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• 1. [Article] Relations between the distribution of Canada geese and the quantity and quality of forage at W. L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, 1984-1987

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Relations between the distribution of Canada geese and the quantity and quality of forage at W. L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, 1984-1987 Author: Naughton, Maura Title: Relations between the distribution of Canada geese and the quantity and quality of forage at W. L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, 1984-1987 Author: Naughton, Maura Close

• 2. [Article] 1992-1995 waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County, Oregon

  I conducted 14-22 waterbird and raptor censuses each year from 1992-1995 during late April or early May through October. I observed 44 waterbird and 13 raptor species, including hatch year individuals ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 1992-1995 waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County, Oregon Author: Merrifield, Kathy I conducted 14-22 waterbird and raptor censuses each year from 1992-1995 during late April or early May through October. I observed 44 waterbird and 13 raptor species, including hatch year individuals of seven waterbird species. The records for each census are given. Title: 1992-1995 waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County, Oregon Author: Merrifield, Kathy I conducted 14-22 waterbird and raptor censuses each year from 1992-1995 during late April or early May through October. I observed 44 waterbird and 13 raptor species, including hatch year individuals of seven waterbird species. The records for each census are given. Close

• 3. [Article] 1992 Waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County

  From 25 April through 30 October 1992, I conducted 14 waterbird and raptor censuses at Cabell Marsh. I observed 33 waterbird taxa and seven raptor species, including hatch-year individuals of five waterbird species. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 1992 Waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County Author: Merrifield, Kathy From 25 April through 30 October 1992, I conducted 14 waterbird and raptor censuses at Cabell Marsh. I observed 33 waterbird taxa and seven raptor species, including hatch-year individuals of five waterbird species. The records for each census are given. Title: 1992 Waterbird and raptor records for Cabell Marsh, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Benton County Author: Merrifield, Kathy From 25 April through 30 October 1992, I conducted 14 waterbird and raptor censuses at Cabell Marsh. I observed 33 waterbird taxa and seven raptor species, including hatch-year individuals of five waterbird species. The records for each census are given. Close

• 4. [Article] Public education as a management strategy for marine protected areas: the case of three arch rocks national wildlife refuge in Oregon

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Public education as a management strategy for marine protected areas: the case of three arch rocks national wildlife refuge in Oregon Author: Clevenger, Katherine A. Title: Public education as a management strategy for marine protected areas: the case of three arch rocks national wildlife refuge in Oregon Author: Clevenger, Katherine A. Close

• 5. [Article] Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge : environmental assessment

  "The Service is proposing to establish the Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge by initially accepting a donation of 46 acres of salt marsh, acquiring up to 793 acres of land, and cooperatively ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge : environmental assessment Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Region 1, Harrison, Ben "The Service is proposing to establish the Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge by initially accepting a donation of 46 acres of salt marsh, acquiring up to 793 acres of land, and cooperatively managing 1,060 acres of tidelands with the State of Oregon... The primary need for the Service acquisition is to preserve diverse coastal wetland habitats and upland buffers for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, marine mammals, endangered species, raptors, songbirds, anadromous and resident fish, and other wildlife." (p.2) The report describes the area and discusses potential issues. It includes maps, an aerial photograph, and a species list. Title: Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge : environmental assessment Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Region 1, Harrison, Ben "The Service is proposing to establish the Siletz Bay National Fish and Wildlife Refuge by initially accepting a donation of 46 acres of salt marsh, acquiring up to 793 acres of land, and cooperatively managing 1,060 acres of tidelands with the State of Oregon... The primary need for the Service acquisition is to preserve diverse coastal wetland habitats and upland buffers for a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, marine mammals, endangered species, raptors, songbirds, anadromous and resident fish, and other wildlife." (p.2) The report describes the area and discusses potential issues. It includes maps, an aerial photograph, and a species list. Close

• 6. [Article] Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon

  Jess Wenick and Chad Karges of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) provided guidance, logistical support, and funding to The Wetlands Conservancy (TWC) for this project. Esther Lev of TWC coordinated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Jess Wenick and Chad Karges of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) provided guidance, logistical support, and funding to The Wetlands Conservancy (TWC) for this project. Esther Lev of TWC coordinated the project and provided guidance as a member of the Ecology Woring Group (EWG). Vegetation sampling was done by Bruce Newhouse, Richard Brainerd, Jess Wenick, and Barry Smith. Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Jess Wenick and Chad Karges of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) provided guidance, logistical support, and funding to The Wetlands Conservancy (TWC) for this project. Esther Lev of TWC coordinated the project and provided guidance as a member of the Ecology Woring Group (EWG). Vegetation sampling was done by Bruce Newhouse, Richard Brainerd, Jess Wenick, and Barry Smith. Close

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

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

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

• 8. [Article] The recreation resources of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

