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• 51. [Article] Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon

  Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon Author: Mellen, Teresa Kim Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat use of 14 woodpeckers after young had fledged during summers from 1982 to 1985. Home range size for individual bird averaged 480 ha; home ranges for pairs of birds were larger. Home ranges were larger than those reported in other studies. The larger home range sizes effectively reduce minimum snag densities calculated with formulas based on densities of birds. There was some overlap (11-160 ha) between adjacent home ranges. Pileated woodpeckers preferred forest habitat classes older than 40 years of age and deciduous riparian habitats for foraging and other diurnal activities. Nesting and roosting occurred in forest stands older than 70 years of age. The amount of foraging habitat within the home ranges averaged 306 ha; the amount of nesting and roosting habitat averaged 200 ha. Because pileated woodpeckers use immature forest stands for foraging they may not be a good "indicator" species for mature forest habitats. Characteristics of 15 nest and 13 roost trees (live and dead) and sites were measured from 1983 to 1986; characteristics were compared to those from other studies. Mean dbh differed significantly (P<0.05) between nest trees (68.9 cm) and roost trees (118.2cm). Trees used for nesting and roosting were taller than 11.5 m. A typical nest or roost tree had a broken top and retained most of the bark. Forest characteristics within a 0.3 ha circular plot at nest and roost sites were highly variable between sites. Discriminant analysis did not reveal a significant (P<0.05) difference between nest and roost sites found within 70- to 100-year-old stands and 100- to 200-year old stands. Mean dbh of nest trees was smaller, mean height of nest trees (26.5 m) was intermediate, and mean height of nest cavities (20 m) was higher than those reported from most other studies. Measured forest characteristics at nest sites were very different between studies because of differences in forests in terms of species composition, site productivity, climate and amount of disturbance. Findings were consistent with a previously recommended "minimum" dbh for pileated woodpecker nest trees of 63.5 cm (with bark). However, provision of nest trees with average characteristics would enhance management schemes which are directed toward minumum population numbers and a minimum amount of reserved habitat. Title: Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon Author: Mellen, Teresa Kim Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat use of 14 woodpeckers after young had fledged during summers from 1982 to 1985. Home range size for individual bird averaged 480 ha; home ranges for pairs of birds were larger. Home ranges were larger than those reported in other studies. The larger home range sizes effectively reduce minimum snag densities calculated with formulas based on densities of birds. There was some overlap (11-160 ha) between adjacent home ranges. Pileated woodpeckers preferred forest habitat classes older than 40 years of age and deciduous riparian habitats for foraging and other diurnal activities. Nesting and roosting occurred in forest stands older than 70 years of age. The amount of foraging habitat within the home ranges averaged 306 ha; the amount of nesting and roosting habitat averaged 200 ha. Because pileated woodpeckers use immature forest stands for foraging they may not be a good "indicator" species for mature forest habitats. Characteristics of 15 nest and 13 roost trees (live and dead) and sites were measured from 1983 to 1986; characteristics were compared to those from other studies. Mean dbh differed significantly (P<0.05) between nest trees (68.9 cm) and roost trees (118.2cm). Trees used for nesting and roosting were taller than 11.5 m. A typical nest or roost tree had a broken top and retained most of the bark. Forest characteristics within a 0.3 ha circular plot at nest and roost sites were highly variable between sites. Discriminant analysis did not reveal a significant (P<0.05) difference between nest and roost sites found within 70- to 100-year-old stands and 100- to 200-year old stands. Mean dbh of nest trees was smaller, mean height of nest trees (26.5 m) was intermediate, and mean height of nest cavities (20 m) was higher than those reported from most other studies. Measured forest characteristics at nest sites were very different between studies because of differences in forests in terms of species composition, site productivity, climate and amount of disturbance. Findings were consistent with a previously recommended "minimum" dbh for pileated woodpecker nest trees of 63.5 cm (with bark). However, provision of nest trees with average characteristics would enhance management schemes which are directed toward minumum population numbers and a minimum amount of reserved habitat. Close

• 52. [Article] Summer-time use of west coast US National Marine Sanctuaries by migrating sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus)

  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: Summer-time use of west coast US National Marine Sanctuaries by migrating sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) Author: MacLeod, Catriona, Suryan, Robert M., Harvey, James T., Hyrenbach, K. David, Adams, Josh 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: Summer-time use of west coast US National Marine Sanctuaries by migrating sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) Author: MacLeod, Catriona, Suryan, Robert M., Harvey, James T., Hyrenbach, K. David, Adams, Josh 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

