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• 41. [Article] AI - Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon, 1999

  Abstract -- The physical habitat of a stream forms the template from which the biological community can develop. The structure and complexity of the stream habitat influences the species composition, distribution, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon, 1999 Abstract -- The physical habitat of a stream forms the template from which the biological community can develop. The structure and complexity of the stream habitat influences the species composition, distribution, and production of the fish community. Assessing the status of stream habitat conditions in coastal Oregon streams is important for monitoring the effects of landscape and aquatic management practices on the character of riparian stream habitat. Comprehensive habitat assessments are also important for watershed assessments, restoration planning, and for studying the relationship between stream habitat, fish abundance, and fish distribution. The goals of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) Habitat Monitoring Program are to 1) provide an annual update on the status of stream habitat in Western Oregon, and 2) track trends in habitat over time. This report on stream habitat conditions covers sampling that occurred between June and October of 1999. The report is grouped into six different areas: • Current habitat status by Gene Conservation Area (GCA) • The status of habitat in relation to landscape variables • An assessment of the high quality habitat existing on the landscape • A comparison of 1998 and 1999 stream conditions • An analysis of habitat variable precision • An assessment of fish distribution outside of known coho salmon distribution Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions in Western Oregon, 1999 Abstract -- The physical habitat of a stream forms the template from which the biological community can develop. The structure and complexity of the stream habitat influences the species composition, distribution, and production of the fish community. Assessing the status of stream habitat conditions in coastal Oregon streams is important for monitoring the effects of landscape and aquatic management practices on the character of riparian stream habitat. Comprehensive habitat assessments are also important for watershed assessments, restoration planning, and for studying the relationship between stream habitat, fish abundance, and fish distribution. The goals of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) Habitat Monitoring Program are to 1) provide an annual update on the status of stream habitat in Western Oregon, and 2) track trends in habitat over time. This report on stream habitat conditions covers sampling that occurred between June and October of 1999. The report is grouped into six different areas: • Current habitat status by Gene Conservation Area (GCA) • The status of habitat in relation to landscape variables • An assessment of the high quality habitat existing on the landscape • A comparison of 1998 and 1999 stream conditions • An analysis of habitat variable precision • An assessment of fish distribution outside of known coho salmon distribution Close

• 42. [Article] Contributions to the plant ecology of the Oregon coastal sand dunes

