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Environmental Science In The New Millennium : A Model To Give Structure And Guidance, James M. Lipuma

Dissertations

This work proposes a template for successful interdisciplinary Environmental Science (EVSQ) programs at four-year American learning institutions. The first conclusion reached is that there is no one "perfect" program. Only by identifying clear goals for EVSC can programs improve. It was determined that a clear definition of EVSC and mission statements related to these definitions are necessary first steps to allow improvement to occur. One major outcome of the work is the educational model built to understand EVSC education. The model identifies methods by which the goals and objectives of EVSC can be identified and accomplished. The research found that …

An Examination Of Discourse Concerned With Pcb Remediation In The Hudson River, Jennifer M. Coffey

Theses

Remediation of PCB contamination in the Hudson River is an issue hotly contested within local communities, the media, and between government agencies and corporate entities. In recent years, the EPA has decided to revisit their 1984 no-action decision for the Hudson River and in December 2000, issued a Feasibility Study recommending partial dredging of the 200 miles of the Hudson floor deemed a Superfund site. The EPA's reevaluation of their 1984 decision has spurred an enormous amount of literature from corporate, non-profit volunteer, and government agencies.

The rhetorical theory of social constructionism and the ethical theory of environmental pragmatism are …

Understanding Vole Problems In Direct Seeding — Strategies For Management, Gary W. Witmer, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Crop fields can provide habitat to a variety of wildlife and crop damage can result (Wywialowski 1996, 1998; Conover 1998). Among the vertebrates, damage can occur from numerous species of birds and mammals. Worldwide concern, however, has focused on rodents and a large number of species cause substantial agricultural losses each year (Witmer et al. 1995). After the advent of effective herbicides and "clean farming" practices in North America, however, many rodent problems became insignificant (Hines and Hygnstrom 2000). This is, in large part, because the fields were plowed each year, disrupting burrows and removing ground cover. The fields often …

Monitoring Changes In Feral Swine Abundance And Spatial Distribution, Richard M. Engeman, Bernice Constantin, Mark Nelson, John Woolard, Jean Bourassa

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Swine (Sus scrofa) have been introduced in many places throughout the world, and in many places they adversely affect the environment, economically impact agriculture, and/or harbor diseases transmittable to domestic livestock or humans. An easily applied method to assess their abundance is an important need for their management. To monitor efficacy of a swine control program in Florida, data from passive tracking plots provide an index of feral swine abundance. The same track data coupled with plot locations to numerically describe the spatial pattern of swine activity gave an index of pervasiveness, and a simple rate of interception …

A Review Of The Hazards And Mitigation For Airstrikes From Canada Geese In The Anchorage, Alaska Bowl, Darryl L. York, Richard M. Engeman, John L. Cummings, Corey L. Rossi, David R. Sinnett

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Bird strikes to aircraft are a globally pervasive safety and economic concern. In particular, the Anchorage, Alaska area holds substantial risk for destructive collisions between birds and aircraft. An international airport, a municipal airport, a seaplane base, and a U.S. Air Force base are situated throughout the area. Anchorage also has a burgeoning population of Canada geese (Branta canadensis parvipes), one of the species identified as posing the greatest airstrike hazards. A variety of methods are applied and a variety of research has been conducted to reduce the potential for airstrikes with geese around Anchorage.We review the nature …

Understanding Vole Problems In Direct Seeding-Strategies For Management, Gary W. Witmer, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Crop fields can provide habitat to a variety of wildlife and crop damage can result (Wywialowski 1996,1998; Conover 1998). Among the vertebrates, damage can occur from numerous species of birds and mammals. Worldwide concern, however, has focused on rodents and a large number of species cause substantial agriculture losses each year (Witmer et al, 1995). After the advent of effective herbicides and "clean farming" practices in North America, however, many rodent problems became insignificant (Hines and Hygnstrom 2000). This is, in large part, because the fields were plowed each year, disrupting burrows and removing ground cover. The fields often lay …

Habitat Characteristics Around Fall Blackbird Roosts, Mark W. Lutman, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

In the fall, blackbirds form large flocks and roost overnight in cattail marshes. These blackbirds cause millions of dollars in damage to ripening sunflower fields in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. By knowing the habitat characteristics around fall blackbird roosts sites, management officials may be able to predict future roost locations and then implement control techniques to help reduce blackbird damage to sunflower fields. We present data on the available habitat around blackbird roosts to determine if there is a relationship between the habitat and fall roost sites.

