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• 1751. [Article] Development of a legend and key for ecological resource analysis in the 15-mile administrative unit, Malheur County, Oregon

  The project of which this research was a part is designed to provide an improved system of ecological resource analysis. Specific objectives of this study were: (1) classification of plant communities on ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of a legend and key for ecological resource analysis in the 15-mile administrative unit, Malheur County, Oregon Author: Martin, Niels L. The project of which this research was a part is designed to provide an improved system of ecological resource analysis. Specific objectives of this study were: (1) classification of plant communities on the fringes of the sagebrush steppes and the salt desert of southeastern Oregon, (2) development of symbolic and descriptive legends for the classification units, and (3) preparation of a dichotomous key to the legend. Major landform stratification was done on an aerial photo mosaic to aid the selection of sampling areas. Sampling was done by ocular survey of entire stands with the aid of pretyped aerial photography. Society tables were used for a phytosociological synthesis of the data. Fifty-six important plant communities were identified and characterized. The synthesized data were used in preparation of a descriptive legend and the dichotomous key. This narrative legend includes a brief description of each community and a summary of its associated environmental characteristics. A symbolic legend was devised to identify each of these communities. The legend identifiers consist of a hierarchically arranged, three-digit, non-connotative symbol. A field test was made indicating that the legend and key could be accurately used in the project area. In the test, 97 percent of the keyed determinations and legend units fit the newly examined stands with negligible difference between two observers. The legend and key are designed for use with aerial photo interpretation to provide a resource analysis of increased accuracy at reasonable cost. Suggestions for expansion and adaptation of the legend to other areas are presented. Title: Development of a legend and key for ecological resource analysis in the 15-mile administrative unit, Malheur County, Oregon Author: Martin, Niels L. The project of which this research was a part is designed to provide an improved system of ecological resource analysis. Specific objectives of this study were: (1) classification of plant communities on the fringes of the sagebrush steppes and the salt desert of southeastern Oregon, (2) development of symbolic and descriptive legends for the classification units, and (3) preparation of a dichotomous key to the legend. Major landform stratification was done on an aerial photo mosaic to aid the selection of sampling areas. Sampling was done by ocular survey of entire stands with the aid of pretyped aerial photography. Society tables were used for a phytosociological synthesis of the data. Fifty-six important plant communities were identified and characterized. The synthesized data were used in preparation of a descriptive legend and the dichotomous key. This narrative legend includes a brief description of each community and a summary of its associated environmental characteristics. A symbolic legend was devised to identify each of these communities. The legend identifiers consist of a hierarchically arranged, three-digit, non-connotative symbol. A field test was made indicating that the legend and key could be accurately used in the project area. In the test, 97 percent of the keyed determinations and legend units fit the newly examined stands with negligible difference between two observers. The legend and key are designed for use with aerial photo interpretation to provide a resource analysis of increased accuracy at reasonable cost. Suggestions for expansion and adaptation of the legend to other areas are presented. Close

• 1752. [Article] Supporting the Oregon TSP Revision: Oregon Fishing Community Mapping Project

