Life Sciences Commons^™

Number 52 (December 2010), Southern Fishes Council

Southeastern Fishes Council Proceedings

(December 2010) - Comparative Conservation Genetics of Two Endangered Darters, Percina rex and Percina jenkinsi By Anna L. George, David Neely, and Richard Mayden

Invasion of Gulf Menhaden in the Alabama River By T. Heath Haley, R. Kyle Bolton, and Carol E. Johnston

Southeastern Fishes Council State Reports

Minutes, Business Meeting, 35th Annual Meeting, Southeastern Fishes Council

2009 Treasurer's Report for the Southeastern Fishes Council

Estuarine Blue Infrastructure: Final Priority Conservation Areas For Chesapeake Bay And Its Tidal Tributaries And Back Bay – Version 2.0 (Revised 09/2010), Center For Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science

Reports

This project is an extension of earlier efforts within the coastal zone of Virginia to build a platform for enhanced Blue and Green Infrastructure planning. This project is motivated by an interest in extending statewide conservation efforts into estuarine systems and recognition that land use decisions on the upland effect water quality and habitat health in the receiving waters. The project in its entirety has been accomplished in distinct parts. Part one develops a Cumulative Resource Assessment to evaluate the distribution of aquatic natural resources within waters of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay waters, Back Bay of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the …

Steps Toward Butternut (Juglans Cinerea L.) Restoration, Sunshine L. Brosi

Doctoral Dissertations

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), a lesser-known relative of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), is a native tree species beneficial for wildlife, valuable for timber, and part of the great diversity of species in the eastern forests of North America. Populations of butternut are being devastated by butternut canker disease, caused by the fungus Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum (V.M.G. Nair, Kostichka, & Kuntz), which is thought to be introduced to North America. The disease causes multiple branch and stem cankers that eventually girdle trees. Small population sizes, lack of sprouting, and shade intolerance exacerbates the disease and results in permanent losses of butternut …

Slides: Climate Change Adaptation And The Federal Lands, Robert L. Glicksman

The Past, Present, and Future of Our Public Lands: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Public Land Law Review Commission’s Report, One Third of the Nation’s Land (Martz Summer Conference, June 2-4)

Presenter: Robert L. Glicksman, J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Environmental Law, George Washington University Law School (Washington, D.C.)

12 slides

Slides: Grazing On The Public Lands, William G. Myers Iii

The Past, Present, and Future of Our Public Lands: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Public Land Law Review Commission’s Report, One Third of the Nation’s Land (Martz Summer Conference, June 2-4)

Presenter: William G. Myers III, Partner, Holland & Hart; former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior (Boise, ID)

8 slides

Nested Subsets, Scale, And The Distribution Of Abundance: A Macroecological Approach, Elita Baldridge

Master's Theses

While the canonical nested subset pattern suggests that less species-rich areas will contain a proper subset of the species observed in richer areas, actual data sets do not show perfect nestedness; however, they show a pattern with more structure than would be expected by chance. Biological processes like immigration and extinction have traditionally been thought to produce the nested subset pattern. These processes acting indirectly could cause variation in the distribution and abundance of species that could produce nestedness at a variety of scales. Determining at what scales the pattern is observed might allow inference of processes that are more …

Introduced Sport Fish And Fish Conservation In A Novel Food Web: Evidence Of Predatory Impact, Kevin Lee Landom

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study addressed a fundamental question in applied ecology and conservation; what is the predatory impact of introduced piscivorous sport fish on imperiled native fish populations? More specifically, which of many introduced species and size-classes represent the greatest threats and should be targeted for control? In order to explore this important question, an integrated analysis of stable isotopes, quantified observed diet analysis, and stable isotope mass-balance models were used to quantify trophic interactions. These tools were used to construct food web models that were then compared to draw inferences regarding the relative contribution of prey fish, including rare native fish, …

Snowshoe Hare And Forest Structure Relationships In Western Wyoming, Nathan Daniel Berg

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are a critically important prey species for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). Determination of snowshoe hare distribution and abundance is needed in western Wyoming for lynx conservation. We used linear regression to examine the correlations between snowshoe hare density, as determined by mark-recapture estimates, and fecal pellet plot counts on both uncleared and annually cleared plots on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, western Wyoming. We found significant correlations between hare density estimates and fecal pellet counts for both uncleared and annually cleared pellet counts; however the relationship was much stronger for annually cleared pellet …