  Sand dunes are found along the coasts of most of the large land masses of the world. Because of their proximity to man and his activities, the maritime sand dunes of Europe, particularly Germany, France, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Contributions to the plant ecology of the Oregon coastal sand dunes Author: Wiedemann, Alfred M. Sand dunes are found along the coasts of most of the large land masses of the world. Because of their proximity to man and his activities, the maritime sand dunes of Europe, particularly Germany, France, Holland and Scandinavia, have the longest history of stabilization activities and botanical investigation. There are coastal dune areas, some of great extent, in Africa, tropical Asia, Australia, and South America. In general, little published information is available concerning these areas. Ecological studies of coastal dune vegetation and environment have been most extensive in Great Britain, and to a lesser extent, in North America. Of the North American coastal dunes, those of the east coast have received considerable attention while those of the west coast have been largely neglected. Along the Oregon coast are found some of the most extensive and best developed coastal sand dune areas in North America. Occurring on some 225 km. of the state's 500 km. of ocean facing coastline, these areas are made up of a great variety of dune landscape features and present unique conditions for the development and maintenance of vegetation. There are many places in this dune area where the strong, constant winds have eroded the sand surface to or near the water table resulting in a stabilized surface - the deflation plain - which provides an excellent starting point for the development of vegetation. After preliminary ground and air reconnaissance, 11 deflation plains were selected for detailed study, ranging in location from Sand Lake on the north to Tahkenitch Creek on the south. These deflation plains and their location are described in detail. Vegetation data (species and cover) were taken on a total of 134 sampling stands, each consisting of five meter-square quadrats for herbaceous vegetation, and one 6 x 6 meter quadrat for shrub and forest vegetation. The species and stand data we arranged on comparative charts so as to bring together stands with mutually occurring species. This resulted in the delineation of seven communities with definite successional relationships. Primary succession begins with one of four herbaceous communities: dry meadow, meadow, rush meadow or marsh. Succession then proceeds to low shrub, tall shrub and finally forest. The dry meadow is dominated by three species: Lupinus littoralis, Ammophila arenaria and Poa macrantha. The site is dry with no standing water at any time. Sand deposition and deflation occur in varying degrees. The important species of the meadow are Festuca rubra, Aira praecox, Hypochaeris radicata and Fragaria chiloensis. The surface is dry except for short periods of standing water during the winter months. There is no sand deposition. The rush meadow is characterized by its dense growth of Trifolium willdenovii and Juncus phaeocephalus. The site is low and moist, with water standing on the surface during the winter months. The marsh is found on areas which are quite damp-water stands on the surface for around six months of the year, and is just below the surface for the remainder of the time. It is made up of dense stands of Carex obnupta and Potentilla anserina. The low shrub community is an open stand of Salix hookeriana, Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum and Myrica californica. This develops into a tall shrub stage which is frequently an impenetrable thicket with increasing dominance of seedlings of Pinus contorta and Picea sitchensis. Development of a forest of Pinus and Picea is very rapid. If the area is free from disturbance long enough, the shorter lived Pinus dies out, leaving a forest of Picea. The deflation plains represent only part of the many aspects of the total dune landscape still awaiting investigation. The increasing