• 53. [Article] Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon

  An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Wyss, Lance A. An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical wet prairie landscape. Because agriculture is known to alter physical and chemical wetland conditions, I investigated if aquatic invertebrate communities differed among annual grass seed farmed wetlands, perennial grass seed farmed wetlands, and native wet prairie. I sampled 30 southern Willamette Valley wetlands (n = 10 in each land use category) in spring of 2009 and resampled 28 in spring of 2010 that are hydrogeomorphically classified as Flats. Invertebrate community composition in native wet prairie differed from farmed wetlands (A-stats = 0.37, P < 0.001). Specifically, taxa richness (26.2 ± 1.2 in 2009 and 27.4 ± 1.0 in 2010) and diversity (3.0 ± 0.1 in 2009 and 3.1 ± 0.1 in 2010) were higher. From Indicator Species Analysis, taxa representative of wet prairie included a flightless beetle (Apteraliplus parvulus), a cladoceran (Dumontia oregonensis), an isopod (Caecidotea sp.), Calanoida copepods, and Lymnaeidae snails. Invertebrate density (individuals/m²) did not differ among land-use groups, but biomass (mg/m²) in perennial grass wetlands was greater than annual grass wetlands both years. Biomass in perennial grass farmed wetlands was also higher than native wet prairie in 2009 and similar in 2010. Wetland invertebrate composition was strongly associated with reduced vegetation cover and increases in water turbidity and conductivity with farmed sites having lower cover and higher turbidity and conductivity. These findings suggest grass seed farming practices such as soil tillage and field leveling have affects on invertebrate communities by lowering diversity and richness and altering community composition. However, farmed seasonal wetlands still provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, contribute to the region's biodiversity, and are substantial food resources for wildlife. This grass seed agricultural landscape is an important seasonal wetland habitat and needs to be incorporated into regional conservation plans. Title: Effects of grass seed agriculture on aquatic invertebrate communities in seasonal wetlands of the southern Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Wyss, Lance A. An estimated 99% of native wet prairie has been lost in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, but a large number of seasonal wetlands remain on private lands dedicated to grass seed production within the historical wet prairie landscape. Because agriculture is known to alter physical and chemical wetland conditions, I investigated if aquatic invertebrate communities differed among annual grass seed farmed wetlands, perennial grass seed farmed wetlands, and native wet prairie. I sampled 30 southern Willamette Valley wetlands (n = 10 in each land use category) in spring of 2009 and resampled 28 in spring of 2010 that are hydrogeomorphically classified as Flats. Invertebrate community composition in native wet prairie differed from farmed wetlands (A-stats = 0.37, P < 0.001). Specifically, taxa richness (26.2 ± 1.2 in 2009 and 27.4 ± 1.0 in 2010) and diversity (3.0 ± 0.1 in 2009 and 3.1 ± 0.1 in 2010) were higher. From Indicator Species Analysis, taxa representative of wet prairie included a flightless beetle (Apteraliplus parvulus), a cladoceran (Dumontia oregonensis), an isopod (Caecidotea sp.), Calanoida copepods, and Lymnaeidae snails. Invertebrate density (individuals/m²) did not differ among land-use groups, but biomass (mg/m²) in perennial grass wetlands was greater than annual grass wetlands both years. Biomass in perennial grass farmed wetlands was also higher than native wet prairie in 2009 and similar in 2010. Wetland invertebrate composition was strongly associated with reduced vegetation cover and increases in water turbidity and conductivity with farmed sites having lower cover and higher turbidity and conductivity. These findings suggest grass seed farming practices such as soil tillage and field leveling have affects on invertebrate communities by lowering diversity and richness and altering community composition. However, farmed seasonal wetlands still provide habitat for aquatic invertebrates, contribute to the region's biodiversity, and are substantial food resources for wildlife. This grass seed agricultural landscape is an important seasonal wetland habitat and needs to be incorporated into regional conservation plans. Close

• 54. [Article] How Cities Can Increase Cycling Among Women An Evaluation of: Portland, OR, Washington D.C., and Vancouver B.C.

  56 pages

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: How Cities Can Increase Cycling Among Women An Evaluation of: Portland, OR, Washington D.C., and Vancouver B.C. Author: Horan, Erin Year: 2016 56 pages Title: How Cities Can Increase Cycling Among Women An Evaluation of: Portland, OR, Washington D.C., and Vancouver B.C. Author: Horan, Erin Year: 2016 56 pages Close

• 55. [Article] Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy

  Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Kagan, James S., Burcsu, Theresa Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University Title: Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Kagan, James S., Burcsu, Theresa Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University Close

• 56. [Article] Forest macro-arthropods as potential indicators of ecosystem conditions in Western Idaho : an analysis of community composition, biological diversity, and community structure

