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• 401. [Article] Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands

  In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands Author: Pritchard, Kyle R. In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves selectively thinning stands of oaks in order to reduce competition for sunlight. In choosing which trees to cut, land managers often remove trees with obvious signs of disease or infection. One such infection is the parasitic mistletoe Phoradendron villosum, commonly referred to as Oak Mistletoe. However, the consequences of removing mistletoe-laden trees from the woodlands for oak-associated wildlife have not been studied. Mistletoe species play an important role in ecosystems globally, by providing habitat resources for wildlife, but the role of Oak Mistletoe in an oak-dominated ecosystem is almost completely undocumented. In order to investigate relationships between Oak Mistletoe and bird abundance and diversity, I quantified breeding bird use of Oregon White Oaks (Quercus garryana) with mistletoe loads between zero and 112 plants per tree, at five study sites in the Willamette Valley in the spring of 2014. In addition, I quantified six microhabitat features related to mistletoe infection, including branch swellings, dead wood, loose/missing bark, natural cavities, excavated cavities, deep cracks in the bole, and bole coverage by Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). My results suggest that 1) structural heterogeneity within the crown of the tree and 2) bird abundance, species richness, and use of trees are positively associated with mistletoe load. In order to investigate the use of Oak Mistletoe fruits as a wildlife food resource, I recruited citizen scientists to record observations of birds feeding on mistletoe fruits in the fall of 2014 and winter of 2015 in western Oregon. In addition, I installed six camera traps in Oregon White Oak trees in order to capture additional observations of birds and other wildlife feeding on Oak Mistletoe fruits. My results suggest that Oak Mistletoe is a fall and winter food resource for Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), American Robins (Turdus migratorius), Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and Western Grey Squirrels (Sciurus griseus). In this study, Western Bluebirds were observed to feed on mistletoe fruits up to 14 times more frequently than other bird species. By retaining some trees with mistletoe in the crown, land managers may be able to maintain the habitat quality for some wildlife species that use the microhabitat features and fruit resources associated with mistletoe. Title: Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands Author: Pritchard, Kyle R. In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves selectively thinning stands of oaks in order to reduce competition for sunlight. In choosing which trees to cut, land managers often remove trees with obvious signs of disease or infection. One such infection is the parasitic mistletoe Phoradendron villosum, commonly referred to as Oak Mistletoe. However, the consequences of removing mistletoe-laden trees from the woodlands for oak-associated wildlife have not been studied. Mistletoe species play an important role in ecosystems globally, by providing habitat resources for wildlife, but the role of Oak Mistletoe in an oak-dominated ecosystem is almost completely undocumented. In order to investigate relationships between Oak Mistletoe and bird abundance and diversity, I quantified breeding bird use of Oregon White Oaks (Quercus garryana) with mistletoe loads between zero and 112 plants per tree, at five study sites in the Willamette Valley in the spring of 2014. In addition, I quantified six microhabitat features related to mistletoe infection, including branch swellings, dead wood, loose/missing bark, natural cavities, excavated cavities, deep cracks in the bole, and bole coverage by Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). My results suggest that 1) structural heterogeneity within the crown of the tree and 2) bird abundance, species richness, and use of trees are positively associated with mistletoe load. In order to investigate the use of Oak Mistletoe fruits as a wildlife food resource, I recruited citizen scientists to record observations of birds feeding on mistletoe fruits in the fall of 2014 and winter of 2015 in western Oregon. In addition, I installed six camera traps in Oregon White Oak trees in order to capture additional observations of birds and other wildlife feeding on Oak Mistletoe fruits. My results suggest that Oak Mistletoe is a fall and winter food resource for Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), American Robins (Turdus migratorius), Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and Western Grey Squirrels (Sciurus griseus). In this study, Western Bluebirds were observed to feed on mistletoe fruits up to 14 times more frequently than other bird species. By retaining some trees with mistletoe in the crown, land managers may be able to maintain the habitat quality for some wildlife species that use the microhabitat features and fruit resources associated with mistletoe. Close

• 402. [Article] Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)

  The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a widespread, colonial, North American waterbird with bicoastal and inland distributions. Four subspecies have been described within North America ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) Author: Mercer, Dacey M. The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a widespread, colonial, North American waterbird with bicoastal and inland distributions. Four subspecies have been described within North America corresponding to five geographic breeding regions: Interior and North Atlantic cormorants (P. a. auritus); Southeastern cormorants (P. a. floridanus); Alaskan cormorants (P. a. cincinnatus); and Pacific cormorants (P. a. albociliatus). Management strategies vary widely across the species' range according to local perceptions rather than relative population status. An understanding of population genetic structure is necessary for delineating appropriate management units. We examined the genetic structure of Double-crested Cormorants across their range in the United States and Canada to quantify variation within and among breeding sites and to assess the status of traditional geographically defined subspecies. Sequences (700bp) from domains I and II of the mitochondrial control region were analyzed for 234 Double-crested Cormorants from 23 breeding sites. Variation was also examined at 8 microsatellite loci for 395 cormorants from the same 23 breeding sites. The mtDNA and microsatellite data provided strong evidence that the Alaskan subspecies is genetically divergent from other populations in North America (net sequence divergence = 6.72%; ΦST for mtDNA control region = 0.738; FST for microsatellite loci = 0.05). Our data also suggested strong genetic divergence in the southwestern U.S.; southern California may represent a zone of introgression resulting from a northward expansion of a unique lineage from the species' range in northwestern Mexico. In contrast, there was little support for recognition of subspecies within the conterminous U.S. and Canada, outside of Alaska. Rather than genetically distinct regions corresponding to the putative subspecies, we observed a distribution of genetic variation consistent with a pattern of gradual isolation by distance. This pattern implies that genetic differences across the range are due to geographic distance rather than discrete subspecific breaks. Although three of the four subspecies were not genetically distinct, potential demographic separation, habitat differences, and recent declines at some colonies within the regions, suggests that the Pacific and possibly the North Atlantic breeding regions may still warrant consideration as distinct populations. This thesis provides the first species-wide assessment of the phylogeography and population genetic structure of the Double-crested Cormorant. It further resulted in the first microsatellite markers developed specifically for a North American pelecaniform. The mitochondrial and microsatellite data provide a comprehensive assessment of the four putative subspecies described for the species. Given the highly varying conservation status of Double-crested Cormorants throughout their range, results of this study provide guidance for conservation and management practices on their behalf in North America. Title: Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) Author: Mercer, Dacey M. The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a widespread, colonial, North American waterbird with bicoastal and inland distributions. Four subspecies have been described within North America corresponding to five geographic breeding regions: Interior and North Atlantic cormorants (P. a. auritus); Southeastern cormorants (P. a. floridanus); Alaskan cormorants (P. a. cincinnatus); and Pacific cormorants (P. a. albociliatus). Management strategies vary widely across the species' range according to local perceptions rather than relative population status. An understanding of population genetic structure is necessary for delineating appropriate management units. We examined the genetic structure of Double-crested Cormorants across their range in the United States and Canada to quantify variation within and among breeding sites and to assess the status of traditional geographically defined subspecies. Sequences (700bp) from domains I and II of the mitochondrial control region were analyzed for 234 Double-crested Cormorants from 23 breeding sites. Variation was also examined at 8 microsatellite loci for 395 cormorants from the same 23 breeding sites. The mtDNA and microsatellite data provided strong evidence that the Alaskan subspecies is genetically divergent from other populations in North America (net sequence divergence = 6.72%; ΦST for mtDNA control region = 0.738; FST for microsatellite loci = 0.05). Our data also suggested strong genetic divergence in the southwestern U.S.; southern California may represent a zone of introgression resulting from a northward expansion of a unique lineage from the species' range in northwestern Mexico. In contrast, there was little support for recognition of subspecies within the conterminous U.S. and Canada, outside of Alaska. Rather than genetically distinct regions corresponding to the putative subspecies, we observed a distribution of genetic variation consistent with a pattern of gradual isolation by distance. This pattern implies that genetic differences across the range are due to geographic distance rather than discrete subspecific breaks. Although three of the four subspecies were not genetically distinct, potential demographic separation, habitat differences, and recent declines at some colonies within the regions, suggests that the Pacific and possibly the North Atlantic breeding regions may still warrant consideration as distinct populations. This thesis provides the first species-wide assessment of the phylogeography and population genetic structure of the Double-crested Cormorant. It further resulted in the first microsatellite markers developed specifically for a North American pelecaniform. The mitochondrial and microsatellite data provide a comprehensive assessment of the four putative subspecies described for the species. Given the highly varying conservation status of Double-crested Cormorants throughout their range, results of this study provide guidance for conservation and management practices on their behalf in North America. Close

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

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

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

• 404. [Article] Realized and potential climate responses of lichen and bryophyte communities in a national forest inventory

  Climate and terrestrial vegetation have had mutual feedbacks for nearly five hundred million years, yet both are now departing from recent historical norms, with uncertain implications for forest ecosystems. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Realized and potential climate responses of lichen and bryophyte communities in a national forest inventory Author: Smith, Robert J. Climate and terrestrial vegetation have had mutual feedbacks for nearly five hundred million years, yet both are now departing from recent historical norms, with uncertain implications for forest ecosystems. This dissertation outlines the current and potential future climate responses of lichen and bryophyte communities in the United States as part of a national forest inventory. The first task was to identify influences on carbon and nitrogen storage of moss and lichen “ground layers” in subarctic interior Alaska. Nutrient stores were more sensitive to local vegetation and topography than regional macroclimate. Nutrients and biomass were greatest among apparently less disturbed stands. This suggests that climatic changes could diminish ground layer nutrient storage indirectly if they promote intensifying wildfire regimes or expansions of competitive vascular vegetation. Turning to focus on species diversity, the next task was to quantify the strength of relationship between epiphytic lichen community composition and macroclimate across the 4,000 km-long swath of the U.S. Pacific coastal states. The strongest fitting lichen response gradients involved precipitation, temperature, and a heat-moisture index. Lichen indicator species (diagnostic of ten defined climate zones) emerged as useful monitoring tools because their abundance changes could signal shifting climate zone boundaries. After establishing key present-day climatic relationships, the next task was to pinpoint nationwide locations where epiphytic lichen communities will be most vulnerable to species losses under current and future warming scenarios. Novel niche-based metrics revealed greatest vulnerability among supposedly “warm-adapted” communities in southern/lowland locations, contrary to usual assumptions centering on cooler northern/montane habitats. Vulnerability analyses can steer conservation and monitoring attention to specific locations where warming is most expected to affect ecological communities. The final task, to anticipate how warming will impact individual lichen performance, was addressed by quantifying how experimental climate treatments (whole-ecosystem warming and CO2 additions) affected growth of the boreal epiphytic lichen species Evernia mesomorpha. Over just one year, incremental warming and concurrent drying caused progressive growth declines and biomass losses among individual transplants. Such warming-induced biomass losses of epiphytic lichens could precede local population extinctions and regional range contractions. Overall, this dissertation weaves together multiple lines of evidence from nutrient, diversity and growth responses to indicate the ecological effects of climate and climatic changes on vegetation in a national forest inventory context. This work suggests a pathway for integrating lichen and bryophyte responses into nationwide climate monitoring to address emergent interactions between humans, vegetation, and the global climate commons. Title: Realized and potential climate responses of lichen and bryophyte communities in a national forest inventory Author: Smith, Robert J. Climate and terrestrial vegetation have had mutual feedbacks for nearly five hundred million years, yet both are now departing from recent historical norms, with uncertain implications for forest ecosystems. This dissertation outlines the current and potential future climate responses of lichen and bryophyte communities in the United States as part of a national forest inventory. The first task was to identify influences on carbon and nitrogen storage of moss and lichen “ground layers” in subarctic interior Alaska. Nutrient stores were more sensitive to local vegetation and topography than regional macroclimate. Nutrients and biomass were greatest among apparently less disturbed stands. This suggests that climatic changes could diminish ground layer nutrient storage indirectly if they promote intensifying wildfire regimes or expansions of competitive vascular vegetation. Turning to focus on species diversity, the next task was to quantify the strength of relationship between epiphytic lichen community composition and macroclimate across the 4,000 km-long swath of the U.S. Pacific coastal states. The strongest fitting lichen response gradients involved precipitation, temperature, and a heat-moisture index. Lichen indicator species (diagnostic of ten defined climate zones) emerged as useful monitoring tools because their abundance changes could signal shifting climate zone boundaries. After establishing key present-day climatic relationships, the next task was to pinpoint nationwide locations where epiphytic lichen communities will be most vulnerable to species losses under current and future warming scenarios. Novel niche-based metrics revealed greatest vulnerability among supposedly “warm-adapted” communities in southern/lowland locations, contrary to usual assumptions centering on cooler northern/montane habitats. Vulnerability analyses can steer conservation and monitoring attention to specific locations where warming is most expected to affect ecological communities. The final task, to anticipate how warming will impact individual lichen performance, was addressed by quantifying how experimental climate treatments (whole-ecosystem warming and CO2 additions) affected growth of the boreal epiphytic lichen species Evernia mesomorpha. Over just one year, incremental warming and concurrent drying caused progressive growth declines and biomass losses among individual transplants. Such warming-induced biomass losses of epiphytic lichens could precede local population extinctions and regional range contractions. Overall, this dissertation weaves together multiple lines of evidence from nutrient, diversity and growth responses to indicate the ecological effects of climate and climatic changes on vegetation in a national forest inventory context. This work suggests a pathway for integrating lichen and bryophyte responses into nationwide climate monitoring to address emergent interactions between humans, vegetation, and the global climate commons. Close

• 405. [Article] Spawning distribution and habitat use of adult Pacific and western brook lamprey in Smith River, Oregon Information Reports 2006-1

  Abstract -- Coastal Oregon populations of Pacific lamprey Lampetra tridentata and western brook lamprey L. richardsoni are considered depressed due to habitat loss and passage problems (Close et al. 2002, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spawning distribution and habitat use of adult Pacific and western brook lamprey in Smith River, Oregon Information Reports 2006-1 Abstract -- Coastal Oregon populations of Pacific lamprey Lampetra tridentata and western brook lamprey L. richardsoni are considered depressed due to habitat loss and passage problems (Close et al. 2002, Nawa 2003, ODFW 2006). Pacific lamprey was listed as an Oregon state sensitive species in 1993 and in 1996 was protected through restriction of harvest (ODFW 2006). Western brook lamprey is not protected and has no special state status. Abundance of Pacific lamprey throughout the coast and Columbia River has declined dramatically since the1960s. Dam counts at Winchester, Bonneville, and Leaburg dams show a dramatic decrease from historical levels (Kostow 2002, Nawa 2003, ODFW 2006). In 2003, eleven environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list Pacific, western brook, and two other lamprey species as endangered in the Pacific Northwest and California (Nawa 2003). Even though the petition cited habitat losses due to reduced in-stream flows, water diversions, dredging, scour and channnelization issues, pollution and degradation of riparian communities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the petition did not contain adequate information to warrant a listing (Federal Register, 69 (27 December 2004) 77158-77167). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently reviewed the status of western brook and Pacific lamprey and found populations to be ‘at risk’ of extinction (ODFW 2006) due to habitat loss, passage barriers and pollution. However data necessary to conduct a thorough and detailed assessment are lacking. Much of the data lacking are critical to the effective management and conservation of Oregon’s coastal lamprey species. The Columbia River Basin Lamprey Technical Workgroup (CRBLTW 2005) and members of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC 2004) have identified and prioritized critical data gaps for Pacific lamprey, many of which also apply to western brook lamprey. Among these are 1) methods to assess distribution and abundance of all life stages and appropriate techniques for monitoring population status; 2) population structure and delineation; 3) population dynamics; 4) basic biology including interspecific and community level relationships; 5) limiting factors and threats including passage issues, and 6) habitat needs and requirements. This study addresses information needs pertaining to distribution and habitat use in addition to providing basic descriptive ecology. Our goal was to identify habitat variables associated with spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in order to infer distribution throughout coastal Oregon. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine distribution of spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in the Smith River basin; 2) describe redds of both species; and 3) describe associations of spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in relation to habitat unit and reach scale habitat characteristics. Title: Spawning distribution and habitat use of adult Pacific and western brook lamprey in Smith River, Oregon Information Reports 2006-1 Abstract -- Coastal Oregon populations of Pacific lamprey Lampetra tridentata and western brook lamprey L. richardsoni are considered depressed due to habitat loss and passage problems (Close et al. 2002, Nawa 2003, ODFW 2006). Pacific lamprey was listed as an Oregon state sensitive species in 1993 and in 1996 was protected through restriction of harvest (ODFW 2006). Western brook lamprey is not protected and has no special state status. Abundance of Pacific lamprey throughout the coast and Columbia River has declined dramatically since the1960s. Dam counts at Winchester, Bonneville, and Leaburg dams show a dramatic decrease from historical levels (Kostow 2002, Nawa 2003, ODFW 2006). In 2003, eleven environmental groups petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list Pacific, western brook, and two other lamprey species as endangered in the Pacific Northwest and California (Nawa 2003). Even though the petition cited habitat losses due to reduced in-stream flows, water diversions, dredging, scour and channnelization issues, pollution and degradation of riparian communities, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the petition did not contain adequate information to warrant a listing (Federal Register, 69 (27 December 2004) 77158-77167). The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently reviewed the status of western brook and Pacific lamprey and found populations to be ‘at risk’ of extinction (ODFW 2006) due to habitat loss, passage barriers and pollution. However data necessary to conduct a thorough and detailed assessment are lacking. Much of the data lacking are critical to the effective management and conservation of Oregon’s coastal lamprey species. The Columbia River Basin Lamprey Technical Workgroup (CRBLTW 2005) and members of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC 2004) have identified and prioritized critical data gaps for Pacific lamprey, many of which also apply to western brook lamprey. Among these are 1) methods to assess distribution and abundance of all life stages and appropriate techniques for monitoring population status; 2) population structure and delineation; 3) population dynamics; 4) basic biology including interspecific and community level relationships; 5) limiting factors and threats including passage issues, and 6) habitat needs and requirements. This study addresses information needs pertaining to distribution and habitat use in addition to providing basic descriptive ecology. Our goal was to identify habitat variables associated with spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in order to infer distribution throughout coastal Oregon. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine distribution of spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in the Smith River basin; 2) describe redds of both species; and 3) describe associations of spawning Pacific and western brook lamprey in relation to habitat unit and reach scale habitat characteristics. Close

• 406. [Article] The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management

  Technical review / report

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management Author: Seager, S Trent, Goodell, John Technical review / report Title: The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management Author: Seager, S Trent, Goodell, John Technical review / report Close

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

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

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

• 408. [Article] Wildlife Health in Managed Forests : Immunity and Infectious Diseases in Wild Rodents of Oregon

  With continual and worldwide human population growth, our impact on the natural environment expands and intensifies every day. We consume natural resources, burn fossil fuels, and release toxic compounds ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wildlife Health in Managed Forests : Immunity and Infectious Diseases in Wild Rodents of Oregon Author: Hanselmann, Rhea With continual and worldwide human population growth, our impact on the natural environment expands and intensifies every day. We consume natural resources, burn fossil fuels, and release toxic compounds into the air, water, and earth. We build roads that fragment the landscape, construct new settlements, and develop agricultural lands in previously undisturbed areas. And, we introduce non-native species, which compete with and/or prey on native ones. Our actions change the composition of ecosystems by effacing natural environments and decimating plant and animal populations. We have reached a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change. And, while we recognize, and work feverishly to mitigate, countless consequences of our actions, we still lack a profound understanding of just as many of the corollaries of the environmental changes we provoke. One thing we do know is that human-induced changes in environmental conditions can affect health – from individual organisms, to plant and animal populations, all the way to the level of the ecosystem. Yet, the mechanisms underlying such adverse health outcomes are only partially understood. For instance, we know that alterations in the structure of plant and animal communities, the distribution and demographics of populations, and the abundance of individuals can influence the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases. Which species are present in a community, where, when, and in what numbers can all determine the dynamics of pathogens, lead to disease outbreaks, and provide opportunities for spillover into new species. However, given the many environmental-, population-, and organism-level factors involved, and the complexity by which these variables interact, detecting and predicting the ultimate consequences for the health of animal, including human, populations remains difficult. Wild animals play important roles in numerous infectious disease cycles, many of which are shared with humans. Considering this and the well-documented effects that human activity can have on wildlife populations, studying the impacts of anthropogenic environmental change on health in wildlife is highly relevant. To understand how human-induced environmental changes affect wildlife health and to make predictions about potential regional or even global consequences for the dynamics of infectious diseases, however, we first need to understand patterns at a local scale. Here, I describe variation in immune function in captive and wild rodent species native to managed forests in northwestern Oregon, and examine how intensive forest management practices affect these and other physiological processes, and the prevalence of infectious diseases, in a large-scale field experiment. In Chapter 2 of this dissertation, I present baseline data on simple immune parameters in an iconic inhabitant of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, the red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus). I show that both body condition and age are important for immune defenses in this species. Translating these findings to wild populations leads me to predict that degradation of habitat may affect red tree voles not only at the population scale, as is currently the case, but that less obvious consequences for the health of individuals surviving in disturbed or suboptimal habitat are also possible. It is important, therefore, that efforts to conserve this species consider adverse effects of present forest management practices on red tree vole health, as potentially increased disease susceptibility could have detrimental outcomes for this species. In Chapters 3 and 4, I took advantage of a rare and large-scale experiment to test my predictions regarding the negative consequences of habitat degradation for individual animals in more ubiquitous rodent species known for their resilience to environmental disturbance. I investigated the effects of intensive forest management on stress, health, and immunity (Chapter 3), and on the prevalence of infectious diseases transmissible to humans (Chapter 4) in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), Townsend chipmunks (Tamias townsendii), and creeping voles (Microtus oregoni) inhabiting managed forest plots in northwestern Oregon. The experimental design employed allowed me to test the effect of regionally representative forest management practices on health and disease outcomes with important implications for public health. In Chapter 3, I present results which suggest that intensive forest management can have complex, but highly context-dependent effects on the health of wild deer mice. Intensive forest management can shape animals’ condition and reproductive activity, increase levels of stress hormone, and stimulate some but depress other immune responses. However, deer mice are only able to respond to the extreme stressor of this disturbance when underlying environmental conditions are favorable. When inhabiting inherently harsh habitat, mice appear unable to cope with additional disturbance imposed by intensive forest management, and only the fittest mice survive. Finally, in Chapter 4, I identify moderate prevalence of two important and potentially fatal human infections in rodents inhabiting managed forests in northwestern Oregon. In deer mouse populations, Sin Nombre virus was clustered spatially, and prevalence varied between years. But, in the focus of highest infection, the proportion of infected mice, albeit low, appeared to increase with intensity of forest management. For Leptospirosis, I found a similar pattern in creeping voles, but did not observe an association between infection prevalence and forest management in deer mice or chipmunks. I conclude that forest management may drive infectious disease patterns, but that the direction and magnitude of such effects depends on the host-pathogen system. Taken together, my findings indicate that wild animal health can suffer from declines in habitat quality associated with forest management. For a near-threatened species such as the red tree vole, decreases in the availability of food and nesting habitat have the potential to change susceptibility to infection, which could facilitate disease invasion and further threaten populations. For wild animals that serve as reservoirs for human infections, especially abundant and apparently resilient species, impaired health can drive the dynamics of pathogens and increase the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. Although many more questions remain, my work contributes to our understanding of the effects of anthropogenic environmental change for wildlife and human health. Title: Wildlife Health in Managed Forests : Immunity and Infectious Diseases in Wild Rodents of Oregon Author: Hanselmann, Rhea With continual and worldwide human population growth, our impact on the natural environment expands and intensifies every day. We consume natural resources, burn fossil fuels, and release toxic compounds into the air, water, and earth. We build roads that fragment the landscape, construct new settlements, and develop agricultural lands in previously undisturbed areas. And, we introduce non-native species, which compete with and/or prey on native ones. Our actions change the composition of ecosystems by effacing natural environments and decimating plant and animal populations. We have reached a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change. And, while we recognize, and work feverishly to mitigate, countless consequences of our actions, we still lack a profound understanding of just as many of the corollaries of the environmental changes we provoke. One thing we do know is that human-induced changes in environmental conditions can affect health – from individual organisms, to plant and animal populations, all the way to the level of the ecosystem. Yet, the mechanisms underlying such adverse health outcomes are only partially understood. For instance, we know that alterations in the structure of plant and animal communities, the distribution and demographics of populations, and the abundance of individuals can influence the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases. Which species are present in a community, where, when, and in what numbers can all determine the dynamics of pathogens, lead to disease outbreaks, and provide opportunities for spillover into new species. However, given the many environmental-, population-, and organism-level factors involved, and the complexity by which these variables interact, detecting and predicting the ultimate consequences for the health of animal, including human, populations remains difficult. Wild animals play important roles in numerous infectious disease cycles, many of which are shared with humans. Considering this and the well-documented effects that human activity can have on wildlife populations, studying the impacts of anthropogenic environmental change on health in wildlife is highly relevant. To understand how human-induced environmental changes affect wildlife health and to make predictions about potential regional or even global consequences for the dynamics of infectious diseases, however, we first need to understand patterns at a local scale. Here, I describe variation in immune function in captive and wild rodent species native to managed forests in northwestern Oregon, and examine how intensive forest management practices affect these and other physiological processes, and the prevalence of infectious diseases, in a large-scale field experiment. In Chapter 2 of this dissertation, I present baseline data on simple immune parameters in an iconic inhabitant of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, the red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus). I show that both body condition and age are important for immune defenses in this species. Translating these findings to wild populations leads me to predict that degradation of habitat may affect red tree voles not only at the population scale, as is currently the case, but that less obvious consequences for the health of individuals surviving in disturbed or suboptimal habitat are also possible. It is important, therefore, that efforts to conserve this species consider adverse effects of present forest management practices on red tree vole health, as potentially increased disease susceptibility could have detrimental outcomes for this species. In Chapters 3 and 4, I took advantage of a rare and large-scale experiment to test my predictions regarding the negative consequences of habitat degradation for individual animals in more ubiquitous rodent species known for their resilience to environmental disturbance. I investigated the effects of intensive forest management on stress, health, and immunity (Chapter 3), and on the prevalence of infectious diseases transmissible to humans (Chapter 4) in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), Townsend chipmunks (Tamias townsendii), and creeping voles (Microtus oregoni) inhabiting managed forest plots in northwestern Oregon. The experimental design employed allowed me to test the effect of regionally representative forest management practices on health and disease outcomes with important implications for public health. In Chapter 3, I present results which suggest that intensive forest management can have complex, but highly context-dependent effects on the health of wild deer mice. Intensive forest management can shape animals’ condition and reproductive activity, increase levels of stress hormone, and stimulate some but depress other immune responses. However, deer mice are only able to respond to the extreme stressor of this disturbance when underlying environmental conditions are favorable. When inhabiting inherently harsh habitat, mice appear unable to cope with additional disturbance imposed by intensive forest management, and only the fittest mice survive. Finally, in Chapter 4, I identify moderate prevalence of two important and potentially fatal human infections in rodents inhabiting managed forests in northwestern Oregon. In deer mouse populations, Sin Nombre virus was clustered spatially, and prevalence varied between years. But, in the focus of highest infection, the proportion of infected mice, albeit low, appeared to increase with intensity of forest management. For Leptospirosis, I found a similar pattern in creeping voles, but did not observe an association between infection prevalence and forest management in deer mice or chipmunks. I conclude that forest management may drive infectious disease patterns, but that the direction and magnitude of such effects depends on the host-pathogen system. Taken together, my findings indicate that wild animal health can suffer from declines in habitat quality associated with forest management. For a near-threatened species such as the red tree vole, decreases in the availability of food and nesting habitat have the potential to change susceptibility to infection, which could facilitate disease invasion and further threaten populations. For wild animals that serve as reservoirs for human infections, especially abundant and apparently resilient species, impaired health can drive the dynamics of pathogens and increase the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. Although many more questions remain, my work contributes to our understanding of the effects of anthropogenic environmental change for wildlife and human health. Close

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

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

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

• 410. [Article] Eelgrass-macroalgae interactions; context-dependency in upwelling-influenced estuaries

  This dissertation investigates the context-dependency of species interactions between seagrass and macroalgae in upwelling-influenced estuaries. In all coastal systems, nutrient loading is multidirectional, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Eelgrass-macroalgae interactions; context-dependency in upwelling-influenced estuaries Author: Hessing-Lewis, Margot, 1979- This dissertation investigates the context-dependency of species interactions between seagrass and macroalgae in upwelling-influenced estuaries. In all coastal systems, nutrient loading is multidirectional, resulting from mostly freshwater and marine inputs. The directionality of nutrient inputs may affect the rate of supply of organic matter to the system. In systems where freshwater nutrient loading dominates, and has increased through time, research shows that blooms of fast-growing macroalgae often result in loss of critical seagrass habitats. In upwelling-influenced systems, marine- based nutrient inputs dominate during the summer, also resulting in blooms of ulvoid macroalgae during these productive months. The dominance of marine nutrients in these estuaries, coupled with additional variation in the physicochemical characteristics of seagrass beds, present novel contexts to study the outcomes of species interactions between the seagrass (Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) and ulvoid macroalgae. I studied these interactions at two different spatial scales that both address the relative importance of marine versus terrestrial nutrient sources on interaction outcome. Regionally, I studied between-estuary, latitudinal patterns in species interactions relative to differences in marine and terrestrial drivers of nutrient loading. Within an estuary, I also compared interactions among zones along an estuarine gradient, where nutrient patterns were reflective of the relative contribution of marine- based nutrients. At both scales of inquiry I employed both observational and experimental approaches to quantify species interaction dynamics. At the regional scale, I used a 5- year observational dataset from four estuaries along the Oregon and Washington coasts to study the relationship between eelgrass and ulvoid macroalgae (Chapter 2). Across latitudes that span ~220 km, macroalgal production was highest in the southern estuaries, and associated with decreased eelgrass production compared to the northern estuaries. However, through time, no estuarine site, regardless of its macroalgal biomass, was associated with declining eelgrass biomass. Contrary to systems where macroalgal production is driven by terrestrial inputs, I found that blooms in upwelling- influenced systems were associated with both marine and terrestrial drivers of nutrient inputs and production. In Coos Bay (South Slough), at the within-estuary scale, I also found differences in macroalgal and eelgrass biomass among sites along an estuarine gradient. Here too, based on a 2-year seasonal dataset of producer dynamics, I found no temporal relationship between eelgrass and macroalgae producer dynamics (Chapter 3). I used a comparative-experimental framework to understand the impact of macroalgal manipulations (additions and removals) on interactions with eelgrass along this gradient. In intertidal seagrass beds in the marine and polyhaline zones of the estuary I found that interaction strength was neutral and sometimes positive. However, in the riverine zone, interaction strength was negative, caused by decreased eelgrass density following macroalgal manipulation. To further examine the mechanisms informing interaction outcomes in the marine zone, a large-scale macroalgal manipulation was conducted, coupled with a mesocosm experiment (Chapter 4). For the mesocosm experiment I manipulated macroalgae and nutrients as in the field, but found dissimilar results. In the mesocosms, where water movement was limited and no tidal action occurred, negative effects of macroalgal addition were found. These were associated with increased light attenuation and decreased sediment oxygen levels. Contrary to these results, I found no macroalgal, or covariate effects in the field experiment. I also manipulated water column nutrients in both experiments, and found limited effects of nutrient enrichment on eelgrass, but not macroalgae, in the mesocosm experiment. Throughout these studies I demonstrated that the mechanisms determining context-dependency in upwelling-influenced estuaries are informed by physical and biogeochemical conditions, coupled with high ambient marine-derived nutrient concentrations. These findings are important to coastal management because they suggest that the strength, direction and mechanisms of interactions are shaped by local abiotic conditions and long-term nutrient regimes, rather than high nutrient concentrations per se. Given the shifting nature of nutrient concentrations in coastal waters associated with both coastal development and climate change, knowledge of context dependency can also be used to assess and forecast future changes in species interactions. Title: Eelgrass-macroalgae interactions; context-dependency in upwelling-influenced estuaries Author: Hessing-Lewis, Margot, 1979- This dissertation investigates the context-dependency of species interactions between seagrass and macroalgae in upwelling-influenced estuaries. In all coastal systems, nutrient loading is multidirectional, resulting from mostly freshwater and marine inputs. The directionality of nutrient inputs may affect the rate of supply of organic matter to the system. In systems where freshwater nutrient loading dominates, and has increased through time, research shows that blooms of fast-growing macroalgae often result in loss of critical seagrass habitats. In upwelling-influenced systems, marine- based nutrient inputs dominate during the summer, also resulting in blooms of ulvoid macroalgae during these productive months. The dominance of marine nutrients in these estuaries, coupled with additional variation in the physicochemical characteristics of seagrass beds, present novel contexts to study the outcomes of species interactions between the seagrass (Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) and ulvoid macroalgae. I studied these interactions at two different spatial scales that both address the relative importance of marine versus terrestrial nutrient sources on interaction outcome. Regionally, I studied between-estuary, latitudinal patterns in species interactions relative to differences in marine and terrestrial drivers of nutrient loading. Within an estuary, I also compared interactions among zones along an estuarine gradient, where nutrient patterns were reflective of the relative contribution of marine- based nutrients. At both scales of inquiry I employed both observational and experimental approaches to quantify species interaction dynamics. At the regional scale, I used a 5- year observational dataset from four estuaries along the Oregon and Washington coasts to study the relationship between eelgrass and ulvoid macroalgae (Chapter 2). Across latitudes that span ~220 km, macroalgal production was highest in the southern estuaries, and associated with decreased eelgrass production compared to the northern estuaries. However, through time, no estuarine site, regardless of its macroalgal biomass, was associated with declining eelgrass biomass. Contrary to systems where macroalgal production is driven by terrestrial inputs, I found that blooms in upwelling- influenced systems were associated with both marine and terrestrial drivers of nutrient inputs and production. In Coos Bay (South Slough), at the within-estuary scale, I also found differences in macroalgal and eelgrass biomass among sites along an estuarine gradient. Here too, based on a 2-year seasonal dataset of producer dynamics, I found no temporal relationship between eelgrass and macroalgae producer dynamics (Chapter 3). I used a comparative-experimental framework to understand the impact of macroalgal manipulations (additions and removals) on interactions with eelgrass along this gradient. In intertidal seagrass beds in the marine and polyhaline zones of the estuary I found that interaction strength was neutral and sometimes positive. However, in the riverine zone, interaction strength was negative, caused by decreased eelgrass density following macroalgal manipulation. To further examine the mechanisms informing interaction outcomes in the marine zone, a large-scale macroalgal manipulation was conducted, coupled with a mesocosm experiment (Chapter 4). For the mesocosm experiment I manipulated macroalgae and nutrients as in the field, but found dissimilar results. In the mesocosms, where water movement was limited and no tidal action occurred, negative effects of macroalgal addition were found. These were associated with increased light attenuation and decreased sediment oxygen levels. Contrary to these results, I found no macroalgal, or covariate effects in the field experiment. I also manipulated water column nutrients in both experiments, and found limited effects of nutrient enrichment on eelgrass, but not macroalgae, in the mesocosm experiment. Throughout these studies I demonstrated that the mechanisms determining context-dependency in upwelling-influenced estuaries are informed by physical and biogeochemical conditions, coupled with high ambient marine-derived nutrient concentrations. These findings are important to coastal management because they suggest that the strength, direction and mechanisms of interactions are shaped by local abiotic conditions and long-term nutrient regimes, rather than high nutrient concentrations per se. Given the shifting nature of nutrient concentrations in coastal waters associated with both coastal development and climate change, knowledge of context dependency can also be used to assess and forecast future changes in species interactions. Close