  The state of Oregon is developing a comprehensive plan to guide the potential siting of renewable ocean energy projects in Oregon’s Territorial Sea. To this end, the state is revising its Territorial Sea Plan ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Supporting the Oregon TSP Revision: Oregon Fishing Community Mapping Project Author: Steinback, Charles, Chen, Cheryl, Lyman, Nick, Bonkoski, Jon, Hesselgrave, Taylor, Scholz, Astrid, Weiss, Leanne, Kruse, Sarah, Backus, Ed, Ecotrust The state of Oregon is developing a comprehensive plan to guide the potential siting of renewable ocean energy projects in Oregon’s Territorial Sea. To this end, the state is revising its Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), and has begun collecting information on the spatial extent of human uses that provide economic and socio-cultural benefits. One data gap identified was the distribution and spatial extent of commercial, charter, and recreational fisheries. Ecotrust and others engaged in collecting relevant information on these use activities. In the near term, the resulting data set forms the basis for siting decisions for energy projects that minimize impacts to the marine ecosystem and existing human uses. Longer term, these data are also useful for other marine spatial planning processes and form a baseline for subsequent monitoring and evaluation research of management measures. Our research team developed and deployed an interactive, custom computer interview instrument, Open OceanMap, to collect geo-referenced information from commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen about the extent and relative importance of Oregon marine waters. Data collection occurred in two stages: March-May 2009 and December 2009–September 2010. We compiled these data in a geographic information system (GIS) that we delivered to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). This report, which details the approach and methods we used to collect, compile, and analyze the data collected, completes our deliverables. Conducting research in coastal communities is as challenging as it is rewarding. We have learned a tremendous amount from the commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen who participated in this study as well as the countless other community members and observers of this project. Title: Supporting the Oregon TSP Revision: Oregon Fishing Community Mapping Project Author: Steinback, Charles, Chen, Cheryl, Lyman, Nick, Bonkoski, Jon, Hesselgrave, Taylor, Scholz, Astrid, Weiss, Leanne, Kruse, Sarah, Backus, Ed, Ecotrust The state of Oregon is developing a comprehensive plan to guide the potential siting of renewable ocean energy projects in Oregon’s Territorial Sea. To this end, the state is revising its Territorial Sea Plan (TSP), and has begun collecting information on the spatial extent of human uses that provide economic and socio-cultural benefits. One data gap identified was the distribution and spatial extent of commercial, charter, and recreational fisheries. Ecotrust and others engaged in collecting relevant information on these use activities. In the near term, the resulting data set forms the basis for siting decisions for energy projects that minimize impacts to the marine ecosystem and existing human uses. Longer term, these data are also useful for other marine spatial planning processes and form a baseline for subsequent monitoring and evaluation research of management measures. Our research team developed and deployed an interactive, custom computer interview instrument, Open OceanMap, to collect geo-referenced information from commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen about the extent and relative importance of Oregon marine waters. Data collection occurred in two stages: March-May 2009 and December 2009–September 2010. We compiled these data in a geographic information system (GIS) that we delivered to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD). This report, which details the approach and methods we used to collect, compile, and analyze the data collected, completes our deliverables. Conducting research in coastal communities is as challenging as it is rewarding. We have learned a tremendous amount from the commercial, charter, and recreational fishermen who participated in this study as well as the countless other community members and observers of this project. Close

• 1753. [Article] Small scale photo probability sampling and vegetation classification in southeast Arizona as an ecological base for resource inventory