Coyote Responses To Changing Jackrabbit Abundance Affect Sheep Predation, L. Charles Stoddart, Richard E. Griffiths, Frederick F. Knowlton

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Domestic sheep ranchers generally perceive abundances of natural prey and coyotes (Canis latrans) as important factors affecting coyote predation rates on sheep. To determine the effect of a changing natural prey base on coyote predation rates, we estimated coyote density and predation rates on ewes and lambs during part of 1 cycle of black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) abundance on a 2,300 km² area of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory in south-central Idaho from 1979–1985. We used 100, 1.6-km scat collection lines and 80, 1.6-km flushing transects to assess coyote and jackrabbit densities, respectively. Ewe and …

2001 Platte River Basin Ecosystem Symposium Proceedings

Water Current Newsletter

Over 75 people braved the wintry weather to attend the Eleventh Platte River Basin Ecosystem Symposium that convened in Kearney on 27 February 2001. Icy roads lead to cancellation of only 2 papers. Seventeen papers were presented and 5 posters were on display. Nebraska Public Radio and NTV News covered the event. The presentations were excellent and participants were well satisfied with not only the program but also the food. This year the symposium broadened its charge to include more discussion on community-based environmental protection, sustainable development, and policy-making. The Symposium was sponsored by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension …

Taunton River Watershed 2001 Water Quality Assessment Report, Alice M. Rojko, Stella D. Tamul, Laurie E. Kennedy

Reference Documents

No abstract provided.

Land Use Patterns In Relation To Lake Water Quality In The Lake George And Oaks Pond Watersheds, Problems In Environmental Science Course (Biology 493), Colby College, Colby Environmental Assessment Team, Colby College

Colby College Watershed Study: Other Area Studies

There has always been an inexplicable wonder associated with the beauty of Maine lakes. In addition to their aesthetic value, lakes and ponds provide important habitats for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. The attraction of the lake's natural beauty, however, can increase recreational pressures that may lead to human induced eutrophication. Lake George and Oaks Pond were chosen as the Colby Environmental Assessment Team's (CEAT) study sites due to the concern about potential human induced eutrophication of both water bodies. Lake George and Oaks Pond are situated in southern Somerset County, Maine, and experience heavy recreational and developmental uses. Neither water …

Fluxnet: A New Tool To Study The Temporal And Spatial Variability Of Ecosystem-Scale Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, And Energy Flux Densities, Dennis Baldocchi, Eva Falge, Lianhong Gu, Richard Olson, David Hollinger, Steve Running, Peter Anthoni, Ch. Bernhofer, Kenneth Davis, Robert Evans, Jose Fuente, Allen Goldstein, Gabriel Katul, Beverly Law, Xuhui Lee, Yadvinder Malhi, Tilden Meyers, William Munge, Walt Oechel, K.T. Paw U, Kim Pilegaard, H.P. Schmid, Riccardo Valentini, Shashi Verma, Timo Vesala, Kell Wilson, Steve Wofsy

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

FLUXNET is a global network of micrometeorological flux measurement sites that measure the exchanges of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and energy between the biosphere and atmosphere. At present over 140 sites are operating on a long-term and continuous basis. Vegetation under study includes temperate conifer and broadleaved (deciduous and evergreen) forests, tropical and boreal forests, crops, grasslands, chaparral, wetlands, and tundra. Sites exist on five continents and their latitudinal distribution ranges from 70°N to 30°S.

FLUXNET has several primary functions. First, it provides infrastructure for compiling, archiving, and distributing carbon, water, and energy flux measurement, and meteorological, plant, and soil …

Some Perspectives On Recent In Situ Air Temperature Observations: Modeling The Microclimate Inside The Radiation Shields*, X. Lin, Kenneth Hubbard, Elizabeth A. Walter-Shea, James Brandle, G.E. Meyer

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Air temperature measurement has inherent biases associated with the particular radiation shield and sensor deployed. The replacement of the Cotton Region Shelter (CRS) with the Maximum–Minimum Temperature System (MMTS) and the introduction of Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) air temperature observing systems during the NWS modernization introduced bias shifts in federal networks that required quantification. In rapidly developing nonfederal networks, the Gill shield temperature systems are widely used. All of these systems house an air temperature sensor in a radiation shield to prevent radiation loading on the sensors; a side effect is that the air temperature entering a shield is …

Impacts Of Predation On Northern Bobwhite And Scaled Quail, Dale Rollins, John P. Carroll

