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Evaluation Of Airborne Lidar As A Tool For Obtaining Sustainable Forest Management Of Maine's Forests, Rei Hayashi
Evaluation Of Airborne Lidar As A Tool For Obtaining Sustainable Forest Management Of Maine's Forests, Rei Hayashi
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The first objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of using a low density (ca. 1 point m2) discrete-return LiDAR for predicting maximum tree height, stem density, basal area, quadratic mean diameter, and stem volume using an area-based approach. The research was conducted at the Penobscot Experimental Forest in central Maine, where a range of stand structures and species composition is present and generally representative of northern Maines forests. Using a variety of high dimensional LiDAR metrics, a prediction model was developed using random forest, a nonparametric approach, based on reference data collected in fixed radius circular plots. …
Amphibians In Complex Landscapes: Quantifying Habitat Connectivity For Juvenile Movements And Dispersal, Brittany Blue Cline
Amphibians In Complex Landscapes: Quantifying Habitat Connectivity For Juvenile Movements And Dispersal, Brittany Blue Cline
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Maintaining amphibian populations in fragmented landscapes depends on preserving functional connectivity for animals that need to transit multiple vegetation types to satisfy habitat requirements. For many pool-breeding amphibians, successful dispersal is essential for gene flow; thus, quantifying the ability of juveniles to locate and reach suitable habitat in the terrestrial matrix is necessary to predict the consequences of landscape configuration for populations. I evaluated if different open-canopy vegetation types alter the behavior of juvenile wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus). First, I quantified the relative permeability of different open-vegetation types by experimentally releasing frogs in 35 x 3 m enclosures extending from …
Maine Farmers' Perspectives: Barriers And Optimism To Providing Food To Feed Maine People, A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups, Kelly Ann Ilseman
Maine Farmers' Perspectives: Barriers And Optimism To Providing Food To Feed Maine People, A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups, Kelly Ann Ilseman
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Maine has a history and tradition of agriculture in the state. Some growth in the number of farms in recent years has been due to youth entering agriculture, and in the development of small, diverse farms. There is also public interest in purchasing fresh, local foods. This study was done in conjunction with a University of Maine Cooperative Extension study that assessed Maine farmer’s views of the future of farming in Maine. The farmers (n=189) participated in one of twelve focus groups held across the state and represented a broad sector of Maine agriculture, including vegetable and fruit growers, beef …
Application Of Spatial Modeling Tools To Predict Native Bee Abundance In Maine's Lowbush Blueberries, Shannon J. Chapin
Application Of Spatial Modeling Tools To Predict Native Bee Abundance In Maine's Lowbush Blueberries, Shannon J. Chapin
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Non-native honeybees historically have been used to pollinate many crops throughout the United States, however, recent population declines have revealed the need for a more sustainable pollination plan. Native bees are a natural resource that can play an important role in pollination. I used spatial modeling tools to evaluate relationships between landscape factors and native bee abundance, with a focus on the wild native bees that pollinate Maine’s lowbush blueberries. I applied the InVEST Crop Pollination ecosystem spatial modeling tool, which predicts pollinator abundance based on available floral resources and nesting habitat, to the Downeast Maine region. The InVEST model …
Spatial And Habitat Responses Of Canada Lynx In Maine To A Decline In Snowshoe Hare Density, David G. Mallett
Spatial And Habitat Responses Of Canada Lynx In Maine To A Decline In Snowshoe Hare Density, David G. Mallett
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Previous studies of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) within the northern boreal forest region have documented that lynx respond spatially to a decline in snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) density, as exhibited by expansion of territories and changes in social structure. I compared home range area and spatial overlap in the southeastern portion of their geographic range during periods of relatively high and relatively low hare density. Home range areas of lynx did not change between periods of high and low hare density, except that home ranges of females during the denning season expanded during the low period. The presence of kittens …