  Increasing demands on earth resources require the need to know how much resource is present. A new technology, which is developing partially with the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Small scale photo probability sampling and vegetation classification in southeast Arizona as an ecological base for resource inventory Author: Johnson, James Russell Increasing demands on earth resources require the need to know how much resource is present. A new technology, which is developing partially with the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, will help to inventory and monitor surface resources in a more comprehensive manner than previously possible. Research in southeastern Arizona for the past six years has been developing methodology that would permit the use of space and high altitude imagery for natural vegetation and related resource investigations. This paper reports on three meaningful research contributions in remote sensing of natural vegetation. They are (1) a natural vegetation classification suitable for remote sensing use, (2) a technique for objectively comparing space imagery for relative information content, and (3) a sample scheme for using small scale photography to identify and estimate areas of vegetation types. The natural vegetation classification contains 31 "vegetation types" that were developed for a 3, 200 square mile area. The types are ecologically determined from association tables, and are, therefore, suitable for use in remote sensing applications. This is possible primarily because the types are related to photo identifiable landform variables. The classification is suitable for generalized levels of land use planning, but this was not tested. Three types of space imagery were evaluated for apparent photographic information content. The technique avoided subject-image relationships by concentrating directly on image characteristics. The approach, coined "image groupability", should be a worthwhile contribution to the larger problem of comparative imagery interpretations. An example demonstrates an approach to objective photo stratification based on image groupability results. The third accomplishment involved design and execution of a comparative two stage sampling scheme to estimate kind and extent of vegetation types. The comparison was between two space photos substituted at the first sampling stage. At the second stage (high altitude photography) potential secondary sampling units were categorized by image similarity rather than by the more complicated process of ground subject interpretations. Efficiency gains from space photo stratification were not substantial; however, the sample scheme was effective. Furthermore, clustering, a space photo sampling artifact, saved an estimated 32-35 percent in "working time" expenses when making ground checks by helicopter. Title: Small scale photo probability sampling and vegetation classification in southeast Arizona as an ecological base for resource inventory Author: Johnson, James Russell Increasing demands on earth resources require the need to know how much resource is present. A new technology, which is developing partially with the support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, will help to inventory and monitor surface resources in a more comprehensive manner than previously possible. Research in southeastern Arizona for the past six years has been developing methodology that would permit the use of space and high altitude imagery for natural vegetation and related resource investigations. This paper reports on three meaningful research contributions in remote sensing of natural vegetation. They are (1) a natural vegetation classification suitable for remote sensing use, (2) a technique for objectively comparing space imagery for relative information content, and (3) a sample scheme for using small scale photography to identify and estimate areas of vegetation types. The natural vegetation classification contains 31 "vegetation types" that were developed for a 3, 200 square mile area. The types are ecologically determined from association tables, and are, therefore, suitable for use in remote sensing applications. This is possible primarily because the types are related to photo identifiable landform variables. The classification is suitable for generalized levels of land use planning, but this was not tested. Three types of space imagery were evaluated for apparent photographic information content. The technique avoided subject-image relationships by concentrating directly on image characteristics. The approach, coined "image groupability", should be a worthwhile contribution to the larger problem of comparative imagery interpretations. An example demonstrates an approach to objective photo stratification based on image groupability results. The third accomplishment involved design and execution of a comparative two stage sampling scheme to estimate kind and extent of vegetation types. The comparison was between two space photos substituted at the first sampling stage. At the second stage (high altitude photography) potential secondary sampling units were categorized by image similarity rather than by the more complicated process of ground subject interpretations. Efficiency gains from space photo stratification were not substantial; however, the sample scheme was effective. Furthermore, clustering, a space photo sampling artifact, saved an estimated 32-35 percent in "working time" expenses when making ground checks by helicopter. Close