Natural History And Breeding System Of Maguire Primrose, Jacob B. Davidson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The goal of this thesis was to examine the breeding system and natural history of the Maguire primrose (Primula cusickiana var. maguirei). Maguire primrose is an endemic, threatened subspecies found only along a narrow corridor within Logan Canyon in northern Utah, USA. This plant displays distinct flower distyly, with clear distinction of pin and thrum morphologies (morphs). The timing of Maguire primrose flower blooms was disparate between upper and lower canyon populations, and the flowers experienced cool temperatures occasionally. I captured eight different species of flying insects visiting Maguire primrose flowers, and made 67 observations of insect visitation. …

Toward A Synthesis Of Conservation And Animal Welfare Science, David Fraser

Conservation Biology and Animal Welfare Collection

Conservation biology and animal welfare science are multidisciplinary fields of research that address social concerns about animals. Conservation biology focuses on wild animals, works at the level of populations, ecological systems and genetic types, and deals with threats to biodiversity and ecological integrity. Animal welfare science typically focuses on captive (often domestic) animals, works at the level of individuals and groups, and deals with threats to the animals’ health and quality of life. However, there are many areas of existing or potential overlap: (i) many real-life problems, such as environmental contamination, urban development and transportation, create problems for animals that …

W103- Closure & Rehabilitation Of Waste Storage Facilities, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

No abstract provided.

W097-Permit Termination Template, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

No abstract provided.

W096-Name Of Persons And Or Firms Removing Litter, Manure And/Or Process Wastewater From Cafos, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension

Animals/Livestock

No abstract provided.

W095-Agreement For The Removal Of Litter, Manure And/Or Process Wastewater From A Cafo, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

No abstract provided.

W094-Tennessee Phosphorus Risk Index, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

In a waterbody, P is required for algae growth. In most waterbodies, the limited supply of P limits algae growth. Large amounts of P promote rapid growth of large amounts of algae or algae "blooms." This excess algae damages aquatic habitats by reducing sunlight penetration, reducing dissolved oxygen levels and promoting the growth of a toxic form of microscopic marine life. In short, it can result in fish kills, reduce aesthetic value and could make the water less desirable for livestock watering. An example of actions taken to prevent P enrichment of surface water is the lowering of phosphate levels …

W093-Procedures For Manure And Litter Sampling, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Nutrient composition of manure varies with a number of factors, including animal type, bedding, ration, storage and handling, environmental conditions, field application method, age of manure, timing of sampling and sampling technique. This variability makes book values (or averages) an unreliable source for determining application rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Each livestock production operation and manure management system is unique, and an individual farm’s manure analysis can vary from average values by 50 percent or more. Testing manure may better indicate how animal management and other factors actually affect nutrient contents and will allow for more accurate calculation of …

W092-Terminating A Permit, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

A CAFO covered under a general permit must notify the TDEC when the CAFO is no longer in operation. The TDEC retains the right to deny termination of coverage until receipt of the necessary notice and information from the permittee.

CAFO operators should remember that a closure/rehabilitation plan for the waste system was submitted as part of the original permitting process. That closure plan should have met NRCS standards and addressed the maintenance of the facility until proper closure is completed within 360 days. The TDEC may not consider the CAFO closed or terminate the permit until the closure plan …

W091-Annual Report, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

All CAFOs must submit an annual report to TDEC and TDA between January 1 and February 15.

W090-Recordkeeping, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Recordkeeping is an essential component of a CAFO permit. A producer must keep records current to satisfy the requirements of the regulations. Additionally, without current records, inspectors cannot determine and producers cannot prove the nutrient Management plan (NMP) has been implemented as approved. All records required by the regulation must be maintained for five years, and must be made available to TDEC or EPA upon request.

W089-Discharge Events, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

All wastewater discharges from a CAFO to waters of the state of Tennessee are prohibited. For existing CAFOs, new dairy CAFOs and new cattle CAFOs, an exception will be made when either chronic or catastrophic rainfall events cause an overflow from a facility properly designed, constructed, maintained and operated to contain all process wastewater from the operation (such as wash water, parlor water, watering system overflow, etc.), plus all runoff from a 25-year, 24-hour rainfall event. For new swine and poultry CAFOs, the exception will be made if the facility was properly designed, constructed, maintained and operated to contain all …

W088-Cafo Inspections, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

As a condition of the permit, the producer must allow personnel from the TDEC or the U.S. EPA to inspect the regulated CAFO. They are required to present their credentials and will only inspect a facility “at reasonable times.” This does not mean that they may only inspect the facility at the owner’s convenience. It simply means that most inspections will be conducted during normal business hours. Large CAFOs are required to undergo a yearly inspection at a minimum. Medium CAFOs may be inspected less often.

