found to affect land value and use both inside and outside of the designated zones. While there are many issues this framework does not address, preliminary results indicate that regulations (except commercial zoning) tend to increase the value of land outside the designated zones, but reduce the value of land inside the designated zones. The framework is applied to measure the reduction in value due to regulations vs. the value of individual exemptions at the parcel level to illuminate the controversy surrounding Oregon's Measure 37. The reductions in value due to regulations are found to be considerably smaller than the values of individual exemptions for almost all regulations contested in the Measure 37 claims. The third paper evaluates the efficiency of the current system of land use regulation, analyzes the possible changes to the regulatory structure, and studies the role of spatial and temporal interaction among neighboring land uses. Close

• 9. [Article] Stormwater Solutions for Improving Water Quality: Supporting the Development of the Amazon Creek Initiative

  The Long Tom Watershed Council (LTWC) is a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon that serves to protect and enhance watershed health in the Long Tom River Basin. The Amazon Creek Initiative was launched ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stormwater Solutions for Improving Water Quality: Supporting the Development of the Amazon Creek Initiative Author: Larson, Kristen M. The Long Tom Watershed Council (LTWC) is a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon that serves to protect and enhance watershed health in the Long Tom River Basin. The Amazon Creek Initiative was launched by the LTWC in 2011 as Oregon’s newest Pesticide Stewardship Partner. Goals of the initiative are to improve water quality and habitat function in Amazon Creek by encouraging voluntary retrofits of low-impact development (LID) and through outreach and education of pollution prevention practices. This internship involved a series of projects in support of the development of the Amazon Creek Initiative. Accomplishments included surface water sampling, stakeholder research, development of communication tools, creation of an LID cost calculator, site visits and assessments of pesticide retailers, and a review of national efforts to train pesticide retail staff in integrated pest management. This work supports the Amazon Creek Initiative as it moves towards implementation and provided diverse learning opportunities in non-profit and watershed council operations, communicating a scientific message, and low-impact development solutions to stormwater management. Title: Stormwater Solutions for Improving Water Quality: Supporting the Development of the Amazon Creek Initiative Author: Larson, Kristen M. The Long Tom Watershed Council (LTWC) is a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon that serves to protect and enhance watershed health in the Long Tom River Basin. The Amazon Creek Initiative was launched by the LTWC in 2011 as Oregon’s newest Pesticide Stewardship Partner. Goals of the initiative are to improve water quality and habitat function in Amazon Creek by encouraging voluntary retrofits of low-impact development (LID) and through outreach and education of pollution prevention practices. This internship involved a series of projects in support of the development of the Amazon Creek Initiative. Accomplishments included surface water sampling, stakeholder research, development of communication tools, creation of an LID cost calculator, site visits and assessments of pesticide retailers, and a review of national efforts to train pesticide retail staff in integrated pest management. This work supports the Amazon Creek Initiative as it moves towards implementation and provided diverse learning opportunities in non-profit and watershed council operations, communicating a scientific message, and low-impact development solutions to stormwater management. Close

• 10. [Article] Summary of information on aquatic biota and their habitats in the Willamette Basin, Oregon, through 1995

  This report reviews and summarizes available information on aquatic biological communities in the Willamette Basin through 1995. Specifically, the report describes (1) the distribution, abndance, and trends ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Summary of information on aquatic biota and their habitats in the Willamette Basin, Oregon, through 1995 Author: National Water-Quality Assessment Program (U.S.), Altman, Bob, Henson, Colleen M., Waite, Ian R., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Geological Survey (U.S.) This report reviews and summarizes available information on aquatic biological communities in the Willamette Basin through 1995. Specifically, the report describes (1) the distribution, abndance, and trends of three taxonomic groups--algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish--and, to a lesser degree, other selected semi-aquatic taxa (i.e., taxa frequenting but not living wholly in water), including amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals, (2) the types of aquatic and riparian habitat that support and influence aquatic communities and their biotic constituents, (3) the natural and human-associated impacts on that habitat and associated biological communities, amd (4) the levels of enviroinmental contaminants to which biological communities and specific biota are exposed. The information in this report is intended to aid in the identification of data gaps relative to taxa and geographic areas, and to stimulate collaboration and increase coordination in present and future ecological research in the Willamette Basin. Title: Summary of information on aquatic biota and their habitats in the Willamette Basin, Oregon, through 1995 Author: National Water-Quality Assessment Program (U.S.), Altman, Bob, Henson, Colleen M., Waite, Ian R., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Geological Survey (U.S.) This report reviews and summarizes available information on aquatic biological communities in the Willamette Basin through 1995. Specifically, the report describes (1) the distribution, abndance, and trends of three taxonomic groups--algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish--and, to a lesser degree, other selected semi-aquatic taxa (i.e., taxa frequenting but not living wholly in water), including amphibians and reptiles, birds, and mammals, (2) the types of aquatic and riparian habitat that support and influence aquatic communities and their biotic constituents, (3) the natural and human-associated impacts on that habitat and associated biological communities, amd (4) the levels of enviroinmental contaminants to which biological communities and specific biota are exposed. The information in this report is intended to aid in the identification of data gaps relative to taxa and geographic areas, and to stimulate collaboration and increase coordination in present and future ecological research in the Willamette Basin. Close