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• 51. [Article] Threemile Creek Bull Trout Protection, 1997 Final Report (OWEB #97-112-007)

  Abstract -- Brook trout removal activities were conducted on Threemile Creek beginning in late June, and ending in late September 1997. Removal efforts consisted of electrofishing in the brook trout zone ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Threemile Creek Bull Trout Protection, 1997 Final Report (OWEB #97-112-007) Abstract -- Brook trout removal activities were conducted on Threemile Creek beginning in late June, and ending in late September 1997. Removal efforts consisted of electrofishing in the brook trout zone and night snorkel spearing in the bull trout intergrade zone (both brook trout and bull trout present). A total of 121 brook trout and one hybrid were removed by electrofishing. Of the 121 brook trout removed, 92 were greater than 90 mm in length. During night snorkel spearing 10 brook trout and 8 hybrids were removed and a total of 54 bull trout were observed. Macroinvertebrate and amphibian surveys were conducted in early September, and temparature was monitored throughout the project area. Experimental trapping was conducted, but no fish were collected during any trapping effort. Title: Threemile Creek Bull Trout Protection, 1997 Final Report (OWEB #97-112-007) Abstract -- Brook trout removal activities were conducted on Threemile Creek beginning in late June, and ending in late September 1997. Removal efforts consisted of electrofishing in the brook trout zone and night snorkel spearing in the bull trout intergrade zone (both brook trout and bull trout present). A total of 121 brook trout and one hybrid were removed by electrofishing. Of the 121 brook trout removed, 92 were greater than 90 mm in length. During night snorkel spearing 10 brook trout and 8 hybrids were removed and a total of 54 bull trout were observed. Macroinvertebrate and amphibian surveys were conducted in early September, and temparature was monitored throughout the project area. Experimental trapping was conducted, but no fish were collected during any trapping effort. Close

• 52. [Article] Supplement to the Marys River Watershed preliminary analysis

  98 pp. Tables, figures, maps, references, appendices. "12,030 acres of land .... about 15 miles west of Corvallis .... cover(ing) a portion of Greasy Creek (10,284 acres), a portion of Tumtum River (1,075 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Supplement to the Marys River Watershed preliminary analysis Author: Siuslaw National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2008, 2005 98 pp. Tables, figures, maps, references, appendices. "12,030 acres of land .... about 15 miles west of Corvallis .... cover(ing) a portion of Greasy Creek (10,284 acres), a portion of Tumtum River (1,075 acres) and a portion of Middle Marys River (669 acres) 6th field watersheds." Captured February 12, 2008. Title: Supplement to the Marys River Watershed preliminary analysis Author: Siuslaw National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2008, 2005 98 pp. Tables, figures, maps, references, appendices. "12,030 acres of land .... about 15 miles west of Corvallis .... cover(ing) a portion of Greasy Creek (10,284 acres), a portion of Tumtum River (1,075 acres) and a portion of Middle Marys River (669 acres) 6th field watersheds." Captured February 12, 2008. Close

• 53. [Article] The status and life history traits of endemic, native and introduced species in Lake Lanao, Philippines