• 411. [Article] Abundance, Life History, and Distribution of Bull Trout in the Hood River Basin: A Summary of Findings from 2006 to 2009 Information Reports number 2010-01

  Abstract -- Bull trout have been adversely affected by many land, water, and fisheries management activities throughout the range of the species. Degraded and fragmented habitat and negative interactions with ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Abundance, Life History, and Distribution of Bull Trout in the Hood River Basin: A Summary of Findings from 2006 to 2009 Information Reports number 2010-01 Abstract -- Bull trout have been adversely affected by many land, water, and fisheries management activities throughout the range of the species. Degraded and fragmented habitat and negative interactions with nonnative fishes have led to a decline in bull trout distribution and abundance, several local extirpations, and a federal listing in 1998 as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2002). Distribution and abundance of bull trout also have declined in Oregon, and most management units in the state are considered to be threatened by conservation risks (ODFW 2005). One of these at-risk management units exists in the Hood River basin (ODFW 2005). Bull trout in Hood River basin currently are thought to exist as two independent reproductive units (USFWS 2002), known as local populations (Rieman and McIntyre 1995). The Clear Branch local population was isolated from the rest of the basin by the construction of Clear Branch Dam in 1968. This dam provides limited downstream fish passage during periods of spill and no voluntary upstream passage. Bull trout in this population inhabit Laurance Lake reservoir and the tributaries Pinnacle Creek and upper Clear Branch, which flow into the reservoir. The Hood River local population is distributed in the mainstem Hood River, Middle Fork Hood River (Middle Fork), and a few Middle Fork tributaries. Fluvial migrants from Hood River basin also forage and winter in the Columbia River (Pribyl et al. 1996, Buchanan et al. 1997). Bull trout have been observed in the East and West Fork basins of the Hood River, but these sightings have been rare. Presently, there is little evidence to suggest local populations exist in these tributary basins (USFWS 2002, Reagan and Olsen 2008). The status of both local populations is extremely precarious. Threats that put the Clear Branch population at risk of extirpation include low abundance, negative interactions with illegally introduced smallmouth bass, isolation from upstream migration and immigration, and diminished spawning and rearing habitat (USFW 1998). The Hood River population also appears to be small and is affected by passage barriers, unscreened irrigation diversions, impaired water quality, and periodic debris flows during glacial outbursts (USFWS 1998). As mandated by their federally designated threatened status, recovery plans were drafted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for each distinct population segment, including for Hood River bull trout in 2002. This draft plan listed four goals for recovery in this basin: 1) establish at least one more local population in addition to the two existing populations, 2) increase the estimated adult population in the basin to at least 500 individuals, 3) achieve a stable or increasing trend at the population recovery level for at least two generations (=10 years), and 4) improve habitat connectivity by addressing problems with passage and screening at diversions and seasonal water quality barriers (USFWS 2002). The recovery plan also sets out research and monitoring needs critical to the recovery of these populations. Needed are accurate adult abundance estimates; a standardized monitoring program; more life history information for each local population, including how Hood River bull trout use of the Columbia River and the effects of potential passage obstructions on movement; and more information on the threat posed to the Clear Branch population by the illegal introduction of smallmouth bass in Lake Laurance reservoir. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), with the help of the USDA Forest Service (USFS), initiated a four-year study in 2006 seeking to address these needs by synthesizing available data and conducting further studies to improve our understanding of the abundance, life history, and potential limiting factors of bull trout in the Hood River recovery unit. This report describes our findings, summarizes previous studies in the context of new information, and recommends a standardized monitoring protocol and future research. Our specific study objectives were as follows: 1. Assess adult abundance of the Clear Branch local population and develop a monitoring protocol to track abundance trends that is statistically reliable, cost-effective, and that minimizes potential adverse effects on this small isolated population. 2. Describe the juvenile and adult life history patterns of the Clear Branch local population. 3. Assess the potential impact of smallmouth bass on bull trout in Laurance Lake reservoir. 4. Determine current distribution of bull trout reproduction and early rearing in potential bull trout streams in the Hood River basin. 5. Describe the migratory life history of Hood River bull trout and assess the potential impacts of Coe Diversion and two new falls on the Middle Fork Hood River (scoured by the November 2006 glacial outburst) on bull trout migrations. Title: Abundance, Life History, and Distribution of Bull Trout in the Hood River Basin: A Summary of Findings from 2006 to 2009 Information Reports number 2010-01 Abstract -- Bull trout have been adversely affected by many land, water, and fisheries management activities throughout the range of the species. Degraded and fragmented habitat and negative interactions with nonnative fishes have led to a decline in bull trout distribution and abundance, several local extirpations, and a federal listing in 1998 as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2002). Distribution and abundance of bull trout also have declined in Oregon, and most management units in the state are considered to be threatened by conservation risks (ODFW 2005). One of these at-risk management units exists in the Hood River basin (ODFW 2005). Bull trout in Hood River basin currently are thought to exist as two independent reproductive units (USFWS 2002), known as local populations (Rieman and McIntyre 1995). The Clear Branch local population was isolated from the rest of the basin by the construction of Clear Branch Dam in 1968. This dam provides limited downstream fish passage during periods of spill and no voluntary upstream passage. Bull trout in this population inhabit Laurance Lake reservoir and the tributaries Pinnacle Creek and upper Clear Branch, which flow into the reservoir. The Hood River local population is distributed in the mainstem Hood River, Middle Fork Hood River (Middle Fork), and a few Middle Fork tributaries. Fluvial migrants from Hood River basin also forage and winter in the Columbia River (Pribyl et al. 1996, Buchanan et al. 1997). Bull trout have been observed in the East and West Fork basins of the Hood River, but these sightings have been rare. Presently, there is little evidence to suggest local populations exist in these tributary basins (USFWS 2002, Reagan and Olsen 2008). The status of both local populations is extremely precarious. Threats that put the Clear Branch population at risk of extirpation include low abundance, negative interactions with illegally introduced smallmouth bass, isolation from upstream migration and immigration, and diminished spawning and rearing habitat (USFW 1998). The Hood River population also appears to be small and is affected by passage barriers, unscreened irrigation diversions, impaired water quality, and periodic debris flows during glacial outbursts (USFWS 1998). As mandated by their federally designated threatened status, recovery plans were drafted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for each distinct population segment, including for Hood River bull trout in 2002. This draft plan listed four goals for recovery in this basin: 1) establish at least one more local population in addition to the two existing populations, 2) increase the estimated adult population in the basin to at least 500 individuals, 3) achieve a stable or increasing trend at the population recovery level for at least two generations (=10 years), and 4) improve habitat connectivity by addressing problems with passage and screening at diversions and seasonal water quality barriers (USFWS 2002). The recovery plan also sets out research and monitoring needs critical to the recovery of these populations. Needed are accurate adult abundance estimates; a standardized monitoring program; more life history information for each local population, including how Hood River bull trout use of the Columbia River and the effects of potential passage obstructions on movement; and more information on the threat posed to the Clear Branch population by the illegal introduction of smallmouth bass in Lake Laurance reservoir. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), with the help of the USDA Forest Service (USFS), initiated a four-year study in 2006 seeking to address these needs by synthesizing available data and conducting further studies to improve our understanding of the abundance, life history, and potential limiting factors of bull trout in the Hood River recovery unit. This report describes our findings, summarizes previous studies in the context of new information, and recommends a standardized monitoring protocol and future research. Our specific study objectives were as follows: 1. Assess adult abundance of the Clear Branch local population and develop a monitoring protocol to track abundance trends that is statistically reliable, cost-effective, and that minimizes potential adverse effects on this small isolated population. 2. Describe the juvenile and adult life history patterns of the Clear Branch local population. 3. Assess the potential impact of smallmouth bass on bull trout in Laurance Lake reservoir. 4. Determine current distribution of bull trout reproduction and early rearing in potential bull trout streams in the Hood River basin. 5. Describe the migratory life history of Hood River bull trout and assess the potential impacts of Coe Diversion and two new falls on the Middle Fork Hood River (scoured by the November 2006 glacial outburst) on bull trout migrations. Close

• 412. [Image] Scientific disagreement regarding coho salmon status under the ESA

  	Internal memo between staff of the National Marine Fisheries Service dated September 27, 1996 which summarizes the issues of scientific disagreement related to the listing of three coho salmon as an endangered ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Scientific disagreement regarding coho salmon status under the ESA Author: Varanasi, Usha; Tillman, Michael Year: 1996, 2005 Internal memo between staff of the National Marine Fisheries Service dated September 27, 1996 which summarizes the issues of scientific disagreement related to the listing of three coho salmon as an endangered species Title: Scientific disagreement regarding coho salmon status under the ESA Author: Varanasi, Usha; Tillman, Michael Year: 1996, 2005 Internal memo between staff of the National Marine Fisheries Service dated September 27, 1996 which summarizes the issues of scientific disagreement related to the listing of three coho salmon as an endangered species Close

• 413. [Image] Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Definition of "Harm"

  	This final rule defines the term "harm", which is contained in the definition of "take" in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The purpose of this rulemaking is to clarify the type of actions that may result ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Definition of "Harm" Year: 1999, 2008, 2005 This final rule defines the term "harm", which is contained in the definition of "take" in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The purpose of this rulemaking is to clarify the type of actions that may result in a take of a listed species under the ESA. This final rule is not a change in existing law. It provides clear notification to the public that habitat modification or degradation may harm listed species and, therefore, constitutes a take under the ESA as well as ensuring consistency between NMFS and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This final rule defines the term "harm" to include any act which actually kills or injures fish or wildlife, and emphasizes that such acts may include significant habitat modification or degradation that significantly impairs essential behavioral patterns of fish or wildlife Title: Federal Register - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Definition of "Harm" Year: 1999, 2008, 2005 This final rule defines the term "harm", which is contained in the definition of "take" in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The purpose of this rulemaking is to clarify the type of actions that may result in a take of a listed species under the ESA. This final rule is not a change in existing law. It provides clear notification to the public that habitat modification or degradation may harm listed species and, therefore, constitutes a take under the ESA as well as ensuring consistency between NMFS and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). This final rule defines the term "harm" to include any act which actually kills or injures fish or wildlife, and emphasizes that such acts may include significant habitat modification or degradation that significantly impairs essential behavioral patterns of fish or wildlife Close

• 414. [Article] Historic Survival Rates and Cause-Specific Mortality for Columbian Black-Tailed Deer in Southwest Oregon

  In contrast with other Odocoileus species, Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) population dynamics are not well understood throughout the species’ range. Concerns over apparent ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historic Survival Rates and Cause-Specific Mortality for Columbian Black-Tailed Deer in Southwest Oregon Author: Groot, Kevyn A. In contrast with other Odocoileus species, Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) population dynamics are not well understood throughout the species’ range. Concerns over apparent long-term population declines have prompted efforts to fill basic knowledge gaps including estimates of vital rates (fecundity, recruitment and survival) and cause-specific mortality. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an extensive Columbian black-tailed (black-tailed) deer radio-collaring study in Oregon's south Cascade range from 1994 - 2000, with the goal of better understanding and anticipating the effects of different harvest management strategies on deer herds in the region. I utilized this historical data to conduct an in-depth investigation of seasonal sex- and age-specific survival rates and cause-specific mortality rates for marked black-tailed deer. I used known-fate data for 293 male and female radio-collared black-tailed of 3 age classes (yearling, 2-year old, adult) to estimate seasonal survival and investigate a variety of explanatory factors including sex, age class, temporal effects (seasonal, annual and trends across season and year), and time-dependent large-scale regional climate covariates. Variation in survival rates for this population was best explained by an interaction between sex and age class, with decreased probability of survival with increasing age class. The age effect was most pronounced in males, and although female survival in the older age classes was higher compared to male survival as predicted, yearling males had higher survival rates than yearling females. There was strong support for temporal variation in survival between summer and winter seasons, with winter survival best modeled as constant across years and summer survival variable across years. Winter survival was generally higher than summer except in 1997 when winter and summer rates were similar. Despite annual variation in summer survival rates, large-scale climate indices (Southern Oscillation Index, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and Palmer Drought Severity Index) did not explain any temporal variation in survival rates within seasons. Low survival rates during the summer season, particularly for older males, resulted in low estimates of annual survival in some years. Annual estimates for males ranged from 0.47 - 0.76 for yearlings, 0.29 - 0.60 for 2-year olds and 0.14 - 0.40 for adults across the 6 years of this study. Annual estimates for females were generally higher than for males but were some of the lowest documented for the species, ranging from 0.47 - 0.76 for yearlings, 0.46 - 0.75 for 2-year olds and 0.44 - 0.74 for adults. I used the nonparametric cumulative incidence function estimator (NPCIFE) to generate annual and seasonal cumulative incidence functions for four competing risks: harvest, predation, other low-incidence sources of anthropogenic or natural mortality, and mortality due to unknown sources. Annual and seasonal risk functions were pooled across all years of the study to maximize sample size. As predicted in this system with limited antlerless harvest, cumulative risk of harvest across the entire annual cycle (365 days) was significantly higher for males (0.16, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.21); a 16% annual cumulative risk compared to just 3% for females (0.03, 95% CI = 0.01 - 0.05). In addition, cause-specific mortality by male age class during the period of highest hunting pressure (general Cascade rifle season) suggested that 2-year-old males had over twice the cumulative risk of legal harvest with 22% of this age class killed by hunters during the general rifle season (0.22, 95% CI = 0.12 - 0.33) compared to 10% of adults (0.10, 95% CI = 0.04 - 0.15). Most yearling males survived the harvest season as cumulative legal harvest risk for yearling males was low (0.02, 95% CI = -0.01 - 0.06) relative to 2-year-olds and adults. Cougars (Puma concolor) were the primary predator of marked black-tailed deer and there was no significant difference in annual cumulative predation risk between the sexes (males: 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.08; females: 0.05, 95% CI = 0.03 - 0.08), with only 5% risk of predation each year for both males and females. There was strong evidence that cumulative predation risk for females was higher in winter (0.04, 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.06) compared to summer (0.01, 95% CI = -0.002 - 0.02), and an increase in cumulative risk from February to May provides supportive evidence that females are more susceptible to predation during these months. High survival rates of yearling males with dramatic declines in survival once many of these deer became 2-year olds or older suggest that harvest may have had an additive effect and been the primary cause of low survival rates observed for males. Observed variability in summer survival resulted in variable, and in some years very low, annual survival rates for adult females; a strong contrast to the generally stable annual survival rates reported for other populations of mule deer. The highest estimates of annual survival for yearling males and for females of all age classes (0.74) in 1997 are comparable to the low range of estimates observed in other populations, but in other years estimates are much lower than what has been previously reported for black-tailed deer. These low survival rates might suggest a mechanism resulting in population decline over time, but more information on other vital rates (fecundity, fawn survival, and recruitment), carrying capacity of the system and population size is necessary to understand the population dynamics of black-tailed deer in this region during the 1990's. Properties of the data relative to male age classes in particular (low sample sizes, high censoring rates) decreased precision of these estimates and might have resulted in biased estimates. Adult females had consistently sufficient sample sizes over the course of the study to generate more precise, reliable estimates of survival, particularly in the latter 3 years of the study; these estimates should therefore be viewed with more confidence. Cause-specific mortality rates should be viewed as minimums due to the high number of unknown mortalities (40% of total) in the study population, but they suggest that hunting is the primary source of mortality for adult males and predation has the highest impact on seasonal female mortality rates. Given the historical nature of these results, my estimates should be used as a baseline and foundation for comparison with results from current black-tailed deer research in Oregon. These results have raised potential questions regarding harvest levels on male black-tailed deer in addition to possible resource constraints affecting both sexes on seasonal ranges, and can therefore focus new research to address these concerns. Title: Historic Survival Rates and Cause-Specific Mortality for Columbian Black-Tailed Deer in Southwest Oregon Author: Groot, Kevyn A. In contrast with other Odocoileus species, Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) population dynamics are not well understood throughout the species’ range. Concerns over apparent long-term population declines have prompted efforts to fill basic knowledge gaps including estimates of vital rates (fecundity, recruitment and survival) and cause-specific mortality. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an extensive Columbian black-tailed (black-tailed) deer radio-collaring study in Oregon's south Cascade range from 1994 - 2000, with the goal of better understanding and anticipating the effects of different harvest management strategies on deer herds in the region. I utilized this historical data to conduct an in-depth investigation of seasonal sex- and age-specific survival rates and cause-specific mortality rates for marked black-tailed deer. I used known-fate data for 293 male and female radio-collared black-tailed of 3 age classes (yearling, 2-year old, adult) to estimate seasonal survival and investigate a variety of explanatory factors including sex, age class, temporal effects (seasonal, annual and trends across season and year), and time-dependent large-scale regional climate covariates. Variation in survival rates for this population was best explained by an interaction between sex and age class, with decreased probability of survival with increasing age class. The age effect was most pronounced in males, and although female survival in the older age classes was higher compared to male survival as predicted, yearling males had higher survival rates than yearling females. There was strong support for temporal variation in survival between summer and winter seasons, with winter survival best modeled as constant across years and summer survival variable across years. Winter survival was generally higher than summer except in 1997 when winter and summer rates were similar. Despite annual variation in summer survival rates, large-scale climate indices (Southern Oscillation Index, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and Palmer Drought Severity Index) did not explain any temporal variation in survival rates within seasons. Low survival rates during the summer season, particularly for older males, resulted in low estimates of annual survival in some years. Annual estimates for males ranged from 0.47 - 0.76 for yearlings, 0.29 - 0.60 for 2-year olds and 0.14 - 0.40 for adults across the 6 years of this study. Annual estimates for females were generally higher than for males but were some of the lowest documented for the species, ranging from 0.47 - 0.76 for yearlings, 0.46 - 0.75 for 2-year olds and 0.44 - 0.74 for adults. I used the nonparametric cumulative incidence function estimator (NPCIFE) to generate annual and seasonal cumulative incidence functions for four competing risks: harvest, predation, other low-incidence sources of anthropogenic or natural mortality, and mortality due to unknown sources. Annual and seasonal risk functions were pooled across all years of the study to maximize sample size. As predicted in this system with limited antlerless harvest, cumulative risk of harvest across the entire annual cycle (365 days) was significantly higher for males (0.16, 95% CI = 0.11 - 0.21); a 16% annual cumulative risk compared to just 3% for females (0.03, 95% CI = 0.01 - 0.05). In addition, cause-specific mortality by male age class during the period of highest hunting pressure (general Cascade rifle season) suggested that 2-year-old males had over twice the cumulative risk of legal harvest with 22% of this age class killed by hunters during the general rifle season (0.22, 95% CI = 0.12 - 0.33) compared to 10% of adults (0.10, 95% CI = 0.04 - 0.15). Most yearling males survived the harvest season as cumulative legal harvest risk for yearling males was low (0.02, 95% CI = -0.01 - 0.06) relative to 2-year-olds and adults. Cougars (Puma concolor) were the primary predator of marked black-tailed deer and there was no significant difference in annual cumulative predation risk between the sexes (males: 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.08; females: 0.05, 95% CI = 0.03 - 0.08), with only 5% risk of predation each year for both males and females. There was strong evidence that cumulative predation risk for females was higher in winter (0.04, 95% CI = 0.02 - 0.06) compared to summer (0.01, 95% CI = -0.002 - 0.02), and an increase in cumulative risk from February to May provides supportive evidence that females are more susceptible to predation during these months. High survival rates of yearling males with dramatic declines in survival once many of these deer became 2-year olds or older suggest that harvest may have had an additive effect and been the primary cause of low survival rates observed for males. Observed variability in summer survival resulted in variable, and in some years very low, annual survival rates for adult females; a strong contrast to the generally stable annual survival rates reported for other populations of mule deer. The highest estimates of annual survival for yearling males and for females of all age classes (0.74) in 1997 are comparable to the low range of estimates observed in other populations, but in other years estimates are much lower than what has been previously reported for black-tailed deer. These low survival rates might suggest a mechanism resulting in population decline over time, but more information on other vital rates (fecundity, fawn survival, and recruitment), carrying capacity of the system and population size is necessary to understand the population dynamics of black-tailed deer in this region during the 1990's. Properties of the data relative to male age classes in particular (low sample sizes, high censoring rates) decreased precision of these estimates and might have resulted in biased estimates. Adult females had consistently sufficient sample sizes over the course of the study to generate more precise, reliable estimates of survival, particularly in the latter 3 years of the study; these estimates should therefore be viewed with more confidence. Cause-specific mortality rates should be viewed as minimums due to the high number of unknown mortalities (40% of total) in the study population, but they suggest that hunting is the primary source of mortality for adult males and predation has the highest impact on seasonal female mortality rates. Given the historical nature of these results, my estimates should be used as a baseline and foundation for comparison with results from current black-tailed deer research in Oregon. These results have raised potential questions regarding harvest levels on male black-tailed deer in addition to possible resource constraints affecting both sexes on seasonal ranges, and can therefore focus new research to address these concerns. Close

• 415. [Article] Detection and transmission of Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium chelonae in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

  Mycobacteriosis is a common disease of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio). Different infection patterns occur in zebrafish depending on mycobacterial species. Mycobacterium marinum and M. haemophilum produce ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Detection and transmission of Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium chelonae in zebrafish (Danio rerio) Author: Peterson, Tracy Shawn Mycobacteriosis is a common disease of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio). Different infection patterns occur in zebrafish depending on mycobacterial species. Mycobacterium marinum and M. haemophilum produce virulent infections associated with high mortality, whereas M. chelonae is more wide spread and not associated with high mortality. Identification of mycobacterial infections to the species level provides important information for making management decisions. Observation of acid-fast bacilli in histological sections or tissue imprints is the most common diagnostic method for mycobacteriosis in fish, but only allows for diagnosis to the genus level. Mycobacterial culture, followed by molecular or biochemical identification is the traditional approach for species identification, but recently it has been shown that DNA of diagnostic value can be retrieved from paraffin blocks. Type of fixative, time in fixative before processing, species of mycobacteria, and severity of infection were investigated as parameters to determine if the hsp gene PCR assay (primer set HS5F/hsp667R) could detect and amplify mycobacterial DNA from paraffin-embedded zebrafish. Whole zebrafish were experimentally infected with either M. chelonae or M. marinum, and then preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin or Dietrich's fixative for 3, 7, 21 and 45 days. Subsequently, fish were evaluated by H&E and Fite's acid-fast stains to detect mycobacteria within granulomatous lesions. The PCR assay was quite effective, and obtained PCR product from 75% and 88% of the M. chelonae and M. marinum infected fish, respectively. Fixative type, time in fixative, and mycobacterial species showed no statistical relationship with the efficacy of the PCR test. Regarding natural transmission, zebrafish are capable of contracting mycobacterial infections by feeding on infected fish tissue, but other natural routes have not been clearly elucidated. Free living amoebae have been shown to be vectors for mycobacteria and their virulence is enhanced when residing in these protozoans. Paramecium caudatum are commonly used as a first food for zebrafish, and I investigated this ciliate's potential to serve as a vector of Mycobacterium marinum and M. chelonae. The ability of live P. caudatum to transmit these mycobacteria to larval, juvenile and adult zebrafish was evaluated. Infections were defined by histologic observation of granulomas containing acid-fast bacteria in extraintestinal locations. In both experiments, fish fed paramecia containing mycobacteria became infected at a higher incidence than controls. Larvae (exposed at 4 days post hatch) fed paramecia with M. marinum exhibited an incidence of 30% (24/80) and juveniles (exposed at 21 days post hatch) showed 31% incidence (14/45). Adult fish fed gelatin diets containing bacteria within paramecia or mycobacteria alone for 2 wk resulted in infections when examined 8 wk after exposure: M. marinum OSU 214; in paramecia 47% (21/45; 3.5 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day), M. marinum CH in paramecia 47% (9/19; 3.6 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day), M. chelonae in paramecia 38% (5/13; 3.5 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day). I investigated the ability of mycobacteria to persist within paramecia, as this has previously been demonstrated in amoebae. Gram negative bacteria ingested by paramecia were processed within an hour. In contrast, I determined using GFP-labeled Mycobacterium marinum that mycobacteria can persist within paramecia digestive vacuoles. The concentration of M. marinum at 1 hour was similar to that at the time of ingestion. Twenty-four hours post-ingestion and later there was significant decline in M. marinum concentrations compared to time of ingestion, but M. marinum continued to persist inside digestive vacuoles for up to one week. My results demonstrate for the first time that Paramecium caudatum can act as a vector for mycobacteria. This provides a useful animal model for evaluation of natural mycobacterial infections and demonstrates the possibility of mycobacterial transmission in zebrafish facilities via contaminated paramecia cultures. Title: Detection and transmission of Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium chelonae in zebrafish (Danio rerio) Author: Peterson, Tracy Shawn Mycobacteriosis is a common disease of laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio). Different infection patterns occur in zebrafish depending on mycobacterial species. Mycobacterium marinum and M. haemophilum produce virulent infections associated with high mortality, whereas M. chelonae is more wide spread and not associated with high mortality. Identification of mycobacterial infections to the species level provides important information for making management decisions. Observation of acid-fast bacilli in histological sections or tissue imprints is the most common diagnostic method for mycobacteriosis in fish, but only allows for diagnosis to the genus level. Mycobacterial culture, followed by molecular or biochemical identification is the traditional approach for species identification, but recently it has been shown that DNA of diagnostic value can be retrieved from paraffin blocks. Type of fixative, time in fixative before processing, species of mycobacteria, and severity of infection were investigated as parameters to determine if the hsp gene PCR assay (primer set HS5F/hsp667R) could detect and amplify mycobacterial DNA from paraffin-embedded zebrafish. Whole zebrafish were experimentally infected with either M. chelonae or M. marinum, and then preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin or Dietrich's fixative for 3, 7, 21 and 45 days. Subsequently, fish were evaluated by H&E and Fite's acid-fast stains to detect mycobacteria within granulomatous lesions. The PCR assay was quite effective, and obtained PCR product from 75% and 88% of the M. chelonae and M. marinum infected fish, respectively. Fixative type, time in fixative, and mycobacterial species showed no statistical relationship with the efficacy of the PCR test. Regarding natural transmission, zebrafish are capable of contracting mycobacterial infections by feeding on infected fish tissue, but other natural routes have not been clearly elucidated. Free living amoebae have been shown to be vectors for mycobacteria and their virulence is enhanced when residing in these protozoans. Paramecium caudatum are commonly used as a first food for zebrafish, and I investigated this ciliate's potential to serve as a vector of Mycobacterium marinum and M. chelonae. The ability of live P. caudatum to transmit these mycobacteria to larval, juvenile and adult zebrafish was evaluated. Infections were defined by histologic observation of granulomas containing acid-fast bacteria in extraintestinal locations. In both experiments, fish fed paramecia containing mycobacteria became infected at a higher incidence than controls. Larvae (exposed at 4 days post hatch) fed paramecia with M. marinum exhibited an incidence of 30% (24/80) and juveniles (exposed at 21 days post hatch) showed 31% incidence (14/45). Adult fish fed gelatin diets containing bacteria within paramecia or mycobacteria alone for 2 wk resulted in infections when examined 8 wk after exposure: M. marinum OSU 214; in paramecia 47% (21/45; 3.5 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day), M. marinum CH in paramecia 47% (9/19; 3.6 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day), M. chelonae in paramecia 38% (5/13; 3.5 x 10⁵ dose/fish/day). I investigated the ability of mycobacteria to persist within paramecia, as this has previously been demonstrated in amoebae. Gram negative bacteria ingested by paramecia were processed within an hour. In contrast, I determined using GFP-labeled Mycobacterium marinum that mycobacteria can persist within paramecia digestive vacuoles. The concentration of M. marinum at 1 hour was similar to that at the time of ingestion. Twenty-four hours post-ingestion and later there was significant decline in M. marinum concentrations compared to time of ingestion, but M. marinum continued to persist inside digestive vacuoles for up to one week. My results demonstrate for the first time that Paramecium caudatum can act as a vector for mycobacteria. This provides a useful animal model for evaluation of natural mycobacterial infections and demonstrates the possibility of mycobacterial transmission in zebrafish facilities via contaminated paramecia cultures. Close

• 416. [Article] The influence of bait and stereo video on the performance of a video lander as a survey tool for marine demersal reef fishes in Oregon waters

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by The American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19425120.2014.920745 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The influence of bait and stereo video on the performance of a video lander as a survey tool for marine demersal reef fishes in Oregon waters Author: Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T.O. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by The American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19425120.2014.920745 . Title: The influence of bait and stereo video on the performance of a video lander as a survey tool for marine demersal reef fishes in Oregon waters Author: Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T.O. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by The American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19425120.2014.920745 . Close

• 417. [Article] An environmental history of the salmon management philosophies of the North Pacific : Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest United States

  Salmon management philosophies of the five salmon jurisdictions of the North Pacific (Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the American Northwest) are examined in a historical and geographic context. The ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An environmental history of the salmon management philosophies of the North Pacific : Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest United States Author: Augerot, Xanthippe Salmon management philosophies of the five salmon jurisdictions of the North Pacific (Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the American Northwest) are examined in a historical and geographic context. The first objective is to provide a synthesis of salmon management experience across the North Pacific, to serve as a context for the professionals and private citizens involved in day-to-day salmon management. The second objective is to elucidate the relative role of geography versus deliberate management action in shaping contemporary salmon management philosophies, on the basis of salmon management experience. Harvest trends, species composition, regulatory actions, property rights, technological innovation, climate variability, habitat alteration, markets, international agreements, and science are reviewed for each jurisdiction over time. The source material is drawn from a variety of scholarly and popular published sources, in Russian and English. The inferred salmon management philosophies of the five jurisdictions vary in their emphasis on three primary salmon management objectives: maximizing biomass production, preserving salmon harvest communities, and conserving salmonid genetic and life history diversity. All initially heavily emphasized biomass production, except for Canada. Only Japan, and Alaska after statehood, have given moderate or great emphasis to community preservation. Among the five jurisdictions, the only two to emphasize biodiversity conservation are the Pacific Northwest United States and British Columbia, Canada. The initial species endowment of each jurisdiction, the landscape, climate variability and the cultural heritage of the dominant salmon harvesters are more critical at shaping salmon management philosophies than are incremental regulatory decisions over time. For instance, Japan's salmon ranching philosophy accrued from the availability of species without freshwater life history stages and the need to support a large human population. Favorable climate conditions in the 1970s facilitated the Japanese emphasis on hatchery chums and an engineering approach to contend with flooding and the demand for energy and water supplies. Change in salmon management philosophies, such as the shift to an emphasis on biodiversity conservation in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, occurs when the legal harvest rights of salmon harvester subgroups changes during a period of harvest decline. In the case of the latter two jurisdictions, the increased legal rights of native peoples have catalyzed a shift from an emphasis on biomass production to biodiversity conservation. Title: An environmental history of the salmon management philosophies of the North Pacific : Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest United States Author: Augerot, Xanthippe Salmon management philosophies of the five salmon jurisdictions of the North Pacific (Japan, Russia, Canada, Alaska and the American Northwest) are examined in a historical and geographic context. The first objective is to provide a synthesis of salmon management experience across the North Pacific, to serve as a context for the professionals and private citizens involved in day-to-day salmon management. The second objective is to elucidate the relative role of geography versus deliberate management action in shaping contemporary salmon management philosophies, on the basis of salmon management experience. Harvest trends, species composition, regulatory actions, property rights, technological innovation, climate variability, habitat alteration, markets, international agreements, and science are reviewed for each jurisdiction over time. The source material is drawn from a variety of scholarly and popular published sources, in Russian and English. The inferred salmon management philosophies of the five jurisdictions vary in their emphasis on three primary salmon management objectives: maximizing biomass production, preserving salmon harvest communities, and conserving salmonid genetic and life history diversity. All initially heavily emphasized biomass production, except for Canada. Only Japan, and Alaska after statehood, have given moderate or great emphasis to community preservation. Among the five jurisdictions, the only two to emphasize biodiversity conservation are the Pacific Northwest United States and British Columbia, Canada. The initial species endowment of each jurisdiction, the landscape, climate variability and the cultural heritage of the dominant salmon harvesters are more critical at shaping salmon management philosophies than are incremental regulatory decisions over time. For instance, Japan's salmon ranching philosophy accrued from the availability of species without freshwater life history stages and the need to support a large human population. Favorable climate conditions in the 1970s facilitated the Japanese emphasis on hatchery chums and an engineering approach to contend with flooding and the demand for energy and water supplies. Change in salmon management philosophies, such as the shift to an emphasis on biodiversity conservation in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, occurs when the legal harvest rights of salmon harvester subgroups changes during a period of harvest decline. In the case of the latter two jurisdictions, the increased legal rights of native peoples have catalyzed a shift from an emphasis on biomass production to biodiversity conservation. Close

• 418. [Article] Management of the red sea urchin fishery : a biological approach