importance of the Oregon coastal dunes to industry and recreation make imperative the initiation of long term ecological studies. Title: Contributions to the plant ecology of the Oregon coastal sand dunes Author: Wiedemann, Alfred M. Sand dunes are found along the coasts of most of the large land masses of the world. Because of their proximity to man and his activities, the maritime sand dunes of Europe, particularly Germany, France, Holland and Scandinavia, have the longest history of stabilization activities and botanical investigation. There are coastal dune areas, some of great extent, in Africa, tropical Asia, Australia, and South America. In general, little published information is available concerning these areas. Ecological studies of coastal dune vegetation and environment have been most extensive in Great Britain, and to a lesser extent, in North America. Of the North American coastal dunes, those of the east coast have received considerable attention while those of the west coast have been largely neglected. Along the Oregon coast are found some of the most extensive and best developed coastal sand dune areas in North America. Occurring on some 225 km. of the state's 500 km. of ocean facing coastline, these areas are made up of a great variety of dune landscape features and present unique conditions for the development and maintenance of vegetation. There are many places in this dune area where the strong, constant winds have eroded the sand surface to or near the water table resulting in a stabilized surface - the deflation plain - which provides an excellent starting point for the development of vegetation. After preliminary ground and air reconnaissance, 11 deflation plains were selected for detailed study, ranging in location from Sand Lake on the north to Tahkenitch Creek on the south. These deflation plains and their location are described in detail. Vegetation data (species and cover) were taken on a total of 134 sampling stands, each consisting of five meter-square quadrats for herbaceous vegetation, and one 6 x 6 meter quadrat for shrub and forest vegetation. The species and stand data we arranged on comparative charts so as to bring together stands with mutually occurring species. This resulted in the delineation of seven communities with definite successional relationships. Primary succession begins with one of four herbaceous communities: dry meadow, meadow, rush meadow or marsh. Succession then proceeds to low shrub, tall shrub and finally forest. The dry meadow is dominated by three species: Lupinus littoralis, Ammophila arenaria and Poa macrantha. The site is dry with no standing water at any time. Sand deposition and deflation occur in varying degrees. The important species of the meadow are Festuca rubra, Aira praecox, Hypochaeris radicata and Fragaria chiloensis. The surface is dry except for short periods of standing water during the winter months. There is no sand deposition. The rush meadow is characterized by its dense growth of Trifolium willdenovii and Juncus phaeocephalus. The site is low and moist, with water standing on the surface during the winter months. The marsh is found on areas which are quite damp-water stands on the surface for around six months of the year, and is just below the surface for the remainder of the time. It is made up of dense stands of Carex obnupta and Potentilla anserina. The low shrub community is an open stand of Salix hookeriana, Gaultheria shallon, Vaccinium ovatum and Myrica californica. This develops into a tall shrub stage which is frequently an impenetrable thicket with increasing dominance of seedlings of Pinus contorta and Picea sitchensis. Development of a forest of Pinus and Picea is very rapid. If the area is free from disturbance long enough, the shorter lived Pinus dies out, leaving a forest of Picea. The deflation plains represent only part of the many aspects of the total dune landscape still awaiting investigation. The increasing importance of the Oregon coastal dunes to industry and recreation make imperative the initiation of long term ecological studies. Close