  The endemic cyprinids of Lake Lanao, Philippines have been described as a species flock and are thought to be an example of explosive evolution. However, based on historical surveys, 16 of the 18 cyprinid ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The status and life history traits of endemic, native and introduced species in Lake Lanao, Philippines Author: Ismail, Gladys B. The endemic cyprinids of Lake Lanao, Philippines have been described as a species flock and are thought to be an example of explosive evolution. However, based on historical surveys, 16 of the 18 cyprinid species endemic to Lake Lanao are now believed to be extinct. Furthermore, non-native species have been introduced in Lake Lanao and some have proliferated. Three of the world‟s one hundred worst invasive species are currently found in the Lake. This study focused on the status of the fish species in Lake Lanao and examined six life history traits thought to be associated with invasiveness. In Chapter 2, results of landing and market surveys conducted from July to October 2008 were compared with similar information from historical surveys. Field sampling and fishermen interview were also conducted to collect additional information on the status of fish species in Lake Lanao. The survey recorded a total of two endemic, one native and ten introduced species. Although the endemic Puntius lindog used to be the most important fish in the lake in terms of fishery landings, it only comprised 0.01% of the total weight of the fish species surveyed during 2008. The introduced Hypseleotris agilis have proliferated in the lake, comprising 66.6% of the total weight of fish caught. Chapter 3 examines six life history traits of the endemic, native and introduced species found in the 2008 survey and of three other species reported in previous surveys. A comparative analysis showed that most of the introduced species in Lake Lanao have the characteristics generally related to invasion success. However, not all of the introduced species were successful. The analysis showed that the six life history traits are not entirely successful at predicting invasiveness in Lake Lanao. The discovery by the field study that two endemic cyprinids remain in Lake Lanao was surprising and significant as the Lake during the past few decades has been imperiled by human disturbances, exploitation and introduced species. The thesis focused on the role of introduced species on the demise of the endemic species. Other factors also need to be investigated. Protecting and conserving the endemic species are highly recommended. Title: The status and life history traits of endemic, native and introduced species in Lake Lanao, Philippines Author: Ismail, Gladys B. The endemic cyprinids of Lake Lanao, Philippines have been described as a species flock and are thought to be an example of explosive evolution. However, based on historical surveys, 16 of the 18 cyprinid species endemic to Lake Lanao are now believed to be extinct. Furthermore, non-native species have been introduced in Lake Lanao and some have proliferated. Three of the world‟s one hundred worst invasive species are currently found in the Lake. This study focused on the status of the fish species in Lake Lanao and examined six life history traits thought to be associated with invasiveness. In Chapter 2, results of landing and market surveys conducted from July to October 2008 were compared with similar information from historical surveys. Field sampling and fishermen interview were also conducted to collect additional information on the status of fish species in Lake Lanao. The survey recorded a total of two endemic, one native and ten introduced species. Although the endemic Puntius lindog used to be the most important fish in the lake in terms of fishery landings, it only comprised 0.01% of the total weight of the fish species surveyed during 2008. The introduced Hypseleotris agilis have proliferated in the lake, comprising 66.6% of the total weight of fish caught. Chapter 3 examines six life history traits of the endemic, native and introduced species found in the 2008 survey and of three other species reported in previous surveys. A comparative analysis showed that most of the introduced species in Lake Lanao have the characteristics generally related to invasion success. However, not all of the introduced species were successful. The analysis showed that the six life history traits are not entirely successful at predicting invasiveness in Lake Lanao. The discovery by the field study that two endemic cyprinids remain in Lake Lanao was surprising and significant as the Lake during the past few decades has been imperiled by human disturbances, exploitation and introduced species. The thesis focused on the role of introduced species on the demise of the endemic species. Other factors also need to be investigated. Protecting and conserving the endemic species are highly recommended. Close

• 54. [Article] Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two)

  Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, and require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective is to synthesize the scientific information now available pertinent to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program. In year two, we are building and expanding on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be restated as management recommendations, such as which species to sow and site preparation and maintenance regimes to follow to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Title: Progress report [I]: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. These are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, and require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective is to synthesize the scientific information now available pertinent to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands Program (WEWP) and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations. Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination and growth rates, and reducing competitive pressure from non-native plants (Figure 1). In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of plant establishment data during wetland restoration in the West Eugene Wetlands Program. In year two, we are building and expanding on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits (Table 1) that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor (Figure 1). • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be restated as management recommendations, such as which species to sow and site preparation and maintenance regimes to follow to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project–plant traits and the database–are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations. Close

• 55. [Article] Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland

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

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland Author: Pekin, Burak K., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Naylor, Bridgett J. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John WIley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Title: Response of native versus exotic plant guilds to cattle and elk herbivory in forested rangeland Author: Pekin, Burak K., Endress, Bryan A., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Naylor, Bridgett J. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the International Association for Vegetation Science and published by John WIley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291654-109X Close

• 56. [Article] Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two)

  Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, prairies require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective for this project is to synthesize the scientific information now available relevant to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands project and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination rates, and reducing competitive pressure from nonnative plants. In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of data in the West Eugene Wetlands establishment data set on plant abundance after sowing native species during wetland restoration (Wilson 2004). In year two, we will build and expand on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor. • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on knowing species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be converted into management recommendations, such as which species to sow and which site preparation and maintenance regimes should be followed to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project –plant traits and the database– are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations Title: Progress report II: Restoring prairies: A synthesis of studies on vegetation and invasive species in support of effective management (Year two) Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Willamette Valley wetland and upland prairies are some of the most endangered ecosystems in the United States, and provide habitat for many federally listed species. Because these are dynamic systems, subject to ecological succession and invasion by aggressive non-native species, prairies require active management to maintain management goals. This is true of all Willamette Valley prairies, whether intact, degraded, or reestablished. Yet restoration and conservation efforts often lack experimental validation. Our overall objective for this project is to synthesize the scientific information now available relevant to the prairie restoration efforts of the West Eugene Wetlands project and, where there is sufficient support, develop concrete and defensible management recommendations Successful ecosystem restoration requires establishing and maintaining native plants. In turn, plant establishment hinges on having suitable environmental conditions, using species with adequate germination rates, and reducing competitive pressure from nonnative plants. In year one of this project, we synthesized the wealth of data in the West Eugene Wetlands establishment data set on plant abundance after sowing native species during wetland restoration (Wilson 2004). In year two, we will build and expand on these results in several important ways: • We are generalizing these results through the investigation of plant traits that consistently correspond to the patterns of establishment and vigor. • We are systematically compiling the results from year one and year two of this project into a public database. We are adding to this database findings from similar ecosystems, both in the Willamette Valley and elsewhere. • We are considering further the role of microsite variability on seedling establishment patterns. • We are synthesizing these results into scientific conclusions. • We are integrating these results, where there is sufficient support, into concrete and defensible management recommendations Our goal is to develop an ability to predict key aspects of prairie restoration performance, such as establishment rates, based on knowing species traits, site conditions, and maintenance. These predictions can then be converted into management recommendations, such as which species to sow and which site preparation and maintenance regimes should be followed to maximize native plant abundance and minimize non-native plant abundance at a given site. The two components of our project –plant traits and the database– are crucial to this goal. • Without the generalization that traits allow, understanding of wetland restoration increases slowly and expensively, one case study at a time. • The organization of the database will increase the power and efficiency of revealing the relationships between plant traits and plant performance. Perhaps even more important is the role of the database as a first step in developing a Web-based expert system for managers wishing to plan wetland restorations Close

• 57. [Article] Patterns in responses of an amphibian assemblage to wetland restoration