  The red sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, is one of the three species of strongylocentroids found on the west coast of North America between Baja California and Kodiak, Alaska. It belongs to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Management of the red sea urchin fishery : a biological approach Author: Ubeda, Armando J. The red sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, is one of the three species of strongylocentroids found on the west coast of North America between Baja California and Kodiak, Alaska. It belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, and it is one of the largest species of sea urchins. Since 1970, red sea urchins have been fished commercially for their highly valued gonads. As a result, the abundance of harvestable size urchins has rapidly declined, and the fishing industry has suffered a dramatic decrease in landings in this relatively short history. Several management strategies have been proposed with the objective to restore the harvestable stock as well as to protect the species. Among these strategies, an upper-size limit has been promoted in addition to existing minimum size limit regulations. This alternative is based on the hypothesis that the recruitment and survival of juvenile urchins is enhanced by the presence of adults, which provide a spine canopy habitat that is utilized by juveniles as refuge against predators. However, the evidence in support of this hypothesis is circumstantial. To understand the ecological relationship between adult and juveniles as well as to identify if different size categories of adult maximize this relationship, I conducted laboratory and modeling investigations that tested the hypotheses that 1) recruitment and survival of juvenile urchins is enhanced by the presence of adult spine canopy, 2) the rate of survival of juveniles is related to the size of the adult and 3) that protection of juveniles by adults can affect population response to harvest. I found that juveniles look for refuge under adult spine canopies under the risk of predation and have higher survival in the presence of adults. However there is not a significant difference on survival based on the size of the adults. I conclude that the size of the adults is not important, but protection of adults may help restore and preserve a population under harvest conditions. Another potential benefit of implementing an upper size limit was explored since the fecundity of red sea urchins is related to body size. I used size-structured matrix models to further explore the importance of size-specific fecundity and the association between juveniles and adults. I assessed changes in population growth rate under different levels of harvesting that include lower and upper size limits. Under most scenarios, an upper size limit could benefit the recovery of populations of red sea urchins. However, in order to improve management strategies for the red sea urchins, more studies about the life history of red sea urchins should be conducted to reduce model uncertainties. Title: Management of the red sea urchin fishery : a biological approach Author: Ubeda, Armando J. The red sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, is one of the three species of strongylocentroids found on the west coast of North America between Baja California and Kodiak, Alaska. It belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, and it is one of the largest species of sea urchins. Since 1970, red sea urchins have been fished commercially for their highly valued gonads. As a result, the abundance of harvestable size urchins has rapidly declined, and the fishing industry has suffered a dramatic decrease in landings in this relatively short history. Several management strategies have been proposed with the objective to restore the harvestable stock as well as to protect the species. Among these strategies, an upper-size limit has been promoted in addition to existing minimum size limit regulations. This alternative is based on the hypothesis that the recruitment and survival of juvenile urchins is enhanced by the presence of adults, which provide a spine canopy habitat that is utilized by juveniles as refuge against predators. However, the evidence in support of this hypothesis is circumstantial. To understand the ecological relationship between adult and juveniles as well as to identify if different size categories of adult maximize this relationship, I conducted laboratory and modeling investigations that tested the hypotheses that 1) recruitment and survival of juvenile urchins is enhanced by the presence of adult spine canopy, 2) the rate of survival of juveniles is related to the size of the adult and 3) that protection of juveniles by adults can affect population response to harvest. I found that juveniles look for refuge under adult spine canopies under the risk of predation and have higher survival in the presence of adults. However there is not a significant difference on survival based on the size of the adults. I conclude that the size of the adults is not important, but protection of adults may help restore and preserve a population under harvest conditions. Another potential benefit of implementing an upper size limit was explored since the fecundity of red sea urchins is related to body size. I used size-structured matrix models to further explore the importance of size-specific fecundity and the association between juveniles and adults. I assessed changes in population growth rate under different levels of harvesting that include lower and upper size limits. Under most scenarios, an upper size limit could benefit the recovery of populations of red sea urchins. However, in order to improve management strategies for the red sea urchins, more studies about the life history of red sea urchins should be conducted to reduce model uncertainties. Close

• 419. [Article] Examining ectomycorrhizal communities of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in the south-central Oregon pumice zone

  Background information is presented that provides historical perspectives on the field of mycology in the Pacific Northwest and its role in forest management. The series of events and decisions that have ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Examining ectomycorrhizal communities of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in the south-central Oregon pumice zone Author: Garcia, Maria Osuna Background information is presented that provides historical perspectives on the field of mycology in the Pacific Northwest and its role in forest management. The series of events and decisions that have led to previous studies (or lack of studies) in the field also dictate the directions of current research. Culture, philosophy, and history all play a role in the questions that may be asked today. Examining the past gives light to the questions that are asked in the present and future. Forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest are changing as a result of climate change. Rise of global temperatures, decline of winter precipitation, earlier loss of snowpack, and increased summer drought are altering the range of Pinus contorta. As environmental conditions change, Pinus ponderosa may establish within the historic Pinus contorta range. Successful pine species migration will be constrained by the distribution or co-migration of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Knowledge of the linkages among soil fungal diversity, community structure, and environmental factors is critical to understanding the organization and stability of pine ecosystems. The objectives of this study are to establish an informational foundation of the EMF communities of P. ponderosa and P. contorta in the Deschutes National Forest and to examine soil characteristics associated with community composition. We examined EMF root tips of P. ponderosa and P. contorta in soil cores and conducted soil chemistry analysis for P. ponderosa. Results indicate that Cenococcum geophilum, Rhizopogon salebrosus, and Inocybe flocculosa are dominant in both P. contorta and P. ponderosa soil cores. Rhizopogon spp. were ubiquitous in P. ponderosa. There was no significant difference between EMF communities of P. ponderosa and P. contorta at the species level. Ordination analysis suggests that pH, Bray-phosphorus, total phosphorus (P), carbon (C), mineralizable nitrogen (N), ammonium (NH₄) and nitrate (NO₃) are driving EMF community composition in P. ponderosa. We found a significant linear relationship between EMF species richness and mineralizable N. Title: Examining ectomycorrhizal communities of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in the south-central Oregon pumice zone Author: Garcia, Maria Osuna Background information is presented that provides historical perspectives on the field of mycology in the Pacific Northwest and its role in forest management. The series of events and decisions that have led to previous studies (or lack of studies) in the field also dictate the directions of current research. Culture, philosophy, and history all play a role in the questions that may be asked today. Examining the past gives light to the questions that are asked in the present and future. Forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest are changing as a result of climate change. Rise of global temperatures, decline of winter precipitation, earlier loss of snowpack, and increased summer drought are altering the range of Pinus contorta. As environmental conditions change, Pinus ponderosa may establish within the historic Pinus contorta range. Successful pine species migration will be constrained by the distribution or co-migration of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Knowledge of the linkages among soil fungal diversity, community structure, and environmental factors is critical to understanding the organization and stability of pine ecosystems. The objectives of this study are to establish an informational foundation of the EMF communities of P. ponderosa and P. contorta in the Deschutes National Forest and to examine soil characteristics associated with community composition. We examined EMF root tips of P. ponderosa and P. contorta in soil cores and conducted soil chemistry analysis for P. ponderosa. Results indicate that Cenococcum geophilum, Rhizopogon salebrosus, and Inocybe flocculosa are dominant in both P. contorta and P. ponderosa soil cores. Rhizopogon spp. were ubiquitous in P. ponderosa. There was no significant difference between EMF communities of P. ponderosa and P. contorta at the species level. Ordination analysis suggests that pH, Bray-phosphorus, total phosphorus (P), carbon (C), mineralizable nitrogen (N), ammonium (NH₄) and nitrate (NO₃) are driving EMF community composition in P. ponderosa. We found a significant linear relationship between EMF species richness and mineralizable N. Close

• 420. [Article] Sublethal effects of UV-B radiation on larval amphibians

  Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has been suggested as a factor contributing to global amphibian population declines. While ambient UV-B levels damage the eggs and embryos of some amphibian species, few ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sublethal effects of UV-B radiation on larval amphibians Author: Belden, Lisa K. Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has been suggested as a factor contributing to global amphibian population declines. While ambient UV-B levels damage the eggs and embryos of some amphibian species, few studies have addressed how UV-B affects other life history stages or sublethal responses. My dissertation focuses on (1) investigations of sublethal effects of UV-B exposure on growth and development in larval amphibians, (2) a preliminary examination of the hormonal stress response in larval amphibians exposed to UV-B and (3) investigations of defenses that amphibians may use to prevent UV-B damage. Delayed sublethal responses to UV-B were documented for red legged frogs (Rana aurora). Larvae exposed to ambient UV-B during embryonic development were smaller and less developed one month after hatching than larvae not exposed as embryos. Exposure of larval long-toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) to UV-B in the laboratory resulted in sublethal effects on growth for larvae from mountain sites and in decreased survival for larvae from lower elevation. Mountain populations appear to be more resistant to the detrimental effects of UV-B exposure. However, although UV-B can have various sublethal effects on growth and development, I did not observe a hormonal stress response in larvae of four species. One potential mechanism of UV-B protection is skin darkening. Larval long-toed salamanders, Northwestern salamanders (A. gracile) and roughskin newts (Taricha granulosa) implications for larval survival by manipulating skin color on black and white backgrounds during UV-B exposure. UV-B exposure resulted in reduced growth, regardless of background coloration, but there were no survivorship differences between the groups. In summary, my results suggest that even at current levels, UV-B may have impacts on amphibian life histories. While direct mortality in response to UV-B exposure may be observed for some species, there are many sublethal responses as well. These sublethal responses could be important for the long-term survival of amphibian populations. Title: Sublethal effects of UV-B radiation on larval amphibians Author: Belden, Lisa K. Ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) has been suggested as a factor contributing to global amphibian population declines. While ambient UV-B levels damage the eggs and embryos of some amphibian species, few studies have addressed how UV-B affects other life history stages or sublethal responses. My dissertation focuses on (1) investigations of sublethal effects of UV-B exposure on growth and development in larval amphibians, (2) a preliminary examination of the hormonal stress response in larval amphibians exposed to UV-B and (3) investigations of defenses that amphibians may use to prevent UV-B damage. Delayed sublethal responses to UV-B were documented for red legged frogs (Rana aurora). Larvae exposed to ambient UV-B during embryonic development were smaller and less developed one month after hatching than larvae not exposed as embryos. Exposure of larval long-toed salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) to UV-B in the laboratory resulted in sublethal effects on growth for larvae from mountain sites and in decreased survival for larvae from lower elevation. Mountain populations appear to be more resistant to the detrimental effects of UV-B exposure. However, although UV-B can have various sublethal effects on growth and development, I did not observe a hormonal stress response in larvae of four species. One potential mechanism of UV-B protection is skin darkening. Larval long-toed salamanders, Northwestern salamanders (A. gracile) and roughskin newts (Taricha granulosa) implications for larval survival by manipulating skin color on black and white backgrounds during UV-B exposure. UV-B exposure resulted in reduced growth, regardless of background coloration, but there were no survivorship differences between the groups. In summary, my results suggest that even at current levels, UV-B may have impacts on amphibian life histories. While direct mortality in response to UV-B exposure may be observed for some species, there are many sublethal responses as well. These sublethal responses could be important for the long-term survival of amphibian populations. Close

• 421. [Article] Molting, growth, and energetics of newly-settled blue king crab: Effects of temperature and comparisons with red king crab

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Molting, growth, and energetics of newly-settled blue king crab: Effects of temperature and comparisons with red king crab Author: Stoner, Allan W., Ottmar, Michele L., Copeman, Louise A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/. Title: Molting, growth, and energetics of newly-settled blue king crab: Effects of temperature and comparisons with red king crab Author: Stoner, Allan W., Ottmar, Michele L., Copeman, Louise A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/. Close

• 422. [Article] The divergent effect of capture depth and associated barotrauma on post-recompression survival of canary (Sebastes pinniger) and yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus)

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783614001416 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The divergent effect of capture depth and associated barotrauma on post-recompression survival of canary (Sebastes pinniger) and yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus) Author: Rankin, Polly S., Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T.O. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783614001416 . Title: The divergent effect of capture depth and associated barotrauma on post-recompression survival of canary (Sebastes pinniger) and yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus) Author: Rankin, Polly S., Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T.O. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165783614001416 . Close

• 423. [Article] Effects of spatially dispersed green-tree retention on ectomycorrhiza diversity

  The Demonstration for Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) study originated out of the changing management priorities associated with federal forest lands in the Pacific Northwest which included an objective ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of spatially dispersed green-tree retention on ectomycorrhiza diversity Author: Kolaczkowski, Oralia The Demonstration for Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) study originated out of the changing management priorities associated with federal forest lands in the Pacific Northwest which included an objective to maintain mature and old-growth forest characteristics in managed stands. The DEMO project examines the effects that different levels and patterns of green tree retention have on various aspects of biodiversity including the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Ectomycorrhizal fungi play an important functional role in forest ecosystems. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are essential for nutrient uptake by the host tree, they have been shown to play a critical role in forest regeneration success, and EMF provide an important food source (in the form of sporocarps) for many small mammals. As part of the DEMO study, this thesis documents EMF diversity in the control unit (100% retention) and the spatially dispersed 40°/a basal area retention treatment (40%D). The measures of diversity studied included EMF constancy, abundance, and species richness. Constancy and abundance measures were analyzed only for the common ectomycorrhizae (EM) types. Morphological techniques for identification of the EMF were employed together with molecular techniques to achieve the finest level of identification possible. Characters used to assess morphology include mantle structures, emanating hyphae, rhizomorphs, root morphology, chemical reactions, and mantle color. Molecular techniques were used for identification purposes and for checking EM morphotype groups. Molecular techniques used included DNA extraction of the internal transcribed spacer region, polymerase chain reaction amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DNA sequencing. Significant responses to the 40%D treatment were determined by testing both pre and post EMF diversity within the treatment and by comparing changes in diversity between the control and the 40%D treatment. Overall, within the 40%D treatment, the majority of the common EMF species did not decrease significantly. A moderately significant difference was detected between the pre-treatment and post-treatment mean number of EM types per soil core (measure of species richness). This decrease in richness of about 50% in the post-treatment2 samples seems to indicate a delayed response to the treatment since the post-treatment1 samples were not different from the pre-treatment conditions. Since no dominant types were lost, the decline in richness occurred in the less common EM types. This research demonstrates that the 40%D treatment can maintain a relatively high legacy of EMF. However, there is a loss of some rare EM types and a reduction in abundance and constancy in some of the more common EM types. These results lend support for the consideration of40% dispersed green-tree retention as a silvicultural option when management goals include the maintenance of EMF diversity. Timber harvest via implementation of ecosystem-based forest management practices will require the continuing study of complex below-ground systems for the development of potential silvicultural treatments during further iterations of adaptive management. Title: Effects of spatially dispersed green-tree retention on ectomycorrhiza diversity Author: Kolaczkowski, Oralia The Demonstration for Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO) study originated out of the changing management priorities associated with federal forest lands in the Pacific Northwest which included an objective to maintain mature and old-growth forest characteristics in managed stands. The DEMO project examines the effects that different levels and patterns of green tree retention have on various aspects of biodiversity including the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). Ectomycorrhizal fungi play an important functional role in forest ecosystems. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are essential for nutrient uptake by the host tree, they have been shown to play a critical role in forest regeneration success, and EMF provide an important food source (in the form of sporocarps) for many small mammals. As part of the DEMO study, this thesis documents EMF diversity in the control unit (100% retention) and the spatially dispersed 40°/a basal area retention treatment (40%D). The measures of diversity studied included EMF constancy, abundance, and species richness. Constancy and abundance measures were analyzed only for the common ectomycorrhizae (EM) types. Morphological techniques for identification of the EMF were employed together with molecular techniques to achieve the finest level of identification possible. Characters used to assess morphology include mantle structures, emanating hyphae, rhizomorphs, root morphology, chemical reactions, and mantle color. Molecular techniques were used for identification purposes and for checking EM morphotype groups. Molecular techniques used included DNA extraction of the internal transcribed spacer region, polymerase chain reaction amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DNA sequencing. Significant responses to the 40%D treatment were determined by testing both pre and post EMF diversity within the treatment and by comparing changes in diversity between the control and the 40%D treatment. Overall, within the 40%D treatment, the majority of the common EMF species did not decrease significantly. A moderately significant difference was detected between the pre-treatment and post-treatment mean number of EM types per soil core (measure of species richness). This decrease in richness of about 50% in the post-treatment2 samples seems to indicate a delayed response to the treatment since the post-treatment1 samples were not different from the pre-treatment conditions. Since no dominant types were lost, the decline in richness occurred in the less common EM types. This research demonstrates that the 40%D treatment can maintain a relatively high legacy of EMF. However, there is a loss of some rare EM types and a reduction in abundance and constancy in some of the more common EM types. These results lend support for the consideration of40% dispersed green-tree retention as a silvicultural option when management goals include the maintenance of EMF diversity. Timber harvest via implementation of ecosystem-based forest management practices will require the continuing study of complex below-ground systems for the development of potential silvicultural treatments during further iterations of adaptive management. Close

• 424. [Article] Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon

  For a previous discussion paper please see: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58002

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon Author: Law, B. E., Berner, L. T. For a previous discussion paper please see: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58002 Title: Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon Author: Law, B. E., Berner, L. T. For a previous discussion paper please see: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58002 Close

• 425. [Article] Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon

  The final revised paper is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58001

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon Author: Law, B. E., Berner, L. T. The final revised paper is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58001 Title: Water limitations on forest carbon cycling and conifer traits along a steep climatic gradient in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon Author: Law, B. E., Berner, L. T. The final revised paper is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/58001 Close

• 426. [Article] Some effects of sulfur fertilization on the nutrient value of subclover-grass forage

  Pastures consisting of mixtures of subclover (Trifolium subterraneum) and grasses have responded to sulfur fertilization on many sites in Douglas County, Oregon. The objectives of this study were to examine ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Some effects of sulfur fertilization on the nutrient value of subclover-grass forage Author: McCarthy, Michael J. Pastures consisting of mixtures of subclover (Trifolium subterraneum) and grasses have responded to sulfur fertilization on many sites in Douglas County, Oregon. The objectives of this study were to examine specific changes in forage quality which occur as sulfur is applied in excess of the amount required for maximum yield of dry matter. Plant samples and yield data were obtained from field plots treated with 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 pounds of sulfur per acre in the form of gypsum. Samples were then examined for species composition, total nitrogen, total sulfur and in vitro digestibility. Dry matter yields were not significantly increased by sulfur application. However, the percentage of clover in the forage changed significantly. The amount of clover increased from 42% in the check plot to 81% when 20 pounds of sulfur per acre was applied. As the sulfur rate increased up to 160 pounds per acre, the percentage of subclover declined to 65%. Subclover has a higher requirement for sulfur than the grasses. This is reflected by the sharp increase in clover with the application of 20 pounds of sulfur per acre. At higher rates of sulfur application, the companion grasses became competitive with the clover, apparently due to the addition of nitrogen to the plant community through biological fixation. The increase in nitrogen and sulfur content with increasing sulfur fertilization was highly significant for both the grass and clover. The increase in the nitrogen content of the grass from 1. 2% in the check plot to 1.8% at the rate of 160 pounds of sulfur is attributed to underground transfer of nitrogen from the clover to the grass. The sulfur content increased at a more rapid rate than did the nitrogen content which resulted in a narrowing of the nitrogen to sulfur ratio. The nitrogen to sulfur ratio narrowed from 14:1 to 9:1 in the grass, from 22:1 to 13:1 in the clover and from 18:1 to 12:1 in the forage as sulfur application was increased from 0 to 160 pounds per acre. Average digestibility as measured with the in vitro technique was 36 and 49% respectively for grass and clover. Digestibility of the forage increased significantly with sulfur applications, while the digestibility of the grass or clover measured separately was not changed. In summary, sulfur fertilization influences the quality of subclover-grass forage largely through changes in species composition, nitrogen content, and by narrowing the nitrogen to sulfur ratio. The increase in forage digestibility is due primarily to the change in species composition and nitrogen content. Title: Some effects of sulfur fertilization on the nutrient value of subclover-grass forage Author: McCarthy, Michael J. Pastures consisting of mixtures of subclover (Trifolium subterraneum) and grasses have responded to sulfur fertilization on many sites in Douglas County, Oregon. The objectives of this study were to examine specific changes in forage quality which occur as sulfur is applied in excess of the amount required for maximum yield of dry matter. Plant samples and yield data were obtained from field plots treated with 0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 pounds of sulfur per acre in the form of gypsum. Samples were then examined for species composition, total nitrogen, total sulfur and in vitro digestibility. Dry matter yields were not significantly increased by sulfur application. However, the percentage of clover in the forage changed significantly. The amount of clover increased from 42% in the check plot to 81% when 20 pounds of sulfur per acre was applied. As the sulfur rate increased up to 160 pounds per acre, the percentage of subclover declined to 65%. Subclover has a higher requirement for sulfur than the grasses. This is reflected by the sharp increase in clover with the application of 20 pounds of sulfur per acre. At higher rates of sulfur application, the companion grasses became competitive with the clover, apparently due to the addition of nitrogen to the plant community through biological fixation. The increase in nitrogen and sulfur content with increasing sulfur fertilization was highly significant for both the grass and clover. The increase in the nitrogen content of the grass from 1. 2% in the check plot to 1.8% at the rate of 160 pounds of sulfur is attributed to underground transfer of nitrogen from the clover to the grass. The sulfur content increased at a more rapid rate than did the nitrogen content which resulted in a narrowing of the nitrogen to sulfur ratio. The nitrogen to sulfur ratio narrowed from 14:1 to 9:1 in the grass, from 22:1 to 13:1 in the clover and from 18:1 to 12:1 in the forage as sulfur application was increased from 0 to 160 pounds per acre. Average digestibility as measured with the in vitro technique was 36 and 49% respectively for grass and clover. Digestibility of the forage increased significantly with sulfur applications, while the digestibility of the grass or clover measured separately was not changed. In summary, sulfur fertilization influences the quality of subclover-grass forage largely through changes in species composition, nitrogen content, and by narrowing the nitrogen to sulfur ratio. The increase in forage digestibility is due primarily to the change in species composition and nitrogen content. Close

• 427. [Article] Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Tree Establishment in the M1 Meadow of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

  Montane meadows in the Cascade Range of Oregon have been declining due to tree establishment since records began. Montane meadow complexes in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest shrank by 60 to 75% from ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Tree Establishment in the M1 Meadow of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest Author: Jones, Katherine E. (Katherine Elizabeth) Montane meadows in the Cascade Range of Oregon have been declining due to tree establishment since records began. Montane meadow complexes in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest shrank by 60 to 75% from 1949 to 2005, but fine scale temporal and spatial processes of tree establishment in these meadows are unknown. In the 4.8-ha M1 meadow in the Andrews Forest, the species and diameter of all trees of any size were measured in seven 20x20 m plots and one 40x55 m plot in August 2015. A total of 1385 trees were sampled, including 1008 in the 40x55 m plot. In the 40x55m plot, all trees were mapped to the nearest 0.1 m and 252 were aged to the nearest +/- 2 years. Spatial patterns of tree locations were assessed using second order analysis (Ripley's K, pair correlation function [PCF], J-function). In the 40x55m plot, the oldest tree established in the 1870s, and tree establishment has accelerated since 1950, as invasion has progressed from the edges toward the center of the meadow. Nine conifer species occurred in the plots, but almost 84% of individuals were Abies amabilis (Pacific silver fir, ABAM) or Abies grandis (grand fir, ABGR), and 8% were Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir, PSME). PSME and ABAM dominated the basal area, and >90% of ABAM and ABGR and 50% of PSME individuals were <5 cm DBH. Some individuals with basal diameter <3 cm were up to 30 (ABGR) or 50 (ABAM) yrs of age. Trees were clustered at scales of <6 m (Ripley's K) or <3 m (PCF), clusters were dispersed at scales >6 m, and trees have become increasingly clustered over time (J-function). However, trees aged <30 yrs were only weakly clustered relative to trees aged >30 yrs, and evidence of facilitation was weak. Thus, all conifer species appear capable of establishing in the montane meadow, but in many cases trees established several decades before they began to grow rapidly. Based on current rates of tree establishment, the meadow will continue to shrink in the future. Because many trees are small, complete tree removal is an initial step toward meadow restoration in this and comparable sites. However, additional approaches will be necessary to counteract legacy effects of trees on soils. Future work should combine fine-scale analysis of tree spatial patterns with environmental (light, moisture and soil) data in order to reveal the local environmental drivers of tree establishment patterns in montane meadows. Title: Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Tree Establishment in the M1 Meadow of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest Author: Jones, Katherine E. (Katherine Elizabeth) Montane meadows in the Cascade Range of Oregon have been declining due to tree establishment since records began. Montane meadow complexes in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest shrank by 60 to 75% from 1949 to 2005, but fine scale temporal and spatial processes of tree establishment in these meadows are unknown. In the 4.8-ha M1 meadow in the Andrews Forest, the species and diameter of all trees of any size were measured in seven 20x20 m plots and one 40x55 m plot in August 2015. A total of 1385 trees were sampled, including 1008 in the 40x55 m plot. In the 40x55m plot, all trees were mapped to the nearest 0.1 m and 252 were aged to the nearest +/- 2 years. Spatial patterns of tree locations were assessed using second order analysis (Ripley's K, pair correlation function [PCF], J-function). In the 40x55m plot, the oldest tree established in the 1870s, and tree establishment has accelerated since 1950, as invasion has progressed from the edges toward the center of the meadow. Nine conifer species occurred in the plots, but almost 84% of individuals were Abies amabilis (Pacific silver fir, ABAM) or Abies grandis (grand fir, ABGR), and 8% were Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir, PSME). PSME and ABAM dominated the basal area, and >90% of ABAM and ABGR and 50% of PSME individuals were <5 cm DBH. Some individuals with basal diameter <3 cm were up to 30 (ABGR) or 50 (ABAM) yrs of age. Trees were clustered at scales of <6 m (Ripley's K) or <3 m (PCF), clusters were dispersed at scales >6 m, and trees have become increasingly clustered over time (J-function). However, trees aged <30 yrs were only weakly clustered relative to trees aged >30 yrs, and evidence of facilitation was weak. Thus, all conifer species appear capable of establishing in the montane meadow, but in many cases trees established several decades before they began to grow rapidly. Based on current rates of tree establishment, the meadow will continue to shrink in the future. Because many trees are small, complete tree removal is an initial step toward meadow restoration in this and comparable sites. However, additional approaches will be necessary to counteract legacy effects of trees on soils. Future work should combine fine-scale analysis of tree spatial patterns with environmental (light, moisture and soil) data in order to reveal the local environmental drivers of tree establishment patterns in montane meadows. Close

• 428. [Article] Modeled Larval Connectivity Patterns in two Coral Reef Regions : the Western Caribbean and the Kenyan-Tanzanian Shelf

  Tropical coral reef ecosystems are very important from both the ecological and economical points of view. However, they are also particularly fragile, and have been declining in recent years in most regions ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeled Larval Connectivity Patterns in two Coral Reef Regions : the Western Caribbean and the Kenyan-Tanzanian Shelf Author: Mayorga Adame, Claudia Gabriela Tropical coral reef ecosystems are very important from both the ecological and economical points of view. However, they are also particularly fragile, and have been declining in recent years in most regions of the world, since they are highly susceptible to anthropogenic stressors operating at global scales (e.g., global warming and ocean acidification) and local scales (e.g., pollution/eutrophication, fishing, overcommercialization for recreation). Coral reef ecosystems are complex communities with very high species diversity. Most reef species have a bipartite life history with a planktonic larval stage and a benthic associated adult life. Therefore most adult reef organisms are distributed in metapopulations connected by pelagic larvae that disperse subject to the ocean currents. Knowledge of population connectivity among individual reef habitats within a broader geographic region of coral reefs has been identified as key to developing efficient spatial management strategies to protect marine ecosystems. The study of larval connectivity of marine organisms is a complex multidisciplinary challenge that is difficult to address with direct observations. This research examines the temporal and spatial, physical and ecological processes influencing connectivity of two important coral reef genera among isolated reef habitats within two regions: the Kenyan-Tanzanian and the Western Caribbean coasts. High resolution ocean circulation models were developed for each region and coupled to individual based models (IBM) that track particles (virtual larvae) released from each reef habitat. The connectivity patterns for two coral reef species groups having contrasting larval behavior and development duration where characterized in the two study regions: Acropora, a genus of branching corals with passive larvae and fast development (pelagic larval duration (PLD)<12 days), and Acanthurus, a genus of highly mobile, herbivorous fish, with long PLD (>50 days). Additional simulations were done to represent better the complexity of the Acanthurus larval life: one experiment included an idealized ontogenetic vertical migration behavior; another experiment examined how temperature-determined larval duration influenced trajectories and settlement patterns. The more complicated behavioral and development models were evaluated by comparing connectivity matrices to the passively transported case. To investigate interannual variations in connectivity patterns and percentage of successful settlement experiments were done for two contrasting years 2000 and 2005. Environmental seasonal and interannual variability in the ocean circulation models was analyzed to detect the mechanisms controlling connectivity in the two regions. The connectivity patterns and the mechanisms causing them were compared among the two study regions. Results are interpreted in the context of marine spatial management, describing the implications of the modeled connectivity patterns for currently established Marine Protected Areas. The connectivity patterns, and the processes controlling connectivity for different taxa, provide policy relevant scientific information that enables managers and decision-makers to make more informed choices regarding the size, spacing and optimal spatial design of marine protected networks. Title: Modeled Larval Connectivity Patterns in two Coral Reef Regions : the Western Caribbean and the Kenyan-Tanzanian Shelf Author: Mayorga Adame, Claudia Gabriela Tropical coral reef ecosystems are very important from both the ecological and economical points of view. However, they are also particularly fragile, and have been declining in recent years in most regions of the world, since they are highly susceptible to anthropogenic stressors operating at global scales (e.g., global warming and ocean acidification) and local scales (e.g., pollution/eutrophication, fishing, overcommercialization for recreation). Coral reef ecosystems are complex communities with very high species diversity. Most reef species have a bipartite life history with a planktonic larval stage and a benthic associated adult life. Therefore most adult reef organisms are distributed in metapopulations connected by pelagic larvae that disperse subject to the ocean currents. Knowledge of population connectivity among individual reef habitats within a broader geographic region of coral reefs has been identified as key to developing efficient spatial management strategies to protect marine ecosystems. The study of larval connectivity of marine organisms is a complex multidisciplinary challenge that is difficult to address with direct observations. This research examines the temporal and spatial, physical and ecological processes influencing connectivity of two important coral reef genera among isolated reef habitats within two regions: the Kenyan-Tanzanian and the Western Caribbean coasts. High resolution ocean circulation models were developed for each region and coupled to individual based models (IBM) that track particles (virtual larvae) released from each reef habitat. The connectivity patterns for two coral reef species groups having contrasting larval behavior and development duration where characterized in the two study regions: Acropora, a genus of branching corals with passive larvae and fast development (pelagic larval duration (PLD)<12 days), and Acanthurus, a genus of highly mobile, herbivorous fish, with long PLD (>50 days). Additional simulations were done to represent better the complexity of the Acanthurus larval life: one experiment included an idealized ontogenetic vertical migration behavior; another experiment examined how temperature-determined larval duration influenced trajectories and settlement patterns. The more complicated behavioral and development models were evaluated by comparing connectivity matrices to the passively transported case. To investigate interannual variations in connectivity patterns and percentage of successful settlement experiments were done for two contrasting years 2000 and 2005. Environmental seasonal and interannual variability in the ocean circulation models was analyzed to detect the mechanisms controlling connectivity in the two regions. The connectivity patterns and the mechanisms causing them were compared among the two study regions. Results are interpreted in the context of marine spatial management, describing the implications of the modeled connectivity patterns for currently established Marine Protected Areas. The connectivity patterns, and the processes controlling connectivity for different taxa, provide policy relevant scientific information that enables managers and decision-makers to make more informed choices regarding the size, spacing and optimal spatial design of marine protected networks. Close

• 429. [Article] Foraging Niche Separation of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Gentoo (P. papua) Penguins During the Breeding Season at Palmer Station, Antarctica

  Climate-induced range overlap can result in novel interactions between similar species and potentially lead to competitive exclusion. The Western Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Foraging Niche Separation of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Gentoo (P. papua) Penguins During the Breeding Season at Palmer Station, Antarctica Author: Pickett, Erin Climate-induced range overlap can result in novel interactions between similar species and potentially lead to competitive exclusion. The Western Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth and is experiencing a poleward climate migration. This transition from a polar to sub-polar environment has resulted in a range expansion of the ice-intolerant gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and a coincident decline of ice-obligate Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) at Palmer Station, Anvers Island (64˚46’S, 64˚03’W). Ecologically similar species that share a limited prey resource must occupy disparate foraging niches in order to co-exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of spatial and dietary niche segregation between Adélie and gentoo penguins during the breeding season at Palmer Station. This research was conducted across six austral breeding seasons, from 2010-2015, which allowed for an investigation of the consistency of niche overlap in the context of resource variability. This study was conducted using a twofold methodological approach involving biotelemetry and diet sampling, and little evidence was found to suggest that foraging competition is a primary driver of penguin population trajectories in this region. While substantial overlap was observed in the diets of Adélie and gentoo penguins, who consumed primarily Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), these results show that Adélie and gentoo penguins partitioned this shared prey resource through horizontal and vertical segregation of their core foraging areas. No evidence was found to suggest that Antarctic krill is a limiting resource during the breeding season or that climate-induced sympatry of Adélie and gentoo penguins has resulted in competition for prey and the subsequent differing population trajectories. Rather, other physical and biological changes to the ecosystem due to the rapidly changing climate around the Antarctic Peninsula may have stronger influences on the current trends of these two species in this region. Title: Foraging Niche Separation of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and Gentoo (P. papua) Penguins During the Breeding Season at Palmer Station, Antarctica Author: Pickett, Erin Climate-induced range overlap can result in novel interactions between similar species and potentially lead to competitive exclusion. The Western Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth and is experiencing a poleward climate migration. This transition from a polar to sub-polar environment has resulted in a range expansion of the ice-intolerant gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) and a coincident decline of ice-obligate Adélie penguins (P. adeliae) at Palmer Station, Anvers Island (64˚46’S, 64˚03’W). Ecologically similar species that share a limited prey resource must occupy disparate foraging niches in order to co-exist. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of spatial and dietary niche segregation between Adélie and gentoo penguins during the breeding season at Palmer Station. This research was conducted across six austral breeding seasons, from 2010-2015, which allowed for an investigation of the consistency of niche overlap in the context of resource variability. This study was conducted using a twofold methodological approach involving biotelemetry and diet sampling, and little evidence was found to suggest that foraging competition is a primary driver of penguin population trajectories in this region. While substantial overlap was observed in the diets of Adélie and gentoo penguins, who consumed primarily Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), these results show that Adélie and gentoo penguins partitioned this shared prey resource through horizontal and vertical segregation of their core foraging areas. No evidence was found to suggest that Antarctic krill is a limiting resource during the breeding season or that climate-induced sympatry of Adélie and gentoo penguins has resulted in competition for prey and the subsequent differing population trajectories. Rather, other physical and biological changes to the ecosystem due to the rapidly changing climate around the Antarctic Peninsula may have stronger influences on the current trends of these two species in this region. Close

