Life Sciences Commons^™

The Future Of Recreational Fisheries: Advances In Science, Monitoring, Management, And Practice, Jacob W. Brownscombe, Kieran Hyder, Warren Potts, Kyle L. Wilson, Kevin L. Pope, Andy J. Danylchuk, Steven J. Cooke, Adrian Clarke, Robert Arlinghaus, John R. Post

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

Recreational fisheries (RF) are complex social-ecological systems that play an important role in aquatic environments while generating significant social and economic benefits around the world. The nature of RF is diverse and rapidly evolving, including the participants, their priorities and behaviors, and the related ecological impacts and social and economic benefits. RF can lead to negative ecological impacts, particularly through overexploitation of fish populations and spread of non-native species and genotypes through stocking. Hence, careful management and monitoring of RF is essential to sustain these ecologically and socioeconomically important resources. This special issue on recreational fisheries contains diverse research, syntheses, …

Heterogeneity Of Avian Breeding Habitat On Grazing Lands Of The Northern Great Plains, Maggi S. Sliwinski

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Native rangelands in the Great Plains are largely privately owned and used for beef production. Vegetation heterogeneity is important for maintaining biodiversity, but private land may be more homogenous than desired. My research had two components: 1) to examine whether a variety of grazing strategies created vegetation heterogeneity in a large, intact rangeland, and 2) to understand beef producers’ attitudes about vegetation heterogeneity.

First, I sampled vegetation structure, composition, and bird abundance at multiple plots on eleven management units in Cherry County, Nebraska. Units were managed with commonly used grazing strategies (e.g., short-duration grazing and season-long continuous grazing). I examined …

Protected Areas As Social-Ecological Systems: Perspectives From Resilience And Social-Ecological Systems Theory, Graeme S. Cumming, Craig R. Allen

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

Conservation biology and applied ecology increasingly recognize that natural resource management is both an outcome and a driver of social, economic, and ecological dynamics. Protected areas offer a fundamental approach to conserving ecosystems, but they are also social-ecological systems whose ecological management and sustainability are heavily influenced by people. This editorial, and the papers in the invited feature that it introduces, discuss three emerging themes in social-ecological systems approaches to understanding protected areas: (1) the resilience and sustainability of protected areas, including analyses of their internal dynamics, their effectiveness, and the resilience of the landscapes within which they occur; (2) …

The Interaction Of Climate Change, Land Cover, And Political Representation In The Usa, Brady W. Allred, Dirac L. Twidwell, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The difficulties in tackling climate change are inherently complex and primarily centered on political and social values. This is evident in the United States where political divisions and polarizations are fundamental barriers to advancing national policies, which in turn hinder international agreements, mitigation, and adaptation. Within the United States, the vast majority of agricultural and natural resource lands are projected to incur significant climate departures and are represented by the Republican Party. The resources and economic sectors that will be directly affected by climate change are represented by national leadership that is unlikely to accept policies to prevent or adapt …

Strategic Discussions For Nebraska: Opportunities For Nebraska -- Food Scarcity, Mary Garbacz

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a program in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources that produces an annual publication called Opportunities for Nebraska, focusing on a different topic each year. The publication is produced in hard copy and also is available online at www.sdn.unl.edu.

The content for each publication is produced by UNL students enrolled in a Magazine Writing course each spring semester, taught by the SDN coordinator. Students conduct interviews with UNL researchers and write stories for inclusion in the publication. The interviews are captured on video and are edited into video montages, …

Herbicides And Amphibian Populations, Zach Shirk

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Amphibians are a unique class of species that are found worldwide except Antarctica and Greenland. They range in size from a few millimeters to over six feet long. Amphibian’s habitats are as various as their size, but one thing in common is that amphibians require an aquatic location to breed. Amphibians live in deserts, mountain prairies, rain forest, wetlands, and almost everywhere in between. Amphibians are an integrated part of most natural ecosystems across the world. Amphibians are a critical part of many food chains; they provide the important link between secondary and tertiary consumers. Amphibians are indicator species in …