• 43. [Article] The interactive effects of excess reactive nitrogen and climate change on aquatic ecosystems and water resources of 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 published article is copyrighted by Springer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The interactive effects of excess reactive nitrogen and climate change on aquatic ecosystems and water resources of the United States Author: Baron, J. S., Hall, E. K., Harrison, J. A., Bernhardt, E. S., Nolan, B. T., Finlay, J. C., Chan, F., Boyer, E. W. 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: The interactive effects of excess reactive nitrogen and climate change on aquatic ecosystems and water resources of the United States Author: Baron, J. S., Hall, E. K., Harrison, J. A., Bernhardt, E. S., Nolan, B. T., Finlay, J. C., Chan, F., Boyer, E. W. 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

• 44. [Article] Patterns in coastal marsh vegetation of the Juneau area, Alaska

  A vegetation study was made of four coastal marshes near Juneau, Alaska. Results confirmed earlier studies' findings in southeast Alaska that communities or assemblages of species can be identified but ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Patterns in coastal marsh vegetation of the Juneau area, Alaska Author: Stone, Catherine S. A vegetation study was made of four coastal marshes near Juneau, Alaska. Results confirmed earlier studies' findings in southeast Alaska that communities or assemblages of species can be identified but from marsh to marsh these assemblages appear to have no consistent relationship to each other or to environmental "factors" such as elevation and salinity. Further, marshes of the Juneau area vary in assemblage composition and assemblages vary in species composition within and among marshes. This variability apparently results from individualistic behavior of plant species. An individualistic interpretation of these results may explain plant populations behaviors but not the behavior of vegetation as a collective unit. Also, it makes comparison of marshes impossible because the comparison must be based on inconsistent species composition and inconsistent spatial arrangement of species and vegetation units. The explanation of the behavior of coastal marsh vegetation in the Juneau area lies in the integration of behaviors of physiography, species, and assemblages of species. Physiography is the integration of "site factors," species are the integration of populations, and vegetation is the integration of species' interactions. Site physiography thus defines the habitat, and the integration of plants and habitat at a site is the habitat-vegetation complex. The collection of complexes in a landscape forms a pattern of patches in which the complexes serve as species and materials pools for each other and for the surrounding patterns. The composition and structure (spatial arrangement) of the present complexes are its realized capacity, the result of site history and species-and-vegetation history. The nature of future habitat-vegetation complexes will be the outcome of site processes and species-and-vegetation processes. This future incorporates all possible outcomes of all possible combinations of processes and represents the potential capacities of the habitat-vegetation complex. This scheme makes possible the explanation of the history and future of vegetation and comparison of coastal marsh sites and vegetation in terms of history and process without requiring specification of species composition or endpoint of vegetation development. Title: Patterns in coastal marsh vegetation of the Juneau area, Alaska Author: Stone, Catherine S. A vegetation study was made of four coastal marshes near Juneau, Alaska. Results confirmed earlier studies' findings in southeast Alaska that communities or assemblages of species can be identified but from marsh to marsh these assemblages appear to have no consistent relationship to each other or to environmental "factors" such as elevation and salinity. Further, marshes of the Juneau area vary in assemblage composition and assemblages vary in species composition within and among marshes. This variability apparently results from individualistic behavior of plant species. An individualistic interpretation of these results may explain plant populations behaviors but not the behavior of vegetation as a collective unit. Also, it makes comparison of marshes impossible because the comparison must be based on inconsistent species composition and inconsistent spatial arrangement of species and vegetation units. The explanation of the behavior of coastal marsh vegetation in the Juneau area lies in the integration of behaviors of physiography, species, and assemblages of species. Physiography is the integration of "site factors," species are the integration of populations, and vegetation is the integration of species' interactions. Site physiography thus defines the habitat, and the integration of plants and habitat at a site is the habitat-vegetation complex. The collection of complexes in a landscape forms a pattern of patches in which the complexes serve as species and materials pools for each other and for the surrounding patterns. The composition and structure (spatial arrangement) of the present complexes are its realized capacity, the result of site history and species-and-vegetation history. The nature of future habitat-vegetation complexes will be the outcome of site processes and species-and-vegetation processes. This future incorporates all possible outcomes of all possible combinations of processes and represents the potential capacities of the habitat-vegetation complex. This scheme makes possible the explanation of the history and future of vegetation and comparison of coastal marsh sites and vegetation in terms of history and process without requiring specification of species composition or endpoint of vegetation development. Close