• 1754. [Article] Improved determination of cloud-free radiances for oceans

  Improvements have been made to the spatial coherence method for automatically determining cloud-free ocean radiances in satellite imagery by incorporating the spectral signatures of reflecting surfaces. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Improved determination of cloud-free radiances for oceans Author: Burden, Arthur R. Improvements have been made to the spatial coherence method for automatically determining cloud-free ocean radiances in satellite imagery by incorporating the spectral signatures of reflecting surfaces. The spatial coherence method relies on the fact that small-scale cloud-free regions typically exhibit uniform emission and uniform reflection. While small-scale overcast regions typically exhibit uniform emission, they often exhibit considerable variability in reflectance. On rare occasions the requirements of spatial uniformity are not met and errors are produced in estimated cloud-free radiances. The frequency of errors in identification of cloud-free and overcast pixels was assessed using two years of Advanced Very-High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from six regions of the globe. Significant improvement in the identification of cloud-free radiances is obtained by including a test of Q, the ratio of the AVHRR channel 2 (0.83-μm) reflectance to channel 1 (0.63-μm) reflectance. Q varies depending on whether the reflecting surface is cloud-free ocean, cloud-free land, or overcast by clouds. A study was conducted to determine the dependence of Q for overcast pixels on changes in season and geography. While some variation is evident due to satellite viewing angle and differences in atmospheric water vapor content, these effects are sufficiently small that constant thresholds may be used to help separate cloud-free and overcast pixels. The modified spatial coherence method uses the threshold for Q and radiance uniformity thresholds at 0.63-μm and 11-μm to identify cloud-free and overcast pixels. A sensitivity study was performed to determine the dependence of cloud-free ocean radiance estimates on the values of the uniformity thresholds. The results of the study indicate that using thresholds of 0.5% for the 0.63-μm reflectivity and 0.5 mWm⁻²sr⁻¹cm for the 11-μm radiance, produces cloud-free radiances that are rarely biased by more than 0.4% for reflectances at 0.63 μm and 0.4 K for the 11-μm brightness temperature. The uniformity and Q thresholds may be used for a large variety of scenes from different seasons and geographic areas. Title: Improved determination of cloud-free radiances for oceans Author: Burden, Arthur R. Improvements have been made to the spatial coherence method for automatically determining cloud-free ocean radiances in satellite imagery by incorporating the spectral signatures of reflecting surfaces. The spatial coherence method relies on the fact that small-scale cloud-free regions typically exhibit uniform emission and uniform reflection. While small-scale overcast regions typically exhibit uniform emission, they often exhibit considerable variability in reflectance. On rare occasions the requirements of spatial uniformity are not met and errors are produced in estimated cloud-free radiances. The frequency of errors in identification of cloud-free and overcast pixels was assessed using two years of Advanced Very-High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data from six regions of the globe. Significant improvement in the identification of cloud-free radiances is obtained by including a test of Q, the ratio of the AVHRR channel 2 (0.83-μm) reflectance to channel 1 (0.63-μm) reflectance. Q varies depending on whether the reflecting surface is cloud-free ocean, cloud-free land, or overcast by clouds. A study was conducted to determine the dependence of Q for overcast pixels on changes in season and geography. While some variation is evident due to satellite viewing angle and differences in atmospheric water vapor content, these effects are sufficiently small that constant thresholds may be used to help separate cloud-free and overcast pixels. The modified spatial coherence method uses the threshold for Q and radiance uniformity thresholds at 0.63-μm and 11-μm to identify cloud-free and overcast pixels. A sensitivity study was performed to determine the dependence of cloud-free ocean radiance estimates on the values of the uniformity thresholds. The results of the study indicate that using thresholds of 0.5% for the 0.63-μm reflectivity and 0.5 mWm⁻²sr⁻¹cm for the 11-μm radiance, produces cloud-free radiances that are rarely biased by more than 0.4% for reflectances at 0.63 μm and 0.4 K for the 11-μm brightness temperature. The uniformity and Q thresholds may be used for a large variety of scenes from different seasons and geographic areas. Close

• 1755. [Article] Predictive locational modeling of late Pleistocene archaeological sites on the southern Oregon Coast using a Geographic Information System (GIS)

