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• 151. [Article] Evaluating Coastal Protection Services Associated with Restoration Management of an Endangered Shorebird in Oregon, U.S.A.

  Coastal sand dunes and beaches offer a variety of ecosystem services such as coastal protection, sand stabilization, species conservation, and recreation. However, the management and balance of ecosystem ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating Coastal Protection Services Associated with Restoration Management of an Endangered Shorebird in Oregon, U.S.A. Author: Carroll, Lindsay J. Coastal sand dunes and beaches offer a variety of ecosystem services such as coastal protection, sand stabilization, species conservation, and recreation. However, the management and balance of ecosystem services offered by dunes and beaches is challenging when ecosystem services interact across the landscape. Management focusing only on one ecosystem service may result in unintended consequences and trade-offs between other key services. Understanding the magnitude of the trade-offs and linkages between services provides a more holistic approach for reducing unintended consequences and maximizing function. The degradation of habitats and land use changes associated with expanding human populations has resulted in the need for species conservation. However, species conservation techniques can sometimes have unintended consequences for other services. Given the mandate of the Endangered Species Act to restore habitat structure and function essential to endangered or threatened species, it becomes critical to evaluate the implications of species conservation management initiatives to reduce negative implications to other key services. The coastal dune systems of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are a prime example of how ecosystem services, such as species conservation and coastal protection, can interact with one another. Over the last 125 years in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the intentional introduction of two non-native congeneric beach grasses (Ammophila arenaria and A. breviligulata) has increased coastal protection through the creation of foredunes, but also dramatically altered the dune ecosystem. Both invasive grasses build taller dunes that range from 3 - 18 m in height compared to the native grass, Elymus mollis. Increased foredune elevations generate greater coastal protection services that are increasingly important given sea level rise and extreme storm events on the PNW coast. However, the beach grasses have dramatically changed the beach/dune community, resulting in the decline of several native dune plants and animals. One species that is negatively affected by the grass invasion is the Western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus), an endemic shorebird living on beaches and dunes in the Pacific Northwest. This shorebird was listed threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 and a recovery plan was established that employed multiple recovery techniques. The most important part of the plan involves establishing habitat restoration areas (HRAs) where dunes are bulldozed, reducing dune elevations, burying the grass, and returning the dunes to an open shifting sand environment, historically preferred by the plover. Recent coastal hazards modeling revealed that the changes in beach and dune shape associated with plover restoration increases coastal exposure to flooding and erosion at certain locations along the Oregon coast, particularly under projected climate change scenarios of sea level rise and extreme storms. As part of future plover management, four critical habitat areas were proposed for Tillamook County, Oregon: Nehalem River Spit, Bayocean Spit, Netarts Spit, and Sand Lake South. Given the interest in plover habitat restoration in Tillamook County, this research project addresses the following questions: (1) What is the present day dune geomorphology and exposure to coastal hazards at four proposed critical habitat (PCH) areas in Tillamook County, Oregon; and (2) how do changes in beach geomorphology associated with different restoration scenarios alter coastal exposure today, under projected sea level rise and storm scenarios? To address the coastal geomorphological impacts of HRA installation on the four proposed areas, multiple restoration scenarios that reduce foredune elevation were evaluated under present day sea level and potential future sea level rise and extreme storminess scenarios, using coastal exposure modeling techniques. The model projections provide site-specific information on the exposure of HRAs to overtopping under different restoration conditions. We determined that exposure to flooding was dependent on proposed HRA site and restoration scenario, and was exacerbated by sea level rise and extreme storms. Empirical models projected the greatest flooding exposure would occur at Nehalem River Spit, followed by Netarts Spit, and then Bayocean Spit and Sand Lake South, which did not differ. Exposure to flooding at present day dunes was low across all sites, but with increasing exposure to flooding as foredune elevations were reduced to 6.0 m or below, as could happen with plover habitat restoration. Under present day water levels, restoring foredune elevations to 6.0 m or below would likely result in roughly 5 days of overtopping per year at Nehalem River Spit, Bayocean Spit, and Netarts Spit, and 4 days of overtopping at Sand Lake South. Flooding under various foredune restoration scenarios increased under higher sea level rise scenarios. Flooding exposure for the 6.0 m restoration scenario exceeded 10 days per year at Nehalem River Spit and 5 days per year at Bayocean Spit, Netarts Spit, and Sand Lake South. Overall exposure to flooding under the extreme storm scenarios was dependent on proposed HRA site, restoration scenario, and increased wave conditions, such as wave height, period, and water level. Similar to the empirical model, flooding exposure under extreme storm scenarios increased when foredune elevations were reduced to 6.0 m or below, across all sites. The site with the greatest overall flooding exposure during extreme storms was Bayocean Spit. Flooding distance was dependent on restoration scenario and site while flooding duration was only dependent on restoration scenario. The 5.5 m restoration scenario under higher storm water levels resulted in one hour or more of flooding exposure at least one day per year at Nehalem River Spit, Netarts Spit, and Bayocean Spit. The overall likelihood of overwash extending to 150 m or more into the dune field during extreme storms was at least 5 days when selecting to reduce foredune to restoration elevations of 7.0 m or below across all sites. The effect of higher wave heights and greater wave periods was more important to overtopping distance than restoration scenario. Learning from current plover management, combined with the coastal exposure analysis we conducted here, could enable managers to develop site-specific restoration plans that maximize plover recovery while minimizing coastal exposure. This research will give resource managers information on the coastal exposure associated with proposed HRAs and the foredune reduction scenarios they might want to employ at the different sites. It will allow them to identify the best restoration scenarios to maximum habitat restoration without compromising coastal protection, and thus balance some important services of dunes and beaches. Regardless of management objective, identifying the unintended consequences of restoration to key ecosystem services is necessary for the holistic management of our dynamic coasts, especially with projected sea level rise and the uncertainty of frequent and extreme storms. Title: Evaluating Coastal Protection Services Associated with Restoration Management of an Endangered Shorebird in Oregon, U.S.A. Author: Carroll, Lindsay J. Coastal sand dunes and beaches offer a variety of ecosystem services such as coastal protection, sand stabilization, species conservation, and recreation. However, the management and balance of ecosystem services offered by dunes and beaches is challenging when ecosystem services interact across the landscape. Management focusing only on one ecosystem service may result in unintended consequences and trade-offs between other key services. Understanding the magnitude of the trade-offs and linkages between services provides a more holistic approach for reducing unintended consequences and maximizing function. The degradation of habitats and land use changes associated with expanding human populations has resulted in the need for species conservation. However, species conservation techniques can sometimes have unintended consequences for other services. Given the mandate of the Endangered Species Act to restore habitat structure and function essential to endangered or threatened species, it becomes critical to evaluate the implications of species conservation management initiatives to reduce negative implications to other key services. The coastal dune systems of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are a prime example of how ecosystem services, such as species conservation and coastal protection, can interact with one another. Over the last 125 years in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the intentional introduction of two non-native congeneric beach grasses (Ammophila arenaria and A. breviligulata) has increased coastal protection through the creation of foredunes, but also dramatically altered the dune ecosystem. Both invasive grasses build taller dunes that range from 3 - 18 m in height compared to the native grass, Elymus mollis. Increased foredune elevations generate greater coastal protection services that are increasingly important given sea level rise and extreme storm events on the PNW coast. However, the beach grasses have dramatically changed the beach/dune community, resulting in the decline of several native dune plants and animals. One species that is negatively affected by the grass invasion is the Western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus), an endemic shorebird living on beaches and dunes in the Pacific Northwest. This shorebird was listed threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 and a recovery plan was established that employed multiple recovery techniques. The most important part of the plan involves establishing habitat restoration areas (HRAs) where dunes are bulldozed, reducing dune elevations, burying the grass, and returning the dunes to an open shifting sand environment, historically preferred by the plover. Recent coastal hazards modeling revealed that the changes in beach and dune shape associated with plover restoration increases coastal exposure to flooding and erosion at certain locations along the Oregon coast, particularly under projected climate change scenarios of sea level rise and extreme storms. As part of future plover management, four critical habitat areas were proposed for Tillamook County, Oregon: Nehalem River Spit, Bayocean Spit, Netarts Spit, and Sand Lake South. Given the interest in plover habitat restoration in Tillamook County, this research project addresses the following questions: (1) What is the present day dune geomorphology and exposure to coastal hazards at four proposed critical habitat (PCH) areas in Tillamook County, Oregon; and (2) how do changes in beach geomorphology associated with different restoration scenarios alter coastal exposure today, under projected sea level rise and storm scenarios? To address the coastal geomorphological impacts of HRA installation on the four proposed areas, multiple restoration scenarios that reduce foredune elevation were evaluated under present day sea level and potential future sea level rise and extreme storminess scenarios, using coastal exposure modeling techniques. The model projections provide site-specific information on the exposure of HRAs to overtopping under different restoration conditions. We determined that exposure to flooding was dependent on proposed HRA site and restoration scenario, and was exacerbated by sea level rise and extreme storms. Empirical models projected the greatest flooding exposure would occur at Nehalem River Spit, followed by Netarts Spit, and then Bayocean Spit and Sand Lake South, which did not differ. Exposure to flooding at present day dunes was low across all sites, but with increasing exposure to flooding as foredune elevations were reduced to 6.0 m or below, as could happen with plover habitat restoration. Under present day water levels, restoring foredune elevations to 6.0 m or below would likely result in roughly 5 days of overtopping per year at Nehalem River Spit, Bayocean Spit, and Netarts Spit, and 4 days of overtopping at Sand Lake South. Flooding under various foredune restoration scenarios increased under higher sea level rise scenarios. Flooding exposure for the 6.0 m restoration scenario exceeded 10 days per year at Nehalem River Spit and 5 days per year at Bayocean Spit, Netarts Spit, and Sand Lake South. Overall exposure to flooding under the extreme storm scenarios was dependent on proposed HRA site, restoration scenario, and increased wave conditions, such as wave height, period, and water level. Similar to the empirical model, flooding exposure under extreme storm scenarios increased when foredune elevations were reduced to 6.0 m or below, across all sites. The site with the greatest overall flooding exposure during extreme storms was Bayocean Spit. Flooding distance was dependent on restoration scenario and site while flooding duration was only dependent on restoration scenario. The 5.5 m restoration scenario under higher storm water levels resulted in one hour or more of flooding exposure at least one day per year at Nehalem River Spit, Netarts Spit, and Bayocean Spit. The overall likelihood of overwash extending to 150 m or more into the dune field during extreme storms was at least 5 days when selecting to reduce foredune to restoration elevations of 7.0 m or below across all sites. The effect of higher wave heights and greater wave periods was more important to overtopping distance than restoration scenario. Learning from current plover management, combined with the coastal exposure analysis we conducted here, could enable managers to develop site-specific restoration plans that maximize plover recovery while minimizing coastal exposure. This research will give resource managers information on the coastal exposure associated with proposed HRAs and the foredune reduction scenarios they might want to employ at the different sites. It will allow them to identify the best restoration scenarios to maximum habitat restoration without compromising coastal protection, and thus balance some important services of dunes and beaches. Regardless of management objective, identifying the unintended consequences of restoration to key ecosystem services is necessary for the holistic management of our dynamic coasts, especially with projected sea level rise and the uncertainty of frequent and extreme storms. Close

• 152. [Article] The Wildlands Project Outside North America

  The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Wildlands Project Outside North America Author: Johns, David Year: 2003 The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in the context of fully functioning ecosystems. Core protected areas are designated based on the biological needs of key species and the requirements of critical ecological processes. To work they must have, or will be restored to have, those attributes traditionally ascribed to wilderness. Some critics argue that The Wildlands Project model is inapplicable to other parts of the world, especially the developing world. The inapplicability is based on nonbiological considerations. The applicability of Wildlands type conservation outside of North America is examined in light of largescale conservation work in Latin America and Asia. In both regions, conservation efforts similar to those of The Wildlands Project are underway and show promise. There are important differences, but the similarities are significant enough to suggest the approach can be applied. The similarities between conservation work in North America, Latin America, and Asia is attributable in some cases to Wildlands Project influence. In other cases, similarities are due to similar strategies emerging from similar conditions leading to species loss. Title: The Wildlands Project Outside North America Author: Johns, David Year: 2003 The Wildlands Project seeks to create a connected system of protected areas across North America that will ensure the survival of all native species, including top predators and wideranging species, in the context of fully functioning ecosystems. Core protected areas are designated based on the biological needs of key species and the requirements of critical ecological processes. To work they must have, or will be restored to have, those attributes traditionally ascribed to wilderness. Some critics argue that The Wildlands Project model is inapplicable to other parts of the world, especially the developing world. The inapplicability is based on nonbiological considerations. The applicability of Wildlands type conservation outside of North America is examined in light of largescale conservation work in Latin America and Asia. In both regions, conservation efforts similar to those of The Wildlands Project are underway and show promise. There are important differences, but the similarities are significant enough to suggest the approach can be applied. The similarities between conservation work in North America, Latin America, and Asia is attributable in some cases to Wildlands Project influence. In other cases, similarities are due to similar strategies emerging from similar conditions leading to species loss. Close

• 153. [Article] Wildlife Encounters by Lewis and Clark: A Spatial Analysis of Interactions between Native Americans and Wildlife

  The Lewis and Clark journals contain some of the earliest and most detailed written descriptions of a large part of the United States before Euro-American settlement.We used the journal entries to assess ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wildlife Encounters by Lewis and Clark: A Spatial Analysis of Interactions between Native Americans and Wildlife Author: Laliberte, Andrea S., Ripple, William J. The Lewis and Clark journals contain some of the earliest and most detailed written descriptions of a large part of the United States before Euro-American settlement.We used the journal entries to assess the influence of humans on wildlife distribution and abundance. Areas with denser human population, such as the Columbia Basin and the Pacific Coast, had lower species diversity and a lower abundance of large mammals. The opposite effect was observed on the Plains.We believe that overhunting before Euro-American contact and the introduction of the horse, which heightened the effects of hunting, may have been major contributors to the historical absence of some species that are present in the archaeological record. The results show considerable human influence on wildlife even under relatively low human population densities. This finding has major implications for conservation biology and ecological restoration, as human influence is often underestimated when considering presettlement conditions. Title: Wildlife Encounters by Lewis and Clark: A Spatial Analysis of Interactions between Native Americans and Wildlife Author: Laliberte, Andrea S., Ripple, William J. The Lewis and Clark journals contain some of the earliest and most detailed written descriptions of a large part of the United States before Euro-American settlement.We used the journal entries to assess the influence of humans on wildlife distribution and abundance. Areas with denser human population, such as the Columbia Basin and the Pacific Coast, had lower species diversity and a lower abundance of large mammals. The opposite effect was observed on the Plains.We believe that overhunting before Euro-American contact and the introduction of the horse, which heightened the effects of hunting, may have been major contributors to the historical absence of some species that are present in the archaeological record. The results show considerable human influence on wildlife even under relatively low human population densities. This finding has major implications for conservation biology and ecological restoration, as human influence is often underestimated when considering presettlement conditions. Close

• 154. [Article] Drivers of endophyte communities in Pacific Northwest prairies

  Prairies of the Pacific Northwest are threatened systems, with only ~2% of historic land remaining. The combined risk of global climate change and land use change make these systems a high conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Drivers of endophyte communities in Pacific Northwest prairies Author: Bailes, Graham Year: 2017 Prairies of the Pacific Northwest are threatened systems, with only ~2% of historic land remaining. The combined risk of global climate change and land use change make these systems a high conservation priority. However, little attention has been paid to the microbiota. Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous in plants and are important in ecosystem functioning and host dynamics. To understand fungal community assembly, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the composition of fungal foliar endophyte communities in two native, cool-season (C3) bunchgrasses along a natural latitudinal gradient. We quantified the importance of host, host traits, climate, edaphic factors, and spatial distance in microbial community composition. We found that spatial distance was the strongest predictors of endophyte community, while host traits (e.g., plant size, density) and abiotic environment were less important for community structure. These findings underline the importance of dispersal in shaping microbial communities. This thesis includes previously unpublished, co-authored material. Title: Drivers of endophyte communities in Pacific Northwest prairies Author: Bailes, Graham Year: 2017 Prairies of the Pacific Northwest are threatened systems, with only ~2% of historic land remaining. The combined risk of global climate change and land use change make these systems a high conservation priority. However, little attention has been paid to the microbiota. Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous in plants and are important in ecosystem functioning and host dynamics. To understand fungal community assembly, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate the composition of fungal foliar endophyte communities in two native, cool-season (C3) bunchgrasses along a natural latitudinal gradient. We quantified the importance of host, host traits, climate, edaphic factors, and spatial distance in microbial community composition. We found that spatial distance was the strongest predictors of endophyte community, while host traits (e.g., plant size, density) and abiotic environment were less important for community structure. These findings underline the importance of dispersal in shaping microbial communities. This thesis includes previously unpublished, co-authored material. Close

• 155. [Article] Rare, threatened, and endangered species of Oregon

  ORNHIC maintains extensive databases of Oregon biodiversity, concentrating on rare and endangered plants, animals and ecosystems. The program is managed by OSU, but has been a cooperative project, with ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Rare, threatened, and endangered species of Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center ORNHIC maintains extensive databases of Oregon biodiversity, concentrating on rare and endangered plants, animals and ecosystems. The program is managed by OSU, but has been a cooperative project, with significant support from The Department of State Lands, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, USFWS, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Biologists working for these agencies, together with the state's herbaria and museums, provide most of the information that comprise ORNHIC's databases. This booklet has been compiled using the most current information available on the distribution and abundance of plants and animals native to Oregon. Although based on a large volume of information, it is by no means complete. Much is known about some species, very little about others. ORNHIC welcomes additional information or recommendations regarding any of the taxa listed herein. Title: Rare, threatened, and endangered species of Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center ORNHIC maintains extensive databases of Oregon biodiversity, concentrating on rare and endangered plants, animals and ecosystems. The program is managed by OSU, but has been a cooperative project, with significant support from The Department of State Lands, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon, USFWS, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Biologists working for these agencies, together with the state's herbaria and museums, provide most of the information that comprise ORNHIC's databases. This booklet has been compiled using the most current information available on the distribution and abundance of plants and animals native to Oregon. Although based on a large volume of information, it is by no means complete. Much is known about some species, very little about others. ORNHIC welcomes additional information or recommendations regarding any of the taxa listed herein. Close

• 156. [Article] Riparian Wetland Response to Livestock Exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin

  The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of riparian plant communities along a succession gradient of livestock exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin (LCRB). Livestock exclusion ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Riparian Wetland Response to Livestock Exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin Author: Holmen, Sarah Ann Year: 2011 The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of riparian plant communities along a succession gradient of livestock exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin (LCRB). Livestock exclusion is an example of a passive restoration practice throughout the region. However, few studies have focused on the effects of livestock or livestock exclusion on riparian wetland ecosystems in this area. Two passive restoration sites, 3 and 13 years since livestock exclusion, and a control site with a continued livestock grazing presence were examined. It was hypothesized that native plant species richness would be lower in the excluded wetlands than in the grazed wetland due to the competitive exclusion from an increase in non-native plant dominance in the absence of grazing. Data were collected along six (45-60m) randomly distributed transects which were aligned perpendicular to the wetland shoreline of each site, providing a total of 18 transects with an accumulative length of approximately 990 meters. Vegetation cover data were collected for 10 cm intervals along these transects using the line intercept method during low water periods in August and September of 2009. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way nonparametric analysis of variance by ranks and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to detect significant (p Title: Riparian Wetland Response to Livestock Exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin Author: Holmen, Sarah Ann Year: 2011 The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of riparian plant communities along a succession gradient of livestock exclusion in the Lower Columbia River Basin (LCRB). Livestock exclusion is an example of a passive restoration practice throughout the region. However, few studies have focused on the effects of livestock or livestock exclusion on riparian wetland ecosystems in this area. Two passive restoration sites, 3 and 13 years since livestock exclusion, and a control site with a continued livestock grazing presence were examined. It was hypothesized that native plant species richness would be lower in the excluded wetlands than in the grazed wetland due to the competitive exclusion from an increase in non-native plant dominance in the absence of grazing. Data were collected along six (45-60m) randomly distributed transects which were aligned perpendicular to the wetland shoreline of each site, providing a total of 18 transects with an accumulative length of approximately 990 meters. Vegetation cover data were collected for 10 cm intervals along these transects using the line intercept method during low water periods in August and September of 2009. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way nonparametric analysis of variance by ranks and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to detect significant (p Close

• 157. [Article] Density-dependent effects of an introduced oyster, Crassostrea gigas, on a native intertidal seagrass, Zostera marina

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Density-dependent effects of an introduced oyster, Crassostrea gigas, on a native intertidal seagrass, Zostera marina Author: Hacker, Sally D., Ruesink, Jennifer L., Wagner, Eric, Wisehart, Lorena M., Trimble, Alan C., Dumbauld, Brett R. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Density-dependent effects of an introduced oyster, Crassostrea gigas, on a native intertidal seagrass, Zostera marina Author: Hacker, Sally D., Ruesink, Jennifer L., Wagner, Eric, Wisehart, Lorena M., Trimble, Alan C., Dumbauld, Brett R. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found at: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 158. [Article] Density-Dependent Growth in Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Density-Dependent Growth in Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Author: Benkwitt, Cassandra E. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Public Library of Science and can be found at: http://www.plos.org/. Title: Density-Dependent Growth in Invasive Lionfish (Pterois volitans) Author: Benkwitt, Cassandra E. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Public Library of Science and can be found at: http://www.plos.org/. Close

• 159. [Article] Dormancy and Germination Pre-treatments in Willamette Valley Native Plants

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dormancy and Germination Pre-treatments in Willamette Valley Native Plants Author: Russell, Michael This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/. Title: Dormancy and Germination Pre-treatments in Willamette Valley Native Plants Author: Russell, Michael This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/. Close

• 160. [Article] Differential invasion success of salmonids in southern Chile: patterns and hypotheses

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Differential invasion success of salmonids in southern Chile: patterns and hypotheses Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Penaluna, Brooke E., et al., Dunham, Jason B. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/11160. Title: Differential invasion success of salmonids in southern Chile: patterns and hypotheses Author: Arismendi, Ivan, Penaluna, Brooke E., et al., Dunham, Jason B. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/11160. Close

• 161. [Article] Role of propagule pressure and priority effects on plant establishment during restoration of invaded shrub-steppe

  Biological plant invasions are diminishing the ecological integrity and function of ecosystems worldwide. A primary example of this is in the Great Basin of the United States, where invasive annual grasses, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Role of propagule pressure and priority effects on plant establishment during restoration of invaded shrub-steppe Author: Schantz, Merilynn C. Biological plant invasions are diminishing the ecological integrity and function of ecosystems worldwide. A primary example of this is in the Great Basin of the United States, where invasive annual grasses, like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae L. Nevski), are dominating many sagebrush-steppe ecosystems. In these invaded areas, restoration is fundamental to recovering plant community structure and function of once productive and diverse systems. Seeding is a management practice that accelerates revegetation of perennial plants in annual grass invaded ecosystems. However, seeding generally produces poor establishment and patchy plant communities that are quickly replaced by invaders. Identifying and overcoming the processes limiting desirable plant recovery should increase restoration success in annual grass invaded ecosystems. Seed dispersal dynamics, including propagule pressure and priority effects, strongly influence plant establishment and community assembly, especially during invasion and restoration because they can control recruitment of newly arriving species by influencing safe site occupation. The overall objective of this research was to identify the role of propagule pressure and priority effects on seedling emergence, plant life history, and plant community assembly. My study involved three experiments that were evaluated on seeded annual grass invaded sagebrush-steppe ecosystems in eastern Oregon. First, in order to identify the role of propagule pressure, or number of viable seeds in the seed bank, and annual grass dispersal timing, I conducted a factorially arranged experiment that tested the priority effects of seeding annual grasses in autumn or spring, adding water, and varying annual and perennial grass propagule pressure by seeding 150, 1,500, 2,500, or 3,500 seeds m⁻². My results suggested that providing perennial grasses a priority seeding effect by delaying annual grass seeding until spring initially facilitated perennial grass density; however, this effect did not persist into the second-year following seeding. In addition, when annual grass propagule pressure exceeded 150 seeds m⁻², an ecological threshold was crossed which limited perennial grass recruitment regardless of perennial grass seeding rate. When water availability was high, perennial grass establishment was high because safe site availability increased, but perennial grass establishment depended on annual grass propagule pressure. These results demonstrated that restoring perennial grasses to annual grass invaded ecosystems may be possible when perennial grass seeding rates and water availability are high. However, if annual grass propagule pressure exceeds 150 seeds m⁻², an ecological threshold occurs, where, perennial grass recruitment will be limited regardless of seeding strategy. A second factorial experiment was designed to identify the priority effects of perennial grass seeding time and frequency, annual and perennial grass propagule pressure, and water availability on seedling emergence and annual and perennial grass density and biomass two-years following seeding. In this experiment, my results indicated that seeding perennial grasses seasonally split between the autumn and spring produced higher perennial grass density and biomass compared to seeding perennial grasses exclusively in either period. In addition, results supported my hypothesis that perennial grass density and biomass in seasonally split applications would be higher where perennial propagule pressure was high and annual grass propagule pressure was low. However, I found that there was a threshold between 150-1,500 annual grass seeds m⁻², where regardless of perennial grass seeding strategies, perennial grass density and biomass was low. When water was added, annual and perennial grass density was higher than in plots without additional water, suggesting that higher water availability facilitates the growth of all seeded species. Collectively, these results suggested that modifying perennial grass seeding times and frequency increased perennial grass recruitment to annual grass invaded ecosystems, but only if annual grass propagule pressure was below 1,500 annual grass seeds m⁻². Third, a life history approach was used to identify and quantify the effect of ecological processes on plant population demography when annual grass seeding times varied (autumn or spring), annual and perennial grass propagule pressure was modified by 150, 1,500, 2,500, or 3,500 seeds m⁻², and watering occurred (ambient or water added treatments). In this study, we found that all species had low emergence rates, even though seedling germination was relatively high. Based on prior research, this suggests that freeze-thaw cycles, pathogen attack, and soil crusts may strongly inhibit plant growth from the germination to emergence growth stages. Alternatively, my finding that perennial grass germination rates were higher when they were seeded with annual grasses in autumn compared to delaying annual grass seeding until spring suggests that perennial grass germination is facilitated by neighboring annual grasses during this life history stage. Following seedling emergence, my data indicated that adding water enhances the establishment and growth of all species and that providing perennial grasses a priority seeding effect by delaying annual grass seeding until spring yields higher perennial grass density. However, delaying annual grass seeding until spring only provided perennial grasses a priority effect when annual grass propagule pressure was high. When annual grass propagule pressure was low, seeding perennial grasses in autumn yielded the highest perennial grass density through their life history suggesting low numbers of neighboring annual grasses facilitates the density of perennial grasses. By the second growing season, annual grass density was two-times higher than initial annual grass seeding rates and over four-times higher than perennial grass density, suggesting that annual grass interference may increase during the second growing season. Plant community assembly of restored shrub-steppe ecosystems degraded by annual grasses will likely be determined by the establishment of seeded species in the first growing season. Because perennial grasses are facilitated by annual grasses in the germination stage, and by small numbers of neighboring annual grasses in later growth stages, if perennial grasses establish in areas with low annual grass propagule pressure in the first growing season, they will likely persist to become adults. Alternatively, high annual grass propagule pressure limits perennial grass recruitment regardless of seeding strategy because of their preemptive occupation of safe sites and soil resources and high density by the second growing season. Title: Role of propagule pressure and priority effects on plant establishment during restoration of invaded shrub-steppe Author: Schantz, Merilynn C. Biological plant invasions are diminishing the ecological integrity and function of ecosystems worldwide. A primary example of this is in the Great Basin of the United States, where invasive annual grasses, like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) and medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae L. Nevski), are dominating many sagebrush-steppe ecosystems. In these invaded areas, restoration is fundamental to recovering plant community structure and function of once productive and diverse systems. Seeding is a management practice that accelerates revegetation of perennial plants in annual grass invaded ecosystems. However, seeding generally produces poor establishment and patchy plant communities that are quickly replaced by invaders. Identifying and overcoming the processes limiting desirable plant recovery should increase restoration success in annual grass invaded ecosystems. Seed dispersal dynamics, including propagule pressure and priority effects, strongly influence plant establishment and community assembly, especially during invasion and restoration because they can control recruitment of newly arriving species by influencing safe site occupation. The overall objective of this research was to identify the role of propagule pressure and priority effects on seedling emergence, plant life history, and plant community assembly. My study involved three experiments that were evaluated on seeded annual grass invaded sagebrush-steppe ecosystems in eastern Oregon. First, in order to identify the role of propagule pressure, or number of viable seeds in the seed bank, and annual grass dispersal timing, I conducted a factorially arranged experiment that tested the priority effects of seeding annual grasses in autumn or spring, adding water, and varying annual and perennial grass propagule pressure by seeding 150, 1,500, 2,500, or 3,500 seeds m⁻². My results suggested that providing perennial grasses a priority seeding effect by delaying annual grass seeding until spring initially facilitated perennial grass density; however, this effect did not persist into the second-year following seeding. In addition, when annual grass propagule pressure exceeded 150 seeds m⁻², an ecological threshold was crossed which limited perennial grass recruitment regardless of perennial grass seeding rate. When water availability was high, perennial grass establishment was high because safe site availability increased, but perennial grass establishment depended on annual grass propagule pressure. These results demonstrated that restoring perennial grasses to annual grass invaded ecosystems may be possible when perennial grass seeding rates and water availability are high. However, if annual grass propagule pressure exceeds 150 seeds m⁻², an ecological threshold occurs, where, perennial grass recruitment will be limited regardless of seeding strategy. A second factorial experiment was designed to identify the priority effects of perennial grass seeding time and frequency, annual and perennial grass propagule pressure, and water availability on seedling emergence and annual and perennial grass density and biomass two-years following seeding. In this experiment, my results indicated that seeding perennial grasses seasonally split between the autumn and spring produced higher perennial grass density and biomass compared to seeding perennial grasses exclusively in either period. In addition, results supported my hypothesis that perennial grass density and biomass in seasonally split applications would be higher where perennial propagule pressure was high and annual grass propagule pressure was low. However, I found that there was a threshold between 150-1,500 annual grass seeds m⁻², where regardless of perennial grass seeding strategies, perennial grass density and biomass was low. When water was added, annual and perennial grass density was higher than in plots without additional water, suggesting that higher water availability facilitates the growth of all seeded species. Collectively, these results suggested that modifying perennial grass seeding times and frequency increased perennial grass recruitment to annual grass invaded ecosystems, but only if annual grass propagule pressure was below 1,500 annual grass seeds m⁻². Third, a life history approach was used to identify and quantify the effect of ecological processes on plant population demography when annual grass seeding times varied (autumn or spring), annual and perennial grass propagule pressure was modified by 150, 1,500, 2,500, or 3,500 seeds m⁻², and watering occurred (ambient or water added treatments). In this study, we found that all species had low emergence rates, even though seedling germination was relatively high. Based on prior research, this suggests that freeze-thaw cycles, pathogen attack, and soil crusts may strongly inhibit plant growth from the germination to emergence growth stages. Alternatively, my finding that perennial grass germination rates were higher when they were seeded with annual grasses in autumn compared to delaying annual grass seeding until spring suggests that perennial grass germination is facilitated by neighboring annual grasses during this life history stage. Following seedling emergence, my data indicated that adding water enhances the establishment and growth of all species and that providing perennial grasses a priority seeding effect by delaying annual grass seeding until spring yields higher perennial grass density. However, delaying annual grass seeding until spring only provided perennial grasses a priority effect when annual grass propagule pressure was high. When annual grass propagule pressure was low, seeding perennial grasses in autumn yielded the highest perennial grass density through their life history suggesting low numbers of neighboring annual grasses facilitates the density of perennial grasses. By the second growing season, annual grass density was two-times higher than initial annual grass seeding rates and over four-times higher than perennial grass density, suggesting that annual grass interference may increase during the second growing season. Plant community assembly of restored shrub-steppe ecosystems degraded by annual grasses will likely be determined by the establishment of seeded species in the first growing season. Because perennial grasses are facilitated by annual grasses in the germination stage, and by small numbers of neighboring annual grasses in later growth stages, if perennial grasses establish in areas with low annual grass propagule pressure in the first growing season, they will likely persist to become adults. Alternatively, high annual grass propagule pressure limits perennial grass recruitment regardless of seeding strategy because of their preemptive occupation of safe sites and soil resources and high density by the second growing season. Close

• 162. [Article] Plant community dynamics in remnant and restored Willamette Valley wetland prairies

  Invasion by exotic species can pose a major challenge for developing native plant communities in wetland restoration projects. Often native plant communities do not develop as anticipated in restored wetlands ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Plant community dynamics in remnant and restored Willamette Valley wetland prairies Author: Schwindt, Rachel A. Invasion by exotic species can pose a major challenge for developing native plant communities in wetland restoration projects. Often native plant communities do not develop as anticipated in restored wetlands due to colonization by exotic species that dominate the native plant community. Despite the time and expense to restore wetlands, there has been little long term research to compare plant communities in restored and natural wetland sites. Research into plant community diversity across several wetland sites over several years can provide a broader perspective into how these ecosystems recover from long-term disturbance. The objective of this study was to compare plant community change from 2000 to 2005 between restored and remnant wetland prairie sites in the southern Willamette Valley in Oregon to determine if exotic species abundance was consistent between these groups. Specific objectives included 1) comparing the diversity and abundance of all species in remnant and restored wetland prairie sites, 2) evaluate the trajectory of community change between remnant and restored wetland prairie sites to determine if there was rapid change in restored sites, and 3) describe the plot level heterogeneity of the plant community in all sites to determine how microsites influence diversity. In 2005, species abundance was re-measured in four remnant wetland prairies and four restored wetland prairies that had been selected for an unrelated vegetation survey in 2000. Species were characterized by life form, origin, and wetland indicator status. Species abundance between groups of remnant and restored sites were compared using a multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP). The plant community trajectory was evaluated with nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) and tested for significance with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Species area curves were compared between sites and within remnant and restored groups of plots. Within-year and between-year significance tests indicated that remnant and restored sites were similar in exotic species abundance, graminoid abundance, and wetland species abundance with no significant difference between these remnant and restored wetland prairie sites. Individual sites in both groups experienced changes in exotic species abundance which confounded the statistical results. Species heterogeneity was no more spatially diverse across the remnant site plots than restored site plots. Species area curves did not show significant differences between remnant and restored plots but individual plots did show homogeneous community characteristics at smaller spatial scales. Restoration sites had developed high graminoid cover by the 2000 survey which was conducted two to three years after restoration was initiated. All sites were equally likely to contain exotic species. Exotic species common across all sites included Centaurium umbellatum, Holcus lanatus, and Hypericum perforatum. Native species common across sites included Deschampsia cespitosa, Danthonia californica and Juncus tenuis. These results suggested that differences between remnant and restored Willamette Valley wetland prairie sites were not generalizable at the landscape scale and were more dependent on site specific management activities and local barriers to colonization. Five years may not be enough time to see evidence that suggests if restored plant communities will develop spatial characteristics of the remnant sites. This research does suggest that multi-site comparisons help distinguish individual sites that are not developing characteristics of remnant wetland plant communities. Title: Plant community dynamics in remnant and restored Willamette Valley wetland prairies Author: Schwindt, Rachel A. Invasion by exotic species can pose a major challenge for developing native plant communities in wetland restoration projects. Often native plant communities do not develop as anticipated in restored wetlands due to colonization by exotic species that dominate the native plant community. Despite the time and expense to restore wetlands, there has been little long term research to compare plant communities in restored and natural wetland sites. Research into plant community diversity across several wetland sites over several years can provide a broader perspective into how these ecosystems recover from long-term disturbance. The objective of this study was to compare plant community change from 2000 to 2005 between restored and remnant wetland prairie sites in the southern Willamette Valley in Oregon to determine if exotic species abundance was consistent between these groups. Specific objectives included 1) comparing the diversity and abundance of all species in remnant and restored wetland prairie sites, 2) evaluate the trajectory of community change between remnant and restored wetland prairie sites to determine if there was rapid change in restored sites, and 3) describe the plot level heterogeneity of the plant community in all sites to determine how microsites influence diversity. In 2005, species abundance was re-measured in four remnant wetland prairies and four restored wetland prairies that had been selected for an unrelated vegetation survey in 2000. Species were characterized by life form, origin, and wetland indicator status. Species abundance between groups of remnant and restored sites were compared using a multi-response permutation procedure (MRPP). The plant community trajectory was evaluated with nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) and tested for significance with multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Species area curves were compared between sites and within remnant and restored groups of plots. Within-year and between-year significance tests indicated that remnant and restored sites were similar in exotic species abundance, graminoid abundance, and wetland species abundance with no significant difference between these remnant and restored wetland prairie sites. Individual sites in both groups experienced changes in exotic species abundance which confounded the statistical results. Species heterogeneity was no more spatially diverse across the remnant site plots than restored site plots. Species area curves did not show significant differences between remnant and restored plots but individual plots did show homogeneous community characteristics at smaller spatial scales. Restoration sites had developed high graminoid cover by the 2000 survey which was conducted two to three years after restoration was initiated. All sites were equally likely to contain exotic species. Exotic species common across all sites included Centaurium umbellatum, Holcus lanatus, and Hypericum perforatum. Native species common across sites included Deschampsia cespitosa, Danthonia californica and Juncus tenuis. These results suggested that differences between remnant and restored Willamette Valley wetland prairie sites were not generalizable at the landscape scale and were more dependent on site specific management activities and local barriers to colonization. Five years may not be enough time to see evidence that suggests if restored plant communities will develop spatial characteristics of the remnant sites. This research does suggest that multi-site comparisons help distinguish individual sites that are not developing characteristics of remnant wetland plant communities. Close

• 163. [Article] Initiation of coral/algal symbioses : the role of cell surface lectin/glycan interactions in recognition and specificity

