Life Sciences Commons^™

Investing In Maine Research Infrastructure: Sustainable Forest Bioproducts, Michael Eckardt, Stephen Shaler, Hemant P. Pendse, Adriaan R. P. Van Heiningen, Robert G. Wagner

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, several baccalaureate institutions in the state, along with other federal, state and local public, private, and non-profit institutions will collaborate to create the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) at the University of Maine. The vision of the FBRI is to advance understanding about the scientific underpinnings, system behavior, and policy implications for the production of forest-based bioproducts that meet societal needs for materials, chemicals, and fuels in an economically and ecologically sustainable manner.

The research plans Integrate three themes. They are (1) forest sustainability modeling of life cycle assessment, (2) integrated …

Tree Mortality Following Prescribed Fire And A Storm Surge Event In Slash Pine (Pinus Elliottii Var. Densa) Forests In The Florida Keys, Usa, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, James R. Snyder, Danielle E. Ogurcak

Department of Earth and Environment

In fire-dependent forests, managers are interested in predicting the consequences of prescribed burning on postfire tree mortality. We examined the effects of prescribed fire on tree mortality in Florida Keys pine forests, using a factorial design with understory type, season, and year of burn as factors. We also used logistic regression to model the effects of burn season, fire severity, and tree dimensions on individual tree mortality. Despite limited statistical power due to problems in carrying out the full suite of planned experimental burns, associations with tree and fire variables were observed. Post-fire pine tree mortality was negatively correlated with …

Pb1772 A Hardwood Log Grading Handbook, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

A good understanding of log valuation will help landowners, loggers, log buyers and saw millers agree on the fair value for a load of logs. This handbook briefly summarizes common log grading rules for hardwoods. Basic concepts in log scaling, lumber grading and log bucking optimization are also discussed because each of these topics relates to log grading.

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2007 And Revised Estimates For 2006, Nathan Kemper, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

Research Reports and Research Bulletins

This report is the fourth in a series of reports examining agriculture’s economic contribution on the Arkansas economy. Utilizing data from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis, USDA Economics Research Service, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, and Minnesota IMPLAN Group, Inc., the economic contribution of agriculture on the Arkansas economy was estimated for the most recent year available, 2007. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State information for Arkansas was compared with those of other states in the southeast U.S. to give a measure of the relative importance of agriculture in Arkansas. The total economic contribution of agriculture (direct, indirect, …

Transferability Of Simple Sequence Repeat (Ssr) Markers Developed In Litchi Chinensis To Blighia Sapida (Sapindaceae), Marius R.M. Ekué, Oliver Gailing, Reiner Finkeldey

Michigan Tech Publications

Ackee (Blighia sapida, Sapindaceae) is a multipurpose fruit tree species of high economic importance, native to the Guinean forests of West Africa, and belongs to the same family as that of lychee (Litchi chinensis). In this study, a set of 12 primer pairs for simple sequence repeats (SSRs) previously developed for lychee has been evaluated for polymorphism in 16 ackee trees from different populations. Seven primer pairs have been found to be transferable, and four have revealed polymorphisms. However, the average number of alleles per locus has dropped from 4.9 for lychee to 3.7 for ackee. Characterization of the four …

Explore It! Building The Next Generation Of Sustainable Energy Researchers, Darrell W. Donahue, David J. Neivandt

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

This award will establish an REU Site at the University of Maine. The program will engage 10 undergraduates each year for three years in a 10-week summer research experience. This REU site will leverage a focus area represented by the newly established University of Maine Forest Bio-products Research Institute (FBRI). Undergraduate students will conduct research advancing their knowledge of sustainable forest bio-products and will gain a detailed understanding of one of the thematic elements of the research effort as well as a broad understanding of all areas, specifically: 1) sustainable and life cycle analysis; 2) solids extraction/modification; 3) process control …

Regional Assessment Of Aspen Change And Spatial Variability On Decadal Time Scales, Temuulen Tsagaan Sankey

Aspen Bibliography

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is commonly believed to be declining throughout western North America. Using a historical vegetation map and Landsat TM5 imagery, this study detects changes in regional aspen cover over two different time periods of 85 and 18 years and examines aspen change patterns with biophysical variables in the Targhee National Forest of eastern Idaho, USA. A subpixel classification approach was successfully used to classify aspen. The results indicate greater spatial variability in regional aspen change patterns than indicated by local-scale studies. The observed spatial variability appears to be an inherent pattern in regional aspen dynamics, …