  Adaptive ecosystem management is a new paradigm for managing federal forests which requires regular monitoring of ecosystem function and diversity to measure the effects of management. Managers need new ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forest macro-arthropods as potential indicators of ecosystem conditions in Western Idaho : an analysis of community composition, biological diversity, and community structure Author: Ruby, Margaret E. Adaptive ecosystem management is a new paradigm for managing federal forests which requires regular monitoring of ecosystem function and diversity to measure the effects of management. Managers need new strategies and tools to help them assess their progress in maintaining healthy, productive and biologically diverse forests. Biomonitoring of select forest macro-arthropod species can provide useful information on the effects of management on forest biodiversity and ecosystem function. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to inventory the macro-arthropod community and important environmental variables in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area within the Payette National Forest (PNF) in Western Idaho; (2) to compare measures of community composition, diversity, and structure in forest macro-arthropod communities between patches of different sizes and treatment; and (3) to assist PNF managers in their ecosystem management efforts by providing principles to guide the use of macro-arthropods as indicators of changing forest conditions. Transects with pitfall traps were used to collect macro-arthropods at 22 sites in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area during the summer of 1994. Five forest patch types in Abies grandis habitat types were sampled. Intact forest patches of 100 or more hectares, and large patches of 50-100 hectares, ranged in age between 50 and 250 years old with multistoried structure. Small patches up to 10 hectares were remnants or fragments of formerly intact forest isolated by logging. A plantation patch was 15 years old with patchy understory and forb cover. Clearcut patches had little or no overstory, and variable understory, and forb layers. At each transect, soil samples were collected and six environmental descriptor variables were analyzed according to patch treatment and patch size. These site descriptors were: basal area (ft²/acre); percent canopy cover for the overstory, understory; and forb layers; litter depth (cm), and percent soil moisture content. Differences detected using an ANOVA and T-tests are discussed in the Results section. Arthropod community composition, diversity, and structure were described according to relative abundance, and four measures of diversity. They were also described by membership in seventeen orders and/or super-families; ten functional groups; two disperser classes (long or short distance); and three species indicator classes. A total of 5455 macro-arthropod individuals, representing 17 orders and/or super-families and 219 species were collected in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area. While macro-arthropod fauna relative abundance did not vary significantly by treatment (ANOVA p<0.3), it did vary significantly by patch size (ANOVA p<0.03). Fauna relative abundance was 35% greater in clearcut patches than in large patches (T-test p<0.09). Fauna relative abundance in small patches was twice that of intact (T-test p<0.03) and large (T-test p<0.02) patches. Taxonomic diversity (number of genera/taxa) of beetle, ant, and bug taxa differed significantly according to treatment type(each ANOVA p<0.05). For the top four taxa (beetles, ants, spiders, and bugs), taxonomic diversity was highest in the plantation and clearcut patches. Ants and bugs had their highest taxonomic diversity in the plantation patch (separate T-tests p<0.05) while the taxonomic diversity of beetles was highest in clear-cut patches (T-test p<0.05). Beetle and ant taxonomic diversity varied significantly by patch size (each ANOVA p<0.05). For beetles and bugs, small patches were twice as diverse as intact patches (separate T-tests p<0.04) and 1.5 times that of large patches. Ant diversity was similarly distributed amongst the patch sizes, with significant differences between small and intact and between small and large patches (separate T-tests p<0.05). Of the four species diversity measures employed, only two, [alpha] and JK1 (both measures of richness), were found to vary significantly by patch treatment and size. Evenness (E) and the Shannon Diversity Index (H') failed to detect differences in the majority of tests. Fauna [alpha] and JK1 differed significantly by treatment type (each ANOVA p<0.05). Richness in clearcut patches was nearly twice in intact and large patches, followed by plantation and large patches. Fauna [alpha] and JKl also differed significantly by patch size (each ANOVA p <0.001), with small patch fauna twice as rich as that in large and intact patches (separate T-tests p <0.01). Of the top four functional groups, predators were the most abundant and had the highest taxonomic diversity (number of genera/functional group), followed by herbivores, fungivores and parasites. Predators and herbivores showed increasing taxonomic diversity with decreasing patch size, from intact to large to small (ANOVA p< 0.05). Similarly, predators and herbivores exhibited increasing taxonomic diversity with increasing levels of management: from intact and large to plantation and clear-cuts (ANOVA p< 0.05). Predators and herbivores were most numerous in the managed and small patches. Fungivore taxonomic diversity was also highest in the small and managed patches, though neither patch size nor treatment differences were significant (ANOVA p<0.85). Parasite taxonomic diversity differed by patch size with highest generic diversity in the small patches (ANOVA p<0.l) and by treatment type with generic diversity highest in plantations and clearcuts followed in order by large and intact patches (ANOVA p<0.l). Twice as many genera were long distance dispersers as were short distance dispersers. Relative abundance of long distance dispersers varied significantly by patch treatment and patch size (each ANOVA p<0.0l). Long distance dispersers were most numerous in clear-cut patches, followed in order by plantation, small, large, and intact patches. Relative abundance of short distance dispersers was not significantly different between treatment types (ANOVA p<0.20) but was significantly different between patch sizes (ANOVA p<0.0l). Short distance dispersers were most numerous in small patches followed by plantation, large, and intact and least numerous in clearcut patches. An indicator species analysis of 121 Bear Creek and Indian Creek genera (Dufrene and Legendre 1997), revealed sub-groups of species with 75 to 100 percent "perfect indication" or affiliation for specific patch types. When intact and large patches were pooled and analyzed against all treated patches (plantation and clearcut patches), a list of 36 genera with 75 to 100 percent "perfect affiliation" for intact or large patches was produced (MRPP p<0.05). Small patches had 42 indicators with 75 to 100 percent "perfect indication" when compared with the pooled intact and large patches (MRPP p<0.l). Conclusions Macro-arthropod community composition, diversity and structure did vary, usually significantly, by patch treatment and size. Useful measures of generic diversity include richness estimators [alpha], [beta], and JK1. Examination of taxonomic diversity was also useful, especially for the more mobile arthropods. Pitfall traps provided copious data on the structure of the community in regards to predators and herbivores. Pitfalls, however, did not provide much information about the status of fungivores and parasites in the various different patches. Another trapping method such as the berlaise funnel, would likely provide more information about those functional groups which are likely operating at a finer scale of resolution than that tested by the pitfall trap. Employing both methods would provide a much better assessment of the community of arthropods living on the forest floor. The indicator species analysis program also provided very useful lists of species which are affiliated with particular patch conditions. Taken together, these measures could be adopted for use by forest managers to allow them to assess and monitor the effects of a management regime on the structure and composition of macro-arthropod communities as part of a comprehensive adaptive management plan. Title: Forest macro-arthropods as potential indicators of ecosystem conditions in Western Idaho : an analysis of community composition, biological diversity, and community structure Author: Ruby, Margaret E. Adaptive ecosystem management is a new paradigm for managing federal forests which requires regular monitoring of ecosystem function and diversity to measure the effects of management. Managers need new strategies and tools to help them assess their progress in maintaining healthy, productive and biologically diverse forests. Biomonitoring of select forest macro-arthropod species can provide useful information on the effects of management on forest biodiversity and ecosystem function. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to inventory the macro-arthropod community and important environmental variables in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area within the Payette National Forest (PNF) in Western Idaho; (2) to compare measures of community composition, diversity, and structure in forest macro-arthropod communities between patches of different sizes and treatment; and (3) to assist PNF managers in their ecosystem management efforts by providing principles to guide the use of macro-arthropods as indicators of changing forest conditions. Transects with pitfall traps were used to collect macro-arthropods at 22 sites in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area during the summer of 1994. Five forest patch types in Abies grandis habitat types were sampled. Intact forest patches of 100 or more hectares, and large patches of 50-100 hectares, ranged in age between 50 and 250 years old with multistoried structure. Small patches up to 10 hectares were remnants or fragments of formerly intact forest isolated by logging. A plantation patch was 15 years old with patchy understory and forb cover. Clearcut patches had little or no overstory, and variable understory, and forb layers. At each transect, soil samples were collected and six environmental descriptor variables were analyzed according to patch treatment and patch size. These site descriptors were: basal area (ft²/acre); percent canopy cover for the overstory, understory; and forb layers; litter depth (cm), and percent soil moisture content. Differences detected using an ANOVA and T-tests are discussed in the Results section. Arthropod community composition, diversity, and structure were described according to relative abundance, and four measures of diversity. They were also described by membership in seventeen orders and/or super-families; ten functional groups; two disperser classes (long or short distance); and three species indicator classes. A total of 5455 macro-arthropod individuals, representing 17 orders and/or super-families and 219 species were collected in the Bear Creek and Indian Creek study area. While macro-arthropod fauna relative abundance did not vary significantly by treatment (ANOVA p<0.3), it did vary significantly by patch size (ANOVA p<0.03). Fauna relative abundance was 35% greater in clearcut patches than in large patches (T-test p<0.09). Fauna relative abundance in small patches was twice that of intact (T-test p<0.03) and large (T-test p<0.02) patches. Taxonomic diversity (number of genera/taxa) of beetle, ant, and bug taxa differed significantly according to treatment type(each ANOVA p<0.05). For the top four taxa (beetles, ants, spiders, and bugs), taxonomic diversity was highest in the plantation and clearcut patches. Ants and bugs had their highest taxonomic diversity in the plantation patch (separate T-tests p<0.05) while the taxonomic diversity of beetles was highest in clear-cut patches (T-test p<0.05). Beetle and ant taxonomic diversity varied significantly by patch size (each ANOVA p<0.05). For beetles and bugs, small patches were twice as diverse as intact patches (separate T-tests p<0.04) and 1.5 times that of large patches. Ant diversity was similarly distributed amongst the patch sizes, with significant differences between small and intact and between small and large patches (separate T-tests p<0.05). Of the four species diversity measures employed, only two, [alpha] and JK1 (both measures of richness), were found to vary significantly by patch treatment and size. Evenness (E) and the Shannon Diversity Index (H') failed to detect differences in the majority of tests. Fauna [alpha] and JK1 differed significantly by treatment type (each ANOVA p<0.05). Richness in clearcut patches was nearly twice in intact and large patches, followed by plantation and large patches. Fauna [alpha] and JKl also differed significantly by patch size (each ANOVA p <0.001), with small patch fauna twice as rich as that in large and intact patches (separate T-tests p <0.01). Of the top four functional groups, predators were the most abundant and had the highest taxonomic diversity (number of genera/functional group), followed by herbivores, fungivores and parasites. Predators and herbivores showed increasing taxonomic diversity with decreasing patch size, from intact to large to small (ANOVA p< 0.05). Similarly, predators and herbivores exhibited increasing taxonomic diversity with increasing levels of management: from intact and large to plantation and clear-cuts (ANOVA p< 0.05). Predators and herbivores were most numerous in the managed and small patches. Fungivore taxonomic diversity was also highest in the small and managed patches, though neither patch size nor treatment differences were significant (ANOVA p<0.85). Parasite taxonomic diversity differed by patch size with highest generic diversity in the small patches (ANOVA p<0.l) and by treatment type with generic diversity highest in plantations and clearcuts followed in order by large and intact patches (ANOVA p<0.l). Twice as many genera were long distance dispersers as were short distance dispersers. Relative abundance of long distance dispersers varied significantly by patch treatment and patch size (each ANOVA p<0.0l). Long distance dispersers were most numerous in clear-cut patches, followed in order by plantation, small, large, and intact patches. Relative abundance of short distance dispersers was not significantly different between treatment types (ANOVA p<0.20) but was significantly different between patch sizes (ANOVA p<0.0l). Short distance dispersers were most numerous in small patches followed by plantation, large, and intact and least numerous in clearcut patches. An indicator species analysis of 121 Bear Creek and Indian Creek genera (Dufrene and Legendre 1997), revealed sub-groups of species with 75 to 100 percent "perfect indication" or affiliation for specific patch types. When intact and large patches were pooled and analyzed against all treated patches (plantation and clearcut patches), a list of 36 genera with 75 to 100 percent "perfect affiliation" for intact or large patches was produced (MRPP p<0.05). Small patches had 42 indicators with 75 to 100 percent "perfect indication" when compared with the pooled intact and large patches (MRPP p<0.l). Conclusions Macro-arthropod community composition, diversity and structure did vary, usually significantly, by patch treatment and size. Useful measures of generic diversity include richness estimators [alpha], [beta], and JK1. Examination of taxonomic diversity was also useful, especially for the more mobile arthropods. Pitfall traps provided copious data on the structure of the community in regards to predators and herbivores. Pitfalls, however, did not provide much information about the status of fungivores and parasites in the various different patches. Another trapping method such as the berlaise funnel, would likely provide more information about those functional groups which are likely operating at a finer scale of resolution than that tested by the pitfall trap. Employing both methods would provide a much better assessment of the community of arthropods living on the forest floor. The indicator species analysis program also provided very useful lists of species which are affiliated with particular patch conditions. Taken together, these measures could be adopted for use by forest managers to allow them to assess and monitor the effects of a management regime on the structure and composition of macro-arthropod communities as part of a comprehensive adaptive management plan. Close