  Wetland restoration success in attaining wildlife conservation goals can be confounded by the presence of multiple biological invaders. Wetland management activities typically target invasive plants, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Patterns in responses of an amphibian assemblage to wetland restoration Author: Rowe, Jennifer C. Wetland restoration success in attaining wildlife conservation goals can be confounded by the presence of multiple biological invaders. Wetland management activities typically target invasive plants, but bottom-up responses of higher trophic levels in novel communities are difficult to predict. We surveyed plant and amphibian assemblages at 26 sites enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in the Willamette Valley, Oregon to determine the relative importance of plant management, non-native species presence, and surrounding landscape for amphibians across multiple life history stages. Explanatory variables negatively associated with native anuran counts included percent invasive plant cover, invasive bullfrog counts, non-native fish presence, and area of urban land cover. In addition, native anurans were positively associated with WRP site age, suggesting that the benefits of restored wetlands may increase over time. Although invasive plant management provided indirect benefits to native amphibians, the most effective way to enhance native amphibian populations may be through eliminating the strong top-down forces exerted by non-native vertebrates. We also explored the impact of restoration activities on predator/prey dynamics by analyzing bullfrog diet contents. We sampled vegetation and analyzed bullfrog diet contents from 10 WRP wetlands categorized by management intensity and hydrology to determine whether prey consumption patterns (abundance, richness, and % large prey), diet breadth, and dietary community (based on taxonomic and prey size composition) differed among wetlands categorized by management regime and hydroperiod. We found disparities in the diet breadth with respect to wetland categories, with bullfrogs consuming a disproportionate abundance of few prey orders at actively managed sites. Diet breadth could have been influenced by frequent applications of restoration treatments, as invertebrate species richness and abundance is often negatively linked to habitat disturbance. Dietary taxonomic composition also differed between wetland groups, but prey size composition did not. Instead, prey size was strongly influenced by site-level vegetation covariates; large-bodied prey consumption was positively associated with plant species richness. However, diet dry mass was highest in wetlands with high invasive plant cover, suggesting that other factors, such as foraging activity rates, should be considered to fully understand how bullfrogs meet energy demands in managed wetlands. Variation in native and invasive amphibian responses to wetland restoration efforts may provide important information on how habitat structure and composition influence trophic dynamics. Given that the outcomes of plant control on wildlife may not follow planned trajectories in invasive-dominated systems, this research addresses the need for a community approach to assessments of restoration success. Title: Patterns in responses of an amphibian assemblage to wetland restoration Author: Rowe, Jennifer C. Wetland restoration success in attaining wildlife conservation goals can be confounded by the presence of multiple biological invaders. Wetland management activities typically target invasive plants, but bottom-up responses of higher trophic levels in novel communities are difficult to predict. We surveyed plant and amphibian assemblages at 26 sites enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in the Willamette Valley, Oregon to determine the relative importance of plant management, non-native species presence, and surrounding landscape for amphibians across multiple life history stages. Explanatory variables negatively associated with native anuran counts included percent invasive plant cover, invasive bullfrog counts, non-native fish presence, and area of urban land cover. In addition, native anurans were positively associated with WRP site age, suggesting that the benefits of restored wetlands may increase over time. Although invasive plant management provided indirect benefits to native amphibians, the most effective way to enhance native amphibian populations may be through eliminating the strong top-down forces exerted by non-native vertebrates. We also explored the impact of restoration activities on predator/prey dynamics by analyzing bullfrog diet contents. We sampled vegetation and analyzed bullfrog diet contents from 10 WRP wetlands categorized by management intensity and hydrology to determine whether prey consumption patterns (abundance, richness, and % large prey), diet breadth, and dietary community (based on taxonomic and prey size composition) differed among wetlands categorized by management regime and hydroperiod. We found disparities in the diet breadth with respect to wetland categories, with bullfrogs consuming a disproportionate abundance of few prey orders at actively managed sites. Diet breadth could have been influenced by frequent applications of restoration treatments, as invertebrate species richness and abundance is often negatively linked to habitat disturbance. Dietary taxonomic composition also differed between wetland groups, but prey size composition did not. Instead, prey size was strongly influenced by site-level vegetation covariates; large-bodied prey consumption was positively associated with plant species richness. However, diet dry mass was highest in wetlands with high invasive plant cover, suggesting that other factors, such as foraging activity rates, should be considered to fully understand how bullfrogs meet energy demands in managed wetlands. Variation in native and invasive amphibian responses to wetland restoration efforts may provide important information on how habitat structure and composition influence trophic dynamics. Given that the outcomes of plant control on wildlife may not follow planned trajectories in invasive-dominated systems, this research addresses the need for a community approach to assessments of restoration success. Close

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

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

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

• 59. [Article] 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007

  Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 70 sites in 2007. New populations of Oregon chub were discovered at Green Island in the lower McKenzie River and in the Muddy Creek drainage (Linn County). We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 34 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 11 introduced populations. We did not find Oregon chub at nine locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2006. Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of 18 naturally occurring populations and 11 introduced populations of Oregon chub located in the Middle Fork Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, and Mid-Willamette drainages (Table 1). We introduced additional Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond in the Santiam drainage and into Cheadle and Display Ponds in the Mid-Willamette drainage. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2007, there were 20 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Fifteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 15 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, four were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and three were located in the Santiam drainage. In 2007, we met the downlisting criteria. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Title: 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 70 sites in 2007. New populations of Oregon chub were discovered at Green Island in the lower McKenzie River and in the Muddy Creek drainage (Linn County). We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 34 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 11 introduced populations. We did not find Oregon chub at nine locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2006. Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of 18 naturally occurring populations and 11 introduced populations of Oregon chub located in the Middle Fork Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, and Mid-Willamette drainages (Table 1). We introduced additional Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond in the Santiam drainage and into Cheadle and Display Ponds in the Mid-Willamette drainage. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2007, there were 20 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Fifteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 15 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, four were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and three were located in the Santiam drainage. In 2007, we met the downlisting criteria. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Close