• 45. [Article] New insights on an old topic : understanding the effects of forest harvest on trout in the context of climate

  Studies of the effects of forest harvest on streams and fish have a long history in the Pacific Northwest. Results of this work have prompted development of new forest harvest practices that are more protective ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: New insights on an old topic : understanding the effects of forest harvest on trout in the context of climate Author: Penaluna, Brooke E. Studies of the effects of forest harvest on streams and fish have a long history in the Pacific Northwest. Results of this work have prompted development of new forest harvest practices that are more protective of these resources, but the effectiveness of these new practices has not been fully evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of contemporary forest harvest in the context of climate change are poorly understood. To address these issues, my overall research goal was to understand how water quality, water quantity, and instream habitat influence individuals and corresponding population dynamics of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii). My work was designed to complement field results from a new generation of watershed studies currently underway in western Oregon. I combined semi-natural experiments with modeling based on field observations to understand fundamental causes and processes influencing trout. This multifaceted approach provided a novel process-based perspective on issues related to forest harvest and climate. In Chapter 2, I evaluated individual- and population-level responses of coastal cutthroat trout to instream cover. Although the influences of forest harvest on stream flow, temperature, and turbidity are often the focus, instream cover may be strongly influenced by forest harvest. In addition, restoration of instream cover is now a common practice, but the importance of cover itself to stream-living fishes is still a major question. To address this issue, I conducted large-scale manipulative experiments in outdoor semi-natural stream units to approximate conditions experienced by trout in headwater streams in western Oregon. I determined that infrequent cover use by trout leads to emigration. Next, I built upon key ideas within stream ecology related to the importance of location within a landscape to aquatic biota, which have been explored and debated extensively. The variability in population responses across similar locations within a landscape is less understood. My objective in Chapter 3 was to understand the variability in population biomass of coastal cutthroat trout across headwater streams by understanding of the relative roles of two general classes of variables that occur in headwater streams: dynamic environmental regimes and relatively fixed habitat structure. I provided evidence that environmental regimes contribute to biomass variability while also being constrained by the habitat structure, given the range of conditions that I was able to simulate. Although the effects of contemporary forest harvest and climate change occur simultaneously, they are not typically considered together, as they are in Chapter 4. Here, I tracked population responses of trout, including biomass, survival, growth, and timing of emergence during six decades across four modeled headwater streams using the same individual-based trout model as in Chapter 3. I modeled four scenarios: 1) baseline conditions (simulation of existing conditions); 2) effects of contemporary forest harvest; 3) effects of climate change; and 4) the combined effects of forest harvest and climate change. Differences among scenarios were tied to changes in flow and temperature regimes. Here, I found that there was a high degree of local variability in the responses that I simulated. Whereas localized responses to forest harvest have been observed, my findings contrast with the vast majority of work on species responses to climate change, most of which reports relatively synchronous or uniform responses. I highlighted the role of individual variability of trout and local variability of streams, which ultimately suggest that some individuals and populations of trout may be more vulnerable than others to the effects of forest harvest, climate change, or both processes together. Title: New insights on an old topic : understanding the effects of forest harvest on trout in the context of climate Author: Penaluna, Brooke E. Studies of the effects of forest harvest on streams and fish have a long history in the Pacific Northwest. Results of this work have prompted development of new forest harvest practices that are more protective of these resources, but the effectiveness of these new practices has not been fully evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of contemporary forest harvest in the context of climate change are poorly understood. To address these issues, my overall research goal was to understand how water quality, water quantity, and instream habitat influence individuals and corresponding population dynamics of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii). My work was designed to complement field results from a new generation of watershed studies currently underway in western Oregon. I combined semi-natural experiments with modeling based on field observations to understand fundamental causes and processes influencing trout. This multifaceted approach provided a novel process-based perspective on issues related to forest harvest and climate. In Chapter 2, I evaluated individual- and population-level responses of coastal cutthroat trout to instream cover. Although the influences of forest harvest on stream flow, temperature, and turbidity are often the focus, instream cover may be strongly influenced by forest harvest. In addition, restoration of instream cover is now a common practice, but the importance of cover itself to stream-living fishes is still a major question. To address this issue, I conducted large-scale manipulative experiments in outdoor semi-natural stream units to approximate conditions experienced by trout in headwater streams in western Oregon. I determined that infrequent cover use by trout leads to emigration. Next, I built upon key ideas within stream ecology related to the importance of location within a landscape to aquatic biota, which have been explored and debated extensively. The variability in population responses across similar locations within a landscape is less understood. My objective in Chapter 3 was to understand the variability in population biomass of coastal cutthroat trout across headwater streams by understanding of the relative roles of two general classes of variables that occur in headwater streams: dynamic environmental regimes and relatively fixed habitat structure. I provided evidence that environmental regimes contribute to biomass variability while also being constrained by the habitat structure, given the range of conditions that I was able to simulate. Although the effects of contemporary forest harvest and climate change occur simultaneously, they are not typically considered together, as they are in Chapter 4. Here, I tracked population responses of trout, including biomass, survival, growth, and timing of emergence during six decades across four modeled headwater streams using the same individual-based trout model as in Chapter 3. I modeled four scenarios: 1) baseline conditions (simulation of existing conditions); 2) effects of contemporary forest harvest; 3) effects of climate change; and 4) the combined effects of forest harvest and climate change. Differences among scenarios were tied to changes in flow and temperature regimes. Here, I found that there was a high degree of local variability in the responses that I simulated. Whereas localized responses to forest harvest have been observed, my findings contrast with the vast majority of work on species responses to climate change, most of which reports relatively synchronous or uniform responses. I highlighted the role of individual variability of trout and local variability of streams, which ultimately suggest that some individuals and populations of trout may be more vulnerable than others to the effects of forest harvest, climate change, or both processes together. Close

• 46. [Article] Quaternary marine terraces on Cyprus : constraints on uplift and pedogenesis, and the geoarchaeology of Palaipafos