  Mutualistic associations between cnidarians, such as corals, and photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae provide the trophic and structural foundation of coral reef ecosystems. In many cases, this intracellular ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Initiation of coral/algal symbioses : the role of cell surface lectin/glycan interactions in recognition and specificity Author: Wood-Charlson, Elisha M. Mutualistic associations between cnidarians, such as corals, and photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae provide the trophic and structural foundation of coral reef ecosystems. In many cases, this intracellular mutualism is highly specific and must be established anew for each generation of host corals. The ability to maintain partner specificity across generations implies that cellular mechanisms play a role in interpartner recognition. In other mutualisms where these recognition mechanisms have been studied, lectin/glycan interactions have been shown to function in inter-partner recognition during the onset of a stable symbiosis. However, for the majority of symbioses, including the cnidarian/dinoflagellate mutualism, cellular recognition mechanisms that mediate the onset of symbiosis remain largely unknown. How do larval corals and their symbiotic algae discriminate between their preferred partner and other hosts or microbes during the onset of symbiosis? I hypothesized that cell surface lectin/glycan interactions act as one mechanism of recognition and specificity during initial contact between the partners. Chapter one reviews the biology of cnidarian/algal symbioses and discusses the literature to date concerning molecular mechanisms of recognition and specificity during the onset of cnidarian/algal symbioses and how the cnidarian/algal system compares with other horizontally-transmitted mutualisms. Chapter two and three explore the role of algal cell surface glycans during the onset of symbiosis between the Hawai'ian solitary coral Fungia scutaria and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium clade C1f. To determine whether lectin/glycan interactions function during infection, I modified the glycans on the cell surface of algal symbionts (C1f and C31, found in nature in adult F. scutaria and Montipora capitata, respectively), introduced the modified symbionts to F. scutaria larvae, and then looked for changes in infection success. After cell surface modification, infection rates of native C1f algae decreased. In contrast, cell surface modification of non-native C31 algae resulted in higher infection rates compared to unmodified, control C31 algae. These data suggest that the algal cell surface signals to the host F. scutaria larvae identifying it as either a native C1f symbiont or non-native C31 algae. These chapters also investigate the variability of glycans present on the cell surface of several closely-related clade C symbionts to determine if each algal subclade contains a unique cell surface glycan profile. I found that cell surface glycan profiles were different for each symbiont tested, supporting their classification into different subclades. I hypothesize that this subclade specific glycan profile creates the cell surface signal that identifies the symbiont to its host coral. Chapter four describes the complex array of C-type lectins, a type of glycan receptor, in the anemone Nematostella vectensis genome. The diversity of glycan profiles on symbiont cell surfaces and C-type lectins in cnidarians suggests that these interactions could relay a signal for recognition and specificity between symbiotic partners. Chapter five concludes with a brief discussion that places my results in the context of cnidarian innate immunity and parallels between the onset of mutualistic symbioses and the process of infection in parasitic relationships. I close by suggesting future experiments that continue to explore the role of cell surface lectin/glycan interaction in recognition and specificity during the onset of cnidarian/algal symbioses. Title: Initiation of coral/algal symbioses : the role of cell surface lectin/glycan interactions in recognition and specificity Author: Wood-Charlson, Elisha M. Mutualistic associations between cnidarians, such as corals, and photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae provide the trophic and structural foundation of coral reef ecosystems. In many cases, this intracellular mutualism is highly specific and must be established anew for each generation of host corals. The ability to maintain partner specificity across generations implies that cellular mechanisms play a role in interpartner recognition. In other mutualisms where these recognition mechanisms have been studied, lectin/glycan interactions have been shown to function in inter-partner recognition during the onset of a stable symbiosis. However, for the majority of symbioses, including the cnidarian/dinoflagellate mutualism, cellular recognition mechanisms that mediate the onset of symbiosis remain largely unknown. How do larval corals and their symbiotic algae discriminate between their preferred partner and other hosts or microbes during the onset of symbiosis? I hypothesized that cell surface lectin/glycan interactions act as one mechanism of recognition and specificity during initial contact between the partners. Chapter one reviews the biology of cnidarian/algal symbioses and discusses the literature to date concerning molecular mechanisms of recognition and specificity during the onset of cnidarian/algal symbioses and how the cnidarian/algal system compares with other horizontally-transmitted mutualisms. Chapter two and three explore the role of algal cell surface glycans during the onset of symbiosis between the Hawai'ian solitary coral Fungia scutaria and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium clade C1f. To determine whether lectin/glycan interactions function during infection, I modified the glycans on the cell surface of algal symbionts (C1f and C31, found in nature in adult F. scutaria and Montipora capitata, respectively), introduced the modified symbionts to F. scutaria larvae, and then looked for changes in infection success. After cell surface modification, infection rates of native C1f algae decreased. In contrast, cell surface modification of non-native C31 algae resulted in higher infection rates compared to unmodified, control C31 algae. These data suggest that the algal cell surface signals to the host F. scutaria larvae identifying it as either a native C1f symbiont or non-native C31 algae. These chapters also investigate the variability of glycans present on the cell surface of several closely-related clade C symbionts to determine if each algal subclade contains a unique cell surface glycan profile. I found that cell surface glycan profiles were different for each symbiont tested, supporting their classification into different subclades. I hypothesize that this subclade specific glycan profile creates the cell surface signal that identifies the symbiont to its host coral. Chapter four describes the complex array of C-type lectins, a type of glycan receptor, in the anemone Nematostella vectensis genome. The diversity of glycan profiles on symbiont cell surfaces and C-type lectins in cnidarians suggests that these interactions could relay a signal for recognition and specificity between symbiotic partners. Chapter five concludes with a brief discussion that places my results in the context of cnidarian innate immunity and parallels between the onset of mutualistic symbioses and the process of infection in parasitic relationships. I close by suggesting future experiments that continue to explore the role of cell surface lectin/glycan interaction in recognition and specificity during the onset of cnidarian/algal symbioses. Close

• 164. [Article] Utilization of the Non-Native Seagrass, Zostera japonica, by Crab and Fish in Pacific Northwest Estuaries

  The introduction of non-native species often results in fundamental changes in the structure and function of disturbed environments. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the introduced seagrass Zostera japonica ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Utilization of the Non-Native Seagrass, Zostera japonica, by Crab and Fish in Pacific Northwest Estuaries Author: Sund, Daniel M. The introduction of non-native species often results in fundamental changes in the structure and function of disturbed environments. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the introduced seagrass Zostera japonica is rapidly expanding in distribution, impacting stakeholders and public use of the intertidal. Z. japonica’s expansion has prompted a number of different management strategies and many research studies that examine its ecology in the PNW. A number of studies have compared the benthic and epifaunal communities in Z. japonica to those of the native Z. marina, but to date, none have contrasted the nekton communities using the two seagrasses. The goals of this project were to 1) examine the community composition of a variety of available estuarine habitats in Willapa Bay, Washington, and Yaquina Bay, Oregon, via paired deployment of cameras and small fish traps; and 2) to explore the different management strategies used in the PNW and identify strengths and weaknesses associated with invasive species management, as indicated by short interviews with professionals working on Z. japonica. In Willapa Bay, Z. japonica, Z. marina, clam aquaculture, and on-ground oyster aquaculture were examined. In Yaquina Bay, Z. japonica, Z. marina, and bare substrate were examined. A total of 11 species, with 10 occurring in Willapa Bay and 9 in Yaquina Bay, were observed in video footage. Habitat was a significant predictor of catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the most abundant species in Yaquina Bay but not those in Willapa Bay. Community composition was significantly different between habitats in each bay but not between the bays. Explicit comparisons of seagrass habitat in each bay indicate some evidence that community composition of the two seagrasses differs in Yaquina Bay, but not in Willapa Bay. We conclude that community composition varies little between seagrass structure in Yaquina Bay and Willapa Bay and that local variation is highly dependent on the availability of structured habitats. Additionally, the distribution of Z. japonica relative to Z. marina may drive these differences in community composition between seagrass habitats in these estuaries. In short, unstructured interviews with professionals working on Z. japonica in the PNW, ecological characteristics that prompted management consideration; historical and potential management approaches; and suggestions to improve invasive species management at the local, regional, and national levels were discussed. Interview participants highlighted Z. japonica's expansion into historically unstructured regions of the intertidal, its role as an ecosystem engineer, and the intrinsic value of the local, native ecology as reasons for management. The need for collaboration across all levels (local, state, regional, and federal) of invasive species management, public outreach and education, professional development, and explicit statement of management position were all stressed as potential improvements to invasive species management. Title: Utilization of the Non-Native Seagrass, Zostera japonica, by Crab and Fish in Pacific Northwest Estuaries Author: Sund, Daniel M. The introduction of non-native species often results in fundamental changes in the structure and function of disturbed environments. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), the introduced seagrass Zostera japonica is rapidly expanding in distribution, impacting stakeholders and public use of the intertidal. Z. japonica’s expansion has prompted a number of different management strategies and many research studies that examine its ecology in the PNW. A number of studies have compared the benthic and epifaunal communities in Z. japonica to those of the native Z. marina, but to date, none have contrasted the nekton communities using the two seagrasses. The goals of this project were to 1) examine the community composition of a variety of available estuarine habitats in Willapa Bay, Washington, and Yaquina Bay, Oregon, via paired deployment of cameras and small fish traps; and 2) to explore the different management strategies used in the PNW and identify strengths and weaknesses associated with invasive species management, as indicated by short interviews with professionals working on Z. japonica. In Willapa Bay, Z. japonica, Z. marina, clam aquaculture, and on-ground oyster aquaculture were examined. In Yaquina Bay, Z. japonica, Z. marina, and bare substrate were examined. A total of 11 species, with 10 occurring in Willapa Bay and 9 in Yaquina Bay, were observed in video footage. Habitat was a significant predictor of catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the most abundant species in Yaquina Bay but not those in Willapa Bay. Community composition was significantly different between habitats in each bay but not between the bays. Explicit comparisons of seagrass habitat in each bay indicate some evidence that community composition of the two seagrasses differs in Yaquina Bay, but not in Willapa Bay. We conclude that community composition varies little between seagrass structure in Yaquina Bay and Willapa Bay and that local variation is highly dependent on the availability of structured habitats. Additionally, the distribution of Z. japonica relative to Z. marina may drive these differences in community composition between seagrass habitats in these estuaries. In short, unstructured interviews with professionals working on Z. japonica in the PNW, ecological characteristics that prompted management consideration; historical and potential management approaches; and suggestions to improve invasive species management at the local, regional, and national levels were discussed. Interview participants highlighted Z. japonica's expansion into historically unstructured regions of the intertidal, its role as an ecosystem engineer, and the intrinsic value of the local, native ecology as reasons for management. The need for collaboration across all levels (local, state, regional, and federal) of invasive species management, public outreach and education, professional development, and explicit statement of management position were all stressed as potential improvements to invasive species management. Close

• 165. [Article] The ecology and management of invasive plant species on tropical islands

  Graduation date:

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The ecology and management of invasive plant species on tropical islands Author: Hooper, Carolina Graduation date: Title: The ecology and management of invasive plant species on tropical islands Author: Hooper, Carolina Graduation date: Close

• 166. [Article] Rift Valley fever in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) : basic epidemiology and the role of bovine tuberculosis coinfection

  Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic viral disease native to the African continent. Outbreaks tend to occur in the wet seasons, and can affect numerous mammalian species including African ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Rift Valley fever in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) : basic epidemiology and the role of bovine tuberculosis coinfection Author: Beechler, Brianna Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic viral disease native to the African continent. Outbreaks tend to occur in the wet seasons, and can affect numerous mammalian species including African buffalo. It is debated how the virus survives the inter-epidemic period when it is not detected in mammalian populations, either in cryptic wildlife hosts or by vertical transmission in mosquito hosts. In chapters 1 and 2 of this dissertation I show that buffalo do become infected in the inter-epidemic period although that is not sufficient to maintain viral cycling in the system without additional mammalian hosts and high vertical transmission rates. Bovine tuberculosis is an emerging disease in sub-Saharan Africa, first detected in Kruger National Park buffalo populations in 1990. African buffalo are a maintenance host for BTB in the ecosystem, and there has been detailed research about pathogen provenance and diversity, effects on the host and transmission dynamics. These studies have focused on a single invasive pathogen, BTB – despite the fact that buffalo act as hosts for a multitude of pathogens. Fundamental theory in community ecology and immunology suggests that parasites within a host should interact, by sharing resources, competing for resources or by altering the immune response. In chapter 3 I show that animals with BTB are more likely to become infected with RVF, more likely to show clinical signs and that the presence of BTB increases the size of RVF epidemics in African buffalo. In chapters 4 and 5 I demonstrate that one of the mechanisms underlying this pattern may be immune-mediated whereby animals with BTB have altered susceptibility to RVF. Understanding how emerging diseases, like BTB, may affect native host-pathogen or pathogen - pathogen interactions will help us understand the full impact that emerging diseases may have on an ecosystem. Title: Rift Valley fever in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) : basic epidemiology and the role of bovine tuberculosis coinfection Author: Beechler, Brianna Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic viral disease native to the African continent. Outbreaks tend to occur in the wet seasons, and can affect numerous mammalian species including African buffalo. It is debated how the virus survives the inter-epidemic period when it is not detected in mammalian populations, either in cryptic wildlife hosts or by vertical transmission in mosquito hosts. In chapters 1 and 2 of this dissertation I show that buffalo do become infected in the inter-epidemic period although that is not sufficient to maintain viral cycling in the system without additional mammalian hosts and high vertical transmission rates. Bovine tuberculosis is an emerging disease in sub-Saharan Africa, first detected in Kruger National Park buffalo populations in 1990. African buffalo are a maintenance host for BTB in the ecosystem, and there has been detailed research about pathogen provenance and diversity, effects on the host and transmission dynamics. These studies have focused on a single invasive pathogen, BTB – despite the fact that buffalo act as hosts for a multitude of pathogens. Fundamental theory in community ecology and immunology suggests that parasites within a host should interact, by sharing resources, competing for resources or by altering the immune response. In chapter 3 I show that animals with BTB are more likely to become infected with RVF, more likely to show clinical signs and that the presence of BTB increases the size of RVF epidemics in African buffalo. In chapters 4 and 5 I demonstrate that one of the mechanisms underlying this pattern may be immune-mediated whereby animals with BTB have altered susceptibility to RVF. Understanding how emerging diseases, like BTB, may affect native host-pathogen or pathogen - pathogen interactions will help us understand the full impact that emerging diseases may have on an ecosystem. Close

• 167. [Article] Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community

  With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community Author: Gonsalves, Sydney Marie Year: 2016 With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, and changes in biodiversity. However, urban green spaces, including green roofs, can also provide important pools of biodiversity and contribute to regional gamma diversity, while novel species assemblages can enhance some ecosystem services. Green roofs may also mitigate species loss in urban areas and have been shown to support a surprising diversity of invertebrates, including rare and endangered species. In the first part of this study I reviewed the literature on urban invertebrate communities and diversity to better understand the role of green roofs in providing habitat in the context of the larger urban mosaic. My review concluded that, while other factors such as surrounding land use and connectivity are also important to specific invertebrate taxa, local habitat variables contribute substantially to the structure and diversity of urban invertebrate communities. The importance of local habitat variables in urban green spaces and strong support for the habitat complexity hypothesis in a number of other ecosystems has led to proposals that "biodiverse" roofs--those intentionally designed with varied substrate depth, greater plant diversity, or added elements such as logs or stones--would support greater invertebrate diversity, but there is currently limited peer reviewed data to support this. In order to address the habitat complexity hypothesis in the context of green roofs, in the second part of this study I surveyed three roofs designed primarily for stormwater management, three biodiverse roofs, and five ground-level green spaces, from March until September of 2014 in the Portland metropolitan area. Beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled bi-weekly as representatives of total species diversity. Biodiverse roofs had greater richness, abundance, and diversity of beetle species compared to stormwater roofs, but were not more diverse than ground sites. Both biodiverse roofs and ground sites had approximately 20% native beetle species while stormwater roofs had only 5%. Functional diversity was also higher on biodiverse roofs with an average of seven trophic groups represented, while stormwater roofs averaged only three. Ground sites, biodiverse roofs, and stormwater roofs each grouped distinctively in terms of beetle community composition and biodiverse roof communities were found to be positively correlated with roof age, percent plant cover, average plant height, and plant species richness. These results support the findings of previous studies on the importance of local variables in structuring urban invertebrate communities and suggest that biodiverse design can reliably increase greenroof diversity, with the caution that they remain no replacement for ground level conservation. Title: Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community Author: Gonsalves, Sydney Marie Year: 2016 With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, and changes in biodiversity. However, urban green spaces, including green roofs, can also provide important pools of biodiversity and contribute to regional gamma diversity, while novel species assemblages can enhance some ecosystem services. Green roofs may also mitigate species loss in urban areas and have been shown to support a surprising diversity of invertebrates, including rare and endangered species. In the first part of this study I reviewed the literature on urban invertebrate communities and diversity to better understand the role of green roofs in providing habitat in the context of the larger urban mosaic. My review concluded that, while other factors such as surrounding land use and connectivity are also important to specific invertebrate taxa, local habitat variables contribute substantially to the structure and diversity of urban invertebrate communities. The importance of local habitat variables in urban green spaces and strong support for the habitat complexity hypothesis in a number of other ecosystems has led to proposals that "biodiverse" roofs--those intentionally designed with varied substrate depth, greater plant diversity, or added elements such as logs or stones--would support greater invertebrate diversity, but there is currently limited peer reviewed data to support this. In order to address the habitat complexity hypothesis in the context of green roofs, in the second part of this study I surveyed three roofs designed primarily for stormwater management, three biodiverse roofs, and five ground-level green spaces, from March until September of 2014 in the Portland metropolitan area. Beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled bi-weekly as representatives of total species diversity. Biodiverse roofs had greater richness, abundance, and diversity of beetle species compared to stormwater roofs, but were not more diverse than ground sites. Both biodiverse roofs and ground sites had approximately 20% native beetle species while stormwater roofs had only 5%. Functional diversity was also higher on biodiverse roofs with an average of seven trophic groups represented, while stormwater roofs averaged only three. Ground sites, biodiverse roofs, and stormwater roofs each grouped distinctively in terms of beetle community composition and biodiverse roof communities were found to be positively correlated with roof age, percent plant cover, average plant height, and plant species richness. These results support the findings of previous studies on the importance of local variables in structuring urban invertebrate communities and suggest that biodiverse design can reliably increase greenroof diversity, with the caution that they remain no replacement for ground level conservation. Close

• 168. [Article] 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009

  Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Close

• 169. [Article] The Effect of Temperature on Phenotypes of the Invasive European Green Crab: Physiologic Mechanisms that Facilitate Invasion Success