Meeting Minutes, October 9th, 2009, National Smokejumper Association Board Of Directors

National Smokejumper Association Meeting Minutes

Agenda: Introductions And Opening Remarks.; Welcome To Boise.; Schedule Of Events.; Minutes Of Last Meeting.; Last Meetings Minutes From Seattle Were Approved.; Treasurer's Report.; 2009-2010 Budget.; Finn Ward Fund.; Investments.; Memberships.; Bequeaths/Donations.; Trail Maintenance Update.; Siskyou Base Update.; Usfs/Blm Smokejumper Program.; National Smokejumper Center.; Historical Film Project.; Historical Update.; Smokejumper Museum Type.; Articles.; Status Of D & 0 Insurance.; Close For The Day, Social.; Merchandising.; Good Samaritan Fund.; Recent Donation.; Museum Mtn Flying Proposal.; Mso Jumpers Scholarship.; Short Term/Long Term.; Long Term Goals.; Short Term Goals.; National Sj Reunion/Redding.; 2010 Nsa Board Meetings.; Adjourn/Thanks.;

Aspen In Scotland: Biodiversity And Management, John Parrott, Neil Mackenzie

Aspen Bibliography

No abstract provided.

W234 Communicating The Green Advantages Of Wood To Your Customers, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

This publication summarizes the favorable environmental profile of wood and shows how this information can be included in communications with customers. It is intended primarily as an aid to wood products manufacturers, but will also be of interest to architects, policy makers and anyone with concern for how his or her materials choices impact the environment.

It's Time To Check The Nets: Research And Conservation Of Rafinesque Big-Eared Bats In East Texas, Christopher E. Comer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Mojave Applied Ecology Notes Fall 2009, Tom Monaco, Scott R. Abella, Amber Lee, James E. Deacon

Mojave Applied Ecology Notes

USDA working to manage invasive annual grasses, effects of heat and smoke on red brome soil seed bank, how burial depth and substrate affect germination of Sahara mustard and red brome, environmental effects of the southern Nevada groundwater project

Guide Accreditation In The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area: A Study Of The Practices, Attitudes, And Concerns Of Small Tourism Operators, Nora Vogel

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study assessed the attitudes, practices, and needs of tour operators in the Wet Tropics World Heritage area with respect to the recruitment and training of tour guides. The results will be used to help determine the need and demand for an official Wet Tropics guide accreditation system, as well as the form that system should take. The study also served to add more contacts to the Wet Tropics Management Authority’s growing network of tour operators, tour groups, and research scientists. Tour operators’ guide training practices varied with their business type and resources; many of the smallest operators provided a …

Timber Market, Gregory S. Halich

Agricultural Economics Presentations

No abstract provided.

The Dandy Scroll, Fall 2009, University Of Maine Pulp And Paper Foundation

General University of Maine Publications

The Fall 2009 issue of The Dandy Scroll newsletter produced by the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation.

Silviculture Certification Revalidation Case Studey : An Assessment Of Aspen Regeneration By Fire Intensity Following Prescribed Burning On Low Productivity Sites In Southwest Idaho And/Or A Simplistic Model Showing Aspen Sprouting Response By Varying Degrees Of Fire Intensity As Defined By Degree Of Aspen Crown-Kill Within The Lime Creek Aspen Restoration Project Area, Steven L. Williams

Aspen Bibliography

This Case Study is prepared for revalidation as a certified silviculturist in the Intermountain Region. When I first began working on this study, I anticipated that prescribed fire would produce variable degrees of aspen crown-kill and that differences in aspen sprouting would exist across the project area. What I observed was that although variable degrees of aspen crown-kill do exist, their distribution and relative amounts is more a function of prescribed fire ignition than of vegetation conditions. Very nearly full aspen crown-kill occurs with any fire that sustains itself enough to carry through the vegetation. Where prescribed fire is employed, …

W227 Tree Growth Characteristics, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

Trees are fascinating. The largest of all woody plants, they have well-defined stems that support a crown of leaves. The growth form varies by species and can be categorized. This publication has been created to provide professional foresters, arborists, students, Extension personnel, advanced homeowners and others a general understanding of how trees grow. Specifics will include primary vs. secondary growth, allocation of photosynthate, shoot growth patterns and crown shape.