• 60. [Article] Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015)

  Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015) Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and Adamus (2005) approaches to quantify the extent and causes of habitat loss and hydrogeomorphic changes in tidal wetlands of four Oregon South Coast Estuaries. The potential for restoring critical habitat and wetland functions is ranked using Ecological Prioritization Criteria (Brophy, 2007), while indicators of function, risk, and integrity are evaluated using scoring models from the Adamus (2005) Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Rapid Assessment Method. The extent of inundation (head of tide) during King Tide conditions was observed and documented by staff and volunteers. Field measurements of salinity concentrations and stratification during high and low flow were tabulated. The historic aerial photo record was examined to detect channel migration, floodplain re-vegetation, and human-caused alterations. Related studies were combined with these observations to provide a summary of estuary hydrology, sedimentation, and channel stability related to wetland establishment and loss in each of the four estuaries. Ecological priority scores (Brophy, 2007) varied with wetland size, tidal channel condition, connectivity, and diversity of vegetation classes. Wetlands were categorized as restoration or conservation types, and priority ranks for wetlands were depicted on orthophoto base maps. Tidal wetlands and nearby floodplain wetlands in a variety of geomorphic settings were surveyed using the HGM protocol, including one “reference” and one restoration site . The HGM survey scores 55 indicators, including botanical transects, used to rank wetland functions (calculated by indicator scoring models). Risks to wetlands include human disturbances in close proximity to the wetlands and floodplains, resulting from the narrow valley floors in this tectonically active region. Wetland integrity is threatened by a surprising large proportion of non-native species in the botanical transects, 40%. Wetland indicators that scored low, and could be restored or enhanced, are discussed in a restoration considerations narrative. Wetland descriptions include lists of plant species, grouped by wetland status, native/non-native, and perennial/annual persistence. In addition to the HGM scores, an analysis of cover and diversity of all plant species in plots, off-transect species diversity, and waterfowl food distribution was completed using a wetland vegetation database developed for the Oregon South Coast. Title: Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015) Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and Adamus (2005) approaches to quantify the extent and causes of habitat loss and hydrogeomorphic changes in tidal wetlands of four Oregon South Coast Estuaries. The potential for restoring critical habitat and wetland functions is ranked using Ecological Prioritization Criteria (Brophy, 2007), while indicators of function, risk, and integrity are evaluated using scoring models from the Adamus (2005) Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Rapid Assessment Method. The extent of inundation (head of tide) during King Tide conditions was observed and documented by staff and volunteers. Field measurements of salinity concentrations and stratification during high and low flow were tabulated. The historic aerial photo record was examined to detect channel migration, floodplain re-vegetation, and human-caused alterations. Related studies were combined with these observations to provide a summary of estuary hydrology, sedimentation, and channel stability related to wetland establishment and loss in each of the four estuaries. Ecological priority scores (Brophy, 2007) varied with wetland size, tidal channel condition, connectivity, and diversity of vegetation classes. Wetlands were categorized as restoration or conservation types, and priority ranks for wetlands were depicted on orthophoto base maps. Tidal wetlands and nearby floodplain wetlands in a variety of geomorphic settings were surveyed using the HGM protocol, including one “reference” and one restoration site . The HGM survey scores 55 indicators, including botanical transects, used to rank wetland functions (calculated by indicator scoring models). Risks to wetlands include human disturbances in close proximity to the wetlands and floodplains, resulting from the narrow valley floors in this tectonically active region. Wetland integrity is threatened by a surprising large proportion of non-native species in the botanical transects, 40%. Wetland indicators that scored low, and could be restored or enhanced, are discussed in a restoration considerations narrative. Wetland descriptions include lists of plant species, grouped by wetland status, native/non-native, and perennial/annual persistence. In addition to the HGM scores, an analysis of cover and diversity of all plant species in plots, off-transect species diversity, and waterfowl food distribution was completed using a wetland vegetation database developed for the Oregon South Coast. Close