  Invasion physiology is an emerging field that endeavors to understand the influence of physiological traits on the establishment of non-native species in novel environments. The invasive European green ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Effect of Temperature on Phenotypes of the Invasive European Green Crab: Physiologic Mechanisms that Facilitate Invasion Success Author: Kelley, Amanda Year: 2013 Invasion physiology is an emerging field that endeavors to understand the influence of physiological traits on the establishment of non-native species in novel environments. The invasive European green crab,Carcinus maenas, is one of the world's most successful aquatic invaders, and is currently distributed across temperate marine ecosystems globally. The work presented here explored the thermal physiology of this species, and has highlighted several physiological traits that have likely influenced establishment success. Intraspecific comparisons of crabs sampled from the northern and southern edges of their recipient, or invaded range on the west coast of North America have identified both organismal and cellular physiological difference with respect to upper and lower thermal tolerances. Crabs sampled from British Columbia, Canada (BC) had a significantly lower mean upper thermal tolerance threshold and heat shock protein synthesis, Hsp70, compared to their warm acclimated conspecifics sampled from California (CA). These differential physiologic responses may be rooted in the disparate natural thermal habitats that each population occupies within their respective environments. The ability of this species to extend its current range limits was also investigated. Range expansion to the south has been limited, and is likely restricted by this species lack of adaptation to warmer temperatures. Because range expansion has been chiefly northward, characterizing this species' response to cold stress can identify whether colder temperatures poleward may limit further range expansion. Cold tolerance capacity was determined in the laboratory, and crabs sampled from Vancouver Island, British Columbia were able to withstand the over-wintering thermal regime that occurs in Sitka, Alaska, a site that is currently beyond the range limits of this species. Furthermore, intraspecific assessments found that the cold acclimated BC population exposed to cold shock significantly down regulated protein levels of cyclin D1, cell cycle modulator. Distinct differences in carapace width (CW) were detected along the thermal gradient present in the green crabs' range. This variation in body size was utilized to the test the temperature size rule hypothesis for ectotherms. Simply stated, the temperature size rule is the tendency for ectotherms to develop slower but mature to a larger body sizes at cooler temperatures. The results supported this hypothesis as crabs sampled from the warm portion of the range were found to be smaller than crabs sampled from the colder portion of the range. This pattern was detected along the native range as well. Differences in body size have the potential to influence the scope of invasion; larger individuals are generally more fecund and longer lived, which can increase both the intensity and frequency of larval dispersal that could further propel range expansion. The physiologic properties that the green crab possesses which may influence invasion success were examined using peer-reviewed literature with the aim of determining if these physiological traits confer invasion success across taxa. This analysis tested four hypotheses: 1) Broad geographic temperature tolerances (thermal width) confer a higher upper thermal tolerance threshold when comparing invasive and native species. 2) The upper thermal extreme experienced in nature is correlated with upper thermal tolerance threshold. 3) Protein chaperone expression, a cellular mechanism underlying thermal tolerance threshold, is greater in invasive organisms than in native ones. 4) Acclimation to higher temperatures can promote a greater range of thermal tolerance for invasives compared to natives. These preliminary results generally support the four stated hypotheses, and provide a solid foundation for further studies to explore and identify physiologic traits that facilitate invasion success. Overall, these studies investigated the thermal physiology ofCarcinus maenasfrom an invasive metapopulation and have brought about significant advances in our understanding of what physiologic traits correlate to invasion success in this species. In addition, the data presented here can aid resource managers in identifying habitats, based on thermal tolerance measurements that fit the criteria for invasion. Understanding how invasive organisms vary with respect to thermal tolerance can aid our understanding the patterns and processes of species invasions. Title: The Effect of Temperature on Phenotypes of the Invasive European Green Crab: Physiologic Mechanisms that Facilitate Invasion Success Author: Kelley, Amanda Year: 2013 Invasion physiology is an emerging field that endeavors to understand the influence of physiological traits on the establishment of non-native species in novel environments. The invasive European green crab,Carcinus maenas, is one of the world's most successful aquatic invaders, and is currently distributed across temperate marine ecosystems globally. The work presented here explored the thermal physiology of this species, and has highlighted several physiological traits that have likely influenced establishment success. Intraspecific comparisons of crabs sampled from the northern and southern edges of their recipient, or invaded range on the west coast of North America have identified both organismal and cellular physiological difference with respect to upper and lower thermal tolerances. Crabs sampled from British Columbia, Canada (BC) had a significantly lower mean upper thermal tolerance threshold and heat shock protein synthesis, Hsp70, compared to their warm acclimated conspecifics sampled from California (CA). These differential physiologic responses may be rooted in the disparate natural thermal habitats that each population occupies within their respective environments. The ability of this species to extend its current range limits was also investigated. Range expansion to the south has been limited, and is likely restricted by this species lack of adaptation to warmer temperatures. Because range expansion has been chiefly northward, characterizing this species' response to cold stress can identify whether colder temperatures poleward may limit further range expansion. Cold tolerance capacity was determined in the laboratory, and crabs sampled from Vancouver Island, British Columbia were able to withstand the over-wintering thermal regime that occurs in Sitka, Alaska, a site that is currently beyond the range limits of this species. Furthermore, intraspecific assessments found that the cold acclimated BC population exposed to cold shock significantly down regulated protein levels of cyclin D1, cell cycle modulator. Distinct differences in carapace width (CW) were detected along the thermal gradient present in the green crabs' range. This variation in body size was utilized to the test the temperature size rule hypothesis for ectotherms. Simply stated, the temperature size rule is the tendency for ectotherms to develop slower but mature to a larger body sizes at cooler temperatures. The results supported this hypothesis as crabs sampled from the warm portion of the range were found to be smaller than crabs sampled from the colder portion of the range. This pattern was detected along the native range as well. Differences in body size have the potential to influence the scope of invasion; larger individuals are generally more fecund and longer lived, which can increase both the intensity and frequency of larval dispersal that could further propel range expansion. The physiologic properties that the green crab possesses which may influence invasion success were examined using peer-reviewed literature with the aim of determining if these physiological traits confer invasion success across taxa. This analysis tested four hypotheses: 1) Broad geographic temperature tolerances (thermal width) confer a higher upper thermal tolerance threshold when comparing invasive and native species. 2) The upper thermal extreme experienced in nature is correlated with upper thermal tolerance threshold. 3) Protein chaperone expression, a cellular mechanism underlying thermal tolerance threshold, is greater in invasive organisms than in native ones. 4) Acclimation to higher temperatures can promote a greater range of thermal tolerance for invasives compared to natives. These preliminary results generally support the four stated hypotheses, and provide a solid foundation for further studies to explore and identify physiologic traits that facilitate invasion success. Overall, these studies investigated the thermal physiology ofCarcinus maenasfrom an invasive metapopulation and have brought about significant advances in our understanding of what physiologic traits correlate to invasion success in this species. In addition, the data presented here can aid resource managers in identifying habitats, based on thermal tolerance measurements that fit the criteria for invasion. Understanding how invasive organisms vary with respect to thermal tolerance can aid our understanding the patterns and processes of species invasions. Close

• 170. [Article] Biogeography of nonindigenous species: from description to prediction

  Nonindigenous species are a major threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of marine and estuarine ecosystems. To become a successful invader, species must pass through four phases: (1) survive ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biogeography of nonindigenous species: from description to prediction Author: Reusser, Deborah A. Nonindigenous species are a major threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of marine and estuarine ecosystems. To become a successful invader, species must pass through four phases: (1) survive transport, (2) survive release, (3) establish a population, and (4) expand their range. To better understand these processes, an integrated framework was designed to capture life history characteristics, environmental preferences, dispersal mechanisms, and geographic distribution information for both native and nonindigenous marine and estuarine flora and fauna. Key aspects of this framework include: 1) consistent terminology; 2) translation of numerical habitat values and physiological requirements into classes; 3) development of classification schemas for natural history, environmental attributes, and geographic distributions; and 4) integration of biotic attributes to allow database queries on single or multiple species across spatial scales. Species data for the North Pacific were collected from the literature, local surveys, and regional databases. Ballast water discharges have been identified as a major source of species introductions. To predict the potential rate of invasion from ballast water, a linear invasion model predicting per capita invasion probabilities (PCIP) of new invaders was developed based on historic invasion rates and ballast discharge volumes for estuaries on the west coast of the United States. While the probability of invasion is likely to vary with ballast discharge values, organism concentrations in the ballast, and invasibility of individual ports, the PCIP provides a quantitative methodology for establishing protective ballast water discharge standards based on organism concentrations, the approach being used to regulate ballast water discharges both nationally and internationally. Habitat or niche models can be used to predict a nonindigenous species’ potential distribution in invaded areas over several spatial scales. The utility of non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR) was evaluated for predicting habitat- and estuary-scale distributions of native and nonindigenous species. Results indicate that NPMR generally performs well at both spatial scales and that distributions of nonindigenous species are predicted as well as those of native species. Development of approaches for regulating ballast water and identifying areas at risk through predictive modeling are useful tools in the management of the nonindigenous species threat. Title: Biogeography of nonindigenous species: from description to prediction Author: Reusser, Deborah A. Nonindigenous species are a major threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of marine and estuarine ecosystems. To become a successful invader, species must pass through four phases: (1) survive transport, (2) survive release, (3) establish a population, and (4) expand their range. To better understand these processes, an integrated framework was designed to capture life history characteristics, environmental preferences, dispersal mechanisms, and geographic distribution information for both native and nonindigenous marine and estuarine flora and fauna. Key aspects of this framework include: 1) consistent terminology; 2) translation of numerical habitat values and physiological requirements into classes; 3) development of classification schemas for natural history, environmental attributes, and geographic distributions; and 4) integration of biotic attributes to allow database queries on single or multiple species across spatial scales. Species data for the North Pacific were collected from the literature, local surveys, and regional databases. Ballast water discharges have been identified as a major source of species introductions. To predict the potential rate of invasion from ballast water, a linear invasion model predicting per capita invasion probabilities (PCIP) of new invaders was developed based on historic invasion rates and ballast discharge volumes for estuaries on the west coast of the United States. While the probability of invasion is likely to vary with ballast discharge values, organism concentrations in the ballast, and invasibility of individual ports, the PCIP provides a quantitative methodology for establishing protective ballast water discharge standards based on organism concentrations, the approach being used to regulate ballast water discharges both nationally and internationally. Habitat or niche models can be used to predict a nonindigenous species’ potential distribution in invaded areas over several spatial scales. The utility of non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR) was evaluated for predicting habitat- and estuary-scale distributions of native and nonindigenous species. Results indicate that NPMR generally performs well at both spatial scales and that distributions of nonindigenous species are predicted as well as those of native species. Development of approaches for regulating ballast water and identifying areas at risk through predictive modeling are useful tools in the management of the nonindigenous species threat. Close

• 171. [Article] Soil Resources Influence Vegetation and Response to Fire and Fire-Surrogate Treatments in Sagebrush-Steppe Ecosystems

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Soil Resources Influence Vegetation and Response to Fire and Fire-Surrogate Treatments in Sagebrush-Steppe Ecosystems Author: Chambers, Jeanne C., Caldwell, Todd G., Schupp, Eugene W., Doescher, Paul, Rau, Benjamin M., Pyke, David A., Roundy, Bruce 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 the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Title: Soil Resources Influence Vegetation and Response to Fire and Fire-Surrogate Treatments in Sagebrush-Steppe Ecosystems Author: Chambers, Jeanne C., Caldwell, Todd G., Schupp, Eugene W., Doescher, Paul, Rau, Benjamin M., Pyke, David A., Roundy, Bruce 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 the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Close

• 172. [Article] Effects of Aminocyclopyrachlor Herbicide on Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Seed Production under Field Conditions

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Weed Science Society of America and can be found at: http://wssajournals.org/loi/ipsm

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of Aminocyclopyrachlor Herbicide on Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Seed Production under Field Conditions Author: Ball, Daniel A. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Weed Science Society of America and can be found at: http://wssajournals.org/loi/ipsm Title: Effects of Aminocyclopyrachlor Herbicide on Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum) Seed Production under Field Conditions Author: Ball, Daniel A. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Weed Science Society of America and can be found at: http://wssajournals.org/loi/ipsm Close

• 173. [Article] Assessment of the potential for conflict between existing ocean space use and renewable energy development off the coast of Oregon

  Oregon's ocean waters are a potential source of wind, wave, and tidal energy; of interest to renewable energy entrepreneurs and to the U.S. government as it seeks to bolster energy security. In order to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessment of the potential for conflict between existing ocean space use and renewable energy development off the coast of Oregon Author: Sullivan, Colleen M. (Colleen Marie) Oregon's ocean waters are a potential source of wind, wave, and tidal energy; of interest to renewable energy entrepreneurs and to the U.S. government as it seeks to bolster energy security. In order to install technology to capture this energy, however, it may be necessary to mitigate conflict with existing ocean space users. The objective of this research was to construct a conflict analysis model in a GIS to answer the following research questions: (1) Within the study area off the coast of Oregon, where are stakeholders currently using ocean space and how many uses overlap? (2) To what extent might existing ocean space use present potential for conflict with renewable energy development? (3) How do various types of uncertainty affect analysis results? (4) What are the implications of these findings for ecosystem based management of the ocean? All available spatial information on ocean space usage by commercial fishing, commercial non-fishing, recreational, Native American, and scientific communities was gathered. Stakeholder outreach with these communities was used to vet the collected data and allow each to contribute knowledge not previously available through GIS data clearinghouses maintained by government or interest groups. The resulting data were used as inputs to a conflict visualization model written in Python and imported to an ArcGIS tool. Results showed extensive coverage and overlap of existing ocean space uses; specifically that 99.7% of the 1-nm² grid cells of the study area are occupied by at least 6 different categories of ocean space use. The six uses with the greatest coverage were: Fishing – Trolling, Habitat, Military, Fishing - Closure Areas, Protected, and Marine Transportation - Low Intensity. An uncertainty analysis was also completed to illustrate the margin for error and therefore the necessity of appropriate stakeholder outreach during the renewable energy siting process, as opposed to relying only on a GIS. Ranking of each category by its potential for conflict with renewable energy development demonstrated which areas of the ocean may be particularly contentious. Because rankings are subjective, a tool was created to allow users to input their own rankings. For the purpose of this report, default rankings were assigned to each as justified by the literature. Results under these assumptions showed that space use and potential for conflict were highest between the coast and approximately 30 nm at sea. This is likely because certain space use is limited by depth (e.g., recreational use); there is increased shipping density as vessels approach and depart major ports; and increased fuel costs associated with traveling further from shore. Two potential applications of model results were demonstrated. First, comparison with existing wave energy permit sites highlighted relative potential for conflict among the sites and the input data detailed the specific uses present. Second, comparison with areas determined most suitable for development by the wave energy industry illustrated that areas of high suitability often also had high rankings for potential for conflict. It appeared that the factors that determined development suitability were often the same factors that drew current ocean space users to those locations. Current support at the state, regional and federal level under the National Ocean Policy for the use of marine spatial planning as a tool to implement ecosystem based management of the oceans requires that tools such as the one developed in this research are used, to ensure that all components of the marine ecosystem are considered prior to implementation of a management plan. The addition of renewable energy to the current social landscape of the ocean will reduce the resource base for many categories of ocean space use. Model results demonstrated that mitigation of conflict between development and existing space use is not merely a best practice supported by current policy, but a necessity. Results presented a visualization of the social landscape of the ocean that could help managers determine which stakeholders to engage during the initial stage of choosing a site for development. Title: Assessment of the potential for conflict between existing ocean space use and renewable energy development off the coast of Oregon Author: Sullivan, Colleen M. (Colleen Marie) Oregon's ocean waters are a potential source of wind, wave, and tidal energy; of interest to renewable energy entrepreneurs and to the U.S. government as it seeks to bolster energy security. In order to install technology to capture this energy, however, it may be necessary to mitigate conflict with existing ocean space users. The objective of this research was to construct a conflict analysis model in a GIS to answer the following research questions: (1) Within the study area off the coast of Oregon, where are stakeholders currently using ocean space and how many uses overlap? (2) To what extent might existing ocean space use present potential for conflict with renewable energy development? (3) How do various types of uncertainty affect analysis results? (4) What are the implications of these findings for ecosystem based management of the ocean? All available spatial information on ocean space usage by commercial fishing, commercial non-fishing, recreational, Native American, and scientific communities was gathered. Stakeholder outreach with these communities was used to vet the collected data and allow each to contribute knowledge not previously available through GIS data clearinghouses maintained by government or interest groups. The resulting data were used as inputs to a conflict visualization model written in Python and imported to an ArcGIS tool. Results showed extensive coverage and overlap of existing ocean space uses; specifically that 99.7% of the 1-nm² grid cells of the study area are occupied by at least 6 different categories of ocean space use. The six uses with the greatest coverage were: Fishing – Trolling, Habitat, Military, Fishing - Closure Areas, Protected, and Marine Transportation - Low Intensity. An uncertainty analysis was also completed to illustrate the margin for error and therefore the necessity of appropriate stakeholder outreach during the renewable energy siting process, as opposed to relying only on a GIS. Ranking of each category by its potential for conflict with renewable energy development demonstrated which areas of the ocean may be particularly contentious. Because rankings are subjective, a tool was created to allow users to input their own rankings. For the purpose of this report, default rankings were assigned to each as justified by the literature. Results under these assumptions showed that space use and potential for conflict were highest between the coast and approximately 30 nm at sea. This is likely because certain space use is limited by depth (e.g., recreational use); there is increased shipping density as vessels approach and depart major ports; and increased fuel costs associated with traveling further from shore. Two potential applications of model results were demonstrated. First, comparison with existing wave energy permit sites highlighted relative potential for conflict among the sites and the input data detailed the specific uses present. Second, comparison with areas determined most suitable for development by the wave energy industry illustrated that areas of high suitability often also had high rankings for potential for conflict. It appeared that the factors that determined development suitability were often the same factors that drew current ocean space users to those locations. Current support at the state, regional and federal level under the National Ocean Policy for the use of marine spatial planning as a tool to implement ecosystem based management of the oceans requires that tools such as the one developed in this research are used, to ensure that all components of the marine ecosystem are considered prior to implementation of a management plan. The addition of renewable energy to the current social landscape of the ocean will reduce the resource base for many categories of ocean space use. Model results demonstrated that mitigation of conflict between development and existing space use is not merely a best practice supported by current policy, but a necessity. Results presented a visualization of the social landscape of the ocean that could help managers determine which stakeholders to engage during the initial stage of choosing a site for development. Close

• 174. [Article] Vegetation and Small Mammal Responses to Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Control in Eastern Oregon