  Numerous flights of Quaternary marine terraces are present around the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. These terraces are a result of the global eustatic sea-level curve and local tectonism. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Quaternary marine terraces on Cyprus : constraints on uplift and pedogenesis, and the geoarchaeology of Palaipafos Author: Zomeni, Zomenia Numerous flights of Quaternary marine terraces are present around the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. These terraces are a result of the global eustatic sea-level curve and local tectonism. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 through MIS 13 terraces are identified, mapped and dated. Palaeoshoreline elevation, an excellent indicator for a past sea–level, and new numerical geochronology are used to calculate an Upper Pleistocene uplift rate for various coastal sectors. Southwestern Cyprus presents the highest uplift rates of 0.35-0.65 mm/year with other sections suggesting uplift of 0.07-0.15 mm/year. This Upper Pleistocene tectonic signal is attributed to an active offshore subduction/collision system to the southwest of Cyprus, evidenced from the seismic activity offshore and the surface expression of a blind thrust fault in the Pafos region. Soil chronosequences and geology in southwestern Cyprus are studied in order to understand the Quaternary development on this uplifting landscape. Soil profile properties are used to calculate a profile development index (PDI), a method often applied to geomorphic surfaces as a relative dating method. Well-developed red and clayey soils occur in the coastal sector, on broad and low-angle surfaces, specifically on marine terraces and alluvial fans. Higher elevations of steep slopes consisting of carbonate and ophiolite lithologies host poorly developed soils. Results show variable PDI's on uplifted terraces, obscured by transported materials, active alluvial fan buildup and hillslope erosion. Calcium carbonate build-up in soil profiles in the form of nodular and laminar accumulations are used as another relative dating method. Geochronology of marine terraces is used as an age range approximation for carbonate stages. Geomorphologic mapping focuses on the southeastern part of the Pafos thrust fault, the only point on the landscape where this otherwise blind fault is exposed on the surface. This is the location of Palaipafos, an important Ancient polity, today the site of the village of Kouklia. Geoarchaeological study suggests little landscape change over the last 4000 years in the vicinity of the urban core of Palaipafos, this being attributed to bedrock and landscape resistance of its location, a plateau at 80 m amsl. Copper deposits in the Palaipafos hinterland had provided a valuable resource at one time. Soil and water resources continue to sustain agriculture.Tectonic uplift in this part of the Pafos thrust fault is estimated to be 2.1mm/year, considered, together with Late Holocene sea-level change responsible for the shifting locations and eventual abandonment of the Palaipafos harbor in the coastal lowlands. Title: Quaternary marine terraces on Cyprus : constraints on uplift and pedogenesis, and the geoarchaeology of Palaipafos Author: Zomeni, Zomenia Numerous flights of Quaternary marine terraces are present around the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. These terraces are a result of the global eustatic sea-level curve and local tectonism. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 through MIS 13 terraces are identified, mapped and dated. Palaeoshoreline elevation, an excellent indicator for a past sea–level, and new numerical geochronology are used to calculate an Upper Pleistocene uplift rate for various coastal sectors. Southwestern Cyprus presents the highest uplift rates of 0.35-0.65 mm/year with other sections suggesting uplift of 0.07-0.15 mm/year. This Upper Pleistocene tectonic signal is attributed to an active offshore subduction/collision system to the southwest of Cyprus, evidenced from the seismic activity offshore and the surface expression of a blind thrust fault in the Pafos region. Soil chronosequences and geology in southwestern Cyprus are studied in order to understand the Quaternary development on this uplifting landscape. Soil profile properties are used to calculate a profile development index (PDI), a method often applied to geomorphic surfaces as a relative dating method. Well-developed red and clayey soils occur in the coastal sector, on broad and low-angle surfaces, specifically on marine terraces and alluvial fans. Higher elevations of steep slopes consisting of carbonate and ophiolite lithologies host poorly developed soils. Results show variable PDI's on uplifted terraces, obscured by transported materials, active alluvial fan buildup and hillslope erosion. Calcium carbonate build-up in soil profiles in the form of nodular and laminar accumulations are used as another relative dating method. Geochronology of marine terraces is used as an age range approximation for carbonate stages. Geomorphologic mapping focuses on the southeastern part of the Pafos thrust fault, the only point on the landscape where this otherwise blind fault is exposed on the surface. This is the location of Palaipafos, an important Ancient polity, today the site of the village of Kouklia. Geoarchaeological study suggests little landscape change over the last 4000 years in the vicinity of the urban core of Palaipafos, this being attributed to bedrock and landscape resistance of its location, a plateau at 80 m amsl. Copper deposits in the Palaipafos hinterland had provided a valuable resource at one time. Soil and water resources continue to sustain agriculture.Tectonic uplift in this part of the Pafos thrust fault is estimated to be 2.1mm/year, considered, together with Late Holocene sea-level change responsible for the shifting locations and eventual abandonment of the Palaipafos harbor in the coastal lowlands. Close