• 57. [Article] Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M. Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native burning, Willamette Valley prairies have become highly fragmented and invaded by non-native species, leaving little room for native plant diversity. Even though wetland prairie conservation and restoration has been a priority for many government agencies there is a need for research on what restoration techniques and management are necessary for increasing native species richness and abundance in remnant and restored wet prairie sites. In this research project, two studies were conducted. In the first study, data were collected on species presence and abundance from three 100m² randomized plots within three remnant wet prairies (Green Mountain, Gotter Prairie South, Knez) and three restored wet prairies (Hutchinson, Gotter Prairie North, Lovejoy) to answer the following research question, 'Are there differences between remnant and restored prairie plant communities with respect to the diversity and abundance of native species?' Analysis of variance and multivariate ordination techniques were used to assess the ecological differences between uncultivated, minimally-managed remnant wet prairies and newly-restored, highly managed wet prairies. Data on soils collected from agricultural sites (Westbrook, Zurcher, Gotter Prairie Ag), as well as the remnant and restored wet prairies mentioned above, were also used to compare soil quality and processes with the remnant and restored wetlands. Restored wet prairie had 23% higher native species cover than remnant prairie (p-value=0.089, N=6). Remnant and restored sites did not differ in native species richness (p-value=0.949, N=6). The relatively high per cent cover of native species at restored sites, (significant at the 10% level), suggests that land managers have successfully restored agricultural properties with an abundance of native species. The lack of significant difference in native species richness between remnant and restored sites also suggests that land managers have also been able to restore native plant diversity into former agricultural properties equivalent to some of the best intact remnant prairies within the Northern Willamette Valley in a short period of time (8 years or less). However, a non-metric scaling (NMS) ordination of the species matrix separated the remnant sites from the restored sites, suggesting that community composition distinguishes restored sites from remnants. The NMS results, which include environmental data in the analysis, also suggest that there is a positive correlation of percent soil moisture and percent soil organic matter associated with the remnant prairies and a positive correlation of management practices such as yearly chemical use, mowing, and clean crops, associated with the restored prairies. The location of Gotter Prairie North restoration within the ordination, between the remnant and restored sites, suggests an intermediate plant composition and soil quality. This could be attributed to intensive weed suppression and soil organic matter build up over time (8 years) in comparison to younger restored sites (3 and 4 years). Indicator species analysis identified many species with high indicator values (IVs) in the remnant prairies; Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex densa and Phalaris arundinacea being the highest. The use of fire as a management tool produced only one species with a high IV (Camassia quamash). In the second study, three seeding treatments (Grass first, Grass and Forb together, Forb first) were compared within a 4 hectare experimental wet prairie unit to answer the research question „Which of the three seeding treatments used leads to the highest native species abundance and species richness?‟ Results from an analysis of variance indicated significant differences between treatments in native species richness for 2009 and 2010 (p-values=0.002 & 0.004 respectively) at the 5% level and native species abundance in 2010 only (p-value=0.099) at the 10% level. The Grass and Forb and Forb first treatments were highest in native species richness for 2009 and 2010, whereas the Grass and Forb and Grass first treatments were highest in native species abundance in 2010. A NMS ordination suggests that Juncus tenuis is one of the dominant species, in all seeding treatments, after one year of growth. Title: Comparing vegetation and soils of remnant and restored prairie wetlands in the northern Willamette Valley Author: Taylor, Sara M. Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems (Clark and Wilson, 2001). As a result of agriculture conversion, urban development and cessation of native burning, Willamette Valley prairies have become highly fragmented and invaded by non-native species, leaving little room for native plant diversity. Even though wetland prairie conservation and restoration has been a priority for many government agencies there is a need for research on what restoration techniques and management are necessary for increasing native species richness and abundance in remnant and restored wet prairie sites. In this research project, two studies were conducted. In the first study, data were collected on species presence and abundance from three 100m² randomized plots within three remnant wet prairies (Green Mountain, Gotter Prairie South, Knez) and three restored wet prairies (Hutchinson, Gotter Prairie North, Lovejoy) to answer the following research question, 'Are there differences between remnant and restored prairie plant communities with respect to the diversity and abundance of native species?' Analysis of variance and multivariate ordination techniques were used to assess the ecological differences between uncultivated, minimally-managed remnant wet prairies and newly-restored, highly managed wet prairies. Data on soils collected from agricultural sites (Westbrook, Zurcher, Gotter Prairie Ag), as well as the remnant and restored wet prairies mentioned above, were also used to compare soil quality and processes with the remnant and restored wetlands. Restored wet prairie had 23% higher native species cover than remnant prairie (p-value=0.089, N=6). Remnant and restored sites did not differ in native species richness (p-value=0.949, N=6). The relatively high per cent cover of native species at restored sites, (significant at the 10% level), suggests that land managers have successfully restored agricultural properties with an abundance of native species. The lack of significant difference in native species richness between remnant and restored sites also suggests that land managers have also been able to restore native plant diversity into former agricultural properties equivalent to some of the best intact remnant prairies within the Northern Willamette Valley in a short period of time (8 years or less). However, a non-metric scaling (NMS) ordination of the species matrix separated the remnant sites from the restored sites, suggesting that community composition distinguishes restored sites from remnants. The NMS results, which include environmental data in the analysis, also suggest that there is a positive correlation of percent soil moisture and percent soil organic matter associated with the remnant prairies and a positive correlation of management practices such as yearly chemical use, mowing, and clean crops, associated with the restored prairies. The location of Gotter Prairie North restoration within the ordination, between the remnant and restored sites, suggests an intermediate plant composition and soil quality. This could be attributed to intensive weed suppression and soil organic matter build up over time (8 years) in comparison to younger restored sites (3 and 4 years). Indicator species analysis identified many species with high indicator values (IVs) in the remnant prairies; Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex densa and Phalaris arundinacea being the highest. The use of fire as a management tool produced only one species with a high IV (Camassia quamash). In the second study, three seeding treatments (Grass first, Grass and Forb together, Forb first) were compared within a 4 hectare experimental wet prairie unit to answer the research question „Which of the three seeding treatments used leads to the highest native species abundance and species richness?‟ Results from an analysis of variance indicated significant differences between treatments in native species richness for 2009 and 2010 (p-values=0.002 & 0.004 respectively) at the 5% level and native species abundance in 2010 only (p-value=0.099) at the 10% level. The Grass and Forb and Forb first treatments were highest in native species richness for 2009 and 2010, whereas the Grass and Forb and Grass first treatments were highest in native species abundance in 2010. A NMS ordination suggests that Juncus tenuis is one of the dominant species, in all seeding treatments, after one year of growth. Close