A Proposed Plan For Managing Eastern Nebraska's Saline Wetlands, Vandhana Rabadinanth

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Abstract Eastern Nebraska’s saline wetlands play a major role in Nebraska’s environmental place in the world. Besides the role of scientific changes being important, education also is essential in the conservation of these wetlands. Through the observation of Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) and soil electroconductivity, I propose that we need to reform Nebraska’s education system to help schools play a bigger part in environmental issues such as this one. There is a drastic trend in the correlations between Salt Creek tiger beetle populations and wetland degradation. Since many Lincoln residents have a limited knowledge of what is …

Applications And Potentials For Biogenic Methane Recovery Operations In Nebraska Agriculture, Industry, And Economic Development, David Micheal Dingman

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

ABSTRACT: This thesis report illustrates the applications and potentials of biogenic methane recovery in Nebraska’s agricultural and industrial sectors and as a means for increasing sustainable economic development in the state’s rural communities. As the nation moves toward a new green economy, biogenic methane recovery as a waste management strategy and renewable energy resource presents significant opportunities for Nebraska to be a national and world leader in agricultural and industrial innovation, advanced research and development of renewable energy technology, and generation of new product markets. Nebraska’s agricultural economy provides a distinct advantage to the state for supporting methane recovery operations …

Filling The Gap: Improving Estimates Of Working Tree Resources In Agricultural Landscapes, C. H. Perry, C. W. Woodall, G. C. Liknes, Michele M. Schoeneberger

USDA Forest Service / UNL Faculty Publications

Agroforestry plantings and other trees intentionally established in rural and urban areas are emerging as innovative management options for addressing resource issues and achieving landscape-level goals. An understanding of the ecosystem services contributed by these and future plantings would provide critical information to policy and program developers, and a comprehensive inventory would contribute to estimating the cumulative effects of these plantings. Trees used in these practices are not explicitly inventoried by the primary national forest resource inventory of the United States: the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service. The FIA program currently limits its inventories …

Nf05-631 Understanding Watersheds, Thomas G. Franti, Steven R. Tonn

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Watersheds are dynamic and unique places. They are complex webs of natural resources, — soil, water, air, plants and animals. Together land and water make a watershed a whole system.

This NebFacts covers what a watershed is, how it works, its functions, how human activities can alter watershed functions, and its management.

G05-1551 Multiple-Year Droughts In Nebraska, Michael Hayes, Cody Knutson, Q. Steven Hu

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the history and impact of drought in Nebraska.

Most people understand that droughts have had a major impact on Nebraska in the past. Yet, many Nebraskans continue to be surprised when drought occurs. It is important to remember that droughts, including multiple-year droughts, are a normal part of Nebraska’s climate. This NebGuide discusses the history of drought in Nebraska, and aims to help Nebraskans better understand the range of climatic variability when they plan for drought.

Ec01-2507 Safe Transport, Storage And Disposal Of Pesticides, Larry D. Schulze, Shripat T. Kamble, Clyde Ogg, Edward F. Vitzthum

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Most accidental pesticide poisonings occur when pesticides are mishandled. Young children area often the victims.

Pesticide accidents can be prevented by careful planning, using a secure storage location, adopting safe handling methods during transport and following proper disposal guidelines for both product and containers.

Ec00-1879 Sorghum Ergot In The Northern Great Plains, Jim Stack

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sorghum is grown throughout Nebraska on approximately 0.6 million acres of land. It is grown as a forage crop as well as a grain crop. There is no significant commercial seed production in Nebraska. Grain sorghum is used domestically as livestock feed, in ethanol production, and to a limited extent as a food crop.

Grain sorghum is also exported to several countries. All sorghum hybrids (grain and forage) are susceptible to ergot disease. Ergot is a disease that impacts sorghum production directly by infecting unfertilized flowers and preventing seed development. Ergot also impacts sorghum production indirectly. Affected fields with honeydew-covered …

Nf98-377 Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Production Management In Western Nebraska And Eastern Wyoming, Rebecca L. Harms, David D. Baltensperger, Robert C. Shearman, Dan Laursen, Roger Hammons, Tony Merrigan, Jim Krall, C. Dean Yonts

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses management practicies related to Kentucky Bluegrass seed production.