• 47. [Article] Predictive mapping of forest composition and structure with direct gradient analysis and nearest-neighbor imputation in coastal Oregon, U.S.A.

  Spatially explicit information on the species composition and structure of forest vegetation is needed at broad spatial scales for natural resource policy analysis and ecological research. We present a ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Predictive mapping of forest composition and structure with direct gradient analysis and nearest-neighbor imputation in coastal Oregon, U.S.A. Author: Ohmann, Janet L., Gregory, Matthew Jay Spatially explicit information on the species composition and structure of forest vegetation is needed at broad spatial scales for natural resource policy analysis and ecological research. We present a method for predictive vegetation mapping that applies direct gradient analysis and nearest-neighbor imputation to ascribe detailed ground attributes of vegetation to each pixel in a digital landscape map. The gradient nearest neighbor method integrates vegetation measurements from regional grids of field plots, mapped environmental data, and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery. In the Oregon coastal province, species gradients were most strongly associated with regional climate and geographic location, whereas variation in forest structure was best explained by Landsat TM variables. At the regional level, mapped predictions represented the range of variability in the sample data, and predicted area by vegetation type closely matched sample-based estimates. At the site level, mapped predictions maintained the covariance structure among multiple response variables. Prediction accuracy for tree species occurrence and several measures of vegetation structure and composition was good to moderate. Vegetation maps produced with the gradient nearest neighbor method are appropriately used for regional-level planning, policy analysis, and research, not to guide local management decisions. Title: Predictive mapping of forest composition and structure with direct gradient analysis and nearest-neighbor imputation in coastal Oregon, U.S.A. Author: Ohmann, Janet L., Gregory, Matthew Jay Spatially explicit information on the species composition and structure of forest vegetation is needed at broad spatial scales for natural resource policy analysis and ecological research. We present a method for predictive vegetation mapping that applies direct gradient analysis and nearest-neighbor imputation to ascribe detailed ground attributes of vegetation to each pixel in a digital landscape map. The gradient nearest neighbor method integrates vegetation measurements from regional grids of field plots, mapped environmental data, and Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery. In the Oregon coastal province, species gradients were most strongly associated with regional climate and geographic location, whereas variation in forest structure was best explained by Landsat TM variables. At the regional level, mapped predictions represented the range of variability in the sample data, and predicted area by vegetation type closely matched sample-based estimates. At the site level, mapped predictions maintained the covariance structure among multiple response variables. Prediction accuracy for tree species occurrence and several measures of vegetation structure and composition was good to moderate. Vegetation maps produced with the gradient nearest neighbor method are appropriately used for regional-level planning, policy analysis, and research, not to guide local management decisions. Close

• 48. [Article] Interrelationships of spodosols, andepts, and ultisols on coastal terraces in Curry County, Oregon