  The search for archaeological materials dating to 15,000 yr BP along the southern Oregon coast is a formidable task. Using ethnographic, theoretical, and archaeological data, landscape resources which ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Predictive locational modeling of late Pleistocene archaeological sites on the southern Oregon Coast using a Geographic Information System (GIS) Author: Punke, Michele Leigh The search for archaeological materials dating to 15,000 yr BP along the southern Oregon coast is a formidable task. Using ethnographic, theoretical, and archaeological data, landscape resources which would have influenced land-use and occupation location decisions in the past are highlighted. Additionally, environmental data pertaining to the late Pleistocene is examined to determine what landscape features may have been used by human groups 15,000 years ago and to determine how these landscape features may have changed since that time. These landscape resource features are included in the modeling project as independent variables. The dependent variable in this modeling project is relative probability that an area will contain archaeological materials dating to the time period of interest. Two predictive locational models are created to facilitate the search process. These models mathematically combine the independent variables using two separate approaches. The hierarchical decision rule model approach assumes that decision makers in the past would have viewed landscape features sequentially rather than simultaneously. The additive, or weighted-value, approach assumes that a number of conditional preference aspects were evaluated simultaneously and that different environmental variables had varying amounts of influence on the locational choices of prehistoric peoples. Integration of the data and mathematical model structures into a Geographic Information System (GIS) allows for spatial analysis of the landscape and the prediction of locations most likely to contain evidence of human activity dating to 15,000 years ago. The process involved with variable integration into the GIS is delineated and results of the modeling procedures are presented in spatial, map-based formats. Title: Predictive locational modeling of late Pleistocene archaeological sites on the southern Oregon Coast using a Geographic Information System (GIS) Author: Punke, Michele Leigh The search for archaeological materials dating to 15,000 yr BP along the southern Oregon coast is a formidable task. Using ethnographic, theoretical, and archaeological data, landscape resources which would have influenced land-use and occupation location decisions in the past are highlighted. Additionally, environmental data pertaining to the late Pleistocene is examined to determine what landscape features may have been used by human groups 15,000 years ago and to determine how these landscape features may have changed since that time. These landscape resource features are included in the modeling project as independent variables. The dependent variable in this modeling project is relative probability that an area will contain archaeological materials dating to the time period of interest. Two predictive locational models are created to facilitate the search process. These models mathematically combine the independent variables using two separate approaches. The hierarchical decision rule model approach assumes that decision makers in the past would have viewed landscape features sequentially rather than simultaneously. The additive, or weighted-value, approach assumes that a number of conditional preference aspects were evaluated simultaneously and that different environmental variables had varying amounts of influence on the locational choices of prehistoric peoples. Integration of the data and mathematical model structures into a Geographic Information System (GIS) allows for spatial analysis of the landscape and the prediction of locations most likely to contain evidence of human activity dating to 15,000 years ago. The process involved with variable integration into the GIS is delineated and results of the modeling procedures are presented in spatial, map-based formats. Close

• 1756. [Article] Evaluation of personal computer-based software for analyzing northwest harvest systems

  The Northwest timber industry is in a transition to a smallwood harvest environment. As the Northwest moves to smaller average diameter stands log values have decreased and harvest costs have increased. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of personal computer-based software for analyzing northwest harvest systems Author: Krause, Joel Alexander The Northwest timber industry is in a transition to a smallwood harvest environment. As the Northwest moves to smaller average diameter stands log values have decreased and harvest costs have increased. In an effort to increase profitability, Northwest loggers are beginning to "mechanize". The profitable operation of a mechanized harvest system is sensitive to changing market and stand variables. Because of this there is an increased need for strategic planning by land and business managers. Computers are an efficient tool for performing the repetitive and often tedious calculations involved in harvest system analysis. Computers also enable analysts to perform sensitivity analysis and answer "What if" questions. This report identifies the existing personal computer-based software capable of performing as an analysis tool for Northwest timber harvest operations. It evaluates each by comparing them to a specific set of evaluation criteria after running each using four example harvest systems. The three harvest operation analysis programs evaluated by this paper are : LOGSIM (Wiese 1987), The Harvest System Analyzer, HSA (Hendricks et.al. 1986), and The Auburn Harvesting Analyzer, AHA (Tufts et.al. 1985). The following conclusions were drawn upon competition of the analysis. All three programs can be used to model harvest operations in the Pacific Northwest, yet.none will meet the needs of planners at all level5. HSA and AHA make assumptions that do not accurately reflect harvest methods used in the Pacific Northwest, therefor L.OGSIM is the only program that can be recommended for modeling Pacific Northwest harvest systems. L.OGSIM's use is limited by its sophistication, long solution times, and limited sources for detailed input data, particularly production data for mechanized harvesting equipment. For this reason more production data needs to be collected and the currently available data centralized. Finally after making the above observations it must be concluded that, the application of computer-based harvest system analysis in the Pacific Northwest, has not progressed to a point where it is available for use other than by skilled analysts. Title: Evaluation of personal computer-based software for analyzing northwest harvest systems Author: Krause, Joel Alexander The Northwest timber industry is in a transition to a smallwood harvest environment. As the Northwest moves to smaller average diameter stands log values have decreased and harvest costs have increased. In an effort to increase profitability, Northwest loggers are beginning to "mechanize". The profitable operation of a mechanized harvest system is sensitive to changing market and stand variables. Because of this there is an increased need for strategic planning by land and business managers. Computers are an efficient tool for performing the repetitive and often tedious calculations involved in harvest system analysis. Computers also enable analysts to perform sensitivity analysis and answer "What if" questions. This report identifies the existing personal computer-based software capable of performing as an analysis tool for Northwest timber harvest operations. It evaluates each by comparing them to a specific set of evaluation criteria after running each using four example harvest systems. The three harvest operation analysis programs evaluated by this paper are : LOGSIM (Wiese 1987), The Harvest System Analyzer, HSA (Hendricks et.al. 1986), and The Auburn Harvesting Analyzer, AHA (Tufts et.al. 1985). The following conclusions were drawn upon competition of the analysis. All three programs can be used to model harvest operations in the Pacific Northwest, yet.none will meet the needs of planners at all level5. HSA and AHA make assumptions that do not accurately reflect harvest methods used in the Pacific Northwest, therefor L.OGSIM is the only program that can be recommended for modeling Pacific Northwest harvest systems. L.OGSIM's use is limited by its sophistication, long solution times, and limited sources for detailed input data, particularly production data for mechanized harvesting equipment. For this reason more production data needs to be collected and the currently available data centralized. Finally after making the above observations it must be concluded that, the application of computer-based harvest system analysis in the Pacific Northwest, has not progressed to a point where it is available for use other than by skilled analysts. Close