  Heavy use of outdoor recreation areas in the United States since World War II is endangering their quality. Demand made by a rapidly growing population with rising personal incomes and increasing leisure ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The recreation resources of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Author: Albrecht, James Conrad Heavy use of outdoor recreation areas in the United States since World War II is endangering their quality. Demand made by a rapidly growing population with rising personal incomes and increasing leisure time is expected to grow 50 percent nationally and 146 percent in Oregon by 1975. In Oregon, population, incomes, and amount of leisure time per person are all increasing more rapidly than nationally. A large influx of out-of-state visitors accelerates the demand. Eighty-five percent of outdoor recreation land in the United States and 95 percent in Oregon is owned by the Federal government. Recreation on Federal land is in general resource-based, that is, it depends upon some natural feature. The role of the Federal government is therefore pre-eminent in developing sites for resource-based recreation activities. Of the agencies involved in meeting the Federal responsibility, the possible role of the Fish and Wildlife Service is least known. Controlling approximately four percent of outdoor recreation land, the 300 refuges had only 13 million of the more than 500 million visitor-days to outdoor recreation areas in 1960. Recreation visits to refuges are increasing rapidly but apparently the quality and quantity of the remarkable wildlife resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System is little understood. As the mission of the Branch of Wildlife Refuges developed, its role involves the provision of habitat for every species of native wildlife somewhere in the System. The refuges are widely distributed over the nation, with the great majority, particularly those for migratory birds, concentrated in the four great flyways. The Service plans ultimately to include within refuge boundaries some 7.5 million acres of the 12 million acres of wetlands needed to maintain present waterfowl populations. Recreation use compatible with wildlife management is permitted on the refuges but development of facilities has been slight. Although express authorization was obtained in 1962 for such development, no funds have since been provided. The Accelerated Public Works Program and the Job Corps Program both provide an avenue for development in some areas. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, located in southeastern Oregon, is an excellent example of the recreation potential in the Refuge System. One of the larger refuges, its duck and geese populations number over a million during spring and fall migration. Of Oregon's 425 bird species, 226 have been observed on the Refuge; 141 of them are listed as easily seen during one or more seasons of the year. Deer, antelope, and beaver are also easily seen. The Refuge lies in the basin of the two playas, Malheur and Harney Lakes, and extends for forty miles through the marshes of the Blitzen River toward Steens Mountain, an impressive fault block with alpine vegetation. An excellent museum exhibits indigenous species, photographs, nests, and food plants. A display pool provides an opportunity to observe birds at close hand. Besides wildlife observation and photography, Refuge recreation uses include fishing, water fowl hunting, and an exceptionally high quality annual all deer archery hunt. Camping and picnicking are commonly practiced in conjunction with other recreation activities. Recreation use of the Refuge is limited by inadequate facilities. Campsites are minimally developed and Refuge roads are impassable in wet weather. Authorization for the establishment of a Job Corps Camp on the Refuge in June of 1965 has been obtained and it is expected that Corps projects will serve to alleviate the deficiencies. Development of a significant recreation resource seems assured at a time of growing need. Title: The recreation resources of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Author: Albrecht, James Conrad Heavy use of outdoor recreation areas in the United States since World War II is endangering their quality. Demand made by a rapidly growing population with rising personal incomes and increasing leisure time is expected to grow 50 percent nationally and 146 percent in Oregon by 1975. In Oregon, population, incomes, and amount of leisure time per person are all increasing more rapidly than nationally. A large influx of out-of-state visitors accelerates the demand. Eighty-five percent of outdoor recreation land in the United States and 95 percent in Oregon is owned by the Federal government. Recreation on Federal land is in general resource-based, that is, it depends upon some natural feature. The role of the Federal government is therefore pre-eminent in developing sites for resource-based recreation activities. Of the agencies involved in meeting the Federal responsibility, the possible role of the Fish and Wildlife Service is least known. Controlling approximately four percent of outdoor recreation land, the 300 refuges had only 13 million of the more than 500 million visitor-days to outdoor recreation areas in 1960. Recreation visits to refuges are increasing rapidly but apparently the quality and quantity of the remarkable wildlife resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System is little understood. As the mission of the Branch of Wildlife Refuges developed, its role involves the provision of habitat for every species of native wildlife somewhere in the System. The refuges are widely distributed over the nation, with the great majority, particularly those for migratory birds, concentrated in the four great flyways. The Service plans ultimately to include within refuge boundaries some 7.5 million acres of the 12 million acres of wetlands needed to maintain present waterfowl populations. Recreation use compatible with wildlife management is permitted on the refuges but development of facilities has been slight. Although express authorization was obtained in 1962 for such development, no funds have since been provided. The Accelerated Public Works Program and the Job Corps Program both provide an avenue for development in some areas. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, located in southeastern Oregon, is an excellent example of the recreation potential in the Refuge System. One of the larger refuges, its duck and geese populations number over a million during spring and fall migration. Of Oregon's 425 bird species, 226 have been observed on the Refuge; 141 of them are listed as easily seen during one or more seasons of the year. Deer, antelope, and beaver are also easily seen. The Refuge lies in the basin of the two playas, Malheur and Harney Lakes, and extends for forty miles through the marshes of the Blitzen River toward Steens Mountain, an impressive fault block with alpine vegetation. An excellent museum exhibits indigenous species, photographs, nests, and food plants. A display pool provides an opportunity to observe birds at close hand. Besides wildlife observation and photography, Refuge recreation uses include fishing, water fowl hunting, and an exceptionally high quality annual all deer archery hunt. Camping and picnicking are commonly practiced in conjunction with other recreation activities. Recreation use of the Refuge is limited by inadequate facilities. Campsites are minimally developed and Refuge roads are impassable in wet weather. Authorization for the establishment of a Job Corps Camp on the Refuge in June of 1965 has been obtained and it is expected that Corps projects will serve to alleviate the deficiencies. Development of a significant recreation resource seems assured at a time of growing need. Close

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

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

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

• 10. [Article] Factors affecting the ecology of small mammals on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors affecting the ecology of small mammals on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Author: Feldhamer, George A. Title: Factors affecting the ecology of small mammals on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Author: Feldhamer, George A. Close