• 58. [Article] Using Oregon trawl logbooks to study spatial and temporal characteristics of commercial groundfish species associations

  Species associations of fifteen major commercial groundfish species in the northeastern Pacific ocean and their spatial and temporal characteristics were studied using Oregon bottom trawl logbook data, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Using Oregon trawl logbooks to study spatial and temporal characteristics of commercial groundfish species associations Author: Lee, Yong Woo Species associations of fifteen major commercial groundfish species in the northeastern Pacific ocean and their spatial and temporal characteristics were studied using Oregon bottom trawl logbook data, 1987 to 1993. Screening procedures were used to remove questionable data from the original logbook files, which resulted in the exclusion of information from 46% of the total available tows. Two multivariate methods, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and Ward's method of hierarchical cluster analysis were used to derive the association patterns of species and species groups. A general linear model that was developed for the primary DCA axis suggested that the species associations are strongly correlated with depth, but minimally correlated with the other environmental variables that were examined (latitude, season, and year). The weak correlations between DCA axis 1 and the temporal variables indicate that species associations in the study region are fairly persistent over time. The same multivariate techniques were used to examine possible sampling effects due to changes in the participating trawl vessels that contributed logbook information. Depth and latitudinal distributions of species occurrence in the logbook were similar to distributions derived from National Marine Fishery Service triennial bottom trawl survey. However, the analysis also showed that the depth coverage by the survey is not broad enough to accurately characterize associations among species that are currently subject to commercial fishing activity. Title: Using Oregon trawl logbooks to study spatial and temporal characteristics of commercial groundfish species associations Author: Lee, Yong Woo Species associations of fifteen major commercial groundfish species in the northeastern Pacific ocean and their spatial and temporal characteristics were studied using Oregon bottom trawl logbook data, 1987 to 1993. Screening procedures were used to remove questionable data from the original logbook files, which resulted in the exclusion of information from 46% of the total available tows. Two multivariate methods, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and Ward's method of hierarchical cluster analysis were used to derive the association patterns of species and species groups. A general linear model that was developed for the primary DCA axis suggested that the species associations are strongly correlated with depth, but minimally correlated with the other environmental variables that were examined (latitude, season, and year). The weak correlations between DCA axis 1 and the temporal variables indicate that species associations in the study region are fairly persistent over time. The same multivariate techniques were used to examine possible sampling effects due to changes in the participating trawl vessels that contributed logbook information. Depth and latitudinal distributions of species occurrence in the logbook were similar to distributions derived from National Marine Fishery Service triennial bottom trawl survey. However, the analysis also showed that the depth coverage by the survey is not broad enough to accurately characterize associations among species that are currently subject to commercial fishing activity. Close

