Life Sciences Commons^™

Climate Change And Utah Ski Resorts: Impacts, Perceptions, And Adaptation Strategies, Emily J. Wilkins, Hadia Akbar, Tara C. Saley, Rachel Hager, Colten M. Elkin, Patrick Belmont, Courtney G. Flint, Jordan W. Smith

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Climate change is a threat to ski resorts, the ski industry, and mountain communities that rely on ski tourism. Ski resorts may be able to mitigate some of the social and economic impacts caused by climate change with proactive adaptation strategies. Using historical weather data, future climate projections, and interviews with ski resort managers in Utah (United States), this research investigates the effects of climate change on ski resorts across the state. We examine temperature change at all resorts within the state from 1980–2018 and climate projections from 2021–2100 under different climate change scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5). We …

Data From: Yellow Air Day Advisory Study, Arthur J. Caplan

Browse all Datasets

Using a dataset consisting of daily vehicle trips, PM2.5 concentrations, along with a host of climactic control variables, we test the hypothesis that “yellow air day” advisories provided by the Utah Division of Air Quality resulted in subsequent reductions in vehicle trips taken during northern Utah’s winter-inversion seasons in the early 2000s. Winter inversions occur in northern Utah when climactic conditions are such that PM2.5 concentrations (derived mainly from vehicle emissions) become trapped in the lower atmosphere, leading to unhealthy air quality (concentrations of at least 35 µg/m3) over a span of what are called “red air days”. When concentrations …

Understanding Climate Change Impacts And Adaptation Potentials At Utah Ski Resorts, Rachel Hager

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Increasing temperature and shifting precipitation regimes due to climate change are a significant threat to winter recreation. Some businesses such as high-elevation ski resorts are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, ski resorts may be able mitigate the impacts of climate change by proactively implementing adaptation strategies. The overall goal of this study was to investigate the impact of climate change on Utah ski resorts, and to understand adaptation perception, barriers, and strategies for different resorts across the state.

To meet that goal, we used a mixed-methods approach including examining temperature shifts at all Utah ski resorts …

Size And Scope Of Utah County Agriculture 2019, Ryan Feuz, Ryan Larsen, Dean Miner

All Current Publications

Utah County is located in the middle of the state. The county seat and largest city is Provo. As of 2018, the population of the county was estimated at 622,213. The Wasatch Mountain Range is in the eastern portion of the county. The elevation drops quickly from the mountains in the east to the Utah Lake valley in the center of the county. This fact sheet reviews land ownership, crop and livestock production, and farm income and age of operators.

Innovative Water Management Using Advanced Irrigation Systems And Biochar, Jonathan A. Holt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two approaches to water optimization in agriculture are to increase soil water retention and improve the efficiency of irrigation. A soil amendment that has received attention for its ability to increase soil water retention is biochar, the remaining biomass after high C materials have been pyrolyzed (burned with limited oxygen and heat). Two studies were conducted at a total of 10 site-years in Utah from 2018 to 2020 to evaluate how wood biochar influences the productivity and crop quality of irrigated alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and wheat (Triticum L.), along with soil water tension. One study …

Environmental Racism In A Growing City: Investigating Demographic Shifts In Salt Lake City's Polluted Neighborhoods, Emma Nathel Jones

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Studies investigating the spatial distribution of environmental hazards have repeatedly demonstrated the existence of environmental racism -- the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color. We aim to contribute to research on environmental racism by asking how relationships between race and hazard exposure change over time. Our study area, Salt Lake City (SLC), UT, USA is one of the largest cities in the intermountain west and is expected to see continued population growth. SLC was 99% white from 1860-1950. 2019 census estimates indicate that SLC is becoming more racially diverse with 35.6% of the population identifying as racial …

Snapdragon Cut Flower Production In Utah, Maegen Lewis, Melanie Stock, Tiffany Maughan, Brent Black, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes snapdragon cut flower production in Utah. Snapdragons can bloom spring through fall, with the highest quality stems produced during cool temperatures. Cultivars are grouped based on their blooming response to light and temperature. High-quality stem production can last up to 21 weeks by using multiple groups, staggered planting dates in a high tunnel and field, pinching, and pruning techniques.

Landlord Perceptions Of Homelessness In The Bear River Region, Claire Wever, Alyssa Cronin, Heather Hopkins

Student Research Symposium

Homelessness has been rising at an alarming rate in the Bear River Region of Utah. Between 2017 and 2019, there has been a 400% increase in unsheltered homeless (HUD, 2019). Research indicates a lack of affordable housing is a likely cause (Lucero & Barker Tolman Shuler, 2020). Armed with the knowledge that finding housing is a key aspect to reduce homelessness, the present study set out to ascertain landlords’ awareness and attitudes of homelessness, as well as types of interventions they would support. Collaborating on a community-engaged project, USU social work students and faculty developed a survey of knowledge and …

Designing For Comfort: Utah Women's Center, Arian Beardall

Student Research Symposium

In 2017, 36.9% of Utah women have experienced some form of domestic violence according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. These women need a safe place to go, a place that will make them feel welcome and let the know that they are not alone. This women’s center located in Provo, Utah was designed based on thorough research of how individuals feel the most comfortable in an indoor environment based on materials and colors. The building was also designed to have the utmost security in order to protect the women that come in through using the most up-to-date technology …

Effects Of Irrigation Technology And Rate On Hemp Production, Tina Sullivan

Student Research Symposium

The industrial hemp industry is rapidly emerging in Utah - nearly 1,200 acres were permitted in the state in 2019, and new growers registered for 2020. Many questions remain on optimal production practices for this new and potentially high-value crop. Research throughout the United States is limited as more and more states issue hemp, smokable flower, and medical marijuana licenses. One for the first Utah outdoor research sites was set up for the 2020 growing season and will be repeated in 2021. Trials on fertilizer, variety, and irrigation and rate were tested in different spans (sections) of a lateral irrigation …

Utah Majesties: A Sustainable Rug Collection, Emeryann Hare

Student Research Symposium

“Art will never be able to exist without nature” - Pierre Bonnard Utah’s outdoor escapes are as diverse as they are spectacular. From the Wasatch Mountain Range all the way down to the red rocks of Lake Powell, Utah is filled with nature’s most extraordinary artwork. Inspired by four contrasting environments, the Wasatch Mountain Range, Bonneville Salt Flats, Little Sahara, and Arches National Park, this project seeks to feature abstractions for a sustainable rug collection. Featuring the diversity of these four landscapes, each rug design was conducted thoughtfully through the study of science, understanding of history, and personal involvement. This …

Evaluating Anemone And Ranunculus Production Strategies In Utah, Shannon Rauter

Student Research Symposium

As the number of cut flower growers in the Intermountain West increases, there is a demand for regional information about optimal planting dates, season extension, and locally adapted cultivars to improve yield and harvest timing for anemone (Anemone coronaria) and ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) cut flowers. Existing grower recommendations can be problematic because the combination of late spring freezes and hot, bright summer days can delay harvests and lower flower quality. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to evaluate 1) fall and spring planting dates, 2) the use of high tunnels and insulated field production systems, 3) tuber preparation methods, …