• 1757. [Article] Evaluation of alternate surfacing systems for temporary and intermittent use roads

  The purpose of this study was to provide the USDA-Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other agencies or industries that may deal with temporary and intermittent use roads with the necessary ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of alternate surfacing systems for temporary and intermittent use roads Author: Takallou, Mojtaba B. The purpose of this study was to provide the USDA-Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other agencies or industries that may deal with temporary and intermittent use roads with the necessary background information for the identification, economic evaluation, and selection of the alternate surfacing systems and to determine the applicability and cost effectiveness of each system compared with crushed aggregate roads. Alternate systems considered include those which: 1) are capable of being moved as the hauling or mining activity moves, 2) degrade after use, and 3) significantly reduce the amount of rock required. A comprehensive market and literature search was performed. Potential surfacing types identified in this study are biodegradable materials, chemical stabilization, geotextile or geogrid separation, marginal aggregates, sand-sealed subgrade, metal mats, reusable aggregate with or without geotextile separation, membrane-encapsulated soil layer (MESL), and Geoweb stabilization. Numerous properties of these materials are evaluated, including size, weight, cost, expected performance, mechanical properties, and availability. A two-step evaluation procedure is developed. First is the preliminary evaluation step, which screens various alternate materials based on their characteristics, limitations, and availability. The second step is economic evaluation, which determines the most feasible economical alternatives. Two examples are analyzed to describe the evaluation procedure. The results of this analysis indicate that alternate surfacings can be economical compared to aggregate in most situations. A probabilistic approach using the Beta estimation procedure is recommended for the analysis and evaluation of the uncertainty associated with various elements of the alternate surfacings. Furthermore, a detailed sensitivity analysis is performed for crushed aggregate and soil stabilization surfaces. The results of this research indicate that the feasible alternatives for surfacing temporary and intermittent use roads are biodegradable materials, soil stabilization, marginal aggregates, conventional geotextile and extruded plastic mats, steel mats (M8A1), and sand-sealed native subgrade. Title: Evaluation of alternate surfacing systems for temporary and intermittent use roads Author: Takallou, Mojtaba B. The purpose of this study was to provide the USDA-Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other agencies or industries that may deal with temporary and intermittent use roads with the necessary background information for the identification, economic evaluation, and selection of the alternate surfacing systems and to determine the applicability and cost effectiveness of each system compared with crushed aggregate roads. Alternate systems considered include those which: 1) are capable of being moved as the hauling or mining activity moves, 2) degrade after use, and 3) significantly reduce the amount of rock required. A comprehensive market and literature search was performed. Potential surfacing types identified in this study are biodegradable materials, chemical stabilization, geotextile or geogrid separation, marginal aggregates, sand-sealed subgrade, metal mats, reusable aggregate with or without geotextile separation, membrane-encapsulated soil layer (MESL), and Geoweb stabilization. Numerous properties of these materials are evaluated, including size, weight, cost, expected performance, mechanical properties, and availability. A two-step evaluation procedure is developed. First is the preliminary evaluation step, which screens various alternate materials based on their characteristics, limitations, and availability. The second step is economic evaluation, which determines the most feasible economical alternatives. Two examples are analyzed to describe the evaluation procedure. The results of this analysis indicate that alternate surfacings can be economical compared to aggregate in most situations. A probabilistic approach using the Beta estimation procedure is recommended for the analysis and evaluation of the uncertainty associated with various elements of the alternate surfacings. Furthermore, a detailed sensitivity analysis is performed for crushed aggregate and soil stabilization surfaces. The results of this research indicate that the feasible alternatives for surfacing temporary and intermittent use roads are biodegradable materials, soil stabilization, marginal aggregates, conventional geotextile and extruded plastic mats, steel mats (M8A1), and sand-sealed native subgrade. Close