• 430. [Article] 2011 Warner Sucker Investigations (Honey Creek) Progress Reports 2011

  Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2011 Warner Sucker Investigations (Honey Creek) Progress Reports 2011 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species was abundant and its range included three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. The Warner sucker metapopulation is comprised of both lake and stream life history morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish that normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during low water years or by irrigation diversion dams. When this happens, spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes likely reduce recruitment by preying on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks. The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that: 1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, 2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and 3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. To inform progress towards the first criteria, our objectives in 2011 were: 1) obtain a population estimate for suckers in the Honey Creek drainage and describe their current distribution and 2) describe the association between the distribution of suckers and habitat variables in Honey Creek. In addition, we obtained a population estimate of suckers at the Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where a self-sustaining population became established after a fish salvage from Hart Lake in 1991 when the lakes desiccated. Title: 2011 Warner Sucker Investigations (Honey Creek) Progress Reports 2011 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species was abundant and its range included three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. The Warner sucker metapopulation is comprised of both lake and stream life history morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish that normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during low water years or by irrigation diversion dams. When this happens, spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes likely reduce recruitment by preying on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks. The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that: 1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, 2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and 3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. To inform progress towards the first criteria, our objectives in 2011 were: 1) obtain a population estimate for suckers in the Honey Creek drainage and describe their current distribution and 2) describe the association between the distribution of suckers and habitat variables in Honey Creek. In addition, we obtained a population estimate of suckers at the Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where a self-sustaining population became established after a fish salvage from Hart Lake in 1991 when the lakes desiccated. Close

• 431. [Article] Warner Sucker Investigations (2009)

  Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Warner Sucker Investigations (2009) Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species was abundant and its range included three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. The Warner sucker metapopulation is comprised of both lake and stream life history morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish that normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during low water years or by irrigation diversion dams. When this happens, spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes likely reduce recruitment by preying on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks. The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that: 1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, 2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and 3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. Objectives of our 2009 investigations included: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate for suckers in the Twentymile Creek drainage and describe their current distribution, 2) describe associations between the distribution of suckers and habitat variables in Twentymile Creek, 3) evaluate a non-lethal ageing technique, 4) track radiotagged lake suckers (tagged in 2008) in Hart and Crump Lakes to assess spring movement patterns, 5) track spring spawning movements of lake suckers across a PIT-tag antenna installed at the mouth of Honey Creek, 6) test the feasibility of trapping larval suckers near the mouth of Honey Creek using larval drift nets and light traps to describe the relative abundance and timing of larval sucker movements, and 7) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of suckers at the Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where a self-sustaining population became established after a fish salvage from Hart Lake during the 1991 drought. Title: Warner Sucker Investigations (2009) Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. Historically, this species was abundant and its range included three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks) (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. The Warner sucker metapopulation is comprised of both lake and stream life history morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish that normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during low water years or by irrigation diversion dams. When this happens, spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes likely reduce recruitment by preying on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks. The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that: 1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, 2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and 3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. Objectives of our 2009 investigations included: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate for suckers in the Twentymile Creek drainage and describe their current distribution, 2) describe associations between the distribution of suckers and habitat variables in Twentymile Creek, 3) evaluate a non-lethal ageing technique, 4) track radiotagged lake suckers (tagged in 2008) in Hart and Crump Lakes to assess spring movement patterns, 5) track spring spawning movements of lake suckers across a PIT-tag antenna installed at the mouth of Honey Creek, 6) test the feasibility of trapping larval suckers near the mouth of Honey Creek using larval drift nets and light traps to describe the relative abundance and timing of larval sucker movements, and 7) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of suckers at the Summer Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where a self-sustaining population became established after a fish salvage from Hart Lake during the 1991 drought. Close

• 432. [Article] Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008

  Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically abundant and its historical range includes three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner Valley is a northeast-southwest trending endorheic basin which extends approximately 90 km (Figure 1). The elevation of the valley floor is approximately 1,370 m and the basin is bound by fault block escarpments, the Warner Rim on the west and Hart Mountain and Poker Jim Ridge on the east. The Warner basin was formed during the middle Tertiary and late Quaternary geologic periods as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity (Baldwin 1976). Abundant precipitation during the Pleistocene Epoch resulted in the formation of Pluvial Lake Warner (Hubbs and Miller 1948). At its maximum extent approximately 11,000 years ago, the lake reached approximately 100 m in depth and 1,300 km2 in area (Snyder et al. 1964, Weide 1975). In 2008, precipitation and snow pack were near average and Hart and Crump Lakes never filled completely. In 2007, Crump Lake water levels were very low with less than a quarter of the surface area wetted during the winter. Both lakes have been watered continuously since 1993. The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. Two life history forms are present that comprise the metapopulation of Warner suckers: lake and stream morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish which normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during dry water years or by irrigation diversion dams and spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in the three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes in the lakes likely reduce sucker recruitment by predation on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that (1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, (2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and (3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. In 2008, we conducted investigations in Hart and Crump Lakes to quantify the abundance and distribution of Warner suckers, to search for evidence of recent recruitment, and to estimate sucker abundance relative to nonnative fish abundance. In addition we investigated growth and movement patterns. We used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged suckers to determine growth rates and movements, tracked radio-tagged suckers to document seasonal spawning migrations, fished a screw trap in Twelvemile Creek to monitor downstream movements, and operated a trap at the Dyke diversion dam on Twentymile Creek to monitor upstream movements. Title: Warner Valley Fish Investigations- Warner Suckers Progress Reports 2008 Abstract -- The Warner sucker (Catostomus warnerensis) is endemic to the Warner Valley, an endorheic subbasin of the Great Basin in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada. This species was historically abundant and its historical range includes three permanent lakes (Hart, Crump, and Pelican), several ephemeral lakes, a network of sloughs and diversion canals, and three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Warner sucker abundance and distribution has declined over the past century and it was federally listed as threatened in 1985 due to habitat fragmentation and threats posed by the proliferation of piscivorous non-native game fishes (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1985). The Warner Valley is a northeast-southwest trending endorheic basin which extends approximately 90 km (Figure 1). The elevation of the valley floor is approximately 1,370 m and the basin is bound by fault block escarpments, the Warner Rim on the west and Hart Mountain and Poker Jim Ridge on the east. The Warner basin was formed during the middle Tertiary and late Quaternary geologic periods as a result of volcanic and tectonic activity (Baldwin 1976). Abundant precipitation during the Pleistocene Epoch resulted in the formation of Pluvial Lake Warner (Hubbs and Miller 1948). At its maximum extent approximately 11,000 years ago, the lake reached approximately 100 m in depth and 1,300 km2 in area (Snyder et al. 1964, Weide 1975). In 2008, precipitation and snow pack were near average and Hart and Crump Lakes never filled completely. In 2007, Crump Lake water levels were very low with less than a quarter of the surface area wetted during the winter. Both lakes have been watered continuously since 1993. The Warner sucker inhabits the lakes and low gradient stream reaches of the Warner Valley. Two life history forms are present that comprise the metapopulation of Warner suckers: lake and stream morphs. The lake suckers are lacustrine adfluvial or potamodromous fish which normally spawn in the streams. However, upstream migration may be blocked by low stream flows during dry water years or by irrigation diversion dams and spawning may occur in nearshore areas of the lakes (White et al. 1990). The stream suckers inhabit and spawn in the three major tributary drainages (Honey, Deep, and Twentymile Creeks). Large lake-dwelling populations of introduced fishes in the lakes likely reduce sucker recruitment by predation on young suckers (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998). The Recovery Plan for the Threatened and Rare Native Fishes of the Warner Basin and Alkali Subbasin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) sets recovery criteria for delisting the species. These criteria require that (1) a self-sustaining metapopulation is distributed throughout the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages, and in Pelican, Crump, and Hart Lakes, (2) passage is restored within and among the Twentymile, Honey, and Deep Creek (below the falls) drainages so that the individual populations of Warner suckers can function as a metapopulation, and (3) no threats exist that would likely threaten the survival of the species over a significant portion of its range. In 2008, we conducted investigations in Hart and Crump Lakes to quantify the abundance and distribution of Warner suckers, to search for evidence of recent recruitment, and to estimate sucker abundance relative to nonnative fish abundance. In addition we investigated growth and movement patterns. We used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagged suckers to determine growth rates and movements, tracked radio-tagged suckers to document seasonal spawning migrations, fished a screw trap in Twelvemile Creek to monitor downstream movements, and operated a trap at the Dyke diversion dam on Twentymile Creek to monitor upstream movements. Close

• 433. [Article] The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls Author: Franklin, Alan B., Diller, Lowell V., Horn, Rob B., Schwarz, Carl J., McCafferty, Christopher, Gremel, Scott A., Biswell, Brian L., Clark, Darren A., Herter, Dale R., Doherty, Paul F. Jr, Hines, James E., McDonnell, Kevin, Bailey, Larissa, Higley, J. Mark, Yackulic, Charles B., Hobson, Jeremy, Burnham, Kenneth P., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C., Clement, Matthew J., Davis, Raymond J., Rockweit, Jeremy, Huyvaert, Kathryn P., Andrews, Lawrence S., Forsman, Eric D., Augustine, Benjamin, Saenz, Jessica, Glenn, Elizabeth M., Blakesley, Jennifer, Olson, Gail S., Ackers, Steven H., McDonald, Trent, Nichols, James D., Green, Adam, Ruiz, Viviana, Sovern, Stan G., White, Gary C., Reid, Janice A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by Cooper Ornithological Society and published by Central Ornithology Publication Office. It can be found at: http://www.aoucospubs.org/loi/cond Title: The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls Author: Franklin, Alan B., Diller, Lowell V., Horn, Rob B., Schwarz, Carl J., McCafferty, Christopher, Gremel, Scott A., Biswell, Brian L., Clark, Darren A., Herter, Dale R., Doherty, Paul F. Jr, Hines, James E., McDonnell, Kevin, Bailey, Larissa, Higley, J. Mark, Yackulic, Charles B., Hobson, Jeremy, Burnham, Kenneth P., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C., Clement, Matthew J., Davis, Raymond J., Rockweit, Jeremy, Huyvaert, Kathryn P., Andrews, Lawrence S., Forsman, Eric D., Augustine, Benjamin, Saenz, Jessica, Glenn, Elizabeth M., Blakesley, Jennifer, Olson, Gail S., Ackers, Steven H., McDonald, Trent, Nichols, James D., Green, Adam, Ruiz, Viviana, Sovern, Stan G., White, Gary C., Reid, Janice A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by Cooper Ornithological Society and published by Central Ornithology Publication Office. It can be found at: http://www.aoucospubs.org/loi/cond Close

• 434. [Article] Chronology and Ecology of Late Pleistocene Megafauna in the Northern Willamette Valley, Oregon

  This study is an investigation of the timing of extinction of late Pleistocene, large bodied mammalian herbivores (megafauna) and of the environment in which they lived. The demise of the megafauna near ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Chronology and Ecology of Late Pleistocene Megafauna in the Northern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Gilmour, Daniel McGowan Year: 2011 This study is an investigation of the timing of extinction of late Pleistocene, large bodied mammalian herbivores (megafauna) and of the environment in which they lived. The demise of the megafauna near the end of the Pleistocene remains unexplained. Owing to potential human involvement in the extinctions, archaeologists have been particularly concerned to understand the causes for faunal losses. Our current lack of understanding of the timing and the causes of the extinctions in North America may result from a deficiency in understanding the histories of each individual species of extinct animal on a local level. Detailed regional chronologies of fauna are necessary for comparison with paleoenvironmental and archaeological data to help sort out causes for extinction. The Willamette Valley of western Oregon has long been noted for finds of megafauna, though records have not been synthesized since the early 20th century and these materials have remained largely unstudied. In this thesis, I first create a catalog of extinct megafauna recovered from the Willamette Valley. Next, using material from the northern valley, I employ AMS radiocarbon dating, stable isotope δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N analyses, and gross inferences based on the dietary specializations and habitat preferences of taxa in order to reconstruct environments and to develop a local chronology of events that is then arrayed against archaeological and paleoenvironmental data. The results of this study indicate that megafaunal populations in the northern Willamette Valley were contemporaneous with the earliest known human populations of the Pacific Northwest, as well as later populations associated with the Clovis Paleoindian Horizon. Consistent with the overkill hypothesis, radiocarbon ages span the length of the Clovis window, but no ages are younger than Clovis. Moreover, all radiocarbon ages are older than or contemporaneous to the onset of the Younger Dryas Stadial. No age ranges fall exclusively within the Younger Dryas. Comparison of megafaunal ages and paleoenvironmental records support the view that climate change contributed to local animal population declines. Prior to ~13,000 cal BP, the Willamette Valley was an open environment; herbivores mainly consumed C₃ vegetation. The timing of the loss of megafauna coincides with increased forested conditions as indicated by regional paleoenvironmental reconstruction. As the timing of megafaunal decline correlates with Clovis, the onset of the Younger Dryas, and increased forested conditions, it is not possible with the data currently available to distinguish the cause of extinction in the Willamette Valley. The age ranges of the fauna coupled with taphonomic and geologic context indicate that the fauna are autochthonous to the Willamette Valley; they do not represent ice rafted carcasses or isolated skeletal elements transported from elsewhere during late Pleistocene glacial outburst floods. Title: Chronology and Ecology of Late Pleistocene Megafauna in the Northern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Gilmour, Daniel McGowan Year: 2011 This study is an investigation of the timing of extinction of late Pleistocene, large bodied mammalian herbivores (megafauna) and of the environment in which they lived. The demise of the megafauna near the end of the Pleistocene remains unexplained. Owing to potential human involvement in the extinctions, archaeologists have been particularly concerned to understand the causes for faunal losses. Our current lack of understanding of the timing and the causes of the extinctions in North America may result from a deficiency in understanding the histories of each individual species of extinct animal on a local level. Detailed regional chronologies of fauna are necessary for comparison with paleoenvironmental and archaeological data to help sort out causes for extinction. The Willamette Valley of western Oregon has long been noted for finds of megafauna, though records have not been synthesized since the early 20th century and these materials have remained largely unstudied. In this thesis, I first create a catalog of extinct megafauna recovered from the Willamette Valley. Next, using material from the northern valley, I employ AMS radiocarbon dating, stable isotope δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N analyses, and gross inferences based on the dietary specializations and habitat preferences of taxa in order to reconstruct environments and to develop a local chronology of events that is then arrayed against archaeological and paleoenvironmental data. The results of this study indicate that megafaunal populations in the northern Willamette Valley were contemporaneous with the earliest known human populations of the Pacific Northwest, as well as later populations associated with the Clovis Paleoindian Horizon. Consistent with the overkill hypothesis, radiocarbon ages span the length of the Clovis window, but no ages are younger than Clovis. Moreover, all radiocarbon ages are older than or contemporaneous to the onset of the Younger Dryas Stadial. No age ranges fall exclusively within the Younger Dryas. Comparison of megafaunal ages and paleoenvironmental records support the view that climate change contributed to local animal population declines. Prior to ~13,000 cal BP, the Willamette Valley was an open environment; herbivores mainly consumed C₃ vegetation. The timing of the loss of megafauna coincides with increased forested conditions as indicated by regional paleoenvironmental reconstruction. As the timing of megafaunal decline correlates with Clovis, the onset of the Younger Dryas, and increased forested conditions, it is not possible with the data currently available to distinguish the cause of extinction in the Willamette Valley. The age ranges of the fauna coupled with taphonomic and geologic context indicate that the fauna are autochthonous to the Willamette Valley; they do not represent ice rafted carcasses or isolated skeletal elements transported from elsewhere during late Pleistocene glacial outburst floods. Close

• 435. [Article] Phenotypic and Mutational Consequences of Mitochondrial ETC Genetic Damage

  Genetic mutation is the ultimate source of new phenotypic variation in populations. The importance of mutation cannot be understated, and constitutes a significant evolutionary force. Although single mutations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Phenotypic and Mutational Consequences of Mitochondrial ETC Genetic Damage Author: Lue, Michael James Year: 2015 Genetic mutation is the ultimate source of new phenotypic variation in populations. The importance of mutation cannot be understated, and constitutes a significant evolutionary force. Although single mutations may have little to no impact on organismal performance or fitness, when multiplied across the total number of potential sites within the genome, mutation can have a large impact. Accurate measurement of the rates, molecular mechanisms, and distributions of effects of mutations are critical for many applications of evolutionary theory. Despite the importance of both deleterious and beneficial mutations, their genome-wide patterns and phenotypic consequences are poorly understood when considering the mitochondrial genome. Mitochondria are organelles that are essential for eukaryotic life. They contain their own genome and generate bioenergy (ATP) necessary to sustain life via the electron transport chain (ETC). Because of their role in eukaryotic physiology, understanding how mitochondrial genetic and phenotypic variation can impact populations and evolutionary outcomes is essential. Past studies have implicated DNA-damaging oxidative stress as a source of mutations within somatic tissue, but there is a gap in knowledge regarding its role in heritable damage within the germ line. In this thesis, I aimed to test this possibility by characterizing the phenotypic and mutational consequences of high intracellular ROS levels caused by mitochondrial ETC genetic damage. I performed experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans ETC mutant, gas-1, and mutation-accumulation (MA) lines generated from this ancestral genotype. I quantified organismal fitness (fecundity and longevity), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m), and ATP levels in these lines, and compared the results to those from a set of wildtype control lines. I begin with a general introduction to the hypothesis and the C. elegans system in Chapter I. In Chapter II, I report the findings from this work. In short, I found that while gas-1 MA lines began the experiment with low lifetime fecundity in comparison to the wildtype strain, their fecundity showed no further decline as expected, and even exhibited higher fecundity levels on days 3-5 of reproduction relative to the gas-1 progenitor. The gas-1 progenitor exhibited higher rates of ROS compared to wildtype, whereas the MA lines reverted back to wildtype levels; a similar pattern was observed for delta psi m, while ATP levels were low in the gas-1 progenitor and remained low in the MA lines. I interpret these findings in light of high-throughput sequencing results from these lines showing that, while nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutation rates were equal to wildtype in these lines, the genomic pattern of mutation was highly nonrandom and indicative of selection for beneficial or compensatory sequence changes. Because ROS levels declined to wildtype in the evolved (MA), this study was unable to address whether ROS is a major contributor to heritable mutation in this system. I hypothesize that, in addition to their putatively compensatory genetic changes, gas-1 lineages experienced physiological compensation allowing them to survive, and that this was associated with a "slow living" phenotype. In Chapter III, I summarize general conclusions and implications of this study and end by providing suggestions for further study. Title: Phenotypic and Mutational Consequences of Mitochondrial ETC Genetic Damage Author: Lue, Michael James Year: 2015 Genetic mutation is the ultimate source of new phenotypic variation in populations. The importance of mutation cannot be understated, and constitutes a significant evolutionary force. Although single mutations may have little to no impact on organismal performance or fitness, when multiplied across the total number of potential sites within the genome, mutation can have a large impact. Accurate measurement of the rates, molecular mechanisms, and distributions of effects of mutations are critical for many applications of evolutionary theory. Despite the importance of both deleterious and beneficial mutations, their genome-wide patterns and phenotypic consequences are poorly understood when considering the mitochondrial genome. Mitochondria are organelles that are essential for eukaryotic life. They contain their own genome and generate bioenergy (ATP) necessary to sustain life via the electron transport chain (ETC). Because of their role in eukaryotic physiology, understanding how mitochondrial genetic and phenotypic variation can impact populations and evolutionary outcomes is essential. Past studies have implicated DNA-damaging oxidative stress as a source of mutations within somatic tissue, but there is a gap in knowledge regarding its role in heritable damage within the germ line. In this thesis, I aimed to test this possibility by characterizing the phenotypic and mutational consequences of high intracellular ROS levels caused by mitochondrial ETC genetic damage. I performed experiments using Caenorhabditis elegans ETC mutant, gas-1, and mutation-accumulation (MA) lines generated from this ancestral genotype. I quantified organismal fitness (fecundity and longevity), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (delta psi m), and ATP levels in these lines, and compared the results to those from a set of wildtype control lines. I begin with a general introduction to the hypothesis and the C. elegans system in Chapter I. In Chapter II, I report the findings from this work. In short, I found that while gas-1 MA lines began the experiment with low lifetime fecundity in comparison to the wildtype strain, their fecundity showed no further decline as expected, and even exhibited higher fecundity levels on days 3-5 of reproduction relative to the gas-1 progenitor. The gas-1 progenitor exhibited higher rates of ROS compared to wildtype, whereas the MA lines reverted back to wildtype levels; a similar pattern was observed for delta psi m, while ATP levels were low in the gas-1 progenitor and remained low in the MA lines. I interpret these findings in light of high-throughput sequencing results from these lines showing that, while nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutation rates were equal to wildtype in these lines, the genomic pattern of mutation was highly nonrandom and indicative of selection for beneficial or compensatory sequence changes. Because ROS levels declined to wildtype in the evolved (MA), this study was unable to address whether ROS is a major contributor to heritable mutation in this system. I hypothesize that, in addition to their putatively compensatory genetic changes, gas-1 lineages experienced physiological compensation allowing them to survive, and that this was associated with a "slow living" phenotype. In Chapter III, I summarize general conclusions and implications of this study and end by providing suggestions for further study. Close

• 436. [Article] Quantifying the Impacts of a Novel Predator: The Distinctive Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog (<i>Rana pretiosa</i>) and the Invasive American Bullfrog (<i>Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana</i>)

  The decline of the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa), a Pacific Northwest endemic now federally listed as threatened, has been attributed to several aspects of ecosystem alteration, primarily habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Quantifying the Impacts of a Novel Predator: The Distinctive Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog (<i>Rana pretiosa</i>) and the Invasive American Bullfrog (<i>Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana</i>) Author: Tidwell, Kyle Scott Year: 2017 The decline of the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa), a Pacific Northwest endemic now federally listed as threatened, has been attributed to several aspects of ecosystem alteration, primarily habitat degradation and loss. The introduced American Bullfrog (Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana) has been widely implicated in those declines, but the basis of that contention has been difficult to characterize. The bullfrog occurring at every site of recent Oregon Spotted Frog extirpation has focused concern about its impact. Here, I present a suite of interconnected studies that examine the behavioral ecology of both species to better understand the potential for bullfrog-mediated Oregon Spotted Frog extirpation. I quantified Oregon Spotted Frog anti-predator behavior from the only known population successfully co-occurring with bullfrogs (Conboy Lake) and a population devoid of bullfrog impact (Big Marsh), and compared these behaviors to the predatory traits of the bullfrog. The initial study revealed that captive-reared individuals from the Oregon Spotted Frog population that has successfully co-occurred with bullfrogs respond faster to a predatory stimulus (measured as latency to response) than Oregon Spotted Frogs from a population not to exposed to bullfrogs. Subsequent field investigations of the approach distance allowed by a predator stimulus before taking evasive action (termed the flight initiation distance: FID) conducted with the Oregon Spotted Frog population co-occurring with bullfrogs first demonstrated that FID of recently metamorphosed bullfrogs is consistently greater than that of recently metamorphosed Oregon Spotted Frogs. Further, examination of FID across all post-metamorphic age classes of Oregon Spotted Frogs revealed that older frogs do not allow as close approach as recently metamorphosed Oregon Spotted Frogs. This age class shift in FID did not occur in the Oregon Spotted Frog population not exposed to bullfrogs. In the latter population, FID did not differ among age classes. Since the bullfrog might be driving this age-based change in anti-predator behavior, I explored the variation in strike distance of bullfrogs from the site of co-occurrence in both the field and laboratory to determine the extent of overlap with Oregon Spotted Frog FID. I found that the bullfrog strike distance significantly overlaps the FID of all ages of Oregon Spotted Frogs from the bullfrog-free site but only that of youngest (recently metamorphosed) frogs at the site of co-occurrence. Older Oregon Spotted Frogs from the site of co-occurrence generally escaped at distances greater than the strike distance of bullfrogs. I also collected > 880 bullfrogs from the site of co-occurrence and analyzed the stomach contents to assess their dietary trends. I found that bullfrogs consume Oregon Spotted Frogs at the site, but do not eat the larger (older) frogs. Moreover, the body size ratio between Oregon Spotted Frogs as prey and bullfrogs as predators suggests that nearly all of the adult size distribution of bullfrogs at Conboy would be incapable of preying on adult Oregon Spotted Frogs. Collectively, these studies strongly suggest that bullfrogs have altered the escape behavior of Oregon Spotted Frogs at Conboy Lake and that most adult Oregon Spotted Frogs at Conboy may have a size-based release from predation by bullfrogs. Implicit in this finding is that bullfrogs may pose a real threat via predation to other Oregon Spotted Frog populations with which they might come into contact where the distribution of bullfrog body sizes differ substantially from that at Conboy Lake. Title: Quantifying the Impacts of a Novel Predator: The Distinctive Case of the Oregon Spotted Frog (<i>Rana pretiosa</i>) and the Invasive American Bullfrog (<i>Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana</i>) Author: Tidwell, Kyle Scott Year: 2017 The decline of the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa), a Pacific Northwest endemic now federally listed as threatened, has been attributed to several aspects of ecosystem alteration, primarily habitat degradation and loss. The introduced American Bullfrog (Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana) has been widely implicated in those declines, but the basis of that contention has been difficult to characterize. The bullfrog occurring at every site of recent Oregon Spotted Frog extirpation has focused concern about its impact. Here, I present a suite of interconnected studies that examine the behavioral ecology of both species to better understand the potential for bullfrog-mediated Oregon Spotted Frog extirpation. I quantified Oregon Spotted Frog anti-predator behavior from the only known population successfully co-occurring with bullfrogs (Conboy Lake) and a population devoid of bullfrog impact (Big Marsh), and compared these behaviors to the predatory traits of the bullfrog. The initial study revealed that captive-reared individuals from the Oregon Spotted Frog population that has successfully co-occurred with bullfrogs respond faster to a predatory stimulus (measured as latency to response) than Oregon Spotted Frogs from a population not to exposed to bullfrogs. Subsequent field investigations of the approach distance allowed by a predator stimulus before taking evasive action (termed the flight initiation distance: FID) conducted with the Oregon Spotted Frog population co-occurring with bullfrogs first demonstrated that FID of recently metamorphosed bullfrogs is consistently greater than that of recently metamorphosed Oregon Spotted Frogs. Further, examination of FID across all post-metamorphic age classes of Oregon Spotted Frogs revealed that older frogs do not allow as close approach as recently metamorphosed Oregon Spotted Frogs. This age class shift in FID did not occur in the Oregon Spotted Frog population not exposed to bullfrogs. In the latter population, FID did not differ among age classes. Since the bullfrog might be driving this age-based change in anti-predator behavior, I explored the variation in strike distance of bullfrogs from the site of co-occurrence in both the field and laboratory to determine the extent of overlap with Oregon Spotted Frog FID. I found that the bullfrog strike distance significantly overlaps the FID of all ages of Oregon Spotted Frogs from the bullfrog-free site but only that of youngest (recently metamorphosed) frogs at the site of co-occurrence. Older Oregon Spotted Frogs from the site of co-occurrence generally escaped at distances greater than the strike distance of bullfrogs. I also collected > 880 bullfrogs from the site of co-occurrence and analyzed the stomach contents to assess their dietary trends. I found that bullfrogs consume Oregon Spotted Frogs at the site, but do not eat the larger (older) frogs. Moreover, the body size ratio between Oregon Spotted Frogs as prey and bullfrogs as predators suggests that nearly all of the adult size distribution of bullfrogs at Conboy would be incapable of preying on adult Oregon Spotted Frogs. Collectively, these studies strongly suggest that bullfrogs have altered the escape behavior of Oregon Spotted Frogs at Conboy Lake and that most adult Oregon Spotted Frogs at Conboy may have a size-based release from predation by bullfrogs. Implicit in this finding is that bullfrogs may pose a real threat via predation to other Oregon Spotted Frog populations with which they might come into contact where the distribution of bullfrog body sizes differ substantially from that at Conboy Lake. Close

• 437. [Article] Wood density and hydraulic properties of ponderosa pine from the Willamette Valley vs. the Cascade Mountains

  The Willamette Valley (WV) race of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is being widely planted for timber in the Willamette Valley, western Oregon, because it grows in habitats that are either too wet or ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wood density and hydraulic properties of ponderosa pine from the Willamette Valley vs. the Cascade Mountains Author: Bouffier, L. A., Gartner, B. L., Domec, J.-C. The Willamette Valley (WV) race of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is being widely planted for timber in the Willamette Valley, western Oregon, because it grows in habitats that are either too wet or too dry for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Compared to the eastern Cascade Mountains (CM), the WV has 3 to 5 times the annual precipitation and warmer temperatures year around. This study characterized the wood quality of the WV race (4 sites) and the CM (4 sites), and also compared the behavior of their wood for water transport for the living trees (1 site in the WV and 1 site in the CM). The average tree ages at the sites ranged from 30 to 83 years at breast height. Between rings 27 and 31, compared to the CM, the WV had denser wood (0.48 vs. 0.40 g/cm3), denser earlywood (0.41 vs. 0.36 g/cm3), and denser latewood (0.62 vs. 0.50 g/cm3), with no significant differences in mean latewood proportion (about 0.35) or mean growth ring width (about 2.5 mm). The pith-to-bark trend in density differed between regions. In the WV, total wood density, earlywood density, and latewood density decreased slightly with growth ring width, and earlywood density remained unchanged. An additional sample of younger trees (23 years at breast height) from a genetic trial in the WV in which the seed source was the CM, had low density wood in the first few rings (like the CM trees) but had a steady increase in wood density with growth ring number (like the WV trees). Specific conductivity (k) of trunk wood was lower in the WV, consistent with its higher wood density and suggestive that the WV race is more drought-adapted than the CM populations. There was no decline in k from outer to inner sapwood in the WV trees, but a large decline in the CM trees. In water transport experiments, at an applied air pressure of 3.0 MPa, the WV and CM trees had lost 19% and 32% of their k, respectively, again suggesting that the WV trees are slightly more drought-adapted than are the CM trees. At the other applied air pressures tested (0.5, 2.0, 4.0, and 5.0 MPa), there were no significant differences in loss of conductivity between the two sites. Trunk wood from breast height had a 50% loss of k at 3.3-3.6 MPa. The loss of relative water content (100% - RWC) was about the same in both sites, except at 4.0 MPa, in which the CM trees had a larger loss of RWC than the WV trees. More work is needed on physiology to better understand the wood density/water transport relations. Ponderosa pine may be more interesting to study than other species because the earlywood, which transports most of the water, shows substantial density differences between geographic regions. Title: Wood density and hydraulic properties of ponderosa pine from the Willamette Valley vs. the Cascade Mountains Author: Bouffier, L. A., Gartner, B. L., Domec, J.-C. The Willamette Valley (WV) race of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is being widely planted for timber in the Willamette Valley, western Oregon, because it grows in habitats that are either too wet or too dry for Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). Compared to the eastern Cascade Mountains (CM), the WV has 3 to 5 times the annual precipitation and warmer temperatures year around. This study characterized the wood quality of the WV race (4 sites) and the CM (4 sites), and also compared the behavior of their wood for water transport for the living trees (1 site in the WV and 1 site in the CM). The average tree ages at the sites ranged from 30 to 83 years at breast height. Between rings 27 and 31, compared to the CM, the WV had denser wood (0.48 vs. 0.40 g/cm3), denser earlywood (0.41 vs. 0.36 g/cm3), and denser latewood (0.62 vs. 0.50 g/cm3), with no significant differences in mean latewood proportion (about 0.35) or mean growth ring width (about 2.5 mm). The pith-to-bark trend in density differed between regions. In the WV, total wood density, earlywood density, and latewood density decreased slightly with growth ring width, and earlywood density remained unchanged. An additional sample of younger trees (23 years at breast height) from a genetic trial in the WV in which the seed source was the CM, had low density wood in the first few rings (like the CM trees) but had a steady increase in wood density with growth ring number (like the WV trees). Specific conductivity (k) of trunk wood was lower in the WV, consistent with its higher wood density and suggestive that the WV race is more drought-adapted than the CM populations. There was no decline in k from outer to inner sapwood in the WV trees, but a large decline in the CM trees. In water transport experiments, at an applied air pressure of 3.0 MPa, the WV and CM trees had lost 19% and 32% of their k, respectively, again suggesting that the WV trees are slightly more drought-adapted than are the CM trees. At the other applied air pressures tested (0.5, 2.0, 4.0, and 5.0 MPa), there were no significant differences in loss of conductivity between the two sites. Trunk wood from breast height had a 50% loss of k at 3.3-3.6 MPa. The loss of relative water content (100% - RWC) was about the same in both sites, except at 4.0 MPa, in which the CM trees had a larger loss of RWC than the WV trees. More work is needed on physiology to better understand the wood density/water transport relations. Ponderosa pine may be more interesting to study than other species because the earlywood, which transports most of the water, shows substantial density differences between geographic regions. Close

• 438. [Article] Carbon balance on federal forest lands of Western Oregon and Washington: The impact of the Northwest Forest Plan

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Carbon balance on federal forest lands of Western Oregon and Washington: The impact of the Northwest Forest Plan Author: Schnekenburger, Frank, Harmon, Mark E., Krankina, Olga N., Sierra, Carlos A. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Title: Carbon balance on federal forest lands of Western Oregon and Washington: The impact of the Northwest Forest Plan Author: Schnekenburger, Frank, Harmon, Mark E., Krankina, Olga N., Sierra, Carlos A. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Close