• 59. [Article] Life history of Philophthalmus megalurus (Cort, 1914) in western Oregon

  The specific identification of a megalurous cercaria found in the snail Oxytrema plicifera was accomplished by completing the life cycle in the laboratory. This species is compared with the eastern Philophthalmus ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Life history of Philophthalmus megalurus (Cort, 1914) in western Oregon Author: McMillan, Toni Anne Year: 1971 The specific identification of a megalurous cercaria found in the snail Oxytrema plicifera was accomplished by completing the life cycle in the laboratory. This species is compared with the eastern Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli with which it was once confused. The eggs, miracidia, and rediae of the Oregon species were found to be similar to those of the above species. The body and organ sizes and sucker ratios for the cercariae and adult stages obviously indicate that the Oregon species is Philophthalmus megalurus. Title: Life history of Philophthalmus megalurus (Cort, 1914) in western Oregon Author: McMillan, Toni Anne Year: 1971 The specific identification of a megalurous cercaria found in the snail Oxytrema plicifera was accomplished by completing the life cycle in the laboratory. This species is compared with the eastern Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli with which it was once confused. The eggs, miracidia, and rediae of the Oregon species were found to be similar to those of the above species. The body and organ sizes and sucker ratios for the cercariae and adult stages obviously indicate that the Oregon species is Philophthalmus megalurus. Close

• 60. [Article] Plant and amphibian assemblages in zero-order basins in the Oregon Coast Range

