Life Sciences Commons^™

Effect Of Human Disturbance On Small Mammal Communities In Itasca State Park, Minnesota, Nancy L. Staus, Kathleen Conforti, Leslie N. Clapper, Jennifer A. Longhenry, C. C. Schoenbauer, Michael S. Rentz, John R. Tester

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

We determined effects of different levels of human disturbance on small mammal richness and relative abundance from live-trapping data obtained in Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. We developed a quantitative measure of human disturbance based on disturbance units and trapped small mammals on three study sites, each reflecting a different level of disturbance. Our data revealed that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human disturbance. Amount of ground cover and litter depth also appeared to be important in explaining differences in the demographic patterns of small mammals among sites.

Wetlands/Groundwater Quality In Agricultural Landscapes, D. H. Rickerl, D. E. Kringen, T. A. Machacek

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

In the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR - SO, NO, MN, IA), wetlands classified as "semi-permanent" or "seasonal" can act as groundwater recharge sites. The nutrient filtering capacity of wetlands has been investigated for both natural and constructed wetlands linked to surface water, but there is little information available on their subsequent impact on groundwater quality. This study investigates four seasonal and two semi-permanent wetlands in the PPR of eastern South Dakota. Transitional no-till (TNT) and organic farm (ORG) management systems border the wetlands. The objective is to determine the effects of farm management system on wetland surface water and groundwater …

The Response Of Invertebrates In Temporary Vernal Wetlands To Altosid Sr-10 As Used In Mosquito Abatement Programs, Ronald W. Lawrenz

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Three temporary vernal wetlands on the Bayport Wildlife Management Area in eastern Washington County, Minnesota, were divided by sandbag barrier into treatment and control areas. Designated areas were treated with Altosid® SR-10 briquets at standard mosquito control rates. Invertebrate populations were monitored weekly using net sweeps, column samples, and ocular estimates.

The development of Eubranchtpus bundyi, Lyncerus sp, and Daphnia sp., the three major components of the invertebrate fauna, was delayed by as much as one week in site 47. Similar developmental lags were noted for E. bundyi populations in the treated portions of sites 6 and 32. Delay of …

Acid Rains: Implications For Agriculture, Prabhu D. Rawate

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Planting Trees-Why Rather Than How, Angelo Cohn

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Three evergreen plantings over 25 years in a private woodland are described and evaluated in terms of reforestation, economics and personal satisfaction. Credit is given to government foresters and support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DN\R) and the federal Forest Incentives Program (FIP). Changes in site preparation methods, selection of species and planting procedures are discussed as outcomes of research and field experience. Cost-benefits are assigned principally to human values reflected in family learning and enhanced appreciation of the ecosystem of rural Minnesota.

Chlorofluorocarbon Effects On Cardiac, Pulmonary, And Respiratory Patients, Mildred E. Olson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Research results from studies of the physiological effects of aerosal propellants on animals and people are summarized. The papers selected for this summary were published between 1968 and 1975. Effects of the 15 chlorofluorocarbons used as propellants have been recorded on the cardiac, pulmonary and respiratory functions of a number of animal species as well as man. The fifteen propellants have been classified into four groups on the basis of their degree of toxicity. Fluorocarbon 11, the most frequently used propellant, is in group 1, the most toxic. The relative toxicity of each of the 14 other propellants compared with …

Biological Aspects Of Heat Pollution, Theodore Olson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The importance of temperature as an environmental factor has long been recognized by the ecologist, and its special impact upon the aquatic ecosystem has been of interest to aquatic biologists since they first began to observe interactions between living things and the physical environment. Interest in water temperatures as an environmental factor has recently become more widespread; and one aspect of the phenomenon, namely "thermal pollution," has attracted special attention.