• 439. [Article] Environmental impacts on native bumble bee pollinators in an agricultural landscape of western Oregon

  Bumble bees provide vital pollination services in both native and agricultural landscapes. However, in recent years, bumble bee populations have experienced global population declines. The primary causes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Environmental impacts on native bumble bee pollinators in an agricultural landscape of western Oregon Author: Skyrm, Kimberly M. Bumble bees provide vital pollination services in both native and agricultural landscapes. However, in recent years, bumble bee populations have experienced global population declines. The primary causes of these declines have been attributed to the environmental impacts of pathogens, pesticide use and habitat fragmentation. While research has examined the impacts of pathogens, there is limited information on the effects of pesticides and habitat fragmentation on native bumble bees. Hence, the objectives of my dissertation research were to: 1) assess the toxicological impacts of pesticides used in two important bee-pollinated crops on queens and workers; 2) determine the impacts of forage resource availability on bumble bee colonies; 3) examine pollen foraging behavior of bumble bees in a late season mass-flowering agricultural landscape; and 4) document observations on trends towards bivoltinism in three western North American bumble bees. This research was conducted in the lab using wild and lab reared colonies, and in an agricultural landscape in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. In pesticide bioassays the impacts of residual toxicity of five classes of pesticides used in highbush blueberry and red clover cropping systems, were tested on queen and worker bumble bees, respectively. The results indicated variation in responses to the same insecticide by queens and workers, and to the same class of compounds by workers. Also, toxic effects were documented for both queens and workers to pesticides considered to be "safe" for bees. The impacts of forage resource availability were evaluated by exposing bumble bee colonies to four quantities of pollen, four quantities of nectar and three feeding frequencies of pollen. The study documented an inverse relationship between larvae and workers to resource type and availability. In addition, the type of larval mortality displayed by colonies, larval ejection or within clump mortality, was dependent on worker mortality. The individual and colony-level pollen foraging behavior of bumble bees was examined by placing colonies in red clover. Observations in the field on forager abundance, and at the colony-level on the duration and number of pollen trips and weight of stored pollen documented that red clover is an important resource for bumble bees. Pollen analysis revealed that in addition to red clover, Himalayan blackberry was also a key forage resource for bumble bees. Red clover resources at the end of the season may also benefit bumble bees by allowing for the creation of a second generation. Observations on both field and lab-reared queens document a trend towards bivoltinism in three species of western North American bumble bees. Agricultural habitats are vital for sustaining bumble bee populations. However, given the potential for pesticide impacts and temporal availability of flowering plants, these landscapes must be managed to provide maximum benefit to bumble bees. Results from this research should assist growers and researchers in developing landscape management and production practices geared toward the conservation and enhancement of native Bombus spp. populations in western Oregon. Title: Environmental impacts on native bumble bee pollinators in an agricultural landscape of western Oregon Author: Skyrm, Kimberly M. Bumble bees provide vital pollination services in both native and agricultural landscapes. However, in recent years, bumble bee populations have experienced global population declines. The primary causes of these declines have been attributed to the environmental impacts of pathogens, pesticide use and habitat fragmentation. While research has examined the impacts of pathogens, there is limited information on the effects of pesticides and habitat fragmentation on native bumble bees. Hence, the objectives of my dissertation research were to: 1) assess the toxicological impacts of pesticides used in two important bee-pollinated crops on queens and workers; 2) determine the impacts of forage resource availability on bumble bee colonies; 3) examine pollen foraging behavior of bumble bees in a late season mass-flowering agricultural landscape; and 4) document observations on trends towards bivoltinism in three western North American bumble bees. This research was conducted in the lab using wild and lab reared colonies, and in an agricultural landscape in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. In pesticide bioassays the impacts of residual toxicity of five classes of pesticides used in highbush blueberry and red clover cropping systems, were tested on queen and worker bumble bees, respectively. The results indicated variation in responses to the same insecticide by queens and workers, and to the same class of compounds by workers. Also, toxic effects were documented for both queens and workers to pesticides considered to be "safe" for bees. The impacts of forage resource availability were evaluated by exposing bumble bee colonies to four quantities of pollen, four quantities of nectar and three feeding frequencies of pollen. The study documented an inverse relationship between larvae and workers to resource type and availability. In addition, the type of larval mortality displayed by colonies, larval ejection or within clump mortality, was dependent on worker mortality. The individual and colony-level pollen foraging behavior of bumble bees was examined by placing colonies in red clover. Observations in the field on forager abundance, and at the colony-level on the duration and number of pollen trips and weight of stored pollen documented that red clover is an important resource for bumble bees. Pollen analysis revealed that in addition to red clover, Himalayan blackberry was also a key forage resource for bumble bees. Red clover resources at the end of the season may also benefit bumble bees by allowing for the creation of a second generation. Observations on both field and lab-reared queens document a trend towards bivoltinism in three species of western North American bumble bees. Agricultural habitats are vital for sustaining bumble bee populations. However, given the potential for pesticide impacts and temporal availability of flowering plants, these landscapes must be managed to provide maximum benefit to bumble bees. Results from this research should assist growers and researchers in developing landscape management and production practices geared toward the conservation and enhancement of native Bombus spp. populations in western Oregon. Close

• 440. [Article] Climate, management, and forest type influences on carbon dynamics of West-Coast US forests

  Net uptake of carbon from the atmosphere (net ecosystem production, NEP) is dependent on climate, disturbance history, management practices, forest age, and forest type. To improve understanding of the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Climate, management, and forest type influences on carbon dynamics of West-Coast US forests Author: Hudiburg, Tara M. Net uptake of carbon from the atmosphere (net ecosystem production, NEP) is dependent on climate, disturbance history, management practices, forest age, and forest type. To improve understanding of the influence of these factors on forest carbon flux in the western U.S., a combination of federal inventory data and supplemental ground measurements was used to estimate several important components of NEP in forests in Oregon and Northern California during the 1990’s. The specific components studied were live and dead biomass stores, net primary productivity (NPP), and mortality. In the semi-arid Northern Basin and mesic Coast Range, mean total biomass was 4 and 24 Kg C m-2, and mean NPP was 0.28 and 0.78 Kg C m-2 y-1, respectively. These values were obtained using species- and ecoregionspecific allometric equations and tended to be higher than those obtained from more generalized approaches. There is strong evidence that stand development patterns of biomass accumulation, net primary production, and mortality differ due to climate (ecoregion), management practices (ownership), and forest type. Among those three factors and across the whole region, maximum NPP and dead biomass stores were most influenced by climate, while maximum live biomass stores and mortality were mostly influenced by forest type. Live and dead biomass, NPP, and mortality were most influenced by forest type. Decrease in NPP with age was not general across ecoregions, with no marked decline in old stands (>200 years) in some ecoregions, and in others, the age at which NPP declined was very high (458 years in East Cascades, 325 in Klamath Mountains, 291 in Sierra Nevada). There is high potential for increasing total carbon storage by increasing rotation age and reducing harvest rates in this region. Only 1% of forest plots on private lands were >200 years old, whereas 41% of the plots were greater than 200 years old on public lands. Total carbon stocks could increase from 3.2 Pg C to 7.3 Pg C and NPP could increase from 0.109 Pg C y-1 to .168 Pg C y-1 (a 35% increase) if forests were managed for maximum carbon storage by increasing rotation age. Title: Climate, management, and forest type influences on carbon dynamics of West-Coast US forests Author: Hudiburg, Tara M. Net uptake of carbon from the atmosphere (net ecosystem production, NEP) is dependent on climate, disturbance history, management practices, forest age, and forest type. To improve understanding of the influence of these factors on forest carbon flux in the western U.S., a combination of federal inventory data and supplemental ground measurements was used to estimate several important components of NEP in forests in Oregon and Northern California during the 1990’s. The specific components studied were live and dead biomass stores, net primary productivity (NPP), and mortality. In the semi-arid Northern Basin and mesic Coast Range, mean total biomass was 4 and 24 Kg C m-2, and mean NPP was 0.28 and 0.78 Kg C m-2 y-1, respectively. These values were obtained using species- and ecoregionspecific allometric equations and tended to be higher than those obtained from more generalized approaches. There is strong evidence that stand development patterns of biomass accumulation, net primary production, and mortality differ due to climate (ecoregion), management practices (ownership), and forest type. Among those three factors and across the whole region, maximum NPP and dead biomass stores were most influenced by climate, while maximum live biomass stores and mortality were mostly influenced by forest type. Live and dead biomass, NPP, and mortality were most influenced by forest type. Decrease in NPP with age was not general across ecoregions, with no marked decline in old stands (>200 years) in some ecoregions, and in others, the age at which NPP declined was very high (458 years in East Cascades, 325 in Klamath Mountains, 291 in Sierra Nevada). There is high potential for increasing total carbon storage by increasing rotation age and reducing harvest rates in this region. Only 1% of forest plots on private lands were >200 years old, whereas 41% of the plots were greater than 200 years old on public lands. Total carbon stocks could increase from 3.2 Pg C to 7.3 Pg C and NPP could increase from 0.109 Pg C y-1 to .168 Pg C y-1 (a 35% increase) if forests were managed for maximum carbon storage by increasing rotation age. Close

• 441. [Article] Population biology of rare mariposa lilies (Calochortus: Liliaceae) endemic to serpentine soils in southwestern Oregon

  Population dynamics, plant communities, and abiotic environments of three narrowly endemic, allopatric mariposa lilies (Calochortus Pursh) are described and compared. All were restricted to ultramafic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Population biology of rare mariposa lilies (Calochortus: Liliaceae) endemic to serpentine soils in southwestern Oregon Author: Fredricks, Nancy Ann Population dynamics, plant communities, and abiotic environments of three narrowly endemic, allopatric mariposa lilies (Calochortus Pursh) are described and compared. All were restricted to ultramafic soils in southwestern Oregon with high concentrations of nickel, zinc, and chromium, and low calcium to magnesium ratios. Soils inhabited by the three species differed significantly (p < 0.0001) in pH and in concentrations of nickel, cadmium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vanadium, molybdenum, strontium, and phosphorus. During a nine-year demographic study of Calochortus howellii Watson, reproduction, recruitment, and mortality were evaluated, and possible limiting factors and causes of rarity were investigated. Reproduction fluctuates widely from year to year, with bud production correlated with spring (February to May) precipitation (r² = 0.80, n = 9, p = 0.01). Recruitment and mortality were low and episodic, averaging 3.0% and 2.0%, respectively over 7 years. Capsule production averaged 3.8% during 1987 to 1991, declining from 17.8% the previous 4 years. Growth rates, particularly of seedlings, were extremely slow. Using size-classified transition matrices, changes in population structure and stability were assessed. Three methods of classifying data for transition matrix analysis yielded similar results in equilibrium population growth rates; based on all analyses, the study population was stable ([lambda] = 1.0). Taxonomically very distinct, yet only recently discovered, C. umpquaensis Fredricks and C. coxii Godfrey & Callahan are serpentine endemics known from limited distributions. Despite its narrow edaphic restriction, C. umpquaensis occurs locally within a wide range of habitats from meadows to forests. Based on a four-year study of C. umpquaensis, bud production was highest, plants were most dense, and on average were larger in the ecotone habitat. Equilibrium population growth rates were slightly lower in the meadow habitat. Low capsule production and seedset, low recruitment, high mortality, and declining population trends ([lambda] = 0.9) indicate that C. coxii should be carefully monitored. The probability of local extinction of this taxon is high, if the years studied are typical. Title: Population biology of rare mariposa lilies (Calochortus: Liliaceae) endemic to serpentine soils in southwestern Oregon Author: Fredricks, Nancy Ann Population dynamics, plant communities, and abiotic environments of three narrowly endemic, allopatric mariposa lilies (Calochortus Pursh) are described and compared. All were restricted to ultramafic soils in southwestern Oregon with high concentrations of nickel, zinc, and chromium, and low calcium to magnesium ratios. Soils inhabited by the three species differed significantly (p < 0.0001) in pH and in concentrations of nickel, cadmium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vanadium, molybdenum, strontium, and phosphorus. During a nine-year demographic study of Calochortus howellii Watson, reproduction, recruitment, and mortality were evaluated, and possible limiting factors and causes of rarity were investigated. Reproduction fluctuates widely from year to year, with bud production correlated with spring (February to May) precipitation (r² = 0.80, n = 9, p = 0.01). Recruitment and mortality were low and episodic, averaging 3.0% and 2.0%, respectively over 7 years. Capsule production averaged 3.8% during 1987 to 1991, declining from 17.8% the previous 4 years. Growth rates, particularly of seedlings, were extremely slow. Using size-classified transition matrices, changes in population structure and stability were assessed. Three methods of classifying data for transition matrix analysis yielded similar results in equilibrium population growth rates; based on all analyses, the study population was stable ([lambda] = 1.0). Taxonomically very distinct, yet only recently discovered, C. umpquaensis Fredricks and C. coxii Godfrey & Callahan are serpentine endemics known from limited distributions. Despite its narrow edaphic restriction, C. umpquaensis occurs locally within a wide range of habitats from meadows to forests. Based on a four-year study of C. umpquaensis, bud production was highest, plants were most dense, and on average were larger in the ecotone habitat. Equilibrium population growth rates were slightly lower in the meadow habitat. Low capsule production and seedset, low recruitment, high mortality, and declining population trends ([lambda] = 0.9) indicate that C. coxii should be carefully monitored. The probability of local extinction of this taxon is high, if the years studied are typical. Close

• 442. [Article] Tree Vigor Response and Competitive Zone Density in Mature Ponderosa Pine

  This study explored the relationship of mature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) tree vigor and competitive zone density following thinning and fuel reduction treatments. Competitive zone ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Tree Vigor Response and Competitive Zone Density in Mature Ponderosa Pine Author: Shaw, Randi C. This study explored the relationship of mature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) tree vigor and competitive zone density following thinning and fuel reduction treatments. Competitive zone density (CZD) was defined as the total tree basal area (m²/ha) surrounding a given ponderosa pine tree within a 10m fixed radius plot. The vigor of 60 trees were observed at two separate mature ponderosa pine stands in south-central Oregon, Lookout Mountain (LM), and Sycan Marsh (SY). Tree vigor response was measured using three physiological metrics: xylem sap flow (kg/day), bole water potential (MPa), and resin exudation (ml/day). Dominant and co-dominant pines were chosen across the available range of CZD at each site. Data were collected over the course of one growing season in 2015, from late June to early October. Sap flow was recorded at four 6-day periods over the season to incorporate the influence of seasonal moisture decline on tree physiological response. Water potential was observed twice, at mid- and late-season. Resin exudation was observed in August to correspond generally with flight periods of various bark beetle species. To account for environmental influences on tree physiology, soil volumetric water content (SWC, m3/m3) was measured approximately every 3-4 weeks and daily potential evapotranspiration (PET) data were obtained from the Western Regional Climate Center’s Remote Access Weather Stations (WRCC RAWS) archives. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model including both environmental and competitive variables. A quadratic relationship between post-thinning CZD and sap flow was evident, indicating a positive but highly variable association up to a threshold of roughly 40 m²/ha. Above this density threshold sap flow declined markedly, suggesting that tree competition becomes an important factor in constraining water resource access in these sites at higher densities. Bole water potential in mature ponderosa pine was also related to CZD at the LM site. Resin exudation showed disparate relationships to CZD by site and may be more directly influenced by factors other than CZD. Overall tree vigor was higher at LM despite comparatively lower SWC, potentially due to the greater size or age of the study trees. The positive correlation of vigor and CZD up to the middle density range implies that there may be facilitative effects of adjacent trees to be considered for mature ponderosa pine, especially when reducing drought vulnerability is a management goal. Title: Tree Vigor Response and Competitive Zone Density in Mature Ponderosa Pine Author: Shaw, Randi C. This study explored the relationship of mature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) tree vigor and competitive zone density following thinning and fuel reduction treatments. Competitive zone density (CZD) was defined as the total tree basal area (m²/ha) surrounding a given ponderosa pine tree within a 10m fixed radius plot. The vigor of 60 trees were observed at two separate mature ponderosa pine stands in south-central Oregon, Lookout Mountain (LM), and Sycan Marsh (SY). Tree vigor response was measured using three physiological metrics: xylem sap flow (kg/day), bole water potential (MPa), and resin exudation (ml/day). Dominant and co-dominant pines were chosen across the available range of CZD at each site. Data were collected over the course of one growing season in 2015, from late June to early October. Sap flow was recorded at four 6-day periods over the season to incorporate the influence of seasonal moisture decline on tree physiological response. Water potential was observed twice, at mid- and late-season. Resin exudation was observed in August to correspond generally with flight periods of various bark beetle species. To account for environmental influences on tree physiology, soil volumetric water content (SWC, m3/m3) was measured approximately every 3-4 weeks and daily potential evapotranspiration (PET) data were obtained from the Western Regional Climate Center’s Remote Access Weather Stations (WRCC RAWS) archives. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model including both environmental and competitive variables. A quadratic relationship between post-thinning CZD and sap flow was evident, indicating a positive but highly variable association up to a threshold of roughly 40 m²/ha. Above this density threshold sap flow declined markedly, suggesting that tree competition becomes an important factor in constraining water resource access in these sites at higher densities. Bole water potential in mature ponderosa pine was also related to CZD at the LM site. Resin exudation showed disparate relationships to CZD by site and may be more directly influenced by factors other than CZD. Overall tree vigor was higher at LM despite comparatively lower SWC, potentially due to the greater size or age of the study trees. The positive correlation of vigor and CZD up to the middle density range implies that there may be facilitative effects of adjacent trees to be considered for mature ponderosa pine, especially when reducing drought vulnerability is a management goal. Close

• 443. [Article] Effects of vegetation and soil organisms on soil nutrient dynamics in subalpine Abies lasiocarpa forests

  The broadest goal of the research covered in this thesis was to contribute to our limited knowledge of high elevation forest soil ecology. Based on the reeds of funding agencies, specific objectives were ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of vegetation and soil organisms on soil nutrient dynamics in subalpine Abies lasiocarpa forests Author: Johnson, Kathleen A., 1955- The broadest goal of the research covered in this thesis was to contribute to our limited knowledge of high elevation forest soil ecology. Based on the reeds of funding agencies, specific objectives were to examine 1) how climate-induced Abies lasiocarpa ([Hook.] Nutt.) forest expansion affects soil nutrient pools, 2) the effects of commonly observed non-ectomycorrhizal fungal endophytes on A. lasiosiocarpa foliar nutrients and 3) how human activity impacts soil foodweb components and associated nutrient dynamics in backcountry recreation areas located in A. lasiocarpa forests. Experimental and observational emphasis was placed on major plant nutrients and the soil organisms that strongly control the storage and cycling of those nutrients. Major plant nutrients were measured in soils collected in Washington and Montana where high elevation A. lasiocarpa forests are expanding into adjacent meadows. Analyses indicated a consistent pattern of meadow-to-forest decline in P and an increase in the ratio of C to N, despite differences in parent material and topography. The increasing C:N ratio likely reflects changes in litter chemistry associated with forest expansion. The decrease in extractable P at the three locations is consistent with estimates of annual P accrual in subalpine forest biomass reported in other studies, supporting a hypothesis that the meadow-to-forest decline represents a shift in P from abiotic to biotic pools. As is typical of the Pinaceae, A. lasiocarpa is known to be ectomycorrhizal, but recent observations by others of seedlings collected in subalpine meadows revealed abundant vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and unidentified, non-ectomycorrhizal, dark-septate endophytes (DSE). Root colonization by thee two endophytes was induced in laboratory-grown seedlings of A. lasiocarpa. In the case of VAM, the presence of a graminoid meadow species grown together with the tree seedlings led to abundant root colonization and increased foliar P. Foliar P in a treatment where growing medium contained DSE fungal inoculum plus organic material was double that in treatments containing one or the other, but not both. Soils from a degraded subalpine recreation site were analyzed to determine whether nutrient limitation or soil foodweb shifts might be a factor in poor site recovery. Samples collected from a severely compacted, devegetated campsite were compared to samples from adjacent undisturbed areas. Disturbance-related shifts were detected in soil nutrient pools and in the soil foodweb. Title: Effects of vegetation and soil organisms on soil nutrient dynamics in subalpine Abies lasiocarpa forests Author: Johnson, Kathleen A., 1955- The broadest goal of the research covered in this thesis was to contribute to our limited knowledge of high elevation forest soil ecology. Based on the reeds of funding agencies, specific objectives were to examine 1) how climate-induced Abies lasiocarpa ([Hook.] Nutt.) forest expansion affects soil nutrient pools, 2) the effects of commonly observed non-ectomycorrhizal fungal endophytes on A. lasiosiocarpa foliar nutrients and 3) how human activity impacts soil foodweb components and associated nutrient dynamics in backcountry recreation areas located in A. lasiocarpa forests. Experimental and observational emphasis was placed on major plant nutrients and the soil organisms that strongly control the storage and cycling of those nutrients. Major plant nutrients were measured in soils collected in Washington and Montana where high elevation A. lasiocarpa forests are expanding into adjacent meadows. Analyses indicated a consistent pattern of meadow-to-forest decline in P and an increase in the ratio of C to N, despite differences in parent material and topography. The increasing C:N ratio likely reflects changes in litter chemistry associated with forest expansion. The decrease in extractable P at the three locations is consistent with estimates of annual P accrual in subalpine forest biomass reported in other studies, supporting a hypothesis that the meadow-to-forest decline represents a shift in P from abiotic to biotic pools. As is typical of the Pinaceae, A. lasiocarpa is known to be ectomycorrhizal, but recent observations by others of seedlings collected in subalpine meadows revealed abundant vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) and unidentified, non-ectomycorrhizal, dark-septate endophytes (DSE). Root colonization by thee two endophytes was induced in laboratory-grown seedlings of A. lasiocarpa. In the case of VAM, the presence of a graminoid meadow species grown together with the tree seedlings led to abundant root colonization and increased foliar P. Foliar P in a treatment where growing medium contained DSE fungal inoculum plus organic material was double that in treatments containing one or the other, but not both. Soils from a degraded subalpine recreation site were analyzed to determine whether nutrient limitation or soil foodweb shifts might be a factor in poor site recovery. Samples collected from a severely compacted, devegetated campsite were compared to samples from adjacent undisturbed areas. Disturbance-related shifts were detected in soil nutrient pools and in the soil foodweb. Close

• 444. [Article] Re‐establishment of the native oyster, Ostrea conchaphila, in Netarts Bay, Oregon, USA

  Olympia oysters, “Ostrea conchaphila,” were once common along the west coast of North America. A popular delicacy, native oyster populations began to decline in the late 1800’s due to over‐harvest, degraded ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Re‐establishment of the native oyster, Ostrea conchaphila, in Netarts Bay, Oregon, USA Author: Archer, Pamela Emily Olympia oysters, “Ostrea conchaphila,” were once common along the west coast of North America. A popular delicacy, native oyster populations began to decline in the late 1800’s due to over‐harvest, degraded water quality, and habitat loss. Interest in re‐establishing the native oyster in a small Oregon estuary, Netarts Bay, culminated in a partnership among The Nature Conservancy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and Oregon State University. This study was designed to assess the reestablishment progress of the Olympia oyster restoration in Netarts Bay along with subsequent impacts of the restoration on eelgrass (“Zostera marina”), an important estuarine species. Two brood years (2005 & 2006) of cultch, consisting of O. conchaphila set on clean “Crassostrea gigas” shell substrate, were outplanted within an extensive, relatively uniform eelgrass bed. Cultch was placed in two experimental locations to determine the effect of cultch cover on native oyster survival, growth, and eelgrass abundance. The percent cover of cultch varied among treatments: “control” (no cultch), “low” (4% cultch cover), “medium” (11% cultch), and “high” (19% cultch). Research objectives were: (1) determination of O. conchaphila density, growth, and reproduction; and (2) quantification of the response of ”Z. marina” abundance and reproduction to cultch cover. Results from 2007 demonstrated that Olympia oysters were capable of growth, reproduction, and recruitment within their former habitat. Cultch cover within treatments did not change throughout the summer and there was minimal shell export out of the experimental location. Oyster size increased from March‐September, 2007: the mean size of the 2005 brood year increased by 10.5 mm, while the 2006 brood year increased by 16.2 mm. Sperm and larvae were found in individuals from both brood years, indicating that oysters were reproductively active. Declines in eelgrass mean percent leaf cover and shoot density were observed with increasing cultch cover. The mean eelgrass percent leaf cover was 15‐22% lower and shoot density was 27‐36% lower in high treatment (19% cultch) plots than in control plots. There were no discernable patterns in the eelgrass response variables of flowering shoot count, blade length, or blade width. The medium treatment (11% cultch), in which oyster densities were statistically similar to the high treatment (19% cultch), did not have statistically significant impacts on eelgrass percent cover or shoot density. We recommend continued testing of the medium treatment (11% cultch), as well as other cultch densities, such as a 50% cultch treatment. Additional monitoring will be needed to determine what, if any, long‐term impacts occur to the eelgrass bed. We also recommend long‐term monitoring of both oysters and eelgrass beds to detect any additional changes at the re‐establishment site. Title: Re‐establishment of the native oyster, Ostrea conchaphila, in Netarts Bay, Oregon, USA Author: Archer, Pamela Emily Olympia oysters, “Ostrea conchaphila,” were once common along the west coast of North America. A popular delicacy, native oyster populations began to decline in the late 1800’s due to over‐harvest, degraded water quality, and habitat loss. Interest in re‐establishing the native oyster in a small Oregon estuary, Netarts Bay, culminated in a partnership among The Nature Conservancy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, and Oregon State University. This study was designed to assess the reestablishment progress of the Olympia oyster restoration in Netarts Bay along with subsequent impacts of the restoration on eelgrass (“Zostera marina”), an important estuarine species. Two brood years (2005 & 2006) of cultch, consisting of O. conchaphila set on clean “Crassostrea gigas” shell substrate, were outplanted within an extensive, relatively uniform eelgrass bed. Cultch was placed in two experimental locations to determine the effect of cultch cover on native oyster survival, growth, and eelgrass abundance. The percent cover of cultch varied among treatments: “control” (no cultch), “low” (4% cultch cover), “medium” (11% cultch), and “high” (19% cultch). Research objectives were: (1) determination of O. conchaphila density, growth, and reproduction; and (2) quantification of the response of ”Z. marina” abundance and reproduction to cultch cover. Results from 2007 demonstrated that Olympia oysters were capable of growth, reproduction, and recruitment within their former habitat. Cultch cover within treatments did not change throughout the summer and there was minimal shell export out of the experimental location. Oyster size increased from March‐September, 2007: the mean size of the 2005 brood year increased by 10.5 mm, while the 2006 brood year increased by 16.2 mm. Sperm and larvae were found in individuals from both brood years, indicating that oysters were reproductively active. Declines in eelgrass mean percent leaf cover and shoot density were observed with increasing cultch cover. The mean eelgrass percent leaf cover was 15‐22% lower and shoot density was 27‐36% lower in high treatment (19% cultch) plots than in control plots. There were no discernable patterns in the eelgrass response variables of flowering shoot count, blade length, or blade width. The medium treatment (11% cultch), in which oyster densities were statistically similar to the high treatment (19% cultch), did not have statistically significant impacts on eelgrass percent cover or shoot density. We recommend continued testing of the medium treatment (11% cultch), as well as other cultch densities, such as a 50% cultch treatment. Additional monitoring will be needed to determine what, if any, long‐term impacts occur to the eelgrass bed. We also recommend long‐term monitoring of both oysters and eelgrass beds to detect any additional changes at the re‐establishment site. Close

• 445. [Article] Conditioning of northern Great Basin grasses with livestock grazing

  Because forage quality of cool season grasses declines to sub-maintenance levels for ruminants late in the growing season in the northern Great Basin, there is a need to elevate protein levels and digestibility ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conditioning of northern Great Basin grasses with livestock grazing Author: Aguilera, Lisa M. Because forage quality of cool season grasses declines to sub-maintenance levels for ruminants late in the growing season in the northern Great Basin, there is a need to elevate protein levels and digestibility of grasses for both wild and domestic ruminants in late summer. Anderson and Scherzinger (1975) proposed using livestock forage conditioning early in the growing season to elevate forage quality of grasses for use later in the year. We tested their forage conditioning hypothesis among 6 grasses with cattle grazing applied at 3 stages in phenology (vegetative, boot, and anthesis) on the Northern Great Basin Experimental Range near Burns, Oregon. Forage quality of regrowth was compared among grazing treatments and with herbage from grasses rested throughout the growing season (ungrazed controls). Indices were: crude protein, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and yield sampled in late July and early September of 1997 and 1998. Grasses included: crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fischer ex Link) Schultes), bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith), bottlebrush squirreltail (Sitanion hysterix (Nutt.) J.G.Smith), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer), Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper), and basin wildrye (Elymus cinereus Scribn. & Merr). In both years,grasses showed the expected seasonal decline in forage quality (CP and IVDMD) as the season advanced. A positive response to conditioning occurred with crude protein of regrowth (x = 7.2 %) in 1997 with a treatment x species interaction (P< 0.003) and in 1998 (x = 4.6 %) with a significant treatment effect (P<0.001). In vitro dry matter digestibility of regrowth increased for boot and anthesis grazing treatments in 1997 (x = 50.4 %) (P<0.008), and for vegetative and boot grazing treatments in July samples of 1998 (x = 43.0 %) (P<0.007). Soil moisture content when grasses were grazed was a poor predictor of subsequent regrowth yields. In conclusion, forage-conditioning efforts appeared to be more successful in the drier of the 2 years. Bottlebrush squirreltail and Thurber needlegrass responded most favorably to forage conditioning treatments, while Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass exhibited the fewest favorable responses. Title: Conditioning of northern Great Basin grasses with livestock grazing Author: Aguilera, Lisa M. Because forage quality of cool season grasses declines to sub-maintenance levels for ruminants late in the growing season in the northern Great Basin, there is a need to elevate protein levels and digestibility of grasses for both wild and domestic ruminants in late summer. Anderson and Scherzinger (1975) proposed using livestock forage conditioning early in the growing season to elevate forage quality of grasses for use later in the year. We tested their forage conditioning hypothesis among 6 grasses with cattle grazing applied at 3 stages in phenology (vegetative, boot, and anthesis) on the Northern Great Basin Experimental Range near Burns, Oregon. Forage quality of regrowth was compared among grazing treatments and with herbage from grasses rested throughout the growing season (ungrazed controls). Indices were: crude protein, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and yield sampled in late July and early September of 1997 and 1998. Grasses included: crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fischer ex Link) Schultes), bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum (Pursh) Scribn. & Smith), bottlebrush squirreltail (Sitanion hysterix (Nutt.) J.G.Smith), Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis Elmer), Thurber needlegrass (Stipa thurberiana Piper), and basin wildrye (Elymus cinereus Scribn. & Merr). In both years,grasses showed the expected seasonal decline in forage quality (CP and IVDMD) as the season advanced. A positive response to conditioning occurred with crude protein of regrowth (x = 7.2 %) in 1997 with a treatment x species interaction (P< 0.003) and in 1998 (x = 4.6 %) with a significant treatment effect (P<0.001). In vitro dry matter digestibility of regrowth increased for boot and anthesis grazing treatments in 1997 (x = 50.4 %) (P<0.008), and for vegetative and boot grazing treatments in July samples of 1998 (x = 43.0 %) (P<0.007). Soil moisture content when grasses were grazed was a poor predictor of subsequent regrowth yields. In conclusion, forage-conditioning efforts appeared to be more successful in the drier of the 2 years. Bottlebrush squirreltail and Thurber needlegrass responded most favorably to forage conditioning treatments, while Idaho fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass exhibited the fewest favorable responses. Close

• 446. [Article] Status of Oregon Stocks of Coho Salmon, 2004 through 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-3

  Abstract -- This report summarizes five years of monitoring status and trend in Oregon’s naturally spawning coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations. The five coho run years reported are 2004 through ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Oregon Stocks of Coho Salmon, 2004 through 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-3 Abstract -- This report summarizes five years of monitoring status and trend in Oregon’s naturally spawning coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations. The five coho run years reported are 2004 through 2008. Monitoring results include: abundance of naturally spawning coho; density of spawning coho; coho spawn timing; and proportion of hatchery (marked) coho in naturally spawning populations. These results are based on data from randomly selected spawning surveys, as well as other methods in areas without adequate random surveys. Results for coho standard spawning surveys, as well as spawning surveys for other species are covered in data summaries and reports posted on an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) web page (see: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ODFW/spawn/index.htm). Monitoring occurs at three hierarchical spatial scales, as defined by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS): Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU); Stratum; and coho Population. There are three coho ESU’s located entirely or partially within the State of Oregon: the Lower Columbia River (LCR) Coho ESU; the Oregon Coast (OC) Coho ESU; and the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts (SONCC) Coho ESU. This report summarizes results for coho populations in the portion of each ESU that is within the State of Oregon. In the Oregon portion of the LCR Coho ESU sufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level three out of the five sampling years. At the population complex scale, yearly precision goals were rarely met. Wild spawner abundance remained fairly stable over the five sampling years; hatchery abundance was more variable. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent at both the stratum and population scale. In the Oregon Coast ESU sufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level in all five sampling years, however at the population scale, precision goals were rarely met. Wild spawner abundance declined over the first four sampling years, but showed a significant increase in the fifth sampling year. The proportion of hatchery fish was generally low, but variable over the five sampling years. Only two populations, Salmon River and North Umpqua River, consistently had over 10% hatchery fish on the spawning grounds. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent. Inadequate funding and the need to update the GRTS sampling frame continue to hamper monitoring of the Oregon portion of the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts Coho ESU. In the Oregon portion of the ESU insufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level in any of the four years when GRTS surveys were done. However, estimates of wild coho spawners were obtained in all five years based on Huntley Park seining. Wild coho spawner abundance declined substantially over the five run years; but the proportion of hatchery coho spawning naturally was fairly low and stable. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent. Title: Status of Oregon Stocks of Coho Salmon, 2004 through 2008 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2009-3 Abstract -- This report summarizes five years of monitoring status and trend in Oregon’s naturally spawning coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations. The five coho run years reported are 2004 through 2008. Monitoring results include: abundance of naturally spawning coho; density of spawning coho; coho spawn timing; and proportion of hatchery (marked) coho in naturally spawning populations. These results are based on data from randomly selected spawning surveys, as well as other methods in areas without adequate random surveys. Results for coho standard spawning surveys, as well as spawning surveys for other species are covered in data summaries and reports posted on an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) web page (see: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ODFW/spawn/index.htm). Monitoring occurs at three hierarchical spatial scales, as defined by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS): Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU); Stratum; and coho Population. There are three coho ESU’s located entirely or partially within the State of Oregon: the Lower Columbia River (LCR) Coho ESU; the Oregon Coast (OC) Coho ESU; and the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts (SONCC) Coho ESU. This report summarizes results for coho populations in the portion of each ESU that is within the State of Oregon. In the Oregon portion of the LCR Coho ESU sufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level three out of the five sampling years. At the population complex scale, yearly precision goals were rarely met. Wild spawner abundance remained fairly stable over the five sampling years; hatchery abundance was more variable. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent at both the stratum and population scale. In the Oregon Coast ESU sufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level in all five sampling years, however at the population scale, precision goals were rarely met. Wild spawner abundance declined over the first four sampling years, but showed a significant increase in the fifth sampling year. The proportion of hatchery fish was generally low, but variable over the five sampling years. Only two populations, Salmon River and North Umpqua River, consistently had over 10% hatchery fish on the spawning grounds. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent. Inadequate funding and the need to update the GRTS sampling frame continue to hamper monitoring of the Oregon portion of the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coasts Coho ESU. In the Oregon portion of the ESU insufficient surveys were conducted to meet precision goals at the ESU level in any of the four years when GRTS surveys were done. However, estimates of wild coho spawners were obtained in all five years based on Huntley Park seining. Wild coho spawner abundance declined substantially over the five run years; but the proportion of hatchery coho spawning naturally was fairly low and stable. Regional patterns in fish distribution, spawn timing, and hatchery proportion are apparent. Close