G98-1356 Polyacrylamide – A Method To Reduce Soil Erosion, C. Dean Yonts, Brian Benham

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes polyacrylamide, what it is, how it can be used to reduce soil erosion due to, irrigation and what water management changes must be considered.

Topsoil loss can mean a long-term reduction in soil productivity, crop yield and the life expectancy of downstream storage reservoirs. In the short term, producers are faced with reuse pits to clean or a buildup of soil at the lower ends of fields which must be redistributed. Measures must be taken to reduce or eliminate soil erosion and sustain Nebraska's soil resource.

Nf98-375 What Is The "Cooperative Agreement" For Endangered Species Habitat Along The Central Platte River?, Gary R. Lingle, Thomas G. Franti

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The governors of Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming and the Secretary of the Interior signed a historic agreement on July 1, 1997. This agreement addresses endangered species issues affecting the Platte River Basin upstream of its confluence with the Loup River. The Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitats Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska provides funding and an administrative structure to allow the states and the federal government to work together in enhancing water and land resources for endangered species. The agreement has two main objectives: 1. To develop and implement a "recovery …

Ec96-143 Pesticide Runoff And Water Quality In Nebraska, Steven Comfort, Thomas G. Franti, S.K. Smith

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska's natural resources provide its residents with an abundance of wildlife, recreation, and agricultural opportunities. Some of the state's most important resources are its lakes, rivers and streams. These surface waters provide year-round habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, rest stops for migratory birds, and countless hours of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, surface waters provide a source of drinking water for many Nebraska residents, and are vital for some farming and industrial operations. To better understand how surface waters become contaminated from pesticide runoff, the various factors and processes influencing runoff must be understood. With this understanding, pesticide …

G95-1135 Estimating Percent Residue Cover Using The Calculation Method, David P. Shelton, John A. Smith, Paul J. Jasa, Roger Kanable

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to use the calculation method to estimate the percent of the soil surface that will be covered with crop residue after using residue-disturbing implements and operations. Leaving crop residue on the soil surface is the easiest and most cost-effective method of reducing soil erosion. Research in Nebraska and other midwestern states found that leaving as little as 20 percent of the soil surface covered with crop residue can reduce soil erosion caused by rainfall and flowing water by one-half compared to residue-free conditions. Greater amounts of residue cover will further reduce erosion.

Ec94-738 Using Agricultural Anhydrous Ammonia Safely, Robert D. Grisso, David Morgan, Rollin D. Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most efficient and widely used sources of nitrogen for row-crop production. Because it is a cheap source of nitrogen and readily available, large quantities of anhydrous ammonia are used as nitrogen fertilizer.

Anhydrous ammonia has disadvantages, especially in handling. It must be stored and handled under high pressure, which requires specially designed and well-maintained equipment. In addition, to ensure operator safety, workers must be trained to handle this product and to follow strict work procedures.

G90-960 Laws That Impact Our Lives, Georgia L. Stevens

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Laws enforced through the government's role as regulator and protector have a daily impact on our lives.

How Do Laws Affect Us?

Laws have a daily impact on our lives--whether they relate to social services, education, housing, nutrition, food safety, consumer rights or the environment. Public policies such as legislation, resolutions, appropriations, new regulations for a current law or court decisions are used as solutions to problems expressed by the public. These actions are the result of public issues that have been debated and compromised through the policymaking process. The basic element is the process used to solve a public …

Ec76-1741 Christmas Trees: A Management Guide, Donald E. Janssen, Neal E. Jennings

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In America the decorated Christmas tree has become an accepted tradition. Christmas would seem barren to most people without it. Raising Christmas trees is a growing industry and has proven to be a profitable use of land if high-quality, salable trees are produced.

Planting, managing, and harvesting Christmas trees is a high labor, high risk endeavor. Here is a list of questions. If you can answer "yes" to every one, you will be a successful Christmas tree grower.

Are you willing to plant trees every April?

Are you willing to shear or prune every tree, every year (mid-June to mid-July) …