  Shrub-steppe ecosystems of western North America provide habitat for many wildlife species, are important components of public and private rangelands, and offer recreational opportunities for millions ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vegetation and Small Mammal Responses to Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Control in Eastern Oregon Author: Morozumi, Corinne N. Shrub-steppe ecosystems of western North America provide habitat for many wildlife species, are important components of public and private rangelands, and offer recreational opportunities for millions of people. They are some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the United States and have been altered by human activities such as livestock grazing, active fire suppression, conversion to agriculture, and urbanization of the west. Since the late 1800s woody encroachment of piñon-juniper species has also contributed to the loss of shrub-steppe habitat. Presently, land managers remove woody tree species in order to recover shrub-steppe although it is unclear how responses to these management activities differ due to site-specific conditions and existing woodland development. I studied post juniper-thinning responses in eastern Oregon at a wildlife area important as winter range for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). I investigated vegetative responses to western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) thinning across a woodland development gradient and tested for interactive effects of juniper cutting and cattle exclusion. In addition, I explored plant and small mammal successional dynamics after juniper thinning and examined plant community responses within microhabitats created by the felled trees. I compared vegetative responses to juniper thinning as well as cattle exclusion among sites where juniper were subordinate (Phase I), co-dominant (Phase II), and dominant to shrubs and grasses (Phase III, sensu Miller et al. 2005). At the Phase I site, thinning did not increase herbaceous biomass while thinned plots at the Phase II site had 2.71 times more median herbaceous biomass (99.17% CI: 1.37 to 5.37 times more biomass) than unthinned plots. Conversely, herbaceous biomass at the Phase III juniper woodland site was 0.36 times lower in thinned plots when compared to unthinned plots (99.17% CI: 0.17 to 0.78 times less biomass). Unfortunately, many of the responses were driven by exotic species release. Where juniper were subordinate (Phase I), mean percent cover by exotic grass increased by 24.58 percentage points in thinned plots as compared to unthinned plots (98.30% CI: 0.27 to 48.90 percentage points higher). Thinning at the Phase II site increased mean exotic grass cover by an estimated 28.47 percentage points as compared to mean exotic cover in the same plots before treatment (98.30% CI: 4.15 to 52.79 percentage points higher cover). Median native bunchgrass cover at this site was 5.06 times greater after juniper treatment (99.7% CI: 1.78 to 14.35 times higher percent cover). I found few main or interactive effects of cattle exclosure after one year of treatment. Responses to grazing exclosure may take longer to develop. These results indicate that sites within the wildlife area respond differently to juniper management and that exotic grass control will be key to successful shrub-steppe recovery. In addition, I used a time-since-juniper thinning chronoseries consisting of plots cut in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and an adjacent uncut control to explore how shrub-steppe flora and fauna are responding to juniper treatment through time. Shrub cover and seedling density were low in each plot. I recorded the highest seedling abundance (mean of 0.25 seedlings) in the uncut control plot. Median grass cover in the uncut control was 9.50% while in the most recently treated plot (2012) it was 26.75%. Small mammal relative abundance and diversity was low across all time-since-treatment plots though highest in the plot with the greatest time-since-treatment. Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was the most abundant species in all plots and accounted for 70-95% of all unique captures. Least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) were present in the plot with greatest time-since-treatment indicating the potential recovery of key native shrubs since these small mammals perform an important seed dispersal role. I also investigated how potential microhabitats created by the felled juniper might support different plant communities. I assessed plant responses within zones created by 1) the felled tree (canopy zone), 2) the original duff zone, and 3) the between - tree interspace zone. The three zones had different plant community compositions as analyzed multivariately with non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS). Canopy and duff zones were forb - dominated and had less exotic grass invasion while interspace zones were heavily invested with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and ventenata (Ventenata dubia). Exotic herbaceous productivity was lowest under the standing trees of the control plot and high in the interspace of all plots with juniper thinning. In the 2012 cut plot, grass cover was 27.90 percentage points less in the canopy zone compared to the interspace zone (98.75% CI: 17.64 to 38.16 percentage points less grass cover). In the uncut control, median native biomass was 2.08 times greater under the standing trees compared to the interspace (96.25% CI: 1.09 to 3.97 times more biomass). Results from the time-since-treatment chronoseries indicated that exotic grass dominance might be limiting shrub-steppe recovery. Active restoration of shrubs and native grasses may be necessary to address the dominance of exotic grass after juniper thinning. Positive signs of habitat recovery included small mammal responses though I was unable to calculate population estimates due to plot size. Title: Vegetation and Small Mammal Responses to Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Control in Eastern Oregon Author: Morozumi, Corinne N. Shrub-steppe ecosystems of western North America provide habitat for many wildlife species, are important components of public and private rangelands, and offer recreational opportunities for millions of people. They are some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the United States and have been altered by human activities such as livestock grazing, active fire suppression, conversion to agriculture, and urbanization of the west. Since the late 1800s woody encroachment of piñon-juniper species has also contributed to the loss of shrub-steppe habitat. Presently, land managers remove woody tree species in order to recover shrub-steppe although it is unclear how responses to these management activities differ due to site-specific conditions and existing woodland development. I studied post juniper-thinning responses in eastern Oregon at a wildlife area important as winter range for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). I investigated vegetative responses to western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) thinning across a woodland development gradient and tested for interactive effects of juniper cutting and cattle exclusion. In addition, I explored plant and small mammal successional dynamics after juniper thinning and examined plant community responses within microhabitats created by the felled trees. I compared vegetative responses to juniper thinning as well as cattle exclusion among sites where juniper were subordinate (Phase I), co-dominant (Phase II), and dominant to shrubs and grasses (Phase III, sensu Miller et al. 2005). At the Phase I site, thinning did not increase herbaceous biomass while thinned plots at the Phase II site had 2.71 times more median herbaceous biomass (99.17% CI: 1.37 to 5.37 times more biomass) than unthinned plots. Conversely, herbaceous biomass at the Phase III juniper woodland site was 0.36 times lower in thinned plots when compared to unthinned plots (99.17% CI: 0.17 to 0.78 times less biomass). Unfortunately, many of the responses were driven by exotic species release. Where juniper were subordinate (Phase I), mean percent cover by exotic grass increased by 24.58 percentage points in thinned plots as compared to unthinned plots (98.30% CI: 0.27 to 48.90 percentage points higher). Thinning at the Phase II site increased mean exotic grass cover by an estimated 28.47 percentage points as compared to mean exotic cover in the same plots before treatment (98.30% CI: 4.15 to 52.79 percentage points higher cover). Median native bunchgrass cover at this site was 5.06 times greater after juniper treatment (99.7% CI: 1.78 to 14.35 times higher percent cover). I found few main or interactive effects of cattle exclosure after one year of treatment. Responses to grazing exclosure may take longer to develop. These results indicate that sites within the wildlife area respond differently to juniper management and that exotic grass control will be key to successful shrub-steppe recovery. In addition, I used a time-since-juniper thinning chronoseries consisting of plots cut in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and an adjacent uncut control to explore how shrub-steppe flora and fauna are responding to juniper treatment through time. Shrub cover and seedling density were low in each plot. I recorded the highest seedling abundance (mean of 0.25 seedlings) in the uncut control plot. Median grass cover in the uncut control was 9.50% while in the most recently treated plot (2012) it was 26.75%. Small mammal relative abundance and diversity was low across all time-since-treatment plots though highest in the plot with the greatest time-since-treatment. Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was the most abundant species in all plots and accounted for 70-95% of all unique captures. Least chipmunk (Tamias minimus) were present in the plot with greatest time-since-treatment indicating the potential recovery of key native shrubs since these small mammals perform an important seed dispersal role. I also investigated how potential microhabitats created by the felled juniper might support different plant communities. I assessed plant responses within zones created by 1) the felled tree (canopy zone), 2) the original duff zone, and 3) the between - tree interspace zone. The three zones had different plant community compositions as analyzed multivariately with non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS). Canopy and duff zones were forb - dominated and had less exotic grass invasion while interspace zones were heavily invested with medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and ventenata (Ventenata dubia). Exotic herbaceous productivity was lowest under the standing trees of the control plot and high in the interspace of all plots with juniper thinning. In the 2012 cut plot, grass cover was 27.90 percentage points less in the canopy zone compared to the interspace zone (98.75% CI: 17.64 to 38.16 percentage points less grass cover). In the uncut control, median native biomass was 2.08 times greater under the standing trees compared to the interspace (96.25% CI: 1.09 to 3.97 times more biomass). Results from the time-since-treatment chronoseries indicated that exotic grass dominance might be limiting shrub-steppe recovery. Active restoration of shrubs and native grasses may be necessary to address the dominance of exotic grass after juniper thinning. Positive signs of habitat recovery included small mammal responses though I was unable to calculate population estimates due to plot size. Close

• 175. [Article] Salmon at River's End: The Role of the Estuary in the Decline and Recovery of Columbia River salmon

  The continued decline of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations has long focused concerns on habitat changes upriver, particularly the effects of large hydroelectric dams. Increasing evidence ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon at River's End: The Role of the Estuary in the Decline and Recovery of Columbia River salmon Author: Bottom, Daniel L., Simenstad, Charles A., Burke, Jennifer, Baptista, Antonio M., Jay, David A., Jone, Kim K., Casillas, Edmundo, Schiewe, Michael H. Year: 2005 The continued decline of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations has long focused concerns on habitat changes upriver, particularly the effects of large hydroelectric dams. Increasing evidence that ocean conditions strongly influence salmon production, however, has raised questions about the importance of the estuarine environment to salmon and whether the hydropower system has affected estuarine-rearing habitats. In response to Northwest Power Planning Council recommendations, we initiated a review of what is known about the effects of the hydroelectric system on the hydrology, habitats, and ecology of the Columbia River estuary. Our goal was to develop recommendations for improving estuarine conditions or to identify research that may be needed before appropriate salmon-management changes can be defined. Our review and analyses addressed four major questions: (1) What habitats and processes support native salmon populations during the estuarine phase of their life cycle? (2) Have changes to the estuary had a significant role in salmon decline? (3) What have been the impacts of flow regulation on the hydrology, habitat, and biological interactions in the estuarine ecosystem? (4) What estuarine conditions are necessary to maintain salmonid diversity in the Columbia River basin? Title: Salmon at River's End: The Role of the Estuary in the Decline and Recovery of Columbia River salmon Author: Bottom, Daniel L., Simenstad, Charles A., Burke, Jennifer, Baptista, Antonio M., Jay, David A., Jone, Kim K., Casillas, Edmundo, Schiewe, Michael H. Year: 2005 The continued decline of Columbia River salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) populations has long focused concerns on habitat changes upriver, particularly the effects of large hydroelectric dams. Increasing evidence that ocean conditions strongly influence salmon production, however, has raised questions about the importance of the estuarine environment to salmon and whether the hydropower system has affected estuarine-rearing habitats. In response to Northwest Power Planning Council recommendations, we initiated a review of what is known about the effects of the hydroelectric system on the hydrology, habitats, and ecology of the Columbia River estuary. Our goal was to develop recommendations for improving estuarine conditions or to identify research that may be needed before appropriate salmon-management changes can be defined. Our review and analyses addressed four major questions: (1) What habitats and processes support native salmon populations during the estuarine phase of their life cycle? (2) Have changes to the estuary had a significant role in salmon decline? (3) What have been the impacts of flow regulation on the hydrology, habitat, and biological interactions in the estuarine ecosystem? (4) What estuarine conditions are necessary to maintain salmonid diversity in the Columbia River basin? Close

• 176. [Article] Response of Sagebrush Steppe Species to Elevated CO2 and Soil Temperature

  Elevated atmospheric CO2 may cause long-term changes in the productivity and species composition of the sagebrush steppe. Few studies, however, have evaluated the effects of increased CO2 on growth and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Response of Sagebrush Steppe Species to Elevated CO2 and Soil Temperature Author: Lucash, Melissa S., Farnsworth, Blake, Winner, William E. Year: 2005 Elevated atmospheric CO2 may cause long-term changes in the productivity and species composition of the sagebrush steppe. Few studies, however, have evaluated the effects of increased CO2 on growth and physiology of species important to this ecosystem. Since the response of plants to elevated CO2 may be limited by environmental factors, soil temperature was also examined to determine if low soil temperatures limit CO2 response. To determine how CO2 and soil temperature affect the growth of species native to the sagebrush steppe, bottlebrush squirreltail [Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey], Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper), and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle) were grown in ambient (374 mL L–1) or high (567 mL L–1) CO2 and low (13°C) or high (18°C) soil temperature for approximately 4 months. Although soil temperature affected the growth of squirreltail and needlegrass, temperature did not modify their response to elevated CO2. Total biomass of sagebrush was consistent across soil temperature and CO2 treatments, reflecting its slow-growing strategy. All 3 species had higher leaf water-use efficiency at elevated CO2 due to higher net photosynthesis and lower transpiration rates. We conclude that elevated CO2 and soil warming may increase the growth of grasses more than shrubs. Field studies in the sagebrush steppe are necessary to determine if differences in biomass, resulting from changes in CO2 and soil temperature, are exhibited in the field. Title: Response of Sagebrush Steppe Species to Elevated CO2 and Soil Temperature Author: Lucash, Melissa S., Farnsworth, Blake, Winner, William E. Year: 2005 Elevated atmospheric CO2 may cause long-term changes in the productivity and species composition of the sagebrush steppe. Few studies, however, have evaluated the effects of increased CO2 on growth and physiology of species important to this ecosystem. Since the response of plants to elevated CO2 may be limited by environmental factors, soil temperature was also examined to determine if low soil temperatures limit CO2 response. To determine how CO2 and soil temperature affect the growth of species native to the sagebrush steppe, bottlebrush squirreltail [Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey], Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper), and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle) were grown in ambient (374 mL L–1) or high (567 mL L–1) CO2 and low (13°C) or high (18°C) soil temperature for approximately 4 months. Although soil temperature affected the growth of squirreltail and needlegrass, temperature did not modify their response to elevated CO2. Total biomass of sagebrush was consistent across soil temperature and CO2 treatments, reflecting its slow-growing strategy. All 3 species had higher leaf water-use efficiency at elevated CO2 due to higher net photosynthesis and lower transpiration rates. We conclude that elevated CO2 and soil warming may increase the growth of grasses more than shrubs. Field studies in the sagebrush steppe are necessary to determine if differences in biomass, resulting from changes in CO2 and soil temperature, are exhibited in the field. Close

• 177. [Article] Direct and Indirect Effects of an Invasive Planktonic Predator on Pelagic Food Webs

  The relative importance of top-down invader effects relative to environmental drivers was determined by sampling crustacean zooplankton, rotifer, and phytoplankton communities in a set of invaded and noninvaded ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Direct and Indirect Effects of an Invasive Planktonic Predator on Pelagic Food Webs Author: Strecker, Angela L., Beisner, Beatrix E., Arnott, Shelley E., Paterson, Andrew M., Winter, Jennifer G., Johannsson, Ora E., Yan, Norman D. Year: 2011 The relative importance of top-down invader effects relative to environmental drivers was determined by sampling crustacean zooplankton, rotifer, and phytoplankton communities in a set of invaded and noninvaded reference lakes. The non-native invertebrate predator Bythotrephes had significant effects on zooplankton community size structure, rotifers, and phytoplankton taxonomic composition, but no significant effects on crustacean zooplankton taxonomic and functional group composition. Part of the variation in phytoplankton communities was explained by the presence of the invader. Because Bythotrephes is generally known to be a carnivore and to not consume phytoplankton, this effect is likely mediated by the zooplankton community’s response to environmental gradients. Although Bythotrephes appears to indirectly alter phytoplankton composition in invaded lakes, there was no evidence of a trophic cascade, and edible phytoplankton biovolume did not increase in invaded lakes. These complex direct and indirect interactions suggest that effects of invaders may be highly context-dependent, and therefore pose a significant challenge for predicting wider community and ecosystem responses. Title: Direct and Indirect Effects of an Invasive Planktonic Predator on Pelagic Food Webs Author: Strecker, Angela L., Beisner, Beatrix E., Arnott, Shelley E., Paterson, Andrew M., Winter, Jennifer G., Johannsson, Ora E., Yan, Norman D. Year: 2011 The relative importance of top-down invader effects relative to environmental drivers was determined by sampling crustacean zooplankton, rotifer, and phytoplankton communities in a set of invaded and noninvaded reference lakes. The non-native invertebrate predator Bythotrephes had significant effects on zooplankton community size structure, rotifers, and phytoplankton taxonomic composition, but no significant effects on crustacean zooplankton taxonomic and functional group composition. Part of the variation in phytoplankton communities was explained by the presence of the invader. Because Bythotrephes is generally known to be a carnivore and to not consume phytoplankton, this effect is likely mediated by the zooplankton community’s response to environmental gradients. Although Bythotrephes appears to indirectly alter phytoplankton composition in invaded lakes, there was no evidence of a trophic cascade, and edible phytoplankton biovolume did not increase in invaded lakes. These complex direct and indirect interactions suggest that effects of invaders may be highly context-dependent, and therefore pose a significant challenge for predicting wider community and ecosystem responses. Close

• 178. [Article] Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system

  The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system Author: Weldon, Taylor, Lundeberg, Christopher The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts of green crabs recruit only during major El Niño events. The goals of this study are to: 1) compare the abundance and growth of the recent 2014-2015 El Niño cohort to that of the strong 1997-1998 El Niño in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, and 2) explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to that of the native red rock crab, Cancer productus. An abundance and size distribution similar to the 1997-98 cohort was observed, indicating favorable current patterns and growing conditions brought on by the strong El Niño. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas, however it is possible that the distribution is related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, supporting the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. Observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap support this hypothesis. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the indirect effects of El Niño or the establishment of a self-sustaining C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay. Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system Author: Weldon, Taylor, Lundeberg, Christopher The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts of green crabs recruit only during major El Niño events. The goals of this study are to: 1) compare the abundance and growth of the recent 2014-2015 El Niño cohort to that of the strong 1997-1998 El Niño in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, and 2) explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to that of the native red rock crab, Cancer productus. An abundance and size distribution similar to the 1997-98 cohort was observed, indicating favorable current patterns and growing conditions brought on by the strong El Niño. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas, however it is possible that the distribution is related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, supporting the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. Observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap support this hypothesis. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the indirect effects of El Niño or the establishment of a self-sustaining C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay. Close

• 179. [Article] The Diet of the Galapagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) Before and After Goat Eradication

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by The Raptor Research Foundation and can be found at: http://www.raptorresearchfoundation.org/publications/journal-of-raptor-res...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Diet of the Galapagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) Before and After Goat Eradication Author: Vargas, F. Hernán, Jaramillo, Maricruz, Parker, Patricia G., Donaghy-Cannon, Michelle This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by The Raptor Research Foundation and can be found at: http://www.raptorresearchfoundation.org/publications/journal-of-raptor-research Title: The Diet of the Galapagos Hawk (Buteo galapagoensis) Before and After Goat Eradication Author: Vargas, F. Hernán, Jaramillo, Maricruz, Parker, Patricia G., Donaghy-Cannon, Michelle This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by The Raptor Research Foundation and can be found at: http://www.raptorresearchfoundation.org/publications/journal-of-raptor-research Close

• 180. [Article] Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab, Carcinus maenas, in a temperate estuarine system

  Carcinus maenas is an invasive marine predator. Its generalist feeding strategies make it one of the most effective invaders. Carcinus maenas has invasive populations throughout the world, and was recently ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab, Carcinus maenas, in a temperate estuarine system Author: Lundeberg, Christopher A. Carcinus maenas is an invasive marine predator. Its generalist feeding strategies make it one of the most effective invaders. Carcinus maenas has invasive populations throughout the world, and was recently introduced to the west coast of North America. This study looks at the abundance and growth of C. maenas in Yaquina Bay, Oregon following the 2014-15 El Niño. We explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to the distribution and abundance of the native Cancer productus. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas. We discuss the possibility of the spatial distribution being related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, and seems to support the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. We made observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap that also support this hypothesis. Lastly, we found an abundance and size distribution similar to that of the 1997-98 El Niño. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the effects of El Niño or the establishment of a sustainable C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay. Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab, Carcinus maenas, in a temperate estuarine system Author: Lundeberg, Christopher A. Carcinus maenas is an invasive marine predator. Its generalist feeding strategies make it one of the most effective invaders. Carcinus maenas has invasive populations throughout the world, and was recently introduced to the west coast of North America. This study looks at the abundance and growth of C. maenas in Yaquina Bay, Oregon following the 2014-15 El Niño. We explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to the distribution and abundance of the native Cancer productus. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas. We discuss the possibility of the spatial distribution being related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, and seems to support the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. We made observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap that also support this hypothesis. Lastly, we found an abundance and size distribution similar to that of the 1997-98 El Niño. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the effects of El Niño or the establishment of a sustainable C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay. Close