W228 Wood Products Information - Test Of A Sodium Carbonate-Based Mold Control Spray On Wood, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Forestry, Trees, and Timber

The sodium carbonate-based solution that we tested did not provide good mold inhibition in a severe, standardized test.

Eliminating the warm, wet conditions that lead to mold remains the best option for preventing the growth on mold on wood.

Ice Storm Effects On The Canopy Structure Of A Northern Hardwood Forest After 8 Years, Brian C. Weeks, Steven P. Hamburg, Matthew A. Vadeboncoeur

Earth Systems Research Center

Ice storms can cause severe damage to forest canopies, resulting in differential mortality among tree species and size classes and leading to long-lasting changes in the vertical structure and composition of the forest. An intense ice storm in 1998 damaged large areas of the northern hardwood forest, including much of the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire (USA). Following up on detailed poststorm assessments, we measured changes in the vertical structure of the forest canopy 8 years poststorm. We focused on how the presence of disease-induced advance regeneration of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) has affected canopy structure in the …

Increasing The Reliability Of Ecological Models Using Modern Software Engineering Techniques, Robert M. Scheller, Brian R. Sturtevant, Eric J. Gustafson, Brendan C. Ward, David J. Mladenoff

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Modern software development techniques are largely unknown to ecologists. Typically, ecological models and other software tools are developed for limited research purposes, and additional capabilities are added later, usually in an ad hoc manner. Modern software engineering techniques can substantially increase scientific rigor and confidence in ecological models and tools. These techniques have the potential to transform how ecological software is conceived and developed, improve precision, reduce errors, and increase scientific credibility. We describe our re-engineering of the forest landscape model LANDIS (LANdscape DIsturbance and Succession) to illustrate the advantages of using common software engineering practices.

Are “Quantitative” Pits Still Necessary At Hubbard Brook?, Chris E. Johnson

Civil and Environmental Engineering

No abstract provided.

Assessing Organic Matter Breakdown And Associated Macroinvertebrate Community Structure In Headwater Streams: Effects Of Hydrologic Gradients And Upland Timber Harvesting, Miller Scott Jarrell

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

I examined the effects of hydrologic gradients and upland timber harvesting with different streamside management zone widths on yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) processing and the associated macroinvertebrate community structure in the Cumberland Plateau ecophysic region, U.S.A. Prior to upland timber harvesting, 5.0 ± 0.1 g yellow-poplar leaf packs were constructed, zip-tied to gutter nails, and placed into 7 perennial and 6 temporary stream reaches with similar physiochemical and geomorphic characteristics. From December 2007 to May 2008, 3–5 leaf packs were collected per reach monthly. I found significant differences in the functional feeding group composition. Temporary reaches contained higher shredder, gathering-collector, predator, …

Slides: Groundwater Law And Administration: From Conflict To Reform, Michael A. Gheleta

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Michael A. Gheleta, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, Denver, CO

14 slides

Slides: Modifying Prior Appropriation: The Spectrum Of Experiences, Adam Schempp

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Adam Schempp, Environmental Law Institute, Washington, DC

12 slides

Slides: Next Evolutionary Steps In State Instream Flow Programs, Lawrence J. Macdonnell

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Lawrence J. MacDonnell, attorney and consultant, Boulder, CO

27 slides

Slides: Rethinking Western Water Law: Restoring The Public Interest In Western Water Law, Mark Squillace

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Mark Squillace, Director, Natural Resources Law Center, University of Colorado Law School

20 slides

Slides: Opportunities: Softer Paths?, Sarah Bates

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Sarah Bates, Public Policy Research Institute, University of Montana

2 slides

Slides: Challenges For Reclamation: A Western States' Perspective, Craig Bell

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Craig Bell, Western Water States Council, Midvale, Utah

9 slides

Slides: Regional Energy-Water Resilience Under Climate Change, Bonnie G. Colby

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Dr. Bonnie G. Colby, Professor of Resource Economics & Hydrology, University of Arizona

24 slides

Slides: Indian Water Rights, Robert T. Anderson

Western Water Law, Policy and Management: Ripples, Currents, and New Channels for Inquiry (Martz Summer Conference, June 3-5)

Presenter: Robert T. Anderson, Native American Law Center, University of Washington Law School

19 slides