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) populations have declined throughout most of their distribution, and these declines have become more dramatic in recent years. In this review, we examine the role of predation in quail management. Predation is the major source of nest loss and of mortality for young and adult quail. Mean nest success across studies reviewed was 28%. Estimates of annual survival rates have varied from 5 to 26% for radiotelemetry studies and from 15 to 30% based on age-ratio studies. Breeding season survival estimates ranged from 13 to 51% in telemetry …

Bollgard Cotton: An Assessment Of Global Economic, Environmental, And Social Benefits, Julie M. Edge, John H. Benedict, John P. Carroll, H. Keith Reding

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Insect-protected crops like Bollgard (Monsanto Company, St. Louis) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton are bringing cotton growers new alternatives to broad-spectrum insecticide use in integrated pest management. After five years (1996-2000) of commercial use, a number of benefits of Bt cotton technology to growers, the environment, and society at large have been reported; however, the benefits of the technology have not been examined to date from a holistic point of view. Accordingly, the objectives of this paper were to examine the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits of Bt cotton compared with broad-spectrum insecticide use, as reported in current literature, …

Escherichia Coli O157:H7 In Free-Ranging Deer In Nebraska, David G. Renter, Jan M. Sargeant, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Jeff D. Hoffmann, Jerry R. Gillespie

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

In order to determine the prevalence and distribution of the human pathogen, Escherichia coli O157:H7, in free-ranging deer, hunters were asked to collect and submit fecal samples from deer harvested during a regular firearm season (14–22 November 1998). Prior to the season, 47% of the hunters with permits in the southeastern Nebraska (USA) study area indicated a willingness to participate in the study. Approximately 25% of successful hunters in the area submitted deer fecal samples. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was cultured from four (0.25%) of 1,608 total samples submitted. All of the fecal samples that were properly identified (1,426) and all …

Non-Destructive And Remote Sensing Techniques For Estimation Of Vegetation Status, Anatoly A. Gitelson, M. N. Merzlyak, Y. Zur, R. Stark, U. Gritz

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The goal of this work is to develop non-destructive techniques that can conveniently, rapidly and accurately assess crop physiological status and objectively evaluate plant responses to environmental factors, both natural and anthropogenic. High spectral resolution reflectance and absorption spectra of different and unrelated plant species were analyzed to determine spectral variability and information content in the visible and near-infrared spectrum at leaf and canopy levels. Techniques were developed to quantitatively retrieve chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin content from reflectance in a wide range of pigment content and composition.

Techniques for vegetation fraction retrieval those based on channels in visible range of …

A Site Specific Impact Study: Valley Fill Construction Impacts On Water Chemistry And Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblages, Terry Morton Tomasek

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Downstream impacts of contour surface mining and valley fill construction were evaluated utilizing both water chemistry and EPA approved Rapid Bioassessment Protocol III. Wiley Branch was sampled in February of 1999 before mining perturbation. Five downstream stations were established with benthic macroinvertebrates and water samples collected seasonally for a period of sixteen months. Water chemistry parameters, pH, total aluminum, iron, and manganese, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, sulfates, alkalinity, acidity and specific conductivity fluctuated but generally remained within acceptable governmental limits. Initially, benthic macroinvertebrate communities were well balanced within the stream. There was a high abundance of EPT individuals …

Estimating Abundance Of Galliformes: Tools And Application, Michael J. Conroy, John P. Carroll

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

A large number of techniques are available for assessing populations of vertebrates. However, application of many of those techniques to Galliformes is hampered by a variety of constraints. These problems are often magnified by poor understanding of the biology of many species of concern, and an absence of valid estimates of abundance and demographic parameters. Researchers interested in developing estimates of Galliformes populations must address a number of key issues before collecting field data, to avoid biases in the resulting population estimates. General guidance exists for the identification of appropriate population estimation techniques, and a dichotomous key has been developed …

Environmental Fairs: An Examination Of The 1999 Inland Empire Environmental Expo, Bruce Vincent Broxson

Theses Digitization Project

This project articulates the foundational purpose for environmental fairs and how they encourage an environmentally literate and responsible citizenry.

Working For The Environment: Pathways To Environmental Careers, Carol Aline Devault

Theses Digitization Project

Fifteen professionals in a variety of environmental occupations in the United States were interviewed in a structured, open-ended format. Job profiles were developed from the interviews. The philosophy of these environmental professionals is expressed in their own words and offers insights into influences upon career choice, professional training and personal fulfillment. In addition, environmental related career activity guides were developed to help students and their parents and teachers gain an awareness of the occupations available in this field.