• 181. [Article] Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system

  The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system Author: Lundeberg, Christopher A., Weldon, Taylor The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts of green crabs recruit only during major El Niño events. The goals of this study are to: 1) compare the abundance and growth of the recent 2014-2015 El Niño cohort to that of the strong 1997-1998 El Niño in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, and 2) explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to that of the native red rock crab, Cancer productus. An abundance and size distribution similar to the 1997-98 cohort was observed, indicating favorable current patterns and growing conditions brought on by the strong El Niño. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas, however it is possible that the distribution is related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, supporting the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. Observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap support this hypothesis. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the indirect effects of El Niño or the establishment of a self-sustaining C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay Title: Spatial and vertical distribution of the invasive European green crab in a temperate estuarine system Author: Lundeberg, Christopher A., Weldon, Taylor The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a generalist predator that has established invasive populations throughout the world, including the west coast of North America. In Oregon, strong cohorts of green crabs recruit only during major El Niño events. The goals of this study are to: 1) compare the abundance and growth of the recent 2014-2015 El Niño cohort to that of the strong 1997-1998 El Niño in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, and 2) explore the spatial and vertical distribution of C. maenas and how it relates to that of the native red rock crab, Cancer productus. An abundance and size distribution similar to the 1997-98 cohort was observed, indicating favorable current patterns and growing conditions brought on by the strong El Niño. We did not find a correlation between the spatial distribution of C. productus and C. maenas, however it is possible that the distribution is related to the dynamics of the bay or microhabitat preference. Our data suggests a negative correlation in the vertical tidal distribution of the two species, supporting the hypothesis that C. productus sets the vertical lower limit of C. maenas. Observations of the interactions of the two species in the same trap support this hypothesis. Future studies should follow the 2015 year class and its effects on the local ecosystems. These data could prove a valuable tool in making predictions on the indirect effects of El Niño or the establishment of a self-sustaining C. maenas population in Yaquina Bay Close

• 182. [Article] A Spatial Assessment of Conservation Opportunities in the Willamette River Floodplain between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon

  The Willamette River floodplain has been highly modified by urbanization, conversion of land to agriculture, construction of dams and revetments, and regulation of flow, all of which have reduced floodplain ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Spatial Assessment of Conservation Opportunities in the Willamette River Floodplain between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon Author: Baker, Jeffrey M. The Willamette River floodplain has been highly modified by urbanization, conversion of land to agriculture, construction of dams and revetments, and regulation of flow, all of which have reduced floodplain processes that provide valuable ecosystem services such as fish and wildlife habitat and flood storage. Efforts to protect and restore floodplains have increased in recent years as scientists and conservationists have began to recognize the importance of functioning floodplains to help recover native fish populations and mitigate flood effects. Restoration and protection of floodplain processes is linked to both the past land-uses that degraded the ecological systems and the current uses that sustain rural communities and farmers. This project assessed the opportunities to protect and restore floodplain forests and channel complexity in the floodplain of the Willamette River between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon. A geographic information system was used to analyze suitability for conservation in terms of floodplain forest, channel complexity, and human uses on a pixel by pixel basis across the floodplain. Suitability maps show the best locations to protect and restore floodplain processes while minimizing impacts to human uses in the floodplain. Most land highly suitable for conservation purposes is located near the current river channel. Some identified sites can be restored with little or no impact to private lands while others cross multiple ownerships and will be more challenging to restore. The goal of this project is to contribute to conservation planning and actions in the study area. Title: A Spatial Assessment of Conservation Opportunities in the Willamette River Floodplain between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon Author: Baker, Jeffrey M. The Willamette River floodplain has been highly modified by urbanization, conversion of land to agriculture, construction of dams and revetments, and regulation of flow, all of which have reduced floodplain processes that provide valuable ecosystem services such as fish and wildlife habitat and flood storage. Efforts to protect and restore floodplains have increased in recent years as scientists and conservationists have began to recognize the importance of functioning floodplains to help recover native fish populations and mitigate flood effects. Restoration and protection of floodplain processes is linked to both the past land-uses that degraded the ecological systems and the current uses that sustain rural communities and farmers. This project assessed the opportunities to protect and restore floodplain forests and channel complexity in the floodplain of the Willamette River between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon. A geographic information system was used to analyze suitability for conservation in terms of floodplain forest, channel complexity, and human uses on a pixel by pixel basis across the floodplain. Suitability maps show the best locations to protect and restore floodplain processes while minimizing impacts to human uses in the floodplain. Most land highly suitable for conservation purposes is located near the current river channel. Some identified sites can be restored with little or no impact to private lands while others cross multiple ownerships and will be more challenging to restore. The goal of this project is to contribute to conservation planning and actions in the study area. Close

• 183. [Article] Growth characteristics and site potentials of perennial grass species

  In this study I assessed the potentials of selected, established perennial grasses to maintain site occupancy in the foothills ecosystem of the Rogue River Valley of southwest Oregon which is currently ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growth characteristics and site potentials of perennial grass species Author: Borman, Michael M. In this study I assessed the potentials of selected, established perennial grasses to maintain site occupancy in the foothills ecosystem of the Rogue River Valley of southwest Oregon which is currently dominated by a variety of annual plants. The first evaluation compared growth curves of the perennial grasses and contrasted them to growth patterns of residual annual plants. Periods of growth varied among the perennial grasses studied. Of the perennial grasses, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), a native, and Berber orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata var. 'Berber'), introduced, most closely emulated the growth patterns of the majority of the annual plants. Relative to the other perenial grasses tested, they initiated growth earlier, continued some growth through the winter and matured earlier. Once established, they should be able to effectively compete with the resident annuals for resources and maintain their populatiOhs. To assess the potential for competition for available moisture, the second evaluation considered timing and extent of soil moisture extraction by the perennial grasses and the resident annual community through the periods of active growth. This verified growth analysis results. Idaho fescue and Berber orchardgrass extracted moisture earlier than the other perennial grasses. Perennial grass plots and plots dominated by yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) end of season residual soil moisture levels were similar. Resident annual grasses left considerably more soil moisture. In years with an early summer drought, the earlier growing perennial grasses should be able to satisfy growth requirements and persist. An assessment was also made of the abilities of several selected established perennial grasses to resist reinvasion by resident annual plants. Earlier growing perennial grasses such as Berber orchardgrass and Idaho fescue suppressed the annuals more effectively than the later growing perennial grasses. Of the perennial grasses studied, those emulating the growth patterns of the annuals have been the Most competitive and have maintained the most vigorous stands. Title: Growth characteristics and site potentials of perennial grass species Author: Borman, Michael M. In this study I assessed the potentials of selected, established perennial grasses to maintain site occupancy in the foothills ecosystem of the Rogue River Valley of southwest Oregon which is currently dominated by a variety of annual plants. The first evaluation compared growth curves of the perennial grasses and contrasted them to growth patterns of residual annual plants. Periods of growth varied among the perennial grasses studied. Of the perennial grasses, Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis), a native, and Berber orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata var. 'Berber'), introduced, most closely emulated the growth patterns of the majority of the annual plants. Relative to the other perenial grasses tested, they initiated growth earlier, continued some growth through the winter and matured earlier. Once established, they should be able to effectively compete with the resident annuals for resources and maintain their populatiOhs. To assess the potential for competition for available moisture, the second evaluation considered timing and extent of soil moisture extraction by the perennial grasses and the resident annual community through the periods of active growth. This verified growth analysis results. Idaho fescue and Berber orchardgrass extracted moisture earlier than the other perennial grasses. Perennial grass plots and plots dominated by yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) end of season residual soil moisture levels were similar. Resident annual grasses left considerably more soil moisture. In years with an early summer drought, the earlier growing perennial grasses should be able to satisfy growth requirements and persist. An assessment was also made of the abilities of several selected established perennial grasses to resist reinvasion by resident annual plants. Earlier growing perennial grasses such as Berber orchardgrass and Idaho fescue suppressed the annuals more effectively than the later growing perennial grasses. Of the perennial grasses studied, those emulating the growth patterns of the annuals have been the Most competitive and have maintained the most vigorous stands. Close

• 184. [Article] Data and Information Needs for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning: A Washington State Case Study

  Washington state is currently developing a marine spatial plan for its outer coast under a mandate from its Legislature.  One key mandate for the plan involves mapping areas that have “high potential for ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Data and Information Needs for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning: A Washington State Case Study Author: Niles, Corey Washington state is currently developing a marine spatial plan for its outer coast under a mandate from its Legislature.  One key mandate for the plan involves mapping areas that have “high potential for renewable energy production with minimal potential for conflicts with existing uses and sensitive environments.”  Fisheries are a major focus with the Legislature mandating that the plan “minimize the negative impacts” on commercial and recreational fishing.  The plan will apply directly to state waters and also seek to influence the siting of projects in federal waters through the Coastal Zone Management Act and linkages to federal marine spatial planning efforts. The prospect of renewable energy projects in the ocean has been controversial. Washington’s coast is not heavily populated but no area of the ocean clearly shows “minimal potential for conflict.”  The northern coast is home to Native American tribes who hold treaty rights to fish in the ocean, a national marine sanctuary, a national park, and hundreds of offshore rocks and reefs managed as national wildlife refuges.  The southern coast is the center of the Dungeness Crab fishery, the most important commercial fishery for the coast's fishing communities. Planning has been ongoing for a number of years with the plan now scheduled for completion in 2017.  This talk will reflect on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s experience with the process and will discuss how the innovations sought by marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management have played out so far.  Title: Data and Information Needs for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning: A Washington State Case Study Author: Niles, Corey Washington state is currently developing a marine spatial plan for its outer coast under a mandate from its Legislature.  One key mandate for the plan involves mapping areas that have “high potential for renewable energy production with minimal potential for conflicts with existing uses and sensitive environments.”  Fisheries are a major focus with the Legislature mandating that the plan “minimize the negative impacts” on commercial and recreational fishing.  The plan will apply directly to state waters and also seek to influence the siting of projects in federal waters through the Coastal Zone Management Act and linkages to federal marine spatial planning efforts. The prospect of renewable energy projects in the ocean has been controversial. Washington’s coast is not heavily populated but no area of the ocean clearly shows “minimal potential for conflict.”  The northern coast is home to Native American tribes who hold treaty rights to fish in the ocean, a national marine sanctuary, a national park, and hundreds of offshore rocks and reefs managed as national wildlife refuges.  The southern coast is the center of the Dungeness Crab fishery, the most important commercial fishery for the coast's fishing communities. Planning has been ongoing for a number of years with the plan now scheduled for completion in 2017.  This talk will reflect on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s experience with the process and will discuss how the innovations sought by marine spatial planning and ecosystem-based management have played out so far.  Close

• 185. [Article] Salinity adaptation of the invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Columbia River estuary (Pacific Northwest, USA): physiological and molecular studies

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1386-2588/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salinity adaptation of the invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Columbia River estuary (Pacific Northwest, USA): physiological and molecular studies Author: Hoy, Marshal, Reusser, Deborah, Taylor, Louise, Rodriguez, Rusty, Boese, Bruce L. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1386-2588/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Salinity adaptation of the invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Columbia River estuary (Pacific Northwest, USA): physiological and molecular studies Author: Hoy, Marshal, Reusser, Deborah, Taylor, Louise, Rodriguez, Rusty, Boese, Bruce L. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/1386-2588/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 186. [Article] Teeter Creek aquatic and riparian habitat restoration environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact

  13 pp. Maps, illus. The location of the project area is T. 20 and 21 S., R. 1 and 2 W., W.M. Captured July 13, 2007.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Teeter Creek aquatic and riparian habitat restoration environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Eugene District Year: 2008, 2006 13 pp. Maps, illus. The location of the project area is T. 20 and 21 S., R. 1 and 2 W., W.M. Captured July 13, 2007. Title: Teeter Creek aquatic and riparian habitat restoration environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Eugene District Year: 2008, 2006 13 pp. Maps, illus. The location of the project area is T. 20 and 21 S., R. 1 and 2 W., W.M. Captured July 13, 2007. Close

• 187. [Image] Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010

  	Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010 Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office. Year: 2000, 2005, 2004 Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office (ERO) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. These restoration activities are needed due to the large-scale loss of wetland and riparian habitat and degraded water quality. The purpose of these restoration efforts is the improvement of conditions of the watershed with specific regard to habitat and water quality, resulting in, among other benefits, improved conditions for the endangered fish species (bull trout and Lost River and shortnose sucker) populations of the basin. The geographic scope of this EA is defined as the upper Klamath River basin, including the entire watershed from Irongate Dam upstream to the headwaters. This EA is intended to provide NEPA compliance for restoration projects conducted between the years 2000 and 2010. The ERO was established in 1993 to sponsor and assist with a variety of restoration activities in the Klamath Basin. The ERO funds and provides technical assistance to restoration projects involving private landholders, concerned groups, and other state, federal, and tribal agencies. Four alternatives are presented in this EA. The proposed alternative (Alternative 1) consists of a comprehensive program of ecosystem restoration, promoting projects in both riparian areas and in upland habitats. This would continue the current program in effect since 1994. NEPA compliance would primarily be carried out via a single, programmatic document saving time and funds. The Fish & Wildlife Service proposes to fund and administer the following projects types: Riparian Projects: (fencing for livestock management; native plant establishment & diversification; non-native plant removal/control; erosion control; contour re-establishment; impoundment removal; wildlife habitat improvements) Wetland Projects: (fencing; wetland restoration and enhancement; wildlife habitat improvements) Upland or Road Projects: (road abandonment, decommissioning, & obliteration; road drainage improvements and storm proofing, re-establishment of historic contours; silvicultural treatments; native plant establishment/diversification; non-native plant removal/control; fencing; landslide treatments; culvert/stream crossing upgrades; erosion control; wildlife habitat improvements). In-stream Projects: (habitat complexity and diversity improvements; hydrologic regime improvements; coarse woody debris supplementation; natural or artificial barrier removal, modification &/or creation; fish screens installation). Alternative 2 would concentrate restoration efforts only on riparian, instream, and wetland areas. Road projects would be conducted only within the riparian corridor, as defined. NEPA compliance would also be conducted programmatically. Alternative 3 would cease all restoration activities conducted and funded by the ERO in the Klamath Basin. This alternative would serve as a benchmark against which the effects of the restoration alternatives discussed above can be compared. Alternative 4, the "No Action" alternative, would continue current management policies with regard to NEPA compliance, providing compliance on a project by project basis requiring independent analysis for each project. The affected environment of the region is described in detail. The environment has been changed significantly since the 1890's due to logging, agriculture and urban development. An extensive system of dams, canals, and drainage structures has resulted in the conversion of approximately 80% of pre-settlement wetlands to agricultural uses. Riparian corridors have been similarly impacted, and upland forests regions have been affected by logging, road construction and other factors. These changes have contributed to problems with the water quality in the region, contributing to the listing of several fish species as threatened or endangered; loss of habitat has affected a large number of other species as well. The environmental effects of each alternative is analyzed. Some short term negative impacts could occur as a result of the projects authorized by both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2, but these would be strongly offset by the expected beneficial results to water quality and habitat conditions. Alternative 1 would be expected to have a greater overall effect on the environment than Alternative 2, since many of the underlying factors with which restoration efforts are concerned originate in upland conditions (i.e. sedimentation and hydrologic functionality). Alternative 3 would result in conditions remaining much as they are currently, although other programs and organizations are making efforts at restoration activities. The environmental impacts of individual projects anticipated under Alternative 4 would be generally the same as for similar projects under Alternative 1. The primary difference between the two alternatives would be the higher efficiency and improved cumulative analysis resulting from a programmatic approach as proposed in Alternative 1. Public participation in the NEPA process has been, and will continue to be, solicited and welcomed. Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as guidelines for contaminant surveys, will be carried out as detailed. While these projects are expected to play an important role in the restoration of the region, none of these alternatives are expected to have a significant impact when compared with the loss of wetland, riparian and upland habitats over the past century, impacts which do occur would be of a cumulatively beneficial nature. Other restoration efforts are being carried out in the area by other governmental and private groups, and it is expected that these combined efforts will achieve important beneficial results for the ecosystem. Title: Programmatic environmental assessment for Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office Projects, 2000-2010 Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office. Year: 2000, 2005, 2004 Programmatic Environmental Assessment Summary This Environmental Assessment (EA) provides compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for restoration actions undertaken by the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Klamath Basin Ecosystem Restoration Office (ERO) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. These restoration activities are needed due to the large-scale loss of wetland and riparian habitat and degraded water quality. The purpose of these restoration efforts is the improvement of conditions of the watershed with specific regard to habitat and water quality, resulting in, among other benefits, improved conditions for the endangered fish species (bull trout and Lost River and shortnose sucker) populations of the basin. The geographic scope of this EA is defined as the upper Klamath River basin, including the entire watershed from Irongate Dam upstream to the headwaters. This EA is intended to provide NEPA compliance for restoration projects conducted between the years 2000 and 2010. The ERO was established in 1993 to sponsor and assist with a variety of restoration activities in the Klamath Basin. The ERO funds and provides technical assistance to restoration projects involving private landholders, concerned groups, and other state, federal, and tribal agencies. Four alternatives are presented in this EA. The proposed alternative (Alternative 1) consists of a comprehensive program of ecosystem restoration, promoting projects in both riparian areas and in upland habitats. This would continue the current program in effect since 1994. NEPA compliance would primarily be carried out via a single, programmatic document saving time and funds. The Fish & Wildlife Service proposes to fund and administer the following projects types: Riparian Projects: (fencing for livestock management; native plant establishment & diversification; non-native plant removal/control; erosion control; contour re-establishment; impoundment removal; wildlife habitat improvements) Wetland Projects: (fencing; wetland restoration and enhancement; wildlife habitat improvements) Upland or Road Projects: (road abandonment, decommissioning, & obliteration; road drainage improvements and storm proofing, re-establishment of historic contours; silvicultural treatments; native plant establishment/diversification; non-native plant removal/control; fencing; landslide treatments; culvert/stream crossing upgrades; erosion control; wildlife habitat improvements). In-stream Projects: (habitat complexity and diversity improvements; hydrologic regime improvements; coarse woody debris supplementation; natural or artificial barrier removal, modification &/or creation; fish screens installation). Alternative 2 would concentrate restoration efforts only on riparian, instream, and wetland areas. Road projects would be conducted only within the riparian corridor, as defined. NEPA compliance would also be conducted programmatically. Alternative 3 would cease all restoration activities conducted and funded by the ERO in the Klamath Basin. This alternative would serve as a benchmark against which the effects of the restoration alternatives discussed above can be compared. Alternative 4, the "No Action" alternative, would continue current management policies with regard to NEPA compliance, providing compliance on a project by project basis requiring independent analysis for each project. The affected environment of the region is described in detail. The environment has been changed significantly since the 1890's due to logging, agriculture and urban development. An extensive system of dams, canals, and drainage structures has resulted in the conversion of approximately 80% of pre-settlement wetlands to agricultural uses. Riparian corridors have been similarly impacted, and upland forests regions have been affected by logging, road construction and other factors. These changes have contributed to problems with the water quality in the region, contributing to the listing of several fish species as threatened or endangered; loss of habitat has affected a large number of other species as well. The environmental effects of each alternative is analyzed. Some short term negative impacts could occur as a result of the projects authorized by both Alternative 1 and Alternative 2, but these would be strongly offset by the expected beneficial results to water quality and habitat conditions. Alternative 1 would be expected to have a greater overall effect on the environment than Alternative 2, since many of the underlying factors with which restoration efforts are concerned originate in upland conditions (i.e. sedimentation and hydrologic functionality). Alternative 3 would result in conditions remaining much as they are currently, although other programs and organizations are making efforts at restoration activities. The environmental impacts of individual projects anticipated under Alternative 4 would be generally the same as for similar projects under Alternative 1. The primary difference between the two alternatives would be the higher efficiency and improved cumulative analysis resulting from a programmatic approach as proposed in Alternative 1. Public participation in the NEPA process has been, and will continue to be, solicited and welcomed. Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as guidelines for contaminant surveys, will be carried out as detailed. While these projects are expected to play an important role in the restoration of the region, none of these alternatives are expected to have a significant impact when compared with the loss of wetland, riparian and upland habitats over the past century, impacts which do occur would be of a cumulatively beneficial nature. Other restoration efforts are being carried out in the area by other governmental and private groups, and it is expected that these combined efforts will achieve important beneficial results for the ecosystem. Close