• 447. [Article] Comparing Twenty-Four Years of Forest Change in Two Communities of Mexico's Meseta Purépecha Using Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery

  The Meseta Purepecha, a volcanic plateau in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is home to one of the most species-rich pine forests in the world. Recent increases in demand for forest products has put added ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing Twenty-Four Years of Forest Change in Two Communities of Mexico's Meseta Purépecha Using Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery Author: Martin, Kevin Scott Year: 2004 The Meseta Purepecha, a volcanic plateau in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is home to one of the most species-rich pine forests in the world. Recent increases in demand for forest products has put added pressure on these resources. Though existing research has suggested significant deforestation in the Meseta, there is little information identifying specific areas of decline. This study focuses on two indigenous communities in the Meseta-Pichataro and Sevina. Both communities have long relied on wood as an economic resource. However, the two communities have reacted differently to increased demand for forest resources. The purpose of this study is to identify the differences in the rate and extent of forest change between Pichataro and Sevina. Three dates of Landsat satellite images - 1976, 1986, and 2000-were used to identify changes in the Meseta's forests. Supervised classification was used to classify the 2000 image into forested and non-forested areas. Change detection was performed on the 1976 through 2000 images to identify areas of forest clearing and forest regrowth. The 2000 image was then used as a reference for generating maps of historic forest extent based on the change detection results. Results show that between 1986 and 2000, Sevina cleared approximately 16% of its forested land between while Pichataro experienced a net gain of 7%. In the same period, 93% of the deforestation in the combined study area occurred within the community boundary of Sevina, which manages only 35% of the study area forests. Sevina's remaining forests are also more isolated and fragmented than the forests of Pichataro. The differences between the two communities appear related to management practices. Sevina has relied on larger-scale timber harvesting to derive economic benefits from its forests. Pichataro has focused on local harvesting and value-added production. Title: Comparing Twenty-Four Years of Forest Change in Two Communities of Mexico's Meseta Purépecha Using Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery Author: Martin, Kevin Scott Year: 2004 The Meseta Purepecha, a volcanic plateau in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is home to one of the most species-rich pine forests in the world. Recent increases in demand for forest products has put added pressure on these resources. Though existing research has suggested significant deforestation in the Meseta, there is little information identifying specific areas of decline. This study focuses on two indigenous communities in the Meseta-Pichataro and Sevina. Both communities have long relied on wood as an economic resource. However, the two communities have reacted differently to increased demand for forest resources. The purpose of this study is to identify the differences in the rate and extent of forest change between Pichataro and Sevina. Three dates of Landsat satellite images - 1976, 1986, and 2000-were used to identify changes in the Meseta's forests. Supervised classification was used to classify the 2000 image into forested and non-forested areas. Change detection was performed on the 1976 through 2000 images to identify areas of forest clearing and forest regrowth. The 2000 image was then used as a reference for generating maps of historic forest extent based on the change detection results. Results show that between 1986 and 2000, Sevina cleared approximately 16% of its forested land between while Pichataro experienced a net gain of 7%. In the same period, 93% of the deforestation in the combined study area occurred within the community boundary of Sevina, which manages only 35% of the study area forests. Sevina's remaining forests are also more isolated and fragmented than the forests of Pichataro. The differences between the two communities appear related to management practices. Sevina has relied on larger-scale timber harvesting to derive economic benefits from its forests. Pichataro has focused on local harvesting and value-added production. Close

• 448. [Article] Body Size, Nest Predation, and Reproductive Patterns in Brown Thrashers and Other Mimids

  We describe the breeding biology of Brown Thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) in Kansas, and combine this with data from other temperate-zone breeding Mimidae to characterize reproductive patterns in this group. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Body Size, Nest Predation, and Reproductive Patterns in Brown Thrashers and Other Mimids Author: Murphy, Michael T., Fleischer, Robert C. Year: 1986 We describe the breeding biology of Brown Thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) in Kansas, and combine this with data from other temperate-zone breeding Mimidae to characterize reproductive patterns in this group. Brown Thrashers produced clutches of 3 to 6 eggs, but clutches of 4 predominated. Most pairs raised 2 broods per year. Incubation required between 13 and 14 days, and hatching was usually asynchronous. Though sample size was small, asynchrony appeared to increase in frequency towards the end of the breeding season. Nestlings grew rapidly, and in 10 days or less most pre-fledgingg rowthw as completed. Young fledgedn ormallya t 11 days of age at 65% of aduli weight, but with the tarsi near adult size. Nestlings starved in 27% of nests, but predators were responsible for most nest failures. Overall nest success was 43%. Brown Thrashers are typical of other temperate-zone mimids. Modal clutch sizes are of either 3 or 4 eggs and all species are multi-brooded. Mimids from the southwestern United States and Mexico lay normally 3 egg clutches, but elsewhere 4 eggs are most common. Incubation length and nestling growth rate vary significantly with adult weight, but on average, incubation is 3 days shorter and nestlings grow 36% faster than predicted. Relative incubation length and relative fledging weight both declined significantly with adult weight, whereas daily nest mortality rate increased significantly with adult size. Although our data are consistent with the hypothesis that heavy nest predation has favored rapid nestling growth and completion of development outside of the nest, rapid growth may also function in brood reduction. Present data are insufficient to exclude conclusively either factor in the evolution of rapid development in mimids. Title: Body Size, Nest Predation, and Reproductive Patterns in Brown Thrashers and Other Mimids Author: Murphy, Michael T., Fleischer, Robert C. Year: 1986 We describe the breeding biology of Brown Thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) in Kansas, and combine this with data from other temperate-zone breeding Mimidae to characterize reproductive patterns in this group. Brown Thrashers produced clutches of 3 to 6 eggs, but clutches of 4 predominated. Most pairs raised 2 broods per year. Incubation required between 13 and 14 days, and hatching was usually asynchronous. Though sample size was small, asynchrony appeared to increase in frequency towards the end of the breeding season. Nestlings grew rapidly, and in 10 days or less most pre-fledgingg rowthw as completed. Young fledgedn ormallya t 11 days of age at 65% of aduli weight, but with the tarsi near adult size. Nestlings starved in 27% of nests, but predators were responsible for most nest failures. Overall nest success was 43%. Brown Thrashers are typical of other temperate-zone mimids. Modal clutch sizes are of either 3 or 4 eggs and all species are multi-brooded. Mimids from the southwestern United States and Mexico lay normally 3 egg clutches, but elsewhere 4 eggs are most common. Incubation length and nestling growth rate vary significantly with adult weight, but on average, incubation is 3 days shorter and nestlings grow 36% faster than predicted. Relative incubation length and relative fledging weight both declined significantly with adult weight, whereas daily nest mortality rate increased significantly with adult size. Although our data are consistent with the hypothesis that heavy nest predation has favored rapid nestling growth and completion of development outside of the nest, rapid growth may also function in brood reduction. Present data are insufficient to exclude conclusively either factor in the evolution of rapid development in mimids. Close

• 449. [Article] Multimodel Simulations of Forest Harvesting Effects on Long-Term Productivity and CN Cycling in Aspen Forests

  The effects of forest management on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics vary by harvest type and species. We simulated long-term effects of bole-only harvesting of aspen (Populus tremuloides) on ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Multimodel Simulations of Forest Harvesting Effects on Long-Term Productivity and CN Cycling in Aspen Forests Author: Wang, Fugui, Mladenoff, David J., Forrester, Jodi A., Blanco, Juan A., Scheller, Robert M., Peckham, Scott D., Keough, Cindy, Lucash, Melissa S. Year: 2014 The effects of forest management on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics vary by harvest type and species. We simulated long-term effects of bole-only harvesting of aspen (Populus tremuloides) on stand productivity and interaction of CN cycles with a multiple model approach. Five models, Biome-BGC, CENTURY, FORECAST, LANDIS-II with Century-based soil dynamics, and PnET-CN, were run for 350 years with seven harvesting events on nutrient-poor, sandy soils representing northwestern Wisconsin, USA. Twenty CN state and flux variables were summarized from the models' outputs, and statistically analyzed using ordination and variance analysis methods. The multiple models' averages suggest that bole-only harvest would not significantly affect long-term site productivity of aspen, though declines in soil organic matter and soil N were significant. Along with direct N removal by harvesting, extensive leaching after harvesting before canopy closure was another major cause of N depletion. These five models were notably different in output values of the 20 variables examined, although there were some similarities for certain variables. PnET-CN produced unique results for every variable, and CENTURY showed fewer outliers and similar temporal patterns to the mean of all models. In general, this study demonstrated that when there are no site-specific data for fine-scale calibration and evaluation of a single model, the multiple model approach may be a more robust approach for long-term simulations. In addition, multi-modeling may also improve the calibration and evaluation of an individual model. Title: Multimodel Simulations of Forest Harvesting Effects on Long-Term Productivity and CN Cycling in Aspen Forests Author: Wang, Fugui, Mladenoff, David J., Forrester, Jodi A., Blanco, Juan A., Scheller, Robert M., Peckham, Scott D., Keough, Cindy, Lucash, Melissa S. Year: 2014 The effects of forest management on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics vary by harvest type and species. We simulated long-term effects of bole-only harvesting of aspen (Populus tremuloides) on stand productivity and interaction of CN cycles with a multiple model approach. Five models, Biome-BGC, CENTURY, FORECAST, LANDIS-II with Century-based soil dynamics, and PnET-CN, were run for 350 years with seven harvesting events on nutrient-poor, sandy soils representing northwestern Wisconsin, USA. Twenty CN state and flux variables were summarized from the models' outputs, and statistically analyzed using ordination and variance analysis methods. The multiple models' averages suggest that bole-only harvest would not significantly affect long-term site productivity of aspen, though declines in soil organic matter and soil N were significant. Along with direct N removal by harvesting, extensive leaching after harvesting before canopy closure was another major cause of N depletion. These five models were notably different in output values of the 20 variables examined, although there were some similarities for certain variables. PnET-CN produced unique results for every variable, and CENTURY showed fewer outliers and similar temporal patterns to the mean of all models. In general, this study demonstrated that when there are no site-specific data for fine-scale calibration and evaluation of a single model, the multiple model approach may be a more robust approach for long-term simulations. In addition, multi-modeling may also improve the calibration and evaluation of an individual model. Close

• 450. [Article] Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape

  While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape Author: Halofsky, Joshua S., Halofsky, Jessica E., Hemstrom, Miles A., Morzillo, Anita T., Zhou, Xiaoping, Donato, Daniel C. Year: 2017 While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed state-and-transition simulations, we examined projected trends and trade-offs for a suite of ecosystem services under four climate change scenarios and two management scenarios (active management emphasizing fuel treatments and no management other than fire suppression) in a fire-prone landscape of dry and moist mixed-conifer forests in central Oregon, USA. Focal ecosystem services included fire potential (regulating service), timber volume (provisioning service), and potential wildlife habitat (supporting service). Projections without climate change suggested active management in dry mixed-conifer forests would create more open forest structures, reduce crown fire potential, and maintain timber stocks, while in moist mixed-conifer forests, active management would reduce crown fire potential but at the expense of timber stocks. When climate change was considered, however, trends in most ecosystem services changed substantially, with large increases in wildfire area predominating broad-scale trends in outputs, regardless of management approach (e.g., strong declines in timber stocks and habitat for closed-forest wildlife species). Active management still had an influence under a changing climate, but as a moderator of the strong climate-driven trends rather than being a principal driver of ecosystem service outputs. These results suggest projections of future ecosystem services that do not consider climate change may result in unrealistic expectations of benefits. Title: Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape Author: Halofsky, Joshua S., Halofsky, Jessica E., Hemstrom, Miles A., Morzillo, Anita T., Zhou, Xiaoping, Donato, Daniel C. Year: 2017 While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed state-and-transition simulations, we examined projected trends and trade-offs for a suite of ecosystem services under four climate change scenarios and two management scenarios (active management emphasizing fuel treatments and no management other than fire suppression) in a fire-prone landscape of dry and moist mixed-conifer forests in central Oregon, USA. Focal ecosystem services included fire potential (regulating service), timber volume (provisioning service), and potential wildlife habitat (supporting service). Projections without climate change suggested active management in dry mixed-conifer forests would create more open forest structures, reduce crown fire potential, and maintain timber stocks, while in moist mixed-conifer forests, active management would reduce crown fire potential but at the expense of timber stocks. When climate change was considered, however, trends in most ecosystem services changed substantially, with large increases in wildfire area predominating broad-scale trends in outputs, regardless of management approach (e.g., strong declines in timber stocks and habitat for closed-forest wildlife species). Active management still had an influence under a changing climate, but as a moderator of the strong climate-driven trends rather than being a principal driver of ecosystem service outputs. These results suggest projections of future ecosystem services that do not consider climate change may result in unrealistic expectations of benefits. Close

• 451. [Article] Ecological consequences of the expansion of N₂‑fixing plants in cold biomes

  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: Ecological consequences of the expansion of N₂‑fixing plants in cold biomes Author: Aerts, Rien, Myrold, David D., et al., Bühlmann, Tobias, Hiltbrunner, Erika 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/442. Title: Ecological consequences of the expansion of N₂‑fixing plants in cold biomes Author: Aerts, Rien, Myrold, David D., et al., Bühlmann, Tobias, Hiltbrunner, Erika 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/442. Close

• 452. [Article] Heterogeneous Occupancy and Density Estimates of the Pathogenic Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Waters of North America

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Heterogeneous Occupancy and Density Estimates of the Pathogenic Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Waters of North America Author: Popa, Radu, Blaustein, Andrew R., Anderson, Chauncey, et al., Chestnut, Tara To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/. Title: Heterogeneous Occupancy and Density Estimates of the Pathogenic Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Waters of North America Author: Popa, Radu, Blaustein, Andrew R., Anderson, Chauncey, et al., Chestnut, Tara To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/. Close

• 453. [Article] Tropical forest fragmentation limits pollination of a keystone understory herb

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Tropical forest fragmentation limits pollination of a keystone understory herb Author: Hadley, Adam S., Kress, W. John, Frey, Sarah J. K., Robinson, W. Douglas, Betts, Matthew G. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecol. Appendix A-H can be found at: http://www.esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/195/ Title: Tropical forest fragmentation limits pollination of a keystone understory herb Author: Hadley, Adam S., Kress, W. John, Frey, Sarah J. K., Robinson, W. Douglas, Betts, Matthew G. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecol. Appendix A-H can be found at: http://www.esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/195/ Close

• 454. [Article] Development of fukuro funori (Gloiopeltis furcata) breeding reef using an artificial substrate

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of fukuro funori (Gloiopeltis furcata) breeding reef using an artificial substrate Author: Sadayuki, Oka, Ueda, Makoto, Koganezaki, Kiyoto, Watanabe, Kouki, Sasa, Masao, Narumi, Hideto, Shimokura, Masashi, Yoshida, Toru Research Paper Title: Development of fukuro funori (Gloiopeltis furcata) breeding reef using an artificial substrate Author: Sadayuki, Oka, Ueda, Makoto, Koganezaki, Kiyoto, Watanabe, Kouki, Sasa, Masao, Narumi, Hideto, Shimokura, Masashi, Yoshida, Toru Research Paper Close

• 455. [Article] Cormorant harassment to protect juvenile salmonids in Tillamook County, Oregon

  The goal of the Oregon Plan is to restore wild coho and wild steelhead runs. Under the federal Endangered Species Act, wild coho salmon along the Oregon Coast are listed as Threatened and wild Oregon Coast ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Cormorant harassment to protect juvenile salmonids in Tillamook County, Oregon Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947- The goal of the Oregon Plan is to restore wild coho and wild steelhead runs. Under the federal Endangered Species Act, wild coho salmon along the Oregon Coast are listed as Threatened and wild Oregon Coast steelhead are a candidate for listing. Although cormorants have been hazed at the Nehalem Estuary for at least 10 years and at the Tillamook and Nestucca Estuaries for at least three years, spawning ground counts of wild coho salmon, winter steelhead, and fall chinook have averaged less since hazing began. Thus, hazing does not appear to be useful in recovering wild salmonids. Hazing is not correlated with consistently improved hatchery returns. The survival of Coded Wire Tag marked coho smolts at the Nehalem was about the same whether hazing occurred or not, the percent return for coho smolts was not significantly greater at the hazed Nehalem than at the nonhazed Salmon River, and the number of returning adult coho salmon was significantly greater with hazing at the Nehalem hatchery but not at the Trask hatchery in the Tillamook Basin. For winter steelhead, the number of returning adults to the Nehalem and jacks to the Cedar Creek hatchery in the Nestucca Basin did not increase significantly with hazing, but the number of jacks returning to the Nehalem did. Changes in fisheries subsequent to hazing are mixed. Coho catches increased with hazing at the Nehalem but not at the Tillamook Basin. Nehalem steelhead catches averaged less with hazing, but chinook fisheries have grown. However, the increase in chinook catches occurred as the number of wild chinook at spawning areas declined, so the larger catch may be a consequence of a greater harvest of wild chinook rather than hazing. Returns may not have increased with hazing because it was ineffective in substantially reducing predation, because smolts saved by hazing died anyway, or because other factors such as unfavorable ocean conditions may have been much more important in affecting smolt survival than hazing. In any case, hazing does not appear to be a panacea for salmonid recovery, and it has costs. During 1996-1999, the Oregon Legislature spent $100,000 for cormorant hazing, and a biological cost of hazing is the disturbance of wildlife other than cormorants. Title: Cormorant harassment to protect juvenile salmonids in Tillamook County, Oregon Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947- The goal of the Oregon Plan is to restore wild coho and wild steelhead runs. Under the federal Endangered Species Act, wild coho salmon along the Oregon Coast are listed as Threatened and wild Oregon Coast steelhead are a candidate for listing. Although cormorants have been hazed at the Nehalem Estuary for at least 10 years and at the Tillamook and Nestucca Estuaries for at least three years, spawning ground counts of wild coho salmon, winter steelhead, and fall chinook have averaged less since hazing began. Thus, hazing does not appear to be useful in recovering wild salmonids. Hazing is not correlated with consistently improved hatchery returns. The survival of Coded Wire Tag marked coho smolts at the Nehalem was about the same whether hazing occurred or not, the percent return for coho smolts was not significantly greater at the hazed Nehalem than at the nonhazed Salmon River, and the number of returning adult coho salmon was significantly greater with hazing at the Nehalem hatchery but not at the Trask hatchery in the Tillamook Basin. For winter steelhead, the number of returning adults to the Nehalem and jacks to the Cedar Creek hatchery in the Nestucca Basin did not increase significantly with hazing, but the number of jacks returning to the Nehalem did. Changes in fisheries subsequent to hazing are mixed. Coho catches increased with hazing at the Nehalem but not at the Tillamook Basin. Nehalem steelhead catches averaged less with hazing, but chinook fisheries have grown. However, the increase in chinook catches occurred as the number of wild chinook at spawning areas declined, so the larger catch may be a consequence of a greater harvest of wild chinook rather than hazing. Returns may not have increased with hazing because it was ineffective in substantially reducing predation, because smolts saved by hazing died anyway, or because other factors such as unfavorable ocean conditions may have been much more important in affecting smolt survival than hazing. In any case, hazing does not appear to be a panacea for salmonid recovery, and it has costs. During 1996-1999, the Oregon Legislature spent $100,000 for cormorant hazing, and a biological cost of hazing is the disturbance of wildlife other than cormorants. Close

• 456. [Article] Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus <i>Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis</i> Occupancy in Amphibian Habitats

  Chytrid fungi are the most ancestral of the fungi and are global in distribution. There are over 1200 species of Chytridiomycota described from freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems in temperate, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus <i>Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis</i> Occupancy in Amphibian Habitats Author: Chestnut, Tara Year: 2013 Chytrid fungi are the most ancestral of the fungi and are global in distribution. There are over 1200 species of Chytridiomycota described from freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems in temperate, tropical and tundra environments. Chytridiales are characterized by a range of morphologies and share the flask- or pot-like shape of the zoosporangia, within which motile zoospores develop. Chytrids function primarily as plant saprobes and parasites, but some also parasitize animals. Chytrids are observed in conjunction with the decline of freshwater and marine algal blooms, they decompose excess pollen, and comprise the fungal flora in gut of herbivores. Some chytrids also parasitize micro-invertebrates, insects and amphibians. The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the only chytrid known to infect a vertebrate host. Bd exists free-living in the aquatic environment. Lab experiments have demonstrated Bd survival on sterilized moist sand for up to three months and it remained infective in lake water for up to seven weeks. Bd cultures can be maintained under lab conditions for several months (personal observation), which suggests Bd can survive in the environment without a host as long as nutrients are not limiting. In the aquatic environment, Bd is detected by filtering water samples to capture free-living zoospores and zoosporangia then performing a qPCR analysis. Bd has not been reliably isolated from sediments. The goal of our research was to study free-living Bd in amphibian habitats to better understand its ecology and host-pathogen dynamics. Title: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Amphibian Chytrid Fungus <i>Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis</i> Occupancy in Amphibian Habitats Author: Chestnut, Tara Year: 2013 Chytrid fungi are the most ancestral of the fungi and are global in distribution. There are over 1200 species of Chytridiomycota described from freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems in temperate, tropical and tundra environments. Chytridiales are characterized by a range of morphologies and share the flask- or pot-like shape of the zoosporangia, within which motile zoospores develop. Chytrids function primarily as plant saprobes and parasites, but some also parasitize animals. Chytrids are observed in conjunction with the decline of freshwater and marine algal blooms, they decompose excess pollen, and comprise the fungal flora in gut of herbivores. Some chytrids also parasitize micro-invertebrates, insects and amphibians. The amphibian chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the only chytrid known to infect a vertebrate host. Bd exists free-living in the aquatic environment. Lab experiments have demonstrated Bd survival on sterilized moist sand for up to three months and it remained infective in lake water for up to seven weeks. Bd cultures can be maintained under lab conditions for several months (personal observation), which suggests Bd can survive in the environment without a host as long as nutrients are not limiting. In the aquatic environment, Bd is detected by filtering water samples to capture free-living zoospores and zoosporangia then performing a qPCR analysis. Bd has not been reliably isolated from sediments. The goal of our research was to study free-living Bd in amphibian habitats to better understand its ecology and host-pathogen dynamics. Close

• 457. [Article] The effect of local stand structure on growth and growth efficiency in heterogeneous stands of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in central Oregon

  Basal area and height growth were analyzed for individual trees in uneven-aged ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud.) stands in central Oregon. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effect of local stand structure on growth and growth efficiency in heterogeneous stands of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in central Oregon Author: Mainwaring, Douglas B., Maguire, Douglas A. (Douglas Alan) Basal area and height growth were analyzed for individual trees in uneven-aged ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud.) stands in central Oregon. Basal area growth was modeled as a function of other stand and tree variables to address three general objectives: (1) to compare the predictive ability of distance-dependent versus distance-independent stand density variables; (2) to determine the degree to which small trees negatively affect the growth of overstory trees; and (3) to test for differences in growth efficiency between species and between indices of spatial occupancy used to define efficiency (area potentially available, crown projection area, and a surrogate for total tree leaf area). Distance-dependent variables were found to improve growth predictions when added to models with only distance-independent variables, and small trees were found to have a quantifiably negative effect on the growth of larger trees. While volume growth efficiency declined with increasing levels of spatial occupancy for lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine volume growth efficiency was greatest at the highest levels of crown base sapwood area and crown projection area. The behavior in ponderosa pine resulted from the previously recognized correlation between tree height and total leaf area or crown size. The final statistical models distinguished between the positive effect of relative height and the negative effect of increasing tree size. Title: The effect of local stand structure on growth and growth efficiency in heterogeneous stands of ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine in central Oregon Author: Mainwaring, Douglas B., Maguire, Douglas A. (Douglas Alan) Basal area and height growth were analyzed for individual trees in uneven-aged ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud.) stands in central Oregon. Basal area growth was modeled as a function of other stand and tree variables to address three general objectives: (1) to compare the predictive ability of distance-dependent versus distance-independent stand density variables; (2) to determine the degree to which small trees negatively affect the growth of overstory trees; and (3) to test for differences in growth efficiency between species and between indices of spatial occupancy used to define efficiency (area potentially available, crown projection area, and a surrogate for total tree leaf area). Distance-dependent variables were found to improve growth predictions when added to models with only distance-independent variables, and small trees were found to have a quantifiably negative effect on the growth of larger trees. While volume growth efficiency declined with increasing levels of spatial occupancy for lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine volume growth efficiency was greatest at the highest levels of crown base sapwood area and crown projection area. The behavior in ponderosa pine resulted from the previously recognized correlation between tree height and total leaf area or crown size. The final statistical models distinguished between the positive effect of relative height and the negative effect of increasing tree size. Close

• 458. [Article] Canopy type, forest floor, predation, and competition influence conifer seedling emergence and early survival in two Minnesota conifer-deciduous forests

  There is concern that the conifer component of mixed conifer-deciduous forests in the Great Lakes region is on the decline, possibly the result of insufficient conifer regeneration. Limitations on conifer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Canopy type, forest floor, predation, and competition influence conifer seedling emergence and early survival in two Minnesota conifer-deciduous forests Author: Reich, Peter B., Cornett, Meredith W., Puettmann, Klaus J. There is concern that the conifer component of mixed conifer-deciduous forests in the Great Lakes region is on the decline, possibly the result of insufficient conifer regeneration. Limitations on conifer regeneration that occur during the first 18 months of seedling emergence and establishment were examined for Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. and Pinus strobus L. in two mixed conifer-deciduous forest types in northeastern Minnesota. We hypothesized that the removal of potential barriers to regeneration, including forest floor, seed predation, and competition with understory vegetation, will enhance conifer regeneration. We also hypothesized that the importance of the above regeneration barriers, and early regeneration success of each species, will differ beneath deciduous and conifer canopy types. The study was conducted under conifer and deciduous canopy types for two sites of each forest type: Abies balsamea - Populus tremuloides Michx. forest and Thuja occidentalis L. - Betula papyrifera Marsh. Germination experiments were conducted with seeds of A. balsamea and P. strobus. Experimental treatments included forest floor removal, caging to exclude seed predators and herbivory, and weeding to study the effects of understory competition. Abies balsamea and P. strobus responded differently to experimental treatments at different developmental stages. The best conditions for early regeneration of both A. balsamea and P. strobus included reduction of seed predation (p < 0.0001) and competition with understory vegetation (p ≤ 0.001). Abies balsamea additionally benefited from a conifer overstory (p < 0.0001) and a reduction in thickness of the forest floor (p < 0.01). Title: Canopy type, forest floor, predation, and competition influence conifer seedling emergence and early survival in two Minnesota conifer-deciduous forests Author: Reich, Peter B., Cornett, Meredith W., Puettmann, Klaus J. There is concern that the conifer component of mixed conifer-deciduous forests in the Great Lakes region is on the decline, possibly the result of insufficient conifer regeneration. Limitations on conifer regeneration that occur during the first 18 months of seedling emergence and establishment were examined for Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. and Pinus strobus L. in two mixed conifer-deciduous forest types in northeastern Minnesota. We hypothesized that the removal of potential barriers to regeneration, including forest floor, seed predation, and competition with understory vegetation, will enhance conifer regeneration. We also hypothesized that the importance of the above regeneration barriers, and early regeneration success of each species, will differ beneath deciduous and conifer canopy types. The study was conducted under conifer and deciduous canopy types for two sites of each forest type: Abies balsamea - Populus tremuloides Michx. forest and Thuja occidentalis L. - Betula papyrifera Marsh. Germination experiments were conducted with seeds of A. balsamea and P. strobus. Experimental treatments included forest floor removal, caging to exclude seed predators and herbivory, and weeding to study the effects of understory competition. Abies balsamea and P. strobus responded differently to experimental treatments at different developmental stages. The best conditions for early regeneration of both A. balsamea and P. strobus included reduction of seed predation (p < 0.0001) and competition with understory vegetation (p ≤ 0.001). Abies balsamea additionally benefited from a conifer overstory (p < 0.0001) and a reduction in thickness of the forest floor (p < 0.01). Close

• 459. [Article] Dynamics of coarse woody debris following wildfire in a mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) forest

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dynamics of coarse woody debris following wildfire in a mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) forest Author: Sexton, Jay, Acker, Steven A., Kertis, Jane, O’Connell, Kari, Bruner, Howard This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Dynamics of coarse woody debris following wildfire in a mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) forest Author: Sexton, Jay, Acker, Steven A., Kertis, Jane, O’Connell, Kari, Bruner, Howard This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 460. [Article] Influence of Wetland Landscape Structure on Duck Nest Success at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon

  The decline of waterfowl populations and their requisite wetland habitats remains a concern. Because migratory bird refuges are often artificial landscapes of actively managed wetlands, and wildlife populations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Influence of Wetland Landscape Structure on Duck Nest Success at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon Author: Craver, Daniel Robert Year: 2010 The decline of waterfowl populations and their requisite wetland habitats remains a concern. Because migratory bird refuges are often artificial landscapes of actively managed wetlands, and wildlife populations experience their greatest change during the breeding season, refuges should be designed to maximize breeding habitat. While past nest success studies have focused on at-nest variables, new approaches are needed to evaluate the effect of composition and configuration of plant communities at the landscape scale. This study aims to quantify landscape patterns within individual refuge management units to determine influence upon historical nesting success averages of ducks at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Oregon. The Mayfield estimate of nest success for 8 duck species yields a survival rate of 25% for the years 1987-1998 with a range of 0-74% across 48 management units. FRAGSTATS was used to calculate a suite of 9 landscape pattern metrics per unit at the class-level for each of 3 wetland habitat classes, and at the landscape-level using all habitat types. These 36 variables were tested for association with survival rate using Pearson R correlation. Results suggest fragmentation of dry meadow habitat; patch size, complexity, and extensiveness of wet meadow habitat; and diversity of habitats across the landscape positively influence duck nest success at the scale of the individual management unit. Title: Influence of Wetland Landscape Structure on Duck Nest Success at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon Author: Craver, Daniel Robert Year: 2010 The decline of waterfowl populations and their requisite wetland habitats remains a concern. Because migratory bird refuges are often artificial landscapes of actively managed wetlands, and wildlife populations experience their greatest change during the breeding season, refuges should be designed to maximize breeding habitat. While past nest success studies have focused on at-nest variables, new approaches are needed to evaluate the effect of composition and configuration of plant communities at the landscape scale. This study aims to quantify landscape patterns within individual refuge management units to determine influence upon historical nesting success averages of ducks at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Oregon. The Mayfield estimate of nest success for 8 duck species yields a survival rate of 25% for the years 1987-1998 with a range of 0-74% across 48 management units. FRAGSTATS was used to calculate a suite of 9 landscape pattern metrics per unit at the class-level for each of 3 wetland habitat classes, and at the landscape-level using all habitat types. These 36 variables were tested for association with survival rate using Pearson R correlation. Results suggest fragmentation of dry meadow habitat; patch size, complexity, and extensiveness of wet meadow habitat; and diversity of habitats across the landscape positively influence duck nest success at the scale of the individual management unit. Close

• 461. [Article] Susceptibility of Juvenile Steelhead to Avian Predation: the Influence of Individual Fish Characteristics and River Conditions

  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 published by Taylor & ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Susceptibility of Juvenile Steelhead to Avian Predation: the Influence of Individual Fish Characteristics and River Conditions Author: Evans, Allen F., Roby, Daniel D., Collis, Ken, Hostetter, Nathan J. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is published by Taylor & Francis and can be found at: http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/, and copyrighted by American Fisheries Society (http://fisheries.org/). Title: Susceptibility of Juvenile Steelhead to Avian Predation: the Influence of Individual Fish Characteristics and River Conditions Author: Evans, Allen F., Roby, Daniel D., Collis, Ken, Hostetter, Nathan J. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is published by Taylor & Francis and can be found at: http://www.taylorandfrancis.com/, and copyrighted by American Fisheries Society (http://fisheries.org/). Close

• 462. [Article] When is bigger better? Early marine residence of middle and upper Columbia River spring Chinook salmon

  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: When is bigger better? Early marine residence of middle and upper Columbia River spring Chinook salmon Author: Teel, David J., Miller, Jessica A., Tomaro, Londi M., Peterson, William T. 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: When is bigger better? Early marine residence of middle and upper Columbia River spring Chinook salmon Author: Teel, David J., Miller, Jessica A., Tomaro, Londi M., Peterson, William T. 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

• 463. [Article] Pinniped and seabird predation: implications for recovery of threatened stocks of salmonids in Oregon under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Pinniped and seabird predation: implications for recovery of threatened stocks of salmonids in Oregon under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) This report was written by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Title: Pinniped and seabird predation: implications for recovery of threatened stocks of salmonids in Oregon under the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) This report was written by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Close