  We have a poor understanding of the biotic communities in zero-order basins, drainages extending from ridgelines to the initiation of first-order streams. This study describes baseline plant and amphibian ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Plant and amphibian assemblages in zero-order basins in the Oregon Coast Range Author: Sheridan, Chris D. We have a poor understanding of the biotic communities in zero-order basins, drainages extending from ridgelines to the initiation of first-order streams. This study describes baseline plant and amphibian composition in unmanaged zero-order basins in the Oregon Coast Range. Specifically, I studied: i) the spatial distribution and diversity of species, including riparian-associates; and ii) the dominant environmental, spatial and geomorphic gradients in species composition The results of this research have implications for riparian management in steep, forested landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. The composition of tree and shrub layers in zero-order basins was more similar to upland areas than to larger-order riparian areas. Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar had highest basal areas; bigleaf maple had highest hardwood density. Convergent areas (areas collecting surface flow) had significantly lower relative densities than surrounding slopes. I identified 138 forest floor herb, shrub, and seedling tree species in zero-order basins. Gradient analysis and empirical modeling suggested that the composition of forest floor plant assemblages was associated with environmental parameters related to geomorphic position and overstory characteristics, such as distance from basin center, basin aspect and overstory relative density. Vegetation types, developed using classification, followed similar environmental patterns. Vegetation types were useful in clarifying environmental gradients acting on groups of plant species, and in delineating the lateral extent of geomorphic and fluvial influences. Riparian-associated vegetation types were mostly restricted to valley floors and lower slope areas. Geomorphic and lateral surfaces were drivers of environmental gradients in zero-order basins; plant species composition followed these geomorphic gradients. Surfaces close to basin center ("inner gorges"), including valley centers, splash zones, and lower slope areas, supported the highest plant species diversity and most distinct plant assemblages. The spatial distribution patterns of amphibian species and assemblages were characterized along longitudinal and lateral gradients, and relative to three geomorphic surfaces (valleys, headmost areas and slopes), and empirical species-habitat models were developed. I identified eight amphibian species in zero-order basins (865 total captures), and analyzed data for six. Headmost areas supported a distinctive upland amphibian assemblage, while valley floors had the highest riparian amphibian diversity. Captures of three riparian species were higher in valley surfaces, within S m of the center of zero-order basins, while captures of three upland species were highest in areas 2-5 m from center. Upland-associated species were captured two times farther from basin centers than riparian-associated species. The best predictors of amphibian captures in empirical models were geomorphic, stability/ disturbance, moisture and overstory parameters. Ordination and indicator species analysis facilitated characterization of amphibian species assemblages within geomorphic surface zones, and suggested spatial compression of habitats and species in zero-order basins, in comparison to broader spatial extents in larger basins. Plant and amphibian assemblages in unmanaged zero-order basins were most similar to each other in their lateral and geomorphic spatial patterning, including the importance of inner gorge areas for support of diverse communities. Plant species were strongly associated with geomorphic position parameters, while amphibians had stronger ties to discrete microhabitat elements such as moisture levels and large substrate. Amphibians appeared to have a more distinctive assemblage in headmost areas than plant species. Results suggest that assemblages of plants and amphibians in these basins are distinct from both larger-order riparian assemblages and from vegetation in surrounding hillslopes. Riparian management designs could take these spatial patterns and habitat associations into account to maintain the ecological integrity of headwater communities. The longitudinal and lateral extents of landscape areas managed to minimize risk to persistence of zero-order basin plant and amphibian assemblages would need to incorporate both fluvial and hillslope disturbance regimes, and microhabitat features associated with them. Title: Plant and amphibian assemblages in zero-order basins in the Oregon Coast Range Author: Sheridan, Chris D. We have a poor understanding of the biotic communities in zero-order basins, drainages extending from ridgelines to the initiation of first-order streams. This study describes baseline plant and amphibian composition in unmanaged zero-order basins in the Oregon Coast Range. Specifically, I studied: i) the spatial distribution and diversity of species, including riparian-associates; and ii) the dominant environmental, spatial and geomorphic gradients in species composition The results of this research have implications for riparian management in steep, forested landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. The composition of tree and shrub layers in zero-order basins was more similar to upland areas than to larger-order riparian areas. Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar had highest basal areas; bigleaf maple had highest hardwood density. Convergent areas (areas collecting surface flow) had significantly lower relative densities than surrounding slopes. I identified 138 forest floor herb, shrub, and seedling tree species in zero-order basins. Gradient analysis and empirical modeling suggested that the composition of forest floor plant assemblages was associated with environmental parameters related to geomorphic position and overstory characteristics, such as distance from basin center, basin aspect and overstory relative density. Vegetation types, developed using classification, followed similar environmental patterns. Vegetation types were useful in clarifying environmental gradients acting on groups of plant species, and in delineating the lateral extent of geomorphic and fluvial influences. Riparian-associated vegetation types were mostly restricted to valley floors and lower slope areas. Geomorphic and lateral surfaces were drivers of environmental gradients in zero-order basins; plant species composition followed these geomorphic gradients. Surfaces close to basin center ("inner gorges"), including valley centers, splash zones, and lower slope areas, supported the highest plant species diversity and most distinct plant assemblages. The spatial distribution patterns of amphibian species and assemblages were characterized along longitudinal and lateral gradients, and relative to three geomorphic surfaces (valleys, headmost areas and slopes), and empirical species-habitat models were developed. I identified eight amphibian species in zero-order basins (865 total captures), and analyzed data for six. Headmost areas supported a distinctive upland amphibian assemblage, while valley floors had the highest riparian amphibian diversity. Captures of three riparian species were higher in valley surfaces, within S m of the center of zero-order basins, while captures of three upland species were highest in areas 2-5 m from center. Upland-associated species were captured two times farther from basin centers than riparian-associated species. The best predictors of amphibian captures in empirical models were geomorphic, stability/ disturbance, moisture and overstory parameters. Ordination and indicator species analysis facilitated characterization of amphibian species assemblages within geomorphic surface zones, and suggested spatial compression of habitats and species in zero-order basins, in comparison to broader spatial extents in larger basins. Plant and amphibian assemblages in unmanaged zero-order basins were most similar to each other in their lateral and geomorphic spatial patterning, including the importance of inner gorge areas for support of diverse communities. Plant species were strongly associated with geomorphic position parameters, while amphibians had stronger ties to discrete microhabitat elements such as moisture levels and large substrate. Amphibians appeared to have a more distinctive assemblage in headmost areas than plant species. Results suggest that assemblages of plants and amphibians in these basins are distinct from both larger-order riparian assemblages and from vegetation in surrounding hillslopes. Riparian management designs could take these spatial patterns and habitat associations into account to maintain the ecological integrity of headwater communities. The longitudinal and lateral extents of landscape areas managed to minimize risk to persistence of zero-order basin plant and amphibian assemblages would need to incorporate both fluvial and hillslope disturbance regimes, and microhabitat features associated with them. Close