  Distribution and characteristics of soils were determined across a series of six coastal terraces in Curry Co., Oregon. Classification of soils and interrelationships of properties were determined. Soil-landscape ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Interrelationships of spodosols, andepts, and ultisols on coastal terraces in Curry County, Oregon Author: Hoppe, Diane A. S. Distribution and characteristics of soils were determined across a series of six coastal terraces in Curry Co., Oregon. Classification of soils and interrelationships of properties were determined. Soil-landscape relationships were examined and soil profile development related to relative ages of terraces. Ten pedons were sampled from five terraces of Pleistocene age. All profiles were analyzed for particle size distribution; bulk density; water retention, -1.5 MPa; aluminum and iron extracted with oxalate, citrate-dithionite and sodium pyrophosphate; pH; phosphate retention; exchangeable aluminum; organic carbon; and cation exchange capacity. Andeptic Humitropepts occur on intermediate terraces, in close proximity to the coast. Andeptic Haplohumults occur on the better drained areas of the intermediate terrace, but further inland. Soils in less well drained areas of the intermediate and higher terraces classify as Spodosols, based on morphological features. Ultisols occur on the highest terraces. Profile morphology, particle size and iron extracts are compared between terraces to derive age relationships. Title: Interrelationships of spodosols, andepts, and ultisols on coastal terraces in Curry County, Oregon Author: Hoppe, Diane A. S. Distribution and characteristics of soils were determined across a series of six coastal terraces in Curry Co., Oregon. Classification of soils and interrelationships of properties were determined. Soil-landscape relationships were examined and soil profile development related to relative ages of terraces. Ten pedons were sampled from five terraces of Pleistocene age. All profiles were analyzed for particle size distribution; bulk density; water retention, -1.5 MPa; aluminum and iron extracted with oxalate, citrate-dithionite and sodium pyrophosphate; pH; phosphate retention; exchangeable aluminum; organic carbon; and cation exchange capacity. Andeptic Humitropepts occur on intermediate terraces, in close proximity to the coast. Andeptic Haplohumults occur on the better drained areas of the intermediate terrace, but further inland. Soils in less well drained areas of the intermediate and higher terraces classify as Spodosols, based on morphological features. Ultisols occur on the highest terraces. Profile morphology, particle size and iron extracts are compared between terraces to derive age relationships. Close

• 49. [Article] Siuslaw River Basin Fish Management Plan 1997

  Abstract -- The Siuslaw River Basin is one in a series of similar watersheds in the Oregon coastal mountain range extending from the Nehalem to the Coquille. Rivers and streams in these watersheds generally ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Siuslaw River Basin Fish Management Plan 1997 Abstract -- The Siuslaw River Basin is one in a series of similar watersheds in the Oregon coastal mountain range extending from the Nehalem to the Coquille. Rivers and streams in these watersheds generally occur in a forest dominated landscape, have moderate gradients, and medium to large estuaries. There are few dams that substantially affect anadromous fish runs. Water withdrawals impact only a small portion of the total miles of stream habitat. Water quality and temperatures are suitable for salmonids for the entire year in most areas. Rainfall throughout the area is heavy, resulting in a high density of streams relative to watershed area. The Siuslaw River system alone has over one thousand contiguous miles of stream suitable for salmonids. Some of these stream reaches are highly productive, while others are severely degraded. Title: Siuslaw River Basin Fish Management Plan 1997 Abstract -- The Siuslaw River Basin is one in a series of similar watersheds in the Oregon coastal mountain range extending from the Nehalem to the Coquille. Rivers and streams in these watersheds generally occur in a forest dominated landscape, have moderate gradients, and medium to large estuaries. There are few dams that substantially affect anadromous fish runs. Water withdrawals impact only a small portion of the total miles of stream habitat. Water quality and temperatures are suitable for salmonids for the entire year in most areas. Rainfall throughout the area is heavy, resulting in a high density of streams relative to watershed area. The Siuslaw River system alone has over one thousand contiguous miles of stream suitable for salmonids. Some of these stream reaches are highly productive, while others are severely degraded. Close

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

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

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