• 464. [Article] Human hunting mortality threshold rules for extinction in mammals (and fish)

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Evolutionary Ecology Ltd. and can be found at: http://www.evolutionary-ecology.com/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Human hunting mortality threshold rules for extinction in mammals (and fish) Author: Zuo, Wenyun, Charnov, Eric L. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Evolutionary Ecology Ltd. and can be found at: http://www.evolutionary-ecology.com/. Title: Human hunting mortality threshold rules for extinction in mammals (and fish) Author: Zuo, Wenyun, Charnov, Eric L. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Evolutionary Ecology Ltd. and can be found at: http://www.evolutionary-ecology.com/. Close

• 465. [Article] Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability

  The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability Author: Sogard, Susan M., Olla, Bori L. The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/ Title: Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability Author: Sogard, Susan M., Olla, Bori L. The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/ Close

• 466. [Article] Mitigating Marine Mammal Bycatch: Technological and Economic Efficiency

  Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mitigating Marine Mammal Bycatch: Technological and Economic Efficiency Author: Ballance, Lisa, Lent, Rebecca Year: 2016 Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, July 11-15, 2016. Compiled by Stefani J. Evers and Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), Corvallis, 2016. Title: Mitigating Marine Mammal Bycatch: Technological and Economic Efficiency Author: Ballance, Lisa, Lent, Rebecca Year: 2016 Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, July 11-15, 2016. Compiled by Stefani J. Evers and Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), Corvallis, 2016. Close

• 467. [Article] Balancing Carrots and Sticks for Fisheries Management: The Case of Hilsa Management in Bangladesh

  Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Balancing Carrots and Sticks for Fisheries Management: The Case of Hilsa Management in Bangladesh Author: Mohammed, Essam Yassin Year: 2016 Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, July 11-15, 2016. Compiled by Stefani J. Evers and Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), Corvallis, 2016. Title: Balancing Carrots and Sticks for Fisheries Management: The Case of Hilsa Management in Bangladesh Author: Mohammed, Essam Yassin Year: 2016 Suggested Bibliographic Reference: Challenging New Frontiers in the Global Seafood Sector: Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, July 11-15, 2016. Compiled by Stefani J. Evers and Ann L. Shriver. International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET), Corvallis, 2016. Close

• 468. [Article] Detecting Trends in Landuse and Landcover Change of Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia

  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: Detecting Trends in Landuse and Landcover Change of Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia Author: Fetene, Aramde, Prasse, Ruediger, Yang, Zhiqiang, Yeshitela, Kumelachew, Hilker, Thomas, Cohen, Warren 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 Verlag and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/267 Title: Detecting Trends in Landuse and Landcover Change of Nech Sar National Park, Ethiopia Author: Fetene, Aramde, Prasse, Ruediger, Yang, Zhiqiang, Yeshitela, Kumelachew, Hilker, Thomas, Cohen, Warren 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 Verlag and can be found at: http://link.springer.com/journal/267 Close

• 469. [Article] A Phytophthora sojae Glycoside Hydrolase 12 Protein Is a Major Virulence Factor during Soybean Infection and Is Recognized as a PAMP

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the American Society of Plant Biologists and can be found at: http://www.plantcell.org/content/27/7/2057

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Phytophthora sojae Glycoside Hydrolase 12 Protein Is a Major Virulence Factor during Soybean Infection and Is Recognized as a PAMP Author: Shao, Yuanyuan, Ma, Zhenchuan, Wang, Yang, Zhang, Zhengguang, Song, Tianqiao, Zhu, Lin, Zheng, Xiaobo, Tyler, Brett M., Ye, Wenwu, Dou, Daolong, Dong, Suomeng, Wang, Yuanchao This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the American Society of Plant Biologists and can be found at: http://www.plantcell.org/content/27/7/2057 Title: A Phytophthora sojae Glycoside Hydrolase 12 Protein Is a Major Virulence Factor during Soybean Infection and Is Recognized as a PAMP Author: Shao, Yuanyuan, Ma, Zhenchuan, Wang, Yang, Zhang, Zhengguang, Song, Tianqiao, Zhu, Lin, Zheng, Xiaobo, Tyler, Brett M., Ye, Wenwu, Dou, Daolong, Dong, Suomeng, Wang, Yuanchao This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the American Society of Plant Biologists and can be found at: http://www.plantcell.org/content/27/7/2057 Close

• 470. [Article] In the midst of a revolution : science, fish culture, and the Oregon Game Commission, 1935-1949

  This thesis will address the transformation of biological sciences during the 1930s and 1940s and it effects on fisheries science. It will focus on Oregon State College and specifically the Department ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: In the midst of a revolution : science, fish culture, and the Oregon Game Commission, 1935-1949 Author: Hahn, Linda This thesis will address the transformation of biological sciences during the 1930s and 1940s and it effects on fisheries science. It will focus on Oregon State College and specifically the Department of Fish and Game Management and the interaction with the Oregon Game Commission. Support for mutation theory and neo- Lamarckism lasted throughout this study's time frame. The resulting belief that the environment can directly affect species fitness could have been a factor in fisheries managers' support for fish hatcheries. Throughout this time frame the science of ecology was emerging, but the dominant science of agricultural breeding science within wildlife management took precedence over ecology. Two case studies show changing ideas about agricultural breeding science as applied to wildlife management. In the first case study, the debate concerning fishways over Bonneville Dam shows that fish hatcheries were counted on to mitigate the loss of salmon habitat due to construction, and to act as a failsafe should the fishways fail. When the 1934 Oregon Game Commission members failed to enthusiastically support the construction of the dam and the fishway plans, this thesis argues that the commission members were dismissed in 1935. The second case study addresses the actions of the Oregon Game Commission in placing some high dams on tributaries of the Willamette River, the Willamette Valley project. This thesis shows that the inclusion of ecological principles in the evaluation of fish hatcheries led the commission to oppose this project. For their opposition, this thesis argues that the 1949 Oregon Game Commission members were dismissed. In both cases, this thesis concludes that the federal funding of water development projects played an important role in the dismissals of both Oregon Game Commissions. In addition, the evolving nature of biological science during the 1 930s and 1940s shows that lingering beliefs in mutation theory and neo-Lamarckism would have supported the use of fish hatcheries as a scientifically acceptable solution to declines in fish runs within the scientific tradition of agricultural methods of breeding wildlife. Title: In the midst of a revolution : science, fish culture, and the Oregon Game Commission, 1935-1949 Author: Hahn, Linda This thesis will address the transformation of biological sciences during the 1930s and 1940s and it effects on fisheries science. It will focus on Oregon State College and specifically the Department of Fish and Game Management and the interaction with the Oregon Game Commission. Support for mutation theory and neo- Lamarckism lasted throughout this study's time frame. The resulting belief that the environment can directly affect species fitness could have been a factor in fisheries managers' support for fish hatcheries. Throughout this time frame the science of ecology was emerging, but the dominant science of agricultural breeding science within wildlife management took precedence over ecology. Two case studies show changing ideas about agricultural breeding science as applied to wildlife management. In the first case study, the debate concerning fishways over Bonneville Dam shows that fish hatcheries were counted on to mitigate the loss of salmon habitat due to construction, and to act as a failsafe should the fishways fail. When the 1934 Oregon Game Commission members failed to enthusiastically support the construction of the dam and the fishway plans, this thesis argues that the commission members were dismissed in 1935. The second case study addresses the actions of the Oregon Game Commission in placing some high dams on tributaries of the Willamette River, the Willamette Valley project. This thesis shows that the inclusion of ecological principles in the evaluation of fish hatcheries led the commission to oppose this project. For their opposition, this thesis argues that the 1949 Oregon Game Commission members were dismissed. In both cases, this thesis concludes that the federal funding of water development projects played an important role in the dismissals of both Oregon Game Commissions. In addition, the evolving nature of biological science during the 1 930s and 1940s shows that lingering beliefs in mutation theory and neo-Lamarckism would have supported the use of fish hatcheries as a scientifically acceptable solution to declines in fish runs within the scientific tradition of agricultural methods of breeding wildlife. Close

• 471. [Article] Fatal Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) Nestlings, Alaska, 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 published article is copyrighted by the Wildlife ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fatal Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) Nestlings, Alaska, USA Author: Shearn-Bochsler, Valerie, Bodenstein, Barbara, Frame, Elizabeth, Lawonn, James, Piatt, John, Lance, Ellen W., Corcoran, Robin 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 Wildlife Disease Association and can be found at: http://www.jwildlifedis.org/. Title: Fatal Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning in Kittlitz’s Murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) Nestlings, Alaska, USA Author: Shearn-Bochsler, Valerie, Bodenstein, Barbara, Frame, Elizabeth, Lawonn, James, Piatt, John, Lance, Ellen W., Corcoran, Robin 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 Wildlife Disease Association and can be found at: http://www.jwildlifedis.org/. Close

• 472. [Article] Factors affecting storage of Yellow Globe Danvers onion : abscisic acid during maturation and storage and phenolic substances inhibitory to Botrytis allii and Botrytis cinerea

  Free abscisic acid (ABA) in Yellow Globe Danvers onion tissues was determined during maturation and storage. The amount of ABA in leaf tissue reached a maximum (1.81 ng/gm dry weight) at 40% top fall. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors affecting storage of Yellow Globe Danvers onion : abscisic acid during maturation and storage and phenolic substances inhibitory to Botrytis allii and Botrytis cinerea Author: Boonyakiat, Danai Free abscisic acid (ABA) in Yellow Globe Danvers onion tissues was determined during maturation and storage. The amount of ABA in leaf tissue reached a maximum (1.81 ng/gm dry weight) at 40% top fall. Neck tissue ABA reached a maximum (0.33 ng/gm dry weight) at 60-70% top fall. ABA of bulb tissue slightly increased during maturation, then declined and remained steady (0.21 ng/gm dry weight) during storage with a slight increase again after 5 month storage. Bulb tissue ABA decreased when onion bulbs began to sprout. Some preliminary data indicates that bulb ABA concentration may be positively related to respiration rate. A study of phenolic constituents in bulb inner and dry outer scales, found that major phenolics are quercetin 0 and 26,750 μg/gm dry weight; chlorogenic acid 416.7 and 937.5 μg/gm dry weight; catechin 458.3 and 812.5 μg/gm dry weight; catechol 41.7 and 312.5 μg/gm dry weight; caffeic acid 141.7 and 62.5 μg/gm dry weight; and arbutin trace and absent in inner scale and outer scale, respectively. Mycelial growth and spore germination of B. allii and B. cinerea were inhibited by catechol concentration above 50 μg/1. The mechanism of inhibition appears to be different in the two species of Botrytis. Preliminary study on bulb weight loss at 3 different storage temperatures: 0°, 10° and 20°C showed that weight loss was 3, 5 and 10%, respectively, after 6 months storage. Onions with dry outer scales removed developed new dry outer scales in 4 weeks at room temperature, and room temperature with air circulation. Title: Factors affecting storage of Yellow Globe Danvers onion : abscisic acid during maturation and storage and phenolic substances inhibitory to Botrytis allii and Botrytis cinerea Author: Boonyakiat, Danai Free abscisic acid (ABA) in Yellow Globe Danvers onion tissues was determined during maturation and storage. The amount of ABA in leaf tissue reached a maximum (1.81 ng/gm dry weight) at 40% top fall. Neck tissue ABA reached a maximum (0.33 ng/gm dry weight) at 60-70% top fall. ABA of bulb tissue slightly increased during maturation, then declined and remained steady (0.21 ng/gm dry weight) during storage with a slight increase again after 5 month storage. Bulb tissue ABA decreased when onion bulbs began to sprout. Some preliminary data indicates that bulb ABA concentration may be positively related to respiration rate. A study of phenolic constituents in bulb inner and dry outer scales, found that major phenolics are quercetin 0 and 26,750 μg/gm dry weight; chlorogenic acid 416.7 and 937.5 μg/gm dry weight; catechin 458.3 and 812.5 μg/gm dry weight; catechol 41.7 and 312.5 μg/gm dry weight; caffeic acid 141.7 and 62.5 μg/gm dry weight; and arbutin trace and absent in inner scale and outer scale, respectively. Mycelial growth and spore germination of B. allii and B. cinerea were inhibited by catechol concentration above 50 μg/1. The mechanism of inhibition appears to be different in the two species of Botrytis. Preliminary study on bulb weight loss at 3 different storage temperatures: 0°, 10° and 20°C showed that weight loss was 3, 5 and 10%, respectively, after 6 months storage. Onions with dry outer scales removed developed new dry outer scales in 4 weeks at room temperature, and room temperature with air circulation. Close

• 473. [Article] The relationship of electrical impedance to vegetative maturity and dormancy in red-osier dogwood

  Techniques to measure vegetative maturity and dormancy of deciduous nursery stock were investigated in red-osier dogwood. Previous methods which were based on: survival or tip dieback, change in level ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The relationship of electrical impedance to vegetative maturity and dormancy in red-osier dogwood Author: Parmelee, Kathleen Ann Techniques to measure vegetative maturity and dormancy of deciduous nursery stock were investigated in red-osier dogwood. Previous methods which were based on: survival or tip dieback, change in level of ethylene production, xylem water potential, and alteration of square wave traces traces, provided no better indication of dormancy than did a knowledge of calendar date. Tissue response to and modification of applied electrical currents however, indicated that electrical impedance ratios could be used successfully not only in plant breeding, presymptomatic disease diagnosis, water relations, and frost hardiness studies, but as a predictor for vegetative maturity and dormancy development as well. Impedance ratios and water contents were determined concomitantly during the development of vegetative maturity in a clone of red-osier dogwood which enters dormancy at a photoperiod of 14.2 hours or less. Plants were exposed to 16 hr. and 12 hr. photoperiods in growth chambers to selectively prevent (16 hr.) or induce (12 hr.) dormancy. The onset of vegetative maturity was measured by defoliating plants at weekly intervals and subsequently observing whether or not previously dormant buds were stimulated to grow. There was a consistent and significant increase in the impedance ratios of dogwood stems at time plants became vegetatively mature. During the first 5 weeks, impedance values obtained from frequencies 10⁴/10⁵ Hz remained relatively stable at 2.3 in plants grown at the 12 hr. photoperiod. After week 5, a significant increase in the ratio occurred, rising to a peak of 4.0 by the 7th week, and remained at that level. Stem moisture content declined gradually as the plants matured, and was approximately inversely proportional to impedance value. Changes in impedance ratios were consistent and less subject to variation than stem water contents. Impedance ratio measurements have potential for predicting the timing of vegetative maturity and dormancy in woody deciduous species. Title: The relationship of electrical impedance to vegetative maturity and dormancy in red-osier dogwood Author: Parmelee, Kathleen Ann Techniques to measure vegetative maturity and dormancy of deciduous nursery stock were investigated in red-osier dogwood. Previous methods which were based on: survival or tip dieback, change in level of ethylene production, xylem water potential, and alteration of square wave traces traces, provided no better indication of dormancy than did a knowledge of calendar date. Tissue response to and modification of applied electrical currents however, indicated that electrical impedance ratios could be used successfully not only in plant breeding, presymptomatic disease diagnosis, water relations, and frost hardiness studies, but as a predictor for vegetative maturity and dormancy development as well. Impedance ratios and water contents were determined concomitantly during the development of vegetative maturity in a clone of red-osier dogwood which enters dormancy at a photoperiod of 14.2 hours or less. Plants were exposed to 16 hr. and 12 hr. photoperiods in growth chambers to selectively prevent (16 hr.) or induce (12 hr.) dormancy. The onset of vegetative maturity was measured by defoliating plants at weekly intervals and subsequently observing whether or not previously dormant buds were stimulated to grow. There was a consistent and significant increase in the impedance ratios of dogwood stems at time plants became vegetatively mature. During the first 5 weeks, impedance values obtained from frequencies 10⁴/10⁵ Hz remained relatively stable at 2.3 in plants grown at the 12 hr. photoperiod. After week 5, a significant increase in the ratio occurred, rising to a peak of 4.0 by the 7th week, and remained at that level. Stem moisture content declined gradually as the plants matured, and was approximately inversely proportional to impedance value. Changes in impedance ratios were consistent and less subject to variation than stem water contents. Impedance ratio measurements have potential for predicting the timing of vegetative maturity and dormancy in woody deciduous species. Close

• 474. [Article] Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement

  Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement Author: Henning, Julie A. Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. As a result, restoration and enhancement projects to remediate for the loss of such wetland habitat are being implemented for waterfowl and other wildlife with little consideration for fishes such as juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). The objectives of this study were to examine the degree to which fish utilize emergent wetlands and to determine the influence of wetland enhancement on fish communities in the Chehalis River floodplain. Furthermore, I quantified the influence of enhanced wetlands on juvenile coho salmon. A minimum of 18 fish species utilized floodplain wetlands, and the most abundant were three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi). Both enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands had higher abundances of nongame native fishes than oxbow habitats. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was the dominant salmonid at all sites and enhanced wetlands had significantly higher abundances of yearling coho salmon than unenhanced wetlands. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and were near lethal limits for juvenile salmon by June each year. Survival of fishes utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased and/or the wetland became isolated and stranding occurred. Emigration patterns suggested that coho salmon yearling and young-of-the-year emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This was further supported by the results of the experimental release of yearling coho salmon. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in enhanced wetland habitats where their growth and survival were comparable to studies of juvenile coho off-channel habitats. Title: Floodplain emergent wetlands as rearing habitat for fishes and the implications for wetland enhancement Author: Henning, Julie A. Seasonal emergent wetlands in the Pacific Northwest have not been regarded traditionally as fish rearing habitat, despite access to such habitat when river flows overtop riverbanks and connect to the floodplain. As a result, restoration and enhancement projects to remediate for the loss of such wetland habitat are being implemented for waterfowl and other wildlife with little consideration for fishes such as juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.). The objectives of this study were to examine the degree to which fish utilize emergent wetlands and to determine the influence of wetland enhancement on fish communities in the Chehalis River floodplain. Furthermore, I quantified the influence of enhanced wetlands on juvenile coho salmon. A minimum of 18 fish species utilized floodplain wetlands, and the most abundant were three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and Olympic mudminnow (Novumbra hubbsi). Both enhanced and unenhanced emergent wetlands had higher abundances of nongame native fishes than oxbow habitats. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) was the dominant salmonid at all sites and enhanced wetlands had significantly higher abundances of yearling coho salmon than unenhanced wetlands. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decreased in emergent wetlands throughout the season and were near lethal limits for juvenile salmon by June each year. Survival of fishes utilizing emergent wetlands was dependent on movement to the river before water quality decreased and/or the wetland became isolated and stranding occurred. Emigration patterns suggested that coho salmon yearling and young-of-the-year emigrated as habitat conditions declined. This was further supported by the results of the experimental release of yearling coho salmon. Yearling coho salmon benefited from rearing in enhanced wetland habitats where their growth and survival were comparable to studies of juvenile coho off-channel habitats. Close

• 475. [Article] Attraction of the Invasive Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to Traps Baited with Semiochemical Stimuli Across the United States

  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 published by Oxford University Press ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Attraction of the Invasive Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to Traps Baited with Semiochemical Stimuli Across the United States Author: Leskey, Tracy C., Bergh, J. Christopher, Wiman, Nik, Agnello, Arthur, et al. 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 published by Oxford University Press and is the copyright property of Entomological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.entsoc.org/Pubs/Periodicals/EE. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US. Title: Attraction of the Invasive Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to Traps Baited with Semiochemical Stimuli Across the United States Author: Leskey, Tracy C., Bergh, J. Christopher, Wiman, Nik, Agnello, Arthur, et al. 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 published by Oxford University Press and is the copyright property of Entomological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://www.entsoc.org/Pubs/Periodicals/EE. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US. Close

• 476. [Article] A genetic linkage map of black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and the mapping of Ag (4) conferring resistance to the aphid Amphorophora agathonica

  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: A genetic linkage map of black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and the mapping of Ag (4) conferring resistance to the aphid Amphorophora agathonica Author: Finn, Chad E., Lee, Jungmin, VanBuren, Robert, Bassil, Nahla V., Bryant, Douglas W., Gilmore, Barbara S., Dossett, Michael, Mockler, Todd C., Vining, Kelly J., Bushakra, Jill M. 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/122 Title: A genetic linkage map of black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and the mapping of Ag (4) conferring resistance to the aphid Amphorophora agathonica Author: Finn, Chad E., Lee, Jungmin, VanBuren, Robert, Bassil, Nahla V., Bryant, Douglas W., Gilmore, Barbara S., Dossett, Michael, Mockler, Todd C., Vining, Kelly J., Bushakra, Jill M. 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/122 Close

• 477. [Article] Salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest : defining what constitutes a wild salmon

  In spite of considerable efforts to restore natural runs of anadromous salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, they remain at risk of extirpation. Along with many other factors influencing the decline, stocking ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest : defining what constitutes a wild salmon Author: Courter, Ian I. In spite of considerable efforts to restore natural runs of anadromous salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, they remain at risk of extirpation. Along with many other factors influencing the decline, stocking from hatcheries over the past hundred years is often suggested to be a major cause. The listing of over two dozen runs of salmon under the Endangered Species Act has catalyzed a re-assessment of hatchery effects on naturally spawning salmon. Recent policies have placed a much greater emphasis on restoring runs of wild salmon rather than maintaining runs through stocking from hatchery production. Except at the most superficial level, there is no consensus about how to define "wild." Rather, there is a continuum of definitions for "wild" and each definition supports an implicit policy goal. The precise way in which "wild salmon" is defined potentially has profound policy implications. Ultimately, the choice of definition is a policy decision that incorporates science as one of several factors influencing the decision. A suite of options, often poorly articulated, for defining "wild" are available to policy makers who are selecting recovery goals. To test a subset of the available definitions of wild, I quantified the number of hatchery and naturally spawning salmon for 19 populations of Oregon coastal coho. "Wild" was defined by types 1 through 5 based on the number of hatchery fish released annually and the number of naturally spawning hatchery adults. As currently managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon coast has a range of "types" of coho salmon. By clearly and explicitly defining "wild" as steps along a continuum, policy makers and managers can more effectively monitor and achieve specific salmon recovery goals. Title: Salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest : defining what constitutes a wild salmon Author: Courter, Ian I. In spite of considerable efforts to restore natural runs of anadromous salmonids in the Pacific Northwest, they remain at risk of extirpation. Along with many other factors influencing the decline, stocking from hatcheries over the past hundred years is often suggested to be a major cause. The listing of over two dozen runs of salmon under the Endangered Species Act has catalyzed a re-assessment of hatchery effects on naturally spawning salmon. Recent policies have placed a much greater emphasis on restoring runs of wild salmon rather than maintaining runs through stocking from hatchery production. Except at the most superficial level, there is no consensus about how to define "wild." Rather, there is a continuum of definitions for "wild" and each definition supports an implicit policy goal. The precise way in which "wild salmon" is defined potentially has profound policy implications. Ultimately, the choice of definition is a policy decision that incorporates science as one of several factors influencing the decision. A suite of options, often poorly articulated, for defining "wild" are available to policy makers who are selecting recovery goals. To test a subset of the available definitions of wild, I quantified the number of hatchery and naturally spawning salmon for 19 populations of Oregon coastal coho. "Wild" was defined by types 1 through 5 based on the number of hatchery fish released annually and the number of naturally spawning hatchery adults. As currently managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon coast has a range of "types" of coho salmon. By clearly and explicitly defining "wild" as steps along a continuum, policy makers and managers can more effectively monitor and achieve specific salmon recovery goals. Close

• 478. [Article] Physiology of senescence of the shoot apex in Pisum sativum L.

  Shoot apex senescence is defined as the collective progressive and deteriorative processes which ultimately terminate the functional life of the shoot apex. Senescence of shoot apices of Pisum sativum L. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Physiology of senescence of the shoot apex in Pisum sativum L. Author: Ecklund, Paul Richard, 1941- Shoot apex senescence is defined as the collective progressive and deteriorative processes which ultimately terminate the functional life of the shoot apex. Senescence of shoot apices of Pisum sativum L. 'Alaska' as measured by cessation of stem elongation was delayed by removal of flowers and by treatment with gibberellin A₃ and was hastened by treatment with AMO-1618 (2-isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidinecarboxylate methyl chloride). Onto-genetic changes in relative endogenous gibberellin levels and in capability of gibberellin biosynthesis in deflowered and control (flower- and fruit-bearing) plants were determined indirectly by studying time-course changes in the sensitivity, as indicated by the growth response, of these plants to applied gibberellin and AMO-1618. The results of these experiments suggest that the endogenous gibberellin level varies directly with the growth rate. Analyses of total RNA, nitrogen, protein and inorganic phosphorus in shoot tips of deflowered and control plants throughout ontogeny revealed that the levels of all these metabolites declined during senescence. Also throughout ontogeny shoot tips of control and deflowered plants were compared with respect to their ability to enzymically degrade RNA and to take up and incorporate ³²P-ortho-phosphate into RNA. The specific activity of ribonuclease increased as senescence progressed while the absolute activity appeared to decrease in correlation with the decrease in total nitrogen content. When compared with nonsenescing shoot tips, senescing shoot tips accumulated less ³²P, but exhibited an apparent enhancement of ³²P incorporation into RNA, which was attributed to a reduction in the endogenous phosphorus pool causing a smaller dilution of the accumulated ³²P. It is concluded that decreases in the levels of RNA, protein, gibberellin and inorganic phosphorus and in the transpirational uptake of nutrients are factors correlated with senescence of the shoot apex. Thus, while shoot apex senescence is correlated with numerous interrelated processes, senescence apparently results most directly and basically from deterioration of RNA and protein synthesis and concomitant enzymic degradation of these macromolecular species. Title: Physiology of senescence of the shoot apex in Pisum sativum L. Author: Ecklund, Paul Richard, 1941- Shoot apex senescence is defined as the collective progressive and deteriorative processes which ultimately terminate the functional life of the shoot apex. Senescence of shoot apices of Pisum sativum L. 'Alaska' as measured by cessation of stem elongation was delayed by removal of flowers and by treatment with gibberellin A₃ and was hastened by treatment with AMO-1618 (2-isopropyl-4-dimethylamino-5-methylphenyl-1-piperidinecarboxylate methyl chloride). Onto-genetic changes in relative endogenous gibberellin levels and in capability of gibberellin biosynthesis in deflowered and control (flower- and fruit-bearing) plants were determined indirectly by studying time-course changes in the sensitivity, as indicated by the growth response, of these plants to applied gibberellin and AMO-1618. The results of these experiments suggest that the endogenous gibberellin level varies directly with the growth rate. Analyses of total RNA, nitrogen, protein and inorganic phosphorus in shoot tips of deflowered and control plants throughout ontogeny revealed that the levels of all these metabolites declined during senescence. Also throughout ontogeny shoot tips of control and deflowered plants were compared with respect to their ability to enzymically degrade RNA and to take up and incorporate ³²P-ortho-phosphate into RNA. The specific activity of ribonuclease increased as senescence progressed while the absolute activity appeared to decrease in correlation with the decrease in total nitrogen content. When compared with nonsenescing shoot tips, senescing shoot tips accumulated less ³²P, but exhibited an apparent enhancement of ³²P incorporation into RNA, which was attributed to a reduction in the endogenous phosphorus pool causing a smaller dilution of the accumulated ³²P. It is concluded that decreases in the levels of RNA, protein, gibberellin and inorganic phosphorus and in the transpirational uptake of nutrients are factors correlated with senescence of the shoot apex. Thus, while shoot apex senescence is correlated with numerous interrelated processes, senescence apparently results most directly and basically from deterioration of RNA and protein synthesis and concomitant enzymic degradation of these macromolecular species. Close

• 479. [Article] Involvement of circadian clock genes in reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster

  Daily (circadian) rhythms exist at molecular, physiological, and behavioral levels and coordinate many life functions. This coordination is believed to contribute to an organism's fitness, however, such ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Involvement of circadian clock genes in reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster Author: Beaver, Laura M. Daily (circadian) rhythms exist at molecular, physiological, and behavioral levels and coordinate many life functions. This coordination is believed to contribute to an organism's fitness, however, such contributions have not been convincingly demonstrated in any animal. The most significant measure of fitness is the reproductive output of the individual and species. In this thesis I examine the consequences of loss of clock function on reproductive fitness in Drosophila melanogaster. I demonstrated that single mating among couples with mutated period (per⁰), timeless (tim⁰), cycle (cyc⁰), and Clock (Clk[superscript Jrk]) genes resulted in approximately 40% fewer progeny compared to wild-type flies. Male and female contribution to this phenotype was demonstrated by a decrease in reproductive capacity among per⁰ and tim⁰ flies mated with wild-type flies of the opposite sex. The important role of clock genes for reproductive fitness was confirmed by reversal of the low fertility phenotype in flies with rescued per or tim function. These results prompted an investigation to determine the relative contribution of each sex to the fertility phenotype. Males lacking a functional clock showed a significant decline in the quantity of sperm released from the testes to seminal vesicles (SV), suggesting that this peripheral oscillator is involved in sperm maturation. We found that clock genes are rhythmically expressed in these tissues and the cycling of per and tim expression continued in vitro, hence the testes and SV complex contained an autonomous circadian clock. In contrast to males, PER and TIM were constantly present in the cytoplasm of follicular cells in fly ovaries. Ovarian expression of per and tim is not disrupted by constant light and females lacking per and tim produced nearly 50% fewer mature oocytes then wild-type flies. These results suggest that per and tim are acting in a non-circadian pathway in the ovaries. Taken together, this data demonstrates that circadian clock genes significantly contribute to the fitness of Drosophila melanogaster by affecting the fecundity of both sexes. Title: Involvement of circadian clock genes in reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster Author: Beaver, Laura M. Daily (circadian) rhythms exist at molecular, physiological, and behavioral levels and coordinate many life functions. This coordination is believed to contribute to an organism's fitness, however, such contributions have not been convincingly demonstrated in any animal. The most significant measure of fitness is the reproductive output of the individual and species. In this thesis I examine the consequences of loss of clock function on reproductive fitness in Drosophila melanogaster. I demonstrated that single mating among couples with mutated period (per⁰), timeless (tim⁰), cycle (cyc⁰), and Clock (Clk[superscript Jrk]) genes resulted in approximately 40% fewer progeny compared to wild-type flies. Male and female contribution to this phenotype was demonstrated by a decrease in reproductive capacity among per⁰ and tim⁰ flies mated with wild-type flies of the opposite sex. The important role of clock genes for reproductive fitness was confirmed by reversal of the low fertility phenotype in flies with rescued per or tim function. These results prompted an investigation to determine the relative contribution of each sex to the fertility phenotype. Males lacking a functional clock showed a significant decline in the quantity of sperm released from the testes to seminal vesicles (SV), suggesting that this peripheral oscillator is involved in sperm maturation. We found that clock genes are rhythmically expressed in these tissues and the cycling of per and tim expression continued in vitro, hence the testes and SV complex contained an autonomous circadian clock. In contrast to males, PER and TIM were constantly present in the cytoplasm of follicular cells in fly ovaries. Ovarian expression of per and tim is not disrupted by constant light and females lacking per and tim produced nearly 50% fewer mature oocytes then wild-type flies. These results suggest that per and tim are acting in a non-circadian pathway in the ovaries. Taken together, this data demonstrates that circadian clock genes significantly contribute to the fitness of Drosophila melanogaster by affecting the fecundity of both sexes. Close

• 480. [Article] Ecotourism, community development, and local autonomy : the experience of Shan-Mei aboriginal community in Taiwan

  Shan-Mei, a Tsou aboriginal village in Taiwan, is widely known as a legend of environmental conservation, where ecotourism has been successfully combined with integrated community development. Indigenous ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecotourism, community development, and local autonomy : the experience of Shan-Mei aboriginal community in Taiwan Author: Lee, Pei-Yao Shan-Mei, a Tsou aboriginal village in Taiwan, is widely known as a legend of environmental conservation, where ecotourism has been successfully combined with integrated community development. Indigenous knowledge containing "ecological wisdom" and decision-making based on consensus are perceived to be the greatest contributors to this achievement. I conducted three months of fieldwork in Shan-Mei, primarily using the methods of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the ecotourism and community development in Shan-Mei. I found that the ecotourism project is ecologically based, but not ecologically sound. With a combination of nature-based tourism and ethnic tourism, and later expansion into mass tourism, Shan-Mei's ecotourism project yielded negative environmental impacts. The unplanned development of mass tourism especially brought overcrowding that endangered a fragile fish species and the surrounding ecosystem. Lack of education about environmental issues created misperceptions among tourists and local people about the role of conservation in ecotourism. The community also faced problems of inappropriate government intervention, declining local participation in the project, and internal conflicts of interest. There was a need for better training and implementation of the interpretive program, professional assistance by outside experts for environmental assessment and planning, and better protection for indigenous rights in the laws of the nation state. This case illustrates that ecologically sound ecotourism not only requires indigenous knowledge but also expertise and legal protection that recognizes local autonomy. Despite the shortcomings, the Shan-Mei community was found to be proactive in creating a better future for its residents. The community used the revenue from ecotourism and government aid to establish its own social welfare program, fund various projects to revive traditional culture, assist agricultural development, and improve everyone's quality of life. The community benefited from ecotourism and community development in terms of inventing a hybrid Shan-Mei culture and forming a stronger sense of identity and autonomy. Shan-Mei provides invaluable lessons in its experience with ecotourism in its strategic adaptation to modernization. Title: Ecotourism, community development, and local autonomy : the experience of Shan-Mei aboriginal community in Taiwan Author: Lee, Pei-Yao Shan-Mei, a Tsou aboriginal village in Taiwan, is widely known as a legend of environmental conservation, where ecotourism has been successfully combined with integrated community development. Indigenous knowledge containing "ecological wisdom" and decision-making based on consensus are perceived to be the greatest contributors to this achievement. I conducted three months of fieldwork in Shan-Mei, primarily using the methods of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the ecotourism and community development in Shan-Mei. I found that the ecotourism project is ecologically based, but not ecologically sound. With a combination of nature-based tourism and ethnic tourism, and later expansion into mass tourism, Shan-Mei's ecotourism project yielded negative environmental impacts. The unplanned development of mass tourism especially brought overcrowding that endangered a fragile fish species and the surrounding ecosystem. Lack of education about environmental issues created misperceptions among tourists and local people about the role of conservation in ecotourism. The community also faced problems of inappropriate government intervention, declining local participation in the project, and internal conflicts of interest. There was a need for better training and implementation of the interpretive program, professional assistance by outside experts for environmental assessment and planning, and better protection for indigenous rights in the laws of the nation state. This case illustrates that ecologically sound ecotourism not only requires indigenous knowledge but also expertise and legal protection that recognizes local autonomy. Despite the shortcomings, the Shan-Mei community was found to be proactive in creating a better future for its residents. The community used the revenue from ecotourism and government aid to establish its own social welfare program, fund various projects to revive traditional culture, assist agricultural development, and improve everyone's quality of life. The community benefited from ecotourism and community development in terms of inventing a hybrid Shan-Mei culture and forming a stronger sense of identity and autonomy. Shan-Mei provides invaluable lessons in its experience with ecotourism in its strategic adaptation to modernization. Close