• 188. [Article] The Response of Zooplankton Communities in Montane Lakes of Different Fish Stocking Histories to Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition Simulations

  Freshwater ecosystems are subject to a wide variety of stressors, which can have complex interactions and result in ecological surprises. Non-native fish introductions have drastically reduced the number ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Response of Zooplankton Communities in Montane Lakes of Different Fish Stocking Histories to Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition Simulations Author: Brittain, Jeffrey Thomas Year: 2015 Freshwater ecosystems are subject to a wide variety of stressors, which can have complex interactions and result in ecological surprises. Non-native fish introductions have drastically reduced the number of naturally fishless lakes and have resulted in cascading food web repercussions in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Additional anthropogenic influences that result from increases in global airborne emissions also threaten wildlife habitat. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has been recognized as an anthropogenic contributor to acidification and eutrophication of wilderness ecosystems. Planktonic communities have shown declines in response to predation and shifts in composition as a result of nutrient inputs and acidification, both of which are potential fates of nitrogen deposition. This study identified the response of zooplankton communities from two lakes (fish present vs. absent) in Mount Rainier National Park to manipulations simulating an episodic disturbance event in mesocosms. The experiment used a 2 x 2 factorial design with acid and nitrogen treatments. Treatments resulted in significantly elevated nitrogen and decreased pH conditions from control mesocosms over 42 days, indicating that the treatment effects were achieved. Results indicate that zooplankton communities from lakes with different food web structure respond differently to the singular effects of acid and nitrogen addition. Surprisingly, the interaction of the two stressors was related to increases in community metrics (e.g., abundance, biomass, body size, richness, and Shannon-Weiner diversity) for both lake types. This work can aid management decisions as agencies look to restore more aquatic montane habitats to their historic fishless states, and assess their abilities to recover and afford resistance to atmospheric pollution. Title: The Response of Zooplankton Communities in Montane Lakes of Different Fish Stocking Histories to Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition Simulations Author: Brittain, Jeffrey Thomas Year: 2015 Freshwater ecosystems are subject to a wide variety of stressors, which can have complex interactions and result in ecological surprises. Non-native fish introductions have drastically reduced the number of naturally fishless lakes and have resulted in cascading food web repercussions in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Additional anthropogenic influences that result from increases in global airborne emissions also threaten wildlife habitat. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has been recognized as an anthropogenic contributor to acidification and eutrophication of wilderness ecosystems. Planktonic communities have shown declines in response to predation and shifts in composition as a result of nutrient inputs and acidification, both of which are potential fates of nitrogen deposition. This study identified the response of zooplankton communities from two lakes (fish present vs. absent) in Mount Rainier National Park to manipulations simulating an episodic disturbance event in mesocosms. The experiment used a 2 x 2 factorial design with acid and nitrogen treatments. Treatments resulted in significantly elevated nitrogen and decreased pH conditions from control mesocosms over 42 days, indicating that the treatment effects were achieved. Results indicate that zooplankton communities from lakes with different food web structure respond differently to the singular effects of acid and nitrogen addition. Surprisingly, the interaction of the two stressors was related to increases in community metrics (e.g., abundance, biomass, body size, richness, and Shannon-Weiner diversity) for both lake types. This work can aid management decisions as agencies look to restore more aquatic montane habitats to their historic fishless states, and assess their abilities to recover and afford resistance to atmospheric pollution. Close

• 189. [Article] Oregon's Fish and Wildlife in a Changing Climate

  Chapter 7 in: The Oregon Climate Change Assessment Report Oregon's fish and wildlife include animals on land, fish and other species in rivers and lakes, and various kinds of sea life in estuaries and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon's Fish and Wildlife in a Changing Climate Author: Hixon, Mark A., Gregory, Stanley V., Robinson, W. Douglas, Baker, C. Scott, Batchelder, Harold P., Epps, Clinton, Garcia, Tiffany S., Haig, Susan M., Letelier, Ricardo M., Lytle, David A., Menge, Bruce A., Miller, Jeffery C., Noakes, David L.G., Peterson, William T., Rice, James M., Rumrill, Steven S., Schreck, Carl B., Suryan, Robert M., Sytsma, Mark D., White, Angelicque E. Year: 2010 Chapter 7 in: The Oregon Climate Change Assessment Report Oregon's fish and wildlife include animals on land, fish and other species in rivers and lakes, and various kinds of sea life in estuaries and coastal ocean. Oregon is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. The state’s robust biodiversity, some of which is already threatened or endangered -- inhabits complex and dynamic ecosystems that we have only begun to understand, let alone examine in terms of climate change.It is clear that the abundance and distribution of species are shifting already and will shift more rapidly as habitats on land, in freshwater, and in the sea are altered due to increasing temperatures and related environmental changes. It remains to be seen if past changes are all tied to global climate change or if they are a result of some other variability, but they represent a proxy for how species may shift in a warmer climate. Among the observed species changes: Insects are moving in from the south of Oregon, frogs are reproducing earlier in the year and land birds are shifting their distributions northward and migrating earlier. Freshwater fish are losing their cool-water habitats. In the marine environment, algal blooms have increased (figure 11) and the highly predatory Humboldt squid have shifted their distribution from subtropical and tropical regions, making an appearance off the coast of Oregon in the last few years. In a warmer climate, plant and animal species may have to shift upward or northward on land or deeper at sea for survival. Rare or endangered species may become less abundant or extinct; insect pests, invasive species and harmful algal blooms may become more abundant. Declines in the abundance of species may be caused directly by physiological stress related to changes in temperature, water availability, and other environmental shifts, and/or indirectly by habitat degradation and negative interactions with species that are benefited by climate change (diseases, parasites, predators, and competitors). Understanding the responses of Oregon’s fish and wildlife to climate change will require a better understanding of smaller organisms and insects and ocean species. Knowledge of ecological interactions will be crucial for understanding the related effects of climate change (increased predation or competition, for example). Management and natural resource polices that protect intact ecosystems are a tool for adaptation; native species can live and migrate to these safe refugia. Title: Oregon's Fish and Wildlife in a Changing Climate Author: Hixon, Mark A., Gregory, Stanley V., Robinson, W. Douglas, Baker, C. Scott, Batchelder, Harold P., Epps, Clinton, Garcia, Tiffany S., Haig, Susan M., Letelier, Ricardo M., Lytle, David A., Menge, Bruce A., Miller, Jeffery C., Noakes, David L.G., Peterson, William T., Rice, James M., Rumrill, Steven S., Schreck, Carl B., Suryan, Robert M., Sytsma, Mark D., White, Angelicque E. Year: 2010 Chapter 7 in: The Oregon Climate Change Assessment Report Oregon's fish and wildlife include animals on land, fish and other species in rivers and lakes, and various kinds of sea life in estuaries and coastal ocean. Oregon is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. The state’s robust biodiversity, some of which is already threatened or endangered -- inhabits complex and dynamic ecosystems that we have only begun to understand, let alone examine in terms of climate change.It is clear that the abundance and distribution of species are shifting already and will shift more rapidly as habitats on land, in freshwater, and in the sea are altered due to increasing temperatures and related environmental changes. It remains to be seen if past changes are all tied to global climate change or if they are a result of some other variability, but they represent a proxy for how species may shift in a warmer climate. Among the observed species changes: Insects are moving in from the south of Oregon, frogs are reproducing earlier in the year and land birds are shifting their distributions northward and migrating earlier. Freshwater fish are losing their cool-water habitats. In the marine environment, algal blooms have increased (figure 11) and the highly predatory Humboldt squid have shifted their distribution from subtropical and tropical regions, making an appearance off the coast of Oregon in the last few years. In a warmer climate, plant and animal species may have to shift upward or northward on land or deeper at sea for survival. Rare or endangered species may become less abundant or extinct; insect pests, invasive species and harmful algal blooms may become more abundant. Declines in the abundance of species may be caused directly by physiological stress related to changes in temperature, water availability, and other environmental shifts, and/or indirectly by habitat degradation and negative interactions with species that are benefited by climate change (diseases, parasites, predators, and competitors). Understanding the responses of Oregon’s fish and wildlife to climate change will require a better understanding of smaller organisms and insects and ocean species. Knowledge of ecological interactions will be crucial for understanding the related effects of climate change (increased predation or competition, for example). Management and natural resource polices that protect intact ecosystems are a tool for adaptation; native species can live and migrate to these safe refugia. Close

• 190. [Article] Estimating the Counterfactual Impact of Conservation Programs on Land Cover Outcomes: The Role of Matching and Panel Regression Techniques

  Data Availability Statement: Data have been shared using Figshare: http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1572155

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimating the Counterfactual Impact of Conservation Programs on Land Cover Outcomes: The Role of Matching and Panel Regression Techniques Author: Jones, Kelly W., Lewis, David J. Data Availability Statement: Data have been shared using Figshare: http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1572155 Title: Estimating the Counterfactual Impact of Conservation Programs on Land Cover Outcomes: The Role of Matching and Panel Regression Techniques Author: Jones, Kelly W., Lewis, David J. Data Availability Statement: Data have been shared using Figshare: http://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.1572155 Close

• 191. [Article] Post-fire logging produces minimal persistent impacts on understory vegetation in northeastern Oregon, USA

  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 pbulished by Elsevier and can be ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Post-fire logging produces minimal persistent impacts on understory vegetation in northeastern Oregon, USA Author: Peterson, David W., Dodson, Erich Kyle 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 pbulished by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/ Title: Post-fire logging produces minimal persistent impacts on understory vegetation in northeastern Oregon, USA Author: Peterson, David W., Dodson, Erich Kyle 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 pbulished by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/ Close

• 192. [Article] The economics of western juniper management on ranches located in the John Day Ecological Province of north-central Oregon

  Western juniper (Jun iperus occidentalis Hook) is a species of juniper native to arid regions of the Pacific Northwest. The western juniper tree has a number of competitive strategies that, in conjunction ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The economics of western juniper management on ranches located in the John Day Ecological Province of north-central Oregon Author: Aldrich, Gwendolyn A. Western juniper (Jun iperus occidentalis Hook) is a species of juniper native to arid regions of the Pacific Northwest. The western juniper tree has a number of competitive strategies that, in conjunction with an almost complete removal of fire from the ecosystem, have resulted in a significant expansion of its population in the last 150 years. This increase is of concern since western juniper have numerous negative impacts on the ecosystems upon which they encroach. Western juniper can cause increased erosion, decreased production of herbaceous vegetation, decreased streamflows and increased stream sedimentation, increased bare ground, and changes in wildlife diversity and species abundance. However, because western juniper is both expensive and difficult to kill or harvest, and because there is a limited market for its wood and other western juniper products, the expansion of western juniper populations throughout parts of the Pacific Northwest occurs largely unimpeded. Within western juniper's range in central and eastern Oregon, much of the land is owned by and operated as beef cattle ranches. As western juniper encroach upon a site, the reduction in herbaceous vegetation causes a decrease in the number of livestock the site can support. As the ability of rangeland to support livestock declines, ranch profits will also likely diminish Despite this trend, clearing of western juniper has historically been limited. This research presents discrete-time, dynamic economic models developed to depict various representative ranches located in the John Day Ecological Province of Oregon, the area of the greatest distribution of western jumper and where the majority of research regarding the western juniper has been conducted. The bioeconomic models are developed to examine optimal ranch management practices. The optimization criterion is to maximize the net present value of gross margins through decisions regarding herd size and composition, cattle sales, and the manipulation of forage production through juniper management practices. Comparisons are made to models in which juniper control is not a management option. Results indicate that it is indeed profitable for ranchers to practice juniper management on rangeland pastures. Models that included juniper management options consistently resulted in treatment of a minimum of seventy percent of juniper-encroached rangelands, larger equilibrium herd sizes, and greater gross margins. Erosion levels, and therefore potential stream sedimentation, was substantially lower in the models that contained juniper management options. Other environmental externalities included increased quail densities, but lower deer and elk populations. Title: The economics of western juniper management on ranches located in the John Day Ecological Province of north-central Oregon Author: Aldrich, Gwendolyn A. Western juniper (Jun iperus occidentalis Hook) is a species of juniper native to arid regions of the Pacific Northwest. The western juniper tree has a number of competitive strategies that, in conjunction with an almost complete removal of fire from the ecosystem, have resulted in a significant expansion of its population in the last 150 years. This increase is of concern since western juniper have numerous negative impacts on the ecosystems upon which they encroach. Western juniper can cause increased erosion, decreased production of herbaceous vegetation, decreased streamflows and increased stream sedimentation, increased bare ground, and changes in wildlife diversity and species abundance. However, because western juniper is both expensive and difficult to kill or harvest, and because there is a limited market for its wood and other western juniper products, the expansion of western juniper populations throughout parts of the Pacific Northwest occurs largely unimpeded. Within western juniper's range in central and eastern Oregon, much of the land is owned by and operated as beef cattle ranches. As western juniper encroach upon a site, the reduction in herbaceous vegetation causes a decrease in the number of livestock the site can support. As the ability of rangeland to support livestock declines, ranch profits will also likely diminish Despite this trend, clearing of western juniper has historically been limited. This research presents discrete-time, dynamic economic models developed to depict various representative ranches located in the John Day Ecological Province of Oregon, the area of the greatest distribution of western jumper and where the majority of research regarding the western juniper has been conducted. The bioeconomic models are developed to examine optimal ranch management practices. The optimization criterion is to maximize the net present value of gross margins through decisions regarding herd size and composition, cattle sales, and the manipulation of forage production through juniper management practices. Comparisons are made to models in which juniper control is not a management option. Results indicate that it is indeed profitable for ranchers to practice juniper management on rangeland pastures. Models that included juniper management options consistently resulted in treatment of a minimum of seventy percent of juniper-encroached rangelands, larger equilibrium herd sizes, and greater gross margins. Erosion levels, and therefore potential stream sedimentation, was substantially lower in the models that contained juniper management options. Other environmental externalities included increased quail densities, but lower deer and elk populations. Close

• 193. [Article] Impacts of ponderosa pine forest restoration treatments on the ectomycorrhizal fungal community and fine root biomass in the Blue Mountains of Oregon

  Before the arrival of Euro-Americans, the inland Pacific Northwest was settled by native people whose frequent intentional burning of the landscape promoted open stands dominated by large fire-resistant ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Impacts of ponderosa pine forest restoration treatments on the ectomycorrhizal fungal community and fine root biomass in the Blue Mountains of Oregon Author: Smith, Jane E. (Jane Elizabeth) Before the arrival of Euro-Americans, the inland Pacific Northwest was settled by native people whose frequent intentional burning of the landscape promoted open stands dominated by large fire-resistant ponderosa pine. Fire suppression for nearly a century, livestock grazing, and logging of the largest trees has resulted in forests characterized by increased densities of small trees with closed canopies and unusually high fuel loads. Such structural changes to the forest ecosystem are particularly evident in the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington where forest managers are applying prescribed fire and thinning to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire and reestablish stand structure characteristics seen prior to Euro-American settlement. Aboveground ecosystem recovery after disturbance is directly linked to the survival of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) that form an obligate symbiosis with roots of tree species in the Pinaceae. EMF are critical for the uptake of nutrients by the tree host. The research comprising this dissertation explores the response of the EMF community structure and composition, live fine root biomass, and duff (decaying material) levels to (i) seasonal burning (fall vs. spring) and (ii) alternative fuel reducing restoration treatments (thinned only, prescribed burned only, thinned and prescribed burned). In both studies, treatments significantly reducing duff depth (e.g. fall burning and both restoration burning treatments) negatively impacted EMF species richness and live fine root biomass. The EMF community is characterized by a large number of species scattered at low frequencies across the sites. The frequent occurrence of a few species (e.g. Rhizopogon salebrosus and Wilcoxina rehmii), in both studies before and after treatment applications, demonstrates that some EMF species survive or rapidly reestablish after disturbance. The initial reduction of EMF species richness, fine root biomass, and duff levels after prescribed fire has important implications for whether managers can achieve the desired future condition of stands with large-tree retention and low fuel loads. The impacts of prescribed fire on the soil microbial community, along with the recovery potential of a site and the impending risk of stand-replacing wildfire in stands differing in structure from historic conditions, bear consideration when developing restoration prescriptions. Title: Impacts of ponderosa pine forest restoration treatments on the ectomycorrhizal fungal community and fine root biomass in the Blue Mountains of Oregon Author: Smith, Jane E. (Jane Elizabeth) Before the arrival of Euro-Americans, the inland Pacific Northwest was settled by native people whose frequent intentional burning of the landscape promoted open stands dominated by large fire-resistant ponderosa pine. Fire suppression for nearly a century, livestock grazing, and logging of the largest trees has resulted in forests characterized by increased densities of small trees with closed canopies and unusually high fuel loads. Such structural changes to the forest ecosystem are particularly evident in the Blue Mountains of Oregon and Washington where forest managers are applying prescribed fire and thinning to reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire and reestablish stand structure characteristics seen prior to Euro-American settlement. Aboveground ecosystem recovery after disturbance is directly linked to the survival of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) that form an obligate symbiosis with roots of tree species in the Pinaceae. EMF are critical for the uptake of nutrients by the tree host. The research comprising this dissertation explores the response of the EMF community structure and composition, live fine root biomass, and duff (decaying material) levels to (i) seasonal burning (fall vs. spring) and (ii) alternative fuel reducing restoration treatments (thinned only, prescribed burned only, thinned and prescribed burned). In both studies, treatments significantly reducing duff depth (e.g. fall burning and both restoration burning treatments) negatively impacted EMF species richness and live fine root biomass. The EMF community is characterized by a large number of species scattered at low frequencies across the sites. The frequent occurrence of a few species (e.g. Rhizopogon salebrosus and Wilcoxina rehmii), in both studies before and after treatment applications, demonstrates that some EMF species survive or rapidly reestablish after disturbance. The initial reduction of EMF species richness, fine root biomass, and duff levels after prescribed fire has important implications for whether managers can achieve the desired future condition of stands with large-tree retention and low fuel loads. The impacts of prescribed fire on the soil microbial community, along with the recovery potential of a site and the impending risk of stand-replacing wildfire in stands differing in structure from historic conditions, bear consideration when developing restoration prescriptions. Close

• 194. [Article] Spatial and age class analysis of managed western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands in central Oregon