W087-New Construction On Cafos And Construction Of New Cafos, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Any liquid waste management system that is constructed, modified, repaired or placed into operation after April 13, 2006 must be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with final design plans and specifications that meet or exceed standards in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide and other guidelines as accepted by the Departments of Environment and Conservation, or Agriculture.

W086-Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

A Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is a group of conservation practices and management activities that will ensure both production and natural resource protection goals are achieved. A CNMP will contain actions that address water quality criteria for the feedlot, production area and land on which the manure will be applied. It addresses natural resource concerns dealing with soil erosion, manure and organic by-products, and their potential impacts on water quality.

W084-Transferring Manure, Litter Or Wastewater To A Third Party, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

No abstract provided.

W085-Nutrient Management Plans, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

All Large CAFOs with dry litter operations, all Medium CAFOs and all designated CAFOs are required to develop, submit for state approval, implement and keep on site a site-specific Nutrient Management Plan (NMP). These NMPs are very different than the plans previously required by regulations. They are extensive and focus on many aspects of livestock operations, from application of manure to conservation practices.

W083-No Potential To Discharge Determination, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

AFO that does not land apply manure, litter or process wastewater may request that it be determined to have no potential to discharge. If approved, the CAFO would not have to be permitted. In Tennessee, the only type of operation that could potentially meet the “No Potential to Discharge” requirements would be poultry operations that have covered litter storage and remove all litter from their operation. Any CAFO that land applies litter, manure or wastewater cannot meet the requirements. Dairy and swine operations typically do not remove all waste and wastewater from their operation because of the enormous expense of …

Genetic Variation In Past And Current Landscapes: Conservation Implications Based On Six Endemic Florida Scrub Plants, Eric S. Menges, Rebecca W. Dolan, Robert Pickert, Rebecca Yahr, Doria R. Gordon

Rebecca W. Dolan

If genetic variation is often positively correlated with population sizes and the presence of nearby populations and suitable habitats, landscape proxies could inform conservation decisions without genetic analyses. For six Florida scrub endemic plants (Dicerandra frutescens, Eryngium cuneifolium, Hypericum cumulicola, Liatris ohlingerae, Nolina brittoniana, and Warea carteri), we relate two measures of genetic variation, expected heterozygosity and alleles per polymorphic locus (APL), to population size and landscape variables. Presettlement areas were estimated based on soil preferences and GIS soils maps. Four species showed no genetic patterns related to population or landscape factors. The other two species showed significant but inconsistent …

Diversity And Abundance Of The Dark Kangaroo Mouse, Microdipodops Megacephalus, In Communities Of Nocturnal Granivorous Rodents In Western North America, Ashley Sagers Haug

Theses and Dissertations

The dark kangaroo mouse, Microdipodops megacephalus, is a sensitive species in the Great Basin Desert. This thesis explores the structure of desert rodent communities of the Great Basin to better understand M. megacephalus' place in the community and the conditions that promote large and stable populations. To determine community structure, I used nestedness analysis to evaluate 99 communities of nocturnal granivorous rodents. I found that the community structure was non-random, indicating the existence of assembly rules and ecological constraints. I also found that M. megacephalus was the second most vulnerable species in the community. To explore the correlation …

Conservation Implications Of Genetic Variation In Three Rare Species Endemic To Florida Rosemary Scrub, Rebecca W. Dolan, Rebecca Yahr, Eric S. Menges, Matthew Halfhill

Rebecca W. Dolan

Habitat conversion and fire suppression during the last 50 yr have greatly reduced and altered Florida scrub vegetation, resulting in threats to the persistence of its unique flora. As part of a larger conservation project, we investigated patterns of isozyme variation in three rare perennial scrub plants with overlapping ranges endemic to Florida rosemary scrub on the Lake Wales Ridge. All three species have low levels of genetic variation, comparable to or lower than those generally reported for rare plants with restricted geographic ranges. Liatris ohlingerae has more than twice the expected heterozygosity of the other two species, with little …

Conservation Implications Of Genetic Variation In Three Rare Species Endemic To Florida Rosemary Scrub, Rebecca W. Dolan, Rebecca Yahr, Eric S. Menges, Matthew Halfhill

Rebecca W. Dolan

Habitat conversion and fire suppression during the last 50 yr have greatly reduced and altered Florida scrub vegetation, resulting in threats to the persistence of its unique flora. As part of a larger conservation project, we investigated patterns of isozyme variation in three rare perennial scrub plants with overlapping ranges endemic to Florida rosemary scrub on the Lake Wales Ridge. All three species have low levels of genetic variation, comparable to or lower than those generally reported for rare plants with restricted geographic ranges. Liatris ohlingerae has more than twice the expected heterozygosity of the other two species, with little …