• 1758. [Article] Analysis of boater pass data on the Deschutes River

  A number of different systems have been used to estimate boater use over the 1990-2001 period, making it difficult to trace the source of discrepancies in the final estimates. For example, the boater passes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Analysis of boater pass data on the Deschutes River Author: Johnson, Rebecca L., 1955-, Cappaert, Marlys, Institute for Natural Resources, Steigerwald, Denise A number of different systems have been used to estimate boater use over the 1990-2001 period, making it difficult to trace the source of discrepancies in the final estimates. For example, the boater passes have changed over the years. From 1990-92, boaters would simply check off the river segments they were intending to boat. After 1992, they were asked for their launch and take-out locations, and after 1997, the check boxes were taken off the boater pass form. There have also been differences in how incomplete or inaccurate boater passes have been handled. Finally, there are differences in the computer programs that transform the boater pass data into segment and overall use estimates. Without agreement and confidence in the boater use estimates, management decisions become difficult. The interested parties were unable to come to an agreement about the reasons for the boater use level discrepancies, and asked the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) to research the issue. Title: Analysis of boater pass data on the Deschutes River Author: Johnson, Rebecca L., 1955-, Cappaert, Marlys, Institute for Natural Resources, Steigerwald, Denise A number of different systems have been used to estimate boater use over the 1990-2001 period, making it difficult to trace the source of discrepancies in the final estimates. For example, the boater passes have changed over the years. From 1990-92, boaters would simply check off the river segments they were intending to boat. After 1992, they were asked for their launch and take-out locations, and after 1997, the check boxes were taken off the boater pass form. There have also been differences in how incomplete or inaccurate boater passes have been handled. Finally, there are differences in the computer programs that transform the boater pass data into segment and overall use estimates. Without agreement and confidence in the boater use estimates, management decisions become difficult. The interested parties were unable to come to an agreement about the reasons for the boater use level discrepancies, and asked the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) to research the issue. Close

• 1759. [Article] Suitability of selected enzyme assays as future soil quality indicators