• 481. [Article] Biology, ecology and management of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) on meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba benth in western Oregon

  Biology of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was studied in relation to its host, meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba, a recent oil seed crop grown in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Populations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biology, ecology and management of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) on meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba benth in western Oregon Author: Panasahatham, Sarote Biology of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was studied in relation to its host, meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba, a recent oil seed crop grown in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Populations of flies and larvae were monitored weekly over three consecutive crop-years beginning in 1996. Yellow sticky traps gave relative population estimates of adults. Absolute estimates of larval populations were derived using Berlese funnels to extract immatures from whole plant samples. Weather and crop phenology are key factors in population regulation. Meadowfoams, Limnanthes species, were the only observed hosts for S. apicalis in this study. This has four to five overlapping generations per year. Adults of a small founder population colonize commercial fields coincident with fall rains and seedling emergence. Females deposit eggs in or on plant tissue. Larvae mine leaves and stems. They also bore into crown tissue and flower buds later in the season. Second generation flies arising from the larvae of the founder population first appear in late winter. Successive generations peak during the rapid vegetative growth stage of meadowfoam (mid-April). A steady decline in adult and larval numbers occurs as daily temperatures rise and plants develop flower buds. Last flies are detected in early July when meadowfoam is harvested. Temperatures below 0° Celsius during December were a key mortality factor for S. apicalis in 1998. Three often major weather components analyzed, accounted for up to 60 percent of the trap count variability. These components were temperature, solar radiation and relative humidity. S. apicalis larvae fed only on plants within the Limnanthes in feeding studies. They accepted nine native meadowfoams but with varying survival rates. The commercial meadowfoam cultivar, Floral, was the most suitable larval host. An increase in supplemental nitrogen fertilizer rates generally resulted in increased infestations of S. apicalis and decreased seed yields. Title: Biology, ecology and management of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) on meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba benth in western Oregon Author: Panasahatham, Sarote Biology of Scaptomyza apicalis Hardy (Diptera: Drosophilidae) was studied in relation to its host, meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba, a recent oil seed crop grown in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Populations of flies and larvae were monitored weekly over three consecutive crop-years beginning in 1996. Yellow sticky traps gave relative population estimates of adults. Absolute estimates of larval populations were derived using Berlese funnels to extract immatures from whole plant samples. Weather and crop phenology are key factors in population regulation. Meadowfoams, Limnanthes species, were the only observed hosts for S. apicalis in this study. This has four to five overlapping generations per year. Adults of a small founder population colonize commercial fields coincident with fall rains and seedling emergence. Females deposit eggs in or on plant tissue. Larvae mine leaves and stems. They also bore into crown tissue and flower buds later in the season. Second generation flies arising from the larvae of the founder population first appear in late winter. Successive generations peak during the rapid vegetative growth stage of meadowfoam (mid-April). A steady decline in adult and larval numbers occurs as daily temperatures rise and plants develop flower buds. Last flies are detected in early July when meadowfoam is harvested. Temperatures below 0° Celsius during December were a key mortality factor for S. apicalis in 1998. Three often major weather components analyzed, accounted for up to 60 percent of the trap count variability. These components were temperature, solar radiation and relative humidity. S. apicalis larvae fed only on plants within the Limnanthes in feeding studies. They accepted nine native meadowfoams but with varying survival rates. The commercial meadowfoam cultivar, Floral, was the most suitable larval host. An increase in supplemental nitrogen fertilizer rates generally resulted in increased infestations of S. apicalis and decreased seed yields. Close

• 482. [Article] Distribution of Oligonychus (Oligonychus) ununguis (Jacobi) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and predator mite species (Acair: Phytoseiidae) on field-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb] Franco) Christmas trees

  The shake and wash technique (samples placed in a jar with alcohol added and shaken to remove the mites) was effective in removing 100% of the predator mites, and adult spruce spider mites from Douglas-fir ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution of Oligonychus (Oligonychus) ununguis (Jacobi) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and predator mite species (Acair: Phytoseiidae) on field-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb] Franco) Christmas trees Author: Calkin, James D. The shake and wash technique (samples placed in a jar with alcohol added and shaken to remove the mites) was effective in removing 100% of the predator mites, and adult spruce spider mites from Douglas-fir foliage and 98% of the spruce spider mite nymphs. Eighty-eight percent of the spruce spider mite eggs was removed. This technique was considered efficient for removal of spruce spider mite and its predators from Douglas-fir foliage. Sodium hypochlorite (0.84%) added to the alcohol did not increase the number of spruce spider mites or phytoseiid mites removed from the foliage. The intracanopy distribution of spruce spider mite and its predator mites was studied on Douglas-fir Christmas trees in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. When overwintering spruce spider mite egg densities populations were low (<5 eggs/19 cm of stem), significantly more eggs were found on the current season's growth. No significant differences were found between top and bottom halves of the tree or between compass directions. Differences between current and previous season's growth were not found when egg densities were high (>40 eggs/19 cm of stem), but significant differences were found between levels for current season's growth with more eggs found in the upper portion of the canopy. Quadri-directional differences did not exist with either low or high mite populations. Sampling tip or basal stem-halves with low overwintering egg populations did not bias population estimates. Heavy spring rainfall appeared to reduce mite populations as has been reported elsewhere by washing them off the tree and causing increased mortality. Spruce spider mite disperse to the current season's growth shortly after budbreak. Population density rapidly increased in late May and then abruptly declined in mid-July. Title: Distribution of Oligonychus (Oligonychus) ununguis (Jacobi) (Acari: Tetranychidae) and predator mite species (Acair: Phytoseiidae) on field-grown Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb] Franco) Christmas trees Author: Calkin, James D. The shake and wash technique (samples placed in a jar with alcohol added and shaken to remove the mites) was effective in removing 100% of the predator mites, and adult spruce spider mites from Douglas-fir foliage and 98% of the spruce spider mite nymphs. Eighty-eight percent of the spruce spider mite eggs was removed. This technique was considered efficient for removal of spruce spider mite and its predators from Douglas-fir foliage. Sodium hypochlorite (0.84%) added to the alcohol did not increase the number of spruce spider mites or phytoseiid mites removed from the foliage. The intracanopy distribution of spruce spider mite and its predator mites was studied on Douglas-fir Christmas trees in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. When overwintering spruce spider mite egg densities populations were low (<5 eggs/19 cm of stem), significantly more eggs were found on the current season's growth. No significant differences were found between top and bottom halves of the tree or between compass directions. Differences between current and previous season's growth were not found when egg densities were high (>40 eggs/19 cm of stem), but significant differences were found between levels for current season's growth with more eggs found in the upper portion of the canopy. Quadri-directional differences did not exist with either low or high mite populations. Sampling tip or basal stem-halves with low overwintering egg populations did not bias population estimates. Heavy spring rainfall appeared to reduce mite populations as has been reported elsewhere by washing them off the tree and causing increased mortality. Spruce spider mite disperse to the current season's growth shortly after budbreak. Population density rapidly increased in late May and then abruptly declined in mid-July. Close

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

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

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

• 484. [Article] The Changing Nature of Small-Scale Fisheries Policy in Vietnam

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Changing Nature of Small-Scale Fisheries Policy in Vietnam Author: Nguyen, Kim Anh Thi, Pomeroy, Robert Abstract only. Title: The Changing Nature of Small-Scale Fisheries Policy in Vietnam Author: Nguyen, Kim Anh Thi, Pomeroy, Robert Abstract only. Close

• 485. [Article] Yellowfin Tuna: A Global and Uk Supply Chain Analysis

  No poster available.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Yellowfin Tuna: A Global and Uk Supply Chain Analysis Author: Brown, Adam, Garrett, Angus No poster available. Title: Yellowfin Tuna: A Global and Uk Supply Chain Analysis Author: Brown, Adam, Garrett, Angus No poster available. Close

• 486. [Article] Climate Change and Fisheries in Bangladesh: Impacts and Adaptations in The Context of Marginal and Poor Fishers

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Climate Change and Fisheries in Bangladesh: Impacts and Adaptations in The Context of Marginal and Poor Fishers Author: Ahmed, Md. Muzaffar Abstract only. Title: Climate Change and Fisheries in Bangladesh: Impacts and Adaptations in The Context of Marginal and Poor Fishers Author: Ahmed, Md. Muzaffar Abstract only. Close

• 487. [Article] If We Cannot Learn from the Past, We are Bound to Re-Invent the Wheel or Repeat the Same Mistakes: Restoring the Chambo in Southern Malawi

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: If We Cannot Learn from the Past, We are Bound to Re-Invent the Wheel or Repeat the Same Mistakes: Restoring the Chambo in Southern Malawi Author: Hara, Mafaniso Research Paper Title: If We Cannot Learn from the Past, We are Bound to Re-Invent the Wheel or Repeat the Same Mistakes: Restoring the Chambo in Southern Malawi Author: Hara, Mafaniso Research Paper Close

• 488. [Article] Can the Knowledge Society Turn Around 500 Years of Overfishing?

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Can the Knowledge Society Turn Around 500 Years of Overfishing? Author: Froese, Rainer, Stern-Pirlot, Amanda Research Paper Title: Can the Knowledge Society Turn Around 500 Years of Overfishing? Author: Froese, Rainer, Stern-Pirlot, Amanda Research Paper Close

• 489. [Article] Regulatory Compliance in Lake Victoria Fisheries

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Regulatory Compliance in Lake Victoria Fisheries Author: Eggert, Hakan, Lokina, Razack Research Paper Title: Regulatory Compliance in Lake Victoria Fisheries Author: Eggert, Hakan, Lokina, Razack Research Paper Close

• 490. [Article] A Pilot Observer Program for the Reduction of Sea Turtle and Other By-catch in Vietnamese Longline Fisheries

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Pilot Observer Program for the Reduction of Sea Turtle and Other By-catch in Vietnamese Longline Fisheries Author: Thuy, Nguyen Thi Dieu, Dung, Phan Hung, Symington, Keith Abstract only. Title: A Pilot Observer Program for the Reduction of Sea Turtle and Other By-catch in Vietnamese Longline Fisheries Author: Thuy, Nguyen Thi Dieu, Dung, Phan Hung, Symington, Keith Abstract only. Close

• 491. [Article] Ludwig's Ratchet and the Collapse of New England Groundfish Stocks: Extended Abstract

  See the following for the published paper: T. Hennessey and M. Healey. 2000. Ludwig's ratchet and the collapse of New England groundfish stocks. Coastal Management 28:187-213

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ludwig's Ratchet and the Collapse of New England Groundfish Stocks: Extended Abstract Author: Hennessey, Tim, Healey, Michael Year: 2001 See the following for the published paper: T. Hennessey and M. Healey. 2000. Ludwig's ratchet and the collapse of New England groundfish stocks. Coastal Management 28:187-213 Title: Ludwig's Ratchet and the Collapse of New England Groundfish Stocks: Extended Abstract Author: Hennessey, Tim, Healey, Michael Year: 2001 See the following for the published paper: T. Hennessey and M. Healey. 2000. Ludwig's ratchet and the collapse of New England groundfish stocks. Coastal Management 28:187-213 Close

• 492. [Article] Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus)

  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: Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) Author: Roby, Daniel D., Haig, Susan M., Mercer, Dacey M. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0. Title: Phylogeography and population genetic structure of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) Author: Roby, Daniel D., Haig, Susan M., Mercer, Dacey M. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0. Close

• 493. [Article] Combining Fishermen’s Knowledge with Economic Models to Locate and Evaluate Gray Meat Outbreaks in Atlantic Sea Scallops

  Atlantic sea scallop fisheries in Iceland and the United States have been subject to outbreaks of ‘gray meat’, a disease caused by infestation by a new species of apicomplexan parasite that causes progressive ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Combining Fishermen’s Knowledge with Economic Models to Locate and Evaluate Gray Meat Outbreaks in Atlantic Sea Scallops Author: Levesque, Megan, Inglis, Susan, Endicott, Mike, Stokesbury, Kevin, St. Martin, Kevin, Kristmundsson, Arni, Freeman, Mark A., Georgianna, Daniel, Lee, Min-Yang Atlantic sea scallop fisheries in Iceland and the United States have been subject to outbreaks of ‘gray meat’, a disease caused by infestation by a new species of apicomplexan parasite that causes progressive myodegeneration of scallop meats that kills scallops and reduces recruitment. Due to reduced exvessel value, fishermen discard gray meats, and if possible, move to different fishing areas. Scallop biomass in Iceland dropped from 80% in 1999 to 10% in 2005 due to discards, natural mortality and recruitment failure attributed to gray meat infestation. Initial interviews with U.S. fishermen on the locations of gray meat outbreaks and daily monitoring of the scallop auction reveal that the condition persists in Georges Bank and the range of the infection appears to be large and increasing. This paper reports the spatial and temporal location of gray meats, and oceanographic conditions associated with gray meat infestations in the U.S. We also report the effects of gray meats on scallop exvessel price at the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction. We also examine the loss of biomass of scallops in the 2012 access fishery in Closed Area 1 due to gray meat infestation and discards of gray meat scallops, which led to the early closing of the access fishery after only about one half of allowed scallop trips had been taken. During this access fishery, the scallop biomass declined from 28 million pounds according to the SMAST video survey in 2011 to less than 10 million pounds in 2013. Title: Combining Fishermen’s Knowledge with Economic Models to Locate and Evaluate Gray Meat Outbreaks in Atlantic Sea Scallops Author: Levesque, Megan, Inglis, Susan, Endicott, Mike, Stokesbury, Kevin, St. Martin, Kevin, Kristmundsson, Arni, Freeman, Mark A., Georgianna, Daniel, Lee, Min-Yang Atlantic sea scallop fisheries in Iceland and the United States have been subject to outbreaks of ‘gray meat’, a disease caused by infestation by a new species of apicomplexan parasite that causes progressive myodegeneration of scallop meats that kills scallops and reduces recruitment. Due to reduced exvessel value, fishermen discard gray meats, and if possible, move to different fishing areas. Scallop biomass in Iceland dropped from 80% in 1999 to 10% in 2005 due to discards, natural mortality and recruitment failure attributed to gray meat infestation. Initial interviews with U.S. fishermen on the locations of gray meat outbreaks and daily monitoring of the scallop auction reveal that the condition persists in Georges Bank and the range of the infection appears to be large and increasing. This paper reports the spatial and temporal location of gray meats, and oceanographic conditions associated with gray meat infestations in the U.S. We also report the effects of gray meats on scallop exvessel price at the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction. We also examine the loss of biomass of scallops in the 2012 access fishery in Closed Area 1 due to gray meat infestation and discards of gray meat scallops, which led to the early closing of the access fishery after only about one half of allowed scallop trips had been taken. During this access fishery, the scallop biomass declined from 28 million pounds according to the SMAST video survey in 2011 to less than 10 million pounds in 2013. Close

• 494. [Article] Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon

  The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon Author: Riggs, Robert, Cook, John, Damiran, Daalkhaijav, Darambazar, Enkhjargal, DelCurto, Timothy, Vavra, Martin The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional stages (sapling, pole, small saw, and saw log) and canopy cover (light and medium) in dry Grand Fir (Abies grandis), wet Grand Fir, dry Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), wet Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat types, and non-forest communities (Wet Meadow, Riparian Grass, Grassland, and Scabland) were sampled with 3 to 15 replicates per ecological land unit for production by species over 3 consecutive years. Production ranged from 799.9 to 1050.6 kg/ha for forest communities and from 686.5 to 3534.5 kg/ha for non-forest communities. Within forest communities, wet Douglas Fir habitats had lower production (P < 0.01) than the other habitat types. Non-forest communities varied in production (P < 0.01) with scabland being lowest and wet meadow - highest. Higher productions (P < 0.01) were obtained in recently logged dry Grand Fir and dry Douglas Fir habitats compared to the other successional stages. Otherwise, successional stages were similar in production (P > 0.01). Light and medium densities of overstory canopy cover did not influence (P > 0.01) understory production, except light covered wet Grand Fir having greater production (P < 0.01) than medium covered wet and dry Grand Fir habitats. Growth form production did not differ (P > 0.01) between successional stages, although later successional stages of wet Douglas Fir habitats declined in grasses and forbs with an increasing shrub component. In summary, overstory manipulation changes understory vegetation by increasing grasses and forbs in dry and wet environments of Grand Fir and in dry Douglas Fir communities, but did not influence other habitat types. Title: Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon Author: Riggs, Robert, Cook, John, Damiran, Daalkhaijav, Darambazar, Enkhjargal, DelCurto, Timothy, Vavra, Martin The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional stages (sapling, pole, small saw, and saw log) and canopy cover (light and medium) in dry Grand Fir (Abies grandis), wet Grand Fir, dry Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), wet Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat types, and non-forest communities (Wet Meadow, Riparian Grass, Grassland, and Scabland) were sampled with 3 to 15 replicates per ecological land unit for production by species over 3 consecutive years. Production ranged from 799.9 to 1050.6 kg/ha for forest communities and from 686.5 to 3534.5 kg/ha for non-forest communities. Within forest communities, wet Douglas Fir habitats had lower production (P < 0.01) than the other habitat types. Non-forest communities varied in production (P < 0.01) with scabland being lowest and wet meadow - highest. Higher productions (P < 0.01) were obtained in recently logged dry Grand Fir and dry Douglas Fir habitats compared to the other successional stages. Otherwise, successional stages were similar in production (P > 0.01). Light and medium densities of overstory canopy cover did not influence (P > 0.01) understory production, except light covered wet Grand Fir having greater production (P < 0.01) than medium covered wet and dry Grand Fir habitats. Growth form production did not differ (P > 0.01) between successional stages, although later successional stages of wet Douglas Fir habitats declined in grasses and forbs with an increasing shrub component. In summary, overstory manipulation changes understory vegetation by increasing grasses and forbs in dry and wet environments of Grand Fir and in dry Douglas Fir communities, but did not influence other habitat types. Close

• 495. [Article] Ecoroofs in Multnomah County: Oregon as habitat for the Oregon vesper sparrow and common nighthawk

  78 pages. Examining committee chair:David Hulse

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecoroofs in Multnomah County: Oregon as habitat for the Oregon vesper sparrow and common nighthawk Author: Lewis, Alison Year: 2016 78 pages. Examining committee chair:David Hulse Title: Ecoroofs in Multnomah County: Oregon as habitat for the Oregon vesper sparrow and common nighthawk Author: Lewis, Alison Year: 2016 78 pages. Examining committee chair:David Hulse Close

• 496. [Article] Effects of female kin groups on reproduction and demography in the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus)

  The 3-5 year cyclical fluctuations in populations of many vole and lemming species have perplexed ecologists for many years. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain microtine rodent cycles, including ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of female kin groups on reproduction and demography in the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus) Author: Dalton, Christine L. The 3-5 year cyclical fluctuations in populations of many vole and lemming species have perplexed ecologists for many years. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain microtine rodent cycles, including various aspects of social behavior. Microtine rodents commonly form kin groups composed of related females. Charnov and Finerty (1980) proposed that the formation and breakup of kin groups could, in part, explain the rates of population increase and decline associated with cycles. My experiment sought to determine if kin groups provided population-level benefits in gray-tailed voles, Microtus canicaudus. I compared unmanipulated populations with populations in which kin-structuring was experimentally disrupted to determine if kin groups affected population growth rates and size, reproduction, pregnancy and lactation rates, and recruitment, movement and survival of juveniles. I monitored demography and reproductive behavior in eight 0.2 ha experimental enclosures during a summer breeding season. I found no differences in demographic or female reproductive parameters between control and treatment enclosures, with the exception of a delayed time to first pregnancy for females introduced into the treatment enclosures. In addition, I found no differences in the time to sexual maturation or dispersal movements of juvenile males between control and treatment enclosures. I conclude that disrupting the formation of kin groups does not adversely affect demographic or reproductive parameters at the population-level in gray-tailed voles, and suggest that the contribution of kin groups to social behaviors that may affect population regulation is probably quite small. Title: Effects of female kin groups on reproduction and demography in the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus) Author: Dalton, Christine L. The 3-5 year cyclical fluctuations in populations of many vole and lemming species have perplexed ecologists for many years. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain microtine rodent cycles, including various aspects of social behavior. Microtine rodents commonly form kin groups composed of related females. Charnov and Finerty (1980) proposed that the formation and breakup of kin groups could, in part, explain the rates of population increase and decline associated with cycles. My experiment sought to determine if kin groups provided population-level benefits in gray-tailed voles, Microtus canicaudus. I compared unmanipulated populations with populations in which kin-structuring was experimentally disrupted to determine if kin groups affected population growth rates and size, reproduction, pregnancy and lactation rates, and recruitment, movement and survival of juveniles. I monitored demography and reproductive behavior in eight 0.2 ha experimental enclosures during a summer breeding season. I found no differences in demographic or female reproductive parameters between control and treatment enclosures, with the exception of a delayed time to first pregnancy for females introduced into the treatment enclosures. In addition, I found no differences in the time to sexual maturation or dispersal movements of juvenile males between control and treatment enclosures. I conclude that disrupting the formation of kin groups does not adversely affect demographic or reproductive parameters at the population-level in gray-tailed voles, and suggest that the contribution of kin groups to social behaviors that may affect population regulation is probably quite small. Close

• 497. [Article] Juniper utilization : issues of chemistry and management

  Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) poses both a challenge and an opportunity for natural resource management in the rangelands of the northern Great Basin. The continued expansion of western juniper ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Juniper utilization : issues of chemistry and management Author: Swartley, D. Benjamin Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) poses both a challenge and an opportunity for natural resource management in the rangelands of the northern Great Basin. The continued expansion of western juniper on the rangelands of the interior Northwest will likely continue as there are currently no practical options for returning this area to a pre-settlement state. Range managers face declining economic resources from both private and public funds to carry out development goals. Because economic resources are scarce, an efficient method of juniper management is needed to sustain both ecosystem function and economic use. One method of efficient management would be to develop economic incentives for land owners to extract marketable products from juniper woodlands. These products could then pay for, or reduce the cost of, management activities such as juniper removal and native plant restoration. A promising avenue for the development of such products is the extraction of natural oils from juniper trees. Research was executed to isolate and identify a potentially useful natural compound from the heartwood of western juniper. This compound, Hinokiic acid, was previously unobserved in the heartwood oil of western juniper. Now that its presence has been confirmed, ideas for the possible uses of the oil can be explored. By itself, the development of new products from juniper cannot provide all of the tools needed for range managers to more efficiently manage this species. Methods to determine the possible outcomes of management activities on the juniper system would also be valuable. The juniper system is complex and research into its natural functions is ongoing. With published data gathered through previous studies, an organizational and predictive population model was constructed for a hypothetical western juniper population. This is a first effort to model such a plant population and is designed to serve as a basis for future study. Overall, this research provides an example of a framework for combining forest product development with ecosystem management. Title: Juniper utilization : issues of chemistry and management Author: Swartley, D. Benjamin Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) poses both a challenge and an opportunity for natural resource management in the rangelands of the northern Great Basin. The continued expansion of western juniper on the rangelands of the interior Northwest will likely continue as there are currently no practical options for returning this area to a pre-settlement state. Range managers face declining economic resources from both private and public funds to carry out development goals. Because economic resources are scarce, an efficient method of juniper management is needed to sustain both ecosystem function and economic use. One method of efficient management would be to develop economic incentives for land owners to extract marketable products from juniper woodlands. These products could then pay for, or reduce the cost of, management activities such as juniper removal and native plant restoration. A promising avenue for the development of such products is the extraction of natural oils from juniper trees. Research was executed to isolate and identify a potentially useful natural compound from the heartwood of western juniper. This compound, Hinokiic acid, was previously unobserved in the heartwood oil of western juniper. Now that its presence has been confirmed, ideas for the possible uses of the oil can be explored. By itself, the development of new products from juniper cannot provide all of the tools needed for range managers to more efficiently manage this species. Methods to determine the possible outcomes of management activities on the juniper system would also be valuable. The juniper system is complex and research into its natural functions is ongoing. With published data gathered through previous studies, an organizational and predictive population model was constructed for a hypothetical western juniper population. This is a first effort to model such a plant population and is designed to serve as a basis for future study. Overall, this research provides an example of a framework for combining forest product development with ecosystem management. Close

• 498. [Article] Marine, Estuarine, and Diadromous Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America (Exclusive of Pacific Salmonids)

  The problem of extinction in the sea has been recognized only recently by the scientific community (Roberts and Hawkins 1999). For the last decade, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) has pursued an initiative ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine, Estuarine, and Diadromous Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America (Exclusive of Pacific Salmonids) Author: Sala, E., Musick, J.A., Gilmore, R.G., Sedberry, G.R., Harbin, M.M., McGovern, J.C., Poss, S.G., Weeks, H., Parker, S.J., Schmidt, T.W., Burgess, G.H., Eklund, A.M., Golden, J.T., Ha, D.S., Findley, L., Berkeley, S.A., Huntsman, G.R., Wright, S.G. The problem of extinction in the sea has been recognized only recently by the scientific community (Roberts and Hawkins 1999). For the last decade, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) has pursued an initiative to identify marine fish stocks that may be at risk of extinction in North America (Musick 1998; Coleman et al. 2000; Musick et al. 2000a; Musick et al. 2000b; Parker et al. 2000). The present paper presents the first recognized AFS list of marine, estuarine, and diadromous fishes that may be at risk of extinction in North America (exclusive of Pacific salmonids). The geographic scope of this review includes the coastal waters of Mexico, the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada. The objectives in preparing this list have been to identify stocks at risk at a sufficiently early stage of decline to avoid listing as threatened or endangered, minimize the probability of under- or overestimating the risk of extinction, use the best existing knowledge of stock dynamics at low population levels, and allow experts on stocks to bring to bear all the available knowledge about life history and conservation status in order to categorize risk of extinction. Title: Marine, Estuarine, and Diadromous Fish Stocks at Risk of Extinction in North America (Exclusive of Pacific Salmonids) Author: Sala, E., Musick, J.A., Gilmore, R.G., Sedberry, G.R., Harbin, M.M., McGovern, J.C., Poss, S.G., Weeks, H., Parker, S.J., Schmidt, T.W., Burgess, G.H., Eklund, A.M., Golden, J.T., Ha, D.S., Findley, L., Berkeley, S.A., Huntsman, G.R., Wright, S.G. The problem of extinction in the sea has been recognized only recently by the scientific community (Roberts and Hawkins 1999). For the last decade, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) has pursued an initiative to identify marine fish stocks that may be at risk of extinction in North America (Musick 1998; Coleman et al. 2000; Musick et al. 2000a; Musick et al. 2000b; Parker et al. 2000). The present paper presents the first recognized AFS list of marine, estuarine, and diadromous fishes that may be at risk of extinction in North America (exclusive of Pacific salmonids). The geographic scope of this review includes the coastal waters of Mexico, the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada. The objectives in preparing this list have been to identify stocks at risk at a sufficiently early stage of decline to avoid listing as threatened or endangered, minimize the probability of under- or overestimating the risk of extinction, use the best existing knowledge of stock dynamics at low population levels, and allow experts on stocks to bring to bear all the available knowledge about life history and conservation status in order to categorize risk of extinction. Close

• 499. [Article] Population differentiation among Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) in North America

  Two North American subspecies of Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) have been described: the Cuban Snowy Plover (C. a. tenuirostris) and the Western Snowy Plover (C. a. nivosus). Coastal populations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Population differentiation among Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) in North America Author: Gorman, Leah R. Two North American subspecies of Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) have been described: the Cuban Snowy Plover (C. a. tenuirostris) and the Western Snowy Plover (C. a. nivosus). Coastal populations of the Western Snowy Plover are listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, while populations of the Cuban Snowy Plover in the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico show evidence of decline and are being considered for listing. To clarify the relationships among populations, we examined variation in mitochondrial (mtDNA) sequences and at inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) loci among 8 populations distributed across North America and the Caribbean. MtDNA d-loop region sequences (322 bp, n = 126) revealed 8 haplotypes, with one haplotype unique to Puerto Rico, and indicated that Puerto Rico is significantly differentiated from all mainland populations. Conversely, neighbor-joining analysis of 16 ISSR loci suggests that Puerto Rico is nested within a cluster of populations from eastern continental North America. Evidence for structure among continental populations was weak among mtDNA haplotypes (ST = 0.025, p = 0.178), but analysis of ISSR markers supported subdivision into groups east and west of the Rocky Mountains (IST = 0.445, p <0.001). A significant relationship between genetic distance (pairwise FST) and geographic distance was observed (Mantel r = 0.85, p <0.01). Overall, two management units in continental North America (divided by the Rocky Mountains) and a separate unit for the Puerto Rican population may be warranted. We recommend that both genetic and demographic considerations be weighed in making policy decisions regarding the status and listing of Snowy Plover population segments. Title: Population differentiation among Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) in North America Author: Gorman, Leah R. Two North American subspecies of Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) have been described: the Cuban Snowy Plover (C. a. tenuirostris) and the Western Snowy Plover (C. a. nivosus). Coastal populations of the Western Snowy Plover are listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, while populations of the Cuban Snowy Plover in the southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico show evidence of decline and are being considered for listing. To clarify the relationships among populations, we examined variation in mitochondrial (mtDNA) sequences and at inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) loci among 8 populations distributed across North America and the Caribbean. MtDNA d-loop region sequences (322 bp, n = 126) revealed 8 haplotypes, with one haplotype unique to Puerto Rico, and indicated that Puerto Rico is significantly differentiated from all mainland populations. Conversely, neighbor-joining analysis of 16 ISSR loci suggests that Puerto Rico is nested within a cluster of populations from eastern continental North America. Evidence for structure among continental populations was weak among mtDNA haplotypes (ST = 0.025, p = 0.178), but analysis of ISSR markers supported subdivision into groups east and west of the Rocky Mountains (IST = 0.445, p <0.001). A significant relationship between genetic distance (pairwise FST) and geographic distance was observed (Mantel r = 0.85, p <0.01). Overall, two management units in continental North America (divided by the Rocky Mountains) and a separate unit for the Puerto Rican population may be warranted. We recommend that both genetic and demographic considerations be weighed in making policy decisions regarding the status and listing of Snowy Plover population segments. Close

• 500. [Article] Radioecology of ⁶⁵Zn in an arm of the Columbia River Estuary

  Levels of ⁶⁵Zn in water, sediments, plants, and animals in Alder Slough, a small ecosystem in the Columbia River Estuary, were determined periodically during a one year period. Concentrations of total ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Radioecology of ⁶⁵Zn in an arm of the Columbia River Estuary Author: Renfro, William Charles Levels of ⁶⁵Zn in water, sediments, plants, and animals in Alder Slough, a small ecosystem in the Columbia River Estuary, were determined periodically during a one year period. Concentrations of total Zn in organisms were also measured to permit computation of specific activities (μCi⁶⁵Zn/g total Zn). Temporal fluctuations in the activities of ⁶⁵Zn and the concentrations of total Zn occurred in all components of the ecosystem. Activities of ⁶⁵Zn and concentrations of total Zn varied among individual fish from the study area. Pooled estimates of population standard deviations of these values in all samples of two fish species taken during the year amounted to about 20% of their grand means. Usually, individuals with high ⁶⁵Zn activities also proved to have high total Zn concentrations, hence specific activities were less variable than either ⁶⁵Zn or total Zn. The nuclear reactors at Hanford, Washington, the source of most of the ⁶⁵Zn in the Columbia River, were shut down for approximately 45 days during this study. This event presented the opportunity to investigate the response of various components of the ecosystem to reduced ⁶⁵Zn input. The rates of ⁶⁵Zn specific activity decline in several organisms were measured following reactor shutdown. The time required for specific activity of an organism to be reduced by one-half under the conditions prevailing is termed "ecological half-life". The "ecological half-life" differs from the biological half-life of an organism because: 1. it is defined in terms of specific activity 2. it reflects the continued addition of radioactivity to the organism from its food web and water. "Ecological half-lives" vary with the trophic levels of the organisms and with changes in prevailing ecological conditions. Title: Radioecology of ⁶⁵Zn in an arm of the Columbia River Estuary Author: Renfro, William Charles Levels of ⁶⁵Zn in water, sediments, plants, and animals in Alder Slough, a small ecosystem in the Columbia River Estuary, were determined periodically during a one year period. Concentrations of total Zn in organisms were also measured to permit computation of specific activities (μCi⁶⁵Zn/g total Zn). Temporal fluctuations in the activities of ⁶⁵Zn and the concentrations of total Zn occurred in all components of the ecosystem. Activities of ⁶⁵Zn and concentrations of total Zn varied among individual fish from the study area. Pooled estimates of population standard deviations of these values in all samples of two fish species taken during the year amounted to about 20% of their grand means. Usually, individuals with high ⁶⁵Zn activities also proved to have high total Zn concentrations, hence specific activities were less variable than either ⁶⁵Zn or total Zn. The nuclear reactors at Hanford, Washington, the source of most of the ⁶⁵Zn in the Columbia River, were shut down for approximately 45 days during this study. This event presented the opportunity to investigate the response of various components of the ecosystem to reduced ⁶⁵Zn input. The rates of ⁶⁵Zn specific activity decline in several organisms were measured following reactor shutdown. The time required for specific activity of an organism to be reduced by one-half under the conditions prevailing is termed "ecological half-life". The "ecological half-life" differs from the biological half-life of an organism because: 1. it is defined in terms of specific activity 2. it reflects the continued addition of radioactivity to the organism from its food web and water. "Ecological half-lives" vary with the trophic levels of the organisms and with changes in prevailing ecological conditions. Close