  Juniper is a native species to Oregon and confers ecological benefits to wildlife when it is at savannah and transitional densities. Its range and extent have fluctuated with climatic change, but the current ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and age class analysis of managed western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands in central Oregon Author: Zophy, Kelley T. Juniper is a native species to Oregon and confers ecological benefits to wildlife when it is at savannah and transitional densities. Its range and extent have fluctuated with climatic change, but the current range expansion is unprecedented in its extent. The range expansion has been associated with the degradation of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem in central Oregon. In the past, attempts to restore the sagebrush-steppe from western juniper aforestation were motivated by the desire to improve forage quality. Currently western juniper management is wider in scope, encompassing social, ecological, and environmental objectives. Past research in the area of western juniper management focused extensively on the causes of western juniper aforestation, its impact on understory plant communities, soil and the water budget. Researchers have also explored multiple mechanisms for removing western juniper and have quantified resulting amelioration of ecosystem function. However little work has been done identifying topographical features or environmental conditions that may influence the density of western juniper woodlands and seedling reestablishment following the application of treatment regimes. This study used spatial modeling to explore the influence that elevation and direct incident radiance have on western juniper density and multivariate, nonparametric tools to identify relationships between topography, understory plant community and seedling reestablishment on managed sites. The study findings indicate that western juniper densities in central Oregon are influenced by topographical features in the landscape. The multivariate analysis revealed that seedling reestablishment is positively associated with the diversity of the understory plant community. The study also revealed that on almost all of the sites included in the study, western juniper seedling are reestablishing after treatment application. With the information generated in the study, managers have tools with which to assess the risk a region has to be dominated by western juniper woodlands. Managers can then efficiently allocate western juniper management resources by choosing to treat that sites that have both the greatest risk and the greatest capacity to meet their objectives. Title: Spatial and age class analysis of managed western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands in central Oregon Author: Zophy, Kelley T. Juniper is a native species to Oregon and confers ecological benefits to wildlife when it is at savannah and transitional densities. Its range and extent have fluctuated with climatic change, but the current range expansion is unprecedented in its extent. The range expansion has been associated with the degradation of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem in central Oregon. In the past, attempts to restore the sagebrush-steppe from western juniper aforestation were motivated by the desire to improve forage quality. Currently western juniper management is wider in scope, encompassing social, ecological, and environmental objectives. Past research in the area of western juniper management focused extensively on the causes of western juniper aforestation, its impact on understory plant communities, soil and the water budget. Researchers have also explored multiple mechanisms for removing western juniper and have quantified resulting amelioration of ecosystem function. However little work has been done identifying topographical features or environmental conditions that may influence the density of western juniper woodlands and seedling reestablishment following the application of treatment regimes. This study used spatial modeling to explore the influence that elevation and direct incident radiance have on western juniper density and multivariate, nonparametric tools to identify relationships between topography, understory plant community and seedling reestablishment on managed sites. The study findings indicate that western juniper densities in central Oregon are influenced by topographical features in the landscape. The multivariate analysis revealed that seedling reestablishment is positively associated with the diversity of the understory plant community. The study also revealed that on almost all of the sites included in the study, western juniper seedling are reestablishing after treatment application. With the information generated in the study, managers have tools with which to assess the risk a region has to be dominated by western juniper woodlands. Managers can then efficiently allocate western juniper management resources by choosing to treat that sites that have both the greatest risk and the greatest capacity to meet their objectives. Close

• 195. [Article] Modeling the Economic Potential of Silvopasture in Eastern North Carolina and Northeastern Oregon and Exploring Eligibility of Silvopasture to Enroll in Carbon Markets in the United States

  Silvopasture is the planned and managed agroforestry system in which forage, livestock, and trees or shrubs are integrated in order to enhance individual components. Silvopasture has been identified as ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling the Economic Potential of Silvopasture in Eastern North Carolina and Northeastern Oregon and Exploring Eligibility of Silvopasture to Enroll in Carbon Markets in the United States Author: Bruck, Sonia Rose Silvopasture is the planned and managed agroforestry system in which forage, livestock, and trees or shrubs are integrated in order to enhance individual components. Silvopasture has been identified as the most promising agroforestry system for the Pacific Northwest and Southeast United States. However, there have been few studies describing the economic viability of silvopasture in these regions. There are two objectives explored in this study: first, to determine the potential for silvopasture as an economically viable income source to farmers in eastern North Carolina and northeastern Oregon by calculating the Land Expectation Value (LEV), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Annual Expectation Value (AEV), of realistic silvopastoral management regimes, compared to traditionally managed timber or livestock farms; second, to explore whether silvopasture can store as much or more carbon than a traditionally stocked timber plantation, and whether profits from sequestered carbon are possible at this time in the United States. The most profitable silvopasture regimes for eastern North Carolina were cool season grasses combined with loblolly pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $1,025 per acre) and cool season grasses combined with longleaf pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $285 per acre). Traditionally stocked loblolly pine at a four percent real discount rate accrued an LEV of $1,777 per acre, while longleaf pine had negative returns (LEV = -$143 per acre). The cattle standard model for eastern North Carolina accrued an LEV of $2,069 per acre at a four percent real discount rate. The most profitable silvopasture regime for northeast Oregon was native forage establishment with ponderosa pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $274 per acre). Planted ponderosa pine had negative returns for all economic indicators (LEV at four percent real discount rate = -$411). The cattle standard model accrued an LEV of $954 per acre at a four percent real discount rate. Models suggest loblolly pine timber management and cattle management is more profitable than silvopasture management in eastern North Carolina. Additionally, cattle management is more profitable than silvopasture in northeastern Oregon. Longleaf pine and ponderosa pine are not profitable when solely managed for timber, and benefit economically when combined with livestock. There is a growing appreciation for ecosystem services from Silvopasture in the scientific and public community. Tree canopy provides shade and a barrier from adverse weather for livestock herds. Silvopasture can also aid in increased biological diversity, reduced erosion, increased nutrient uptake, and enhanced carbon sequestration. In addition, silvopasture has the potential to store significant amounts of carbon, which benefits society as a whole. Therefore, it is amenable to include the social externalities of profitability in cash flow analyses. Currently there are only voluntary cap and trade markets. The most well-known is arguably the California Air Resources Board (ARB), regulated by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately, silvopasture does not qualify at this time for carbon markets in the United States. Title: Modeling the Economic Potential of Silvopasture in Eastern North Carolina and Northeastern Oregon and Exploring Eligibility of Silvopasture to Enroll in Carbon Markets in the United States Author: Bruck, Sonia Rose Silvopasture is the planned and managed agroforestry system in which forage, livestock, and trees or shrubs are integrated in order to enhance individual components. Silvopasture has been identified as the most promising agroforestry system for the Pacific Northwest and Southeast United States. However, there have been few studies describing the economic viability of silvopasture in these regions. There are two objectives explored in this study: first, to determine the potential for silvopasture as an economically viable income source to farmers in eastern North Carolina and northeastern Oregon by calculating the Land Expectation Value (LEV), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Annual Expectation Value (AEV), of realistic silvopastoral management regimes, compared to traditionally managed timber or livestock farms; second, to explore whether silvopasture can store as much or more carbon than a traditionally stocked timber plantation, and whether profits from sequestered carbon are possible at this time in the United States. The most profitable silvopasture regimes for eastern North Carolina were cool season grasses combined with loblolly pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $1,025 per acre) and cool season grasses combined with longleaf pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $285 per acre). Traditionally stocked loblolly pine at a four percent real discount rate accrued an LEV of $1,777 per acre, while longleaf pine had negative returns (LEV = -$143 per acre). The cattle standard model for eastern North Carolina accrued an LEV of $2,069 per acre at a four percent real discount rate. The most profitable silvopasture regime for northeast Oregon was native forage establishment with ponderosa pine at a four percent real discount rate (LEV = $274 per acre). Planted ponderosa pine had negative returns for all economic indicators (LEV at four percent real discount rate = -$411). The cattle standard model accrued an LEV of $954 per acre at a four percent real discount rate. Models suggest loblolly pine timber management and cattle management is more profitable than silvopasture management in eastern North Carolina. Additionally, cattle management is more profitable than silvopasture in northeastern Oregon. Longleaf pine and ponderosa pine are not profitable when solely managed for timber, and benefit economically when combined with livestock. There is a growing appreciation for ecosystem services from Silvopasture in the scientific and public community. Tree canopy provides shade and a barrier from adverse weather for livestock herds. Silvopasture can also aid in increased biological diversity, reduced erosion, increased nutrient uptake, and enhanced carbon sequestration. In addition, silvopasture has the potential to store significant amounts of carbon, which benefits society as a whole. Therefore, it is amenable to include the social externalities of profitability in cash flow analyses. Currently there are only voluntary cap and trade markets. The most well-known is arguably the California Air Resources Board (ARB), regulated by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately, silvopasture does not qualify at this time for carbon markets in the United States. Close

• 196. [Article] Integrating functional trait frameworks into restoration : the role of seed and seedling traits in recruitment success

  Seeding is a vital tool to facilitate recovery of degraded ecosystems, but low seedling recruitment rates limit the utility of this practice in a range of ecosystems across the globe. Plant functional ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Integrating functional trait frameworks into restoration : the role of seed and seedling traits in recruitment success Author: Larson, Julie E. Seeding is a vital tool to facilitate recovery of degraded ecosystems, but low seedling recruitment rates limit the utility of this practice in a range of ecosystems across the globe. Plant functional traits impact individual fitness through effects on growth, reproduction and survival. Consequently, seed and seedling trait variation among species provide a critical mechanism to understand and explain variation in recruitment probabilities across restoration species. I measured seed traits, seedling traits, and field probabilities of germination, emergence, seedling establishment, and established seedling survival for 47 varieties of native and introduced grasses in U.S. western drylands. Multivariate analyses were used to identify major dimensions of trait variation across early life stages and to assess whether this trait variation was related to cumulative survival probabilities through the first growing season. Ordination and cluster analysis of seed and seedling traits highlighted two central, independent aspects of functional trait variation among grasses describing seedling growth rate and germination rate, but functional trait-based clusters failed to capture variation in recruitment patterns in the field. Path analysis revealed that variation in germination and emergence probabilities explained over 90% of the variation in cumulative survival in the first growing season. However, functional traits including seed mass, hydrothermal time, and coleoptile tissue density, explained just 16% and 18% of the variation in germination and emergence, respectively, under ambient conditions. The majority of functional trait work has centered on linking leaf and root traits to resource acquisition, utilization, and growth. Our study suggests that germination, emergence and functional traits associated with these processes are leading drivers of recruitment variation across species in restoration scenarios. Functional traits reflecting the physiology and morphology of germinated seedlings, such as coleoptile tissue density, may play a major role in differentiating recruitment success following seeding, but remain largely unexplored. Before functional traits can facilitate practical advances in seeding and restoration efforts, we must improve our understanding of the dimensions and consequences of trait variation during germination and emergence. Title: Integrating functional trait frameworks into restoration : the role of seed and seedling traits in recruitment success Author: Larson, Julie E. Seeding is a vital tool to facilitate recovery of degraded ecosystems, but low seedling recruitment rates limit the utility of this practice in a range of ecosystems across the globe. Plant functional traits impact individual fitness through effects on growth, reproduction and survival. Consequently, seed and seedling trait variation among species provide a critical mechanism to understand and explain variation in recruitment probabilities across restoration species. I measured seed traits, seedling traits, and field probabilities of germination, emergence, seedling establishment, and established seedling survival for 47 varieties of native and introduced grasses in U.S. western drylands. Multivariate analyses were used to identify major dimensions of trait variation across early life stages and to assess whether this trait variation was related to cumulative survival probabilities through the first growing season. Ordination and cluster analysis of seed and seedling traits highlighted two central, independent aspects of functional trait variation among grasses describing seedling growth rate and germination rate, but functional trait-based clusters failed to capture variation in recruitment patterns in the field. Path analysis revealed that variation in germination and emergence probabilities explained over 90% of the variation in cumulative survival in the first growing season. However, functional traits including seed mass, hydrothermal time, and coleoptile tissue density, explained just 16% and 18% of the variation in germination and emergence, respectively, under ambient conditions. The majority of functional trait work has centered on linking leaf and root traits to resource acquisition, utilization, and growth. Our study suggests that germination, emergence and functional traits associated with these processes are leading drivers of recruitment variation across species in restoration scenarios. Functional traits reflecting the physiology and morphology of germinated seedlings, such as coleoptile tissue density, may play a major role in differentiating recruitment success following seeding, but remain largely unexplored. Before functional traits can facilitate practical advances in seeding and restoration efforts, we must improve our understanding of the dimensions and consequences of trait variation during germination and emergence. Close

• 197. [Article] Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary

  Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary Author: Granek, Elise F., Conn, Katherine E., Nilsen, Elena B., Pillsbury, Lori, Strecker, Angela L., Rumrill, Steven S., Fish, William Year: 2016 Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from industrial, municipal, and urban lands, accidental spills, and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of potential sources contributes to the likelihood of contaminated marine waters and sediments and increases the probability of uptake by marine organisms. Despite widespread recognition of direct and indirect pathways for contaminant deposition and organismal exposure in coastal systems, spatial and temporal variability in contaminant composition, deposition, and uptake patterns are still poorly known. We investigated these patterns for a suite of persistent legacy contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chemicals of emerging concern including pharmaceuticals within two Oregon coastal estuaries (Coos and Netarts Bays). In the more urbanized Coos Bay, native Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) tissue had approximately twice the number of PCB congeners at over seven times the total concentration, yet fewer PBDEs at one-tenth the concentration as compared to the more rural Netarts Bay. Different pharmaceutical suites were detected during each sampling season. Variability in contaminant types and concentrations across seasons and between species and media (organisms versus sediment) indicates the limitation of using indicator species and/or sampling annually to determine contaminant loads at a site or for specific species. The results indicate the prevalence of legacy contaminants and CECs in relatively undeveloped coastal environments highlighting the need to improve policy and management actions to reduce contaminant releases into estuarine and marine waters and to deal with legacy compounds that remain long after prohibition of use. Our results point to the need for better understanding of the ecological and human health risks of exposure to the diverse cocktail of pollutants and harmful compounds that will continue to leach from estuarine sediments over time. Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Contaminants Within Estuarine Sediments and Native Olympia Oysters: A Contrast Between a Developed and an Undeveloped Estuary Author: Granek, Elise F., Conn, Katherine E., Nilsen, Elena B., Pillsbury, Lori, Strecker, Angela L., Rumrill, Steven S., Fish, William Year: 2016 Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from industrial, municipal, and urban lands, accidental spills, and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of potential sources contributes to the likelihood of contaminated marine waters and sediments and increases the probability of uptake by marine organisms. Despite widespread recognition of direct and indirect pathways for contaminant deposition and organismal exposure in coastal systems, spatial and temporal variability in contaminant composition, deposition, and uptake patterns are still poorly known. We investigated these patterns for a suite of persistent legacy contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chemicals of emerging concern including pharmaceuticals within two Oregon coastal estuaries (Coos and Netarts Bays). In the more urbanized Coos Bay, native Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) tissue had approximately twice the number of PCB congeners at over seven times the total concentration, yet fewer PBDEs at one-tenth the concentration as compared to the more rural Netarts Bay. Different pharmaceutical suites were detected during each sampling season. Variability in contaminant types and concentrations across seasons and between species and media (organisms versus sediment) indicates the limitation of using indicator species and/or sampling annually to determine contaminant loads at a site or for specific species. The results indicate the prevalence of legacy contaminants and CECs in relatively undeveloped coastal environments highlighting the need to improve policy and management actions to reduce contaminant releases into estuarine and marine waters and to deal with legacy compounds that remain long after prohibition of use. Our results point to the need for better understanding of the ecological and human health risks of exposure to the diverse cocktail of pollutants and harmful compounds that will continue to leach from estuarine sediments over time. Close

• 198. [Article] Integrating restoration and ecologically based weed management practices for invasive knotweed control

  Japanese knotweed is an invasive perennial shrub that dominates riparian ecosystems. Effective management techniques are currently limited to repeated annual herbicide applications and there is little ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Integrating restoration and ecologically based weed management practices for invasive knotweed control Author: Rudenko, Melody Japanese knotweed is an invasive perennial shrub that dominates riparian ecosystems. Effective management techniques are currently limited to repeated annual herbicide applications and there is little science-based information about which control tactics result in the greatest management success. Restoration of invaded sites to a functioning riparian plant community is needed to prevent re-infestation of Japanese knotweed or other invasive weed species. Field and greenhouse experiments were initiated in fall of 2007 to generate this information on Japanese knotweed management. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the experimental herbicide aminocyclopyrachlor methyl ester for Japanese knotweed control. Treated plants were unable to produce new shoots from underground rhizomes indicating that aminocyclopyrachlor is an effective control. This level of Japanese knotweed suppression is comparable to imazapyr and surpasses the level of control that glyphosate provided under greenhouse conditions. A field experiment was initiated in the Nehalem River watershed in western Oregon to evaluate the integration of chemical weed management with restoration of the site to a diverse native grass plant community. We documented that native grasses could be established at this site, but the long-term survival of these grasses was poor. This result indicates that methods for simultaneous chemical control of invasive knotweed and restoration of sites need to be investigated further. The most effective chemical treatment in terms of visual injury and reduced Japanese knotweed biomass and cost of application was glyphosate applied at a rate of 4.21 kg ae/ha for a cost of $160/ha. A secondary experiment evaluating herbicide tank mixtures of glyphosate with imazapyr, imazapyr with aminopyralid, and triclopyr with 2,4-D was conducted at the same site. The most effective chemical treatment in terms of Japanese knotweed control and cost of application for the tank mixture experiment was imazapyr with aminopyralid applied at rates of 1.12 kg ae/ha (imazapyr) and 0.12 kg ae/ha (aminopyralid) for a cost of $346/ha. Title: Integrating restoration and ecologically based weed management practices for invasive knotweed control Author: Rudenko, Melody Japanese knotweed is an invasive perennial shrub that dominates riparian ecosystems. Effective management techniques are currently limited to repeated annual herbicide applications and there is little science-based information about which control tactics result in the greatest management success. Restoration of invaded sites to a functioning riparian plant community is needed to prevent re-infestation of Japanese knotweed or other invasive weed species. Field and greenhouse experiments were initiated in fall of 2007 to generate this information on Japanese knotweed management. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the experimental herbicide aminocyclopyrachlor methyl ester for Japanese knotweed control. Treated plants were unable to produce new shoots from underground rhizomes indicating that aminocyclopyrachlor is an effective control. This level of Japanese knotweed suppression is comparable to imazapyr and surpasses the level of control that glyphosate provided under greenhouse conditions. A field experiment was initiated in the Nehalem River watershed in western Oregon to evaluate the integration of chemical weed management with restoration of the site to a diverse native grass plant community. We documented that native grasses could be established at this site, but the long-term survival of these grasses was poor. This result indicates that methods for simultaneous chemical control of invasive knotweed and restoration of sites need to be investigated further. The most effective chemical treatment in terms of visual injury and reduced Japanese knotweed biomass and cost of application was glyphosate applied at a rate of 4.21 kg ae/ha for a cost of $160/ha. A secondary experiment evaluating herbicide tank mixtures of glyphosate with imazapyr, imazapyr with aminopyralid, and triclopyr with 2,4-D was conducted at the same site. The most effective chemical treatment in terms of Japanese knotweed control and cost of application for the tank mixture experiment was imazapyr with aminopyralid applied at rates of 1.12 kg ae/ha (imazapyr) and 0.12 kg ae/ha (aminopyralid) for a cost of $346/ha. Close

• 199. [Article] Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests?

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests? Author: Shaw, David C., Campbell, John L., Bailey, John D., Kennedy, Robert E., Zald, Harold S. J., Meigs, Garrett W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp Title: Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests? Author: Shaw, David C., Campbell, John L., Bailey, John D., Kennedy, Robert E., Zald, Harold S. J., Meigs, Garrett W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp Close

• 200. [Article] Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests?

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests? Author: Meigs, Garrett W., Campbell, John L., Bailey, John D., Kennedy, Robert E., Zald, Harold S. J., Shaw, David C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by The Author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. It can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp Title: Does wildfire likelihood increase following insect outbreaks in conifer forests? Author: Meigs, Garrett W., Campbell, John L., Bailey, John D., Kennedy, Robert E., Zald, Harold S. J., Shaw, David C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by The Author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. It can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecsp Close