The X-33 And The X-38 Experimental Aircraft: Environmental Connections With Aerospace Science, Elandriel Jean Martin

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project fosters in students a sense of place and connection with their home area. It also provides students a real-world basis upon which to study the concepts of weather and geography.

Extent And Impacts Of Dryland Salinity, Rod Short, Cecilia Mcconnell

Resource management technical reports

The National Land and Water Resource Audit (NLWRA) identified Dryland Salinity (Theme 2) as one of seven major themes for an audit of the nation's land, water, vegetation and natural resources. Within this theme, Project 1 was developed to identify the Extent and Impact of Dryland Salinity nationally. This report details the results from work done in Western Australia (WA) to meet the Audit requirements.

Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. (Visitor Management And Resource Protection Plan) Zion National Park., U.S. National Park Service

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This document describes the path the National Park Service intends to follow in managing Zion National Park over the next 20 years, providing a framework for proactive decision-making on such issues as visitor use, natural and cultural resource management and park development.

An Environmental Education Field Guide For Mystic Lake Wetland Habitats, Linda Jean Ellingston

Theses Digitization Project

This curriculum guide is for grades four through six. It examines how wetlands, wildlife, and people interact and depend upon each other. The San Jacinto Valley wetland area is used as an example of wetland habitat destruction from population pressures that have changed the natural landscape. It is also used as an example of what habitat reconstruction can do to restore vital habitats. Through student contact with the wetlands increased awareness of the fragile interrelationships between the physical and biological components of a wetland habitat is gained. Students can use ecological themes to help them assimilate collected and given data …

Remote Estimation Of Vegetation Fraction In Corn Canopies, D. Rundquist, Anatoly A. Gitelson, D. Derry, J. Ramirez, R. Stark, Galina P. Keydan

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The aim of the paper was to test two new techniques that make use of channels in the visible range of the spectrum only to estimate vegetation fraction in corn canopies. High spectral resolution radiometers were employed to measure spectral reflectance, and the information content of spectra was investigated. Radiances in spectral channels of MODIS and MERIS were used to calculate Visible Atmospherically Resistant Indices, VARI_green=(R_green- R_red)/(R_green+R_red-R_blue) and VARI₇₀₀=(R₇₀₀-1.7*R_red+0.7*R_blue)/(R₇₀₀+2.3*R_red-1.3*R_blue). The indices allowed for estimation …

Riparian Area Management: A Guide To Managing, Restoring, And Conserving Springs In The Western United States, United States Bureau Of Land Management

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

The purpose of this technical reference is to provide information on the characteristics of springs in the Western U.S. and to identify techniques for managing spring habitats that will allow use, maintain biological integrity, and rehabilitate or restore degraded habitats. Spring management goals are outlined and methods for prioritizing management actions are discussed.

Record Of Decision Colorado River Interim Surplus Guidelines Final Environmental Impact Statement, Secretary Of The Department Of The Interior

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This document constitutes the Record of Decision (ROD) of the Department of the Interior, regarding the preferred alternative for Colorado River Interim Surplus Guidelines (Guidelines). The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is vested with the responsibility of managing the mainstream waters of the lower Colorado River pursuant to federal law. This responsibility is carried out consistent with applicable federal law. Reclamation, as the agency that is designated to act on the Secretary’s behalf with respect to these matters, is the lead Federal agency for the purposes of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance for the development and implementation of the …

Integrated Noxious Weed Management After Wildfires, Natural Resources Conservation Service

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

The ecosystems of the west are adapted to a long history of wildland fires that varied in frequency and severity. Over the last 100 years or more, though, fire suppression efforts, human settlement patterns and other land use practices have changed the composition and structure of the forests and grasslands of the West. Where once we typically had periodic low-intensity fires of low severity, we now experience damaging fires that can be both intense and severe. Severe fires can substantially affect the environment. Lack of vegetation on burned hillsides increases the likelihood of flooding and soil erosion from rain and …

Ant–Seed Mutualisms: Can Red Imported Fire Ants Sour The Relationship?, Jennifer A. Zettler, Timothy P. Spira, Craig R. Allen

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

Invasion by the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, has had negative impacts on individual animal and plant species, but little is known about how S. invicta affects complex mutualistic relationships. In some eastern forests of North America, 30% of herbaceous species have ant-dispersed seeds. We conducted experiments to determine if fire ants are attracted to seeds of these plant species and assessed the amount of scarification or damage that results from handling by fire ants. Fire ants removed nearly 100% of seeds of the ant-dispersed plants Trillium undulatum, T. discolor, T. catesbaei, Viola rotundifolia, and Sanguinaria canadensis. …