  Deforestation, intensive agriculture and chemical use all can cause long-lastingn negative impacts on soil health. With all the vital functions that soils perform and the potential for further soil degradation, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Suitability of selected enzyme assays as future soil quality indicators Author: Taylor, Anne Elizabeth Deforestation, intensive agriculture and chemical use all can cause long-lastingn negative impacts on soil health. With all the vital functions that soils perform and the potential for further soil degradation, it is important that standards of soil quality or soil health be implemented. Soil aggregation is considered to be a good measure of soil quality because aggregation influences ecosystem function. Erosion, pollution, overgrazing, cultivation, land clearing and compaction negatively impact aggregation. Activities of the microbial biomass, fungi and bacteria, promote aggregation; any measure of soil quality should reflect this relationship. This project used enzyme assays as a surrogate indicator of microbial biomass. It was hypothesized that soil with a higher percentage of macroaggregates would maintain and stabilize soil enzyme activity by increasing the amount of potential habitat for the microbial biomass, and offer greater potential to protect abiontic enzymes. The activity of soil enzymes show a rapid response to changes in management practices which makes them useful indicators of future soil health. This study tested the feasibility of using a microwave stress test (MWES) to gauge a soil's ability to protect enzymes from stressing factors. Two enzyme assays were chosen for this work, arylsulfatase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA). Soils were sampled and tested from agricultural soils under conventional management, clearcut forest sites and undisturbed forest sites. Enzyme activity for both assays was consistently lower for the agricultural soils than for the forest soils. The clearcut forest sites had activity approaching that of the undisturbed forest sites. This suggests that the resident microbial population can recover following a negative impact after a few years. Activity for the stressed forest soils fell to levels that were near those of the unstressed agricultural soils. It appears that enzyme activity in the agricultural soils is largely associated with the mineral fraction of agricultural soils, whereas in forest soils a greater amount is associated with organic matter. It also suggests that the abiontic enzymes associated with organic matter are more vulnerable to stresses such as MWES than are those on the mineral surfaces of the soil. Arylsulfatase activity was found to be too variable under developed MWES protocol to be of use. Testing protocol for FDA is still being developed. Title: Suitability of selected enzyme assays as future soil quality indicators Author: Taylor, Anne Elizabeth Deforestation, intensive agriculture and chemical use all can cause long-lastingn negative impacts on soil health. With all the vital functions that soils perform and the potential for further soil degradation, it is important that standards of soil quality or soil health be implemented. Soil aggregation is considered to be a good measure of soil quality because aggregation influences ecosystem function. Erosion, pollution, overgrazing, cultivation, land clearing and compaction negatively impact aggregation. Activities of the microbial biomass, fungi and bacteria, promote aggregation; any measure of soil quality should reflect this relationship. This project used enzyme assays as a surrogate indicator of microbial biomass. It was hypothesized that soil with a higher percentage of macroaggregates would maintain and stabilize soil enzyme activity by increasing the amount of potential habitat for the microbial biomass, and offer greater potential to protect abiontic enzymes. The activity of soil enzymes show a rapid response to changes in management practices which makes them useful indicators of future soil health. This study tested the feasibility of using a microwave stress test (MWES) to gauge a soil's ability to protect enzymes from stressing factors. Two enzyme assays were chosen for this work, arylsulfatase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA). Soils were sampled and tested from agricultural soils under conventional management, clearcut forest sites and undisturbed forest sites. Enzyme activity for both assays was consistently lower for the agricultural soils than for the forest soils. The clearcut forest sites had activity approaching that of the undisturbed forest sites. This suggests that the resident microbial population can recover following a negative impact after a few years. Activity for the stressed forest soils fell to levels that were near those of the unstressed agricultural soils. It appears that enzyme activity in the agricultural soils is largely associated with the mineral fraction of agricultural soils, whereas in forest soils a greater amount is associated with organic matter. It also suggests that the abiontic enzymes associated with organic matter are more vulnerable to stresses such as MWES than are those on the mineral surfaces of the soil. Arylsulfatase activity was found to be too variable under developed MWES protocol to be of use. Testing protocol for FDA is still being developed. Close

• 1760. [Article] Reclamation and use of alkali soils

  Information contained within documents may be obsolete. Please check for recent information at the OSU Extension Service website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/results.php?cat=Agriculture

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Reclamation and use of alkali soils Author: Powers, W. L. (Wilbur Louis), b. 1887 Information contained within documents may be obsolete. Please check for recent information at the OSU Extension Service website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/results.php?cat=Agriculture Title: Reclamation and use of alkali soils Author: Powers, W. L. (Wilbur Louis), b. 1887 Information contained within documents may be obsolete. Please check for recent information at the OSU Extension Service website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/results.php?cat=Agriculture Close