Digital Commons Network^™

Impacts Of Climatic Fluctuations And Vegetation Greening On Regional Hydrological Processes: A Case Study In The Xiaoxinganling Mountains–Sanjiang Plain Region, Northeastern China, Chi Xu, Zhijie Zhang, Zhenghui Fu, Shenqing Xiong, Hao Chen, Wanchang Zhang, Shuhang Wang, Donghui Zhang, Heng Lu, Xia Jiang

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

The Xiaoxinganling Mountains–Sanjiang Plain region represents a crucial ecological security barrier for the Northeast China Plain and serves as a vital region for national grain production. Over the past two decades, the region has undergone numerous ecological restoration projects. Nevertheless, the combined impact of enhanced vegetation greening and global climate change on the regional hydrological cycle remains inadequately understood. This study employed the distributed hydrological model ESSI-3, reanalysis datasets, and multi-source satellite remote sensing data to quantitatively evaluate the influences of climate change and vegetation dynamics on regional hydrological processes. The study period spans from 2000 to 2020, during which …

Quaking Aspen In A High-Use Recreation Area: Challenges Of People, Ungulates, And Sodium On Landscape Resilience, Georgie Corkery, Anna B. Miller, Paul C. Rogers

Environment and Society Student Research

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) landscapes are valued for their biodiversity, water retention, fire mitigation, aesthetics, and recreation opportunities. Across North America, some aspen populations are experiencing population declined as they face uninhibited ungulate browsing, drought, fire suppression, insects, disease, and inappropriate management. Increased human development and recreational use within aspen landscapes can serve as additive stressors, though there is a dearth of literature examining these elements. At a popular recreational area in Utah, USA, identifying the cause of apparent decline within a larger aspen community is complicated by development upstream and recreation-related activities. We sought to (1) assess …

Influential Individuals Can Promote Prosocial Practices In Heterogeneous Societies: A Mathematical And Agent-Based Model, Stefani A. Crabtree, Colin D. Wren, Avinash Dixit, Simon A. Levin

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

In this paper, we examine how different governance types impact prosocial behaviors in a heterogenous society. We construct a general theoretical framework to examine a game-theoretic model to assess the ease of achieving a cooperative outcome. We then build a dynamic agent-based model to examine three distinct governance types in a heterogenous population: monitoring one's neighbors, despotic leadership, and influencing one's neighbors to adapt strategies that lead to better fitness. In our research, we find that while despotic leadership may lead towards high prosociality and high returns it does not exceed the effects of a local individual who can exert …

Major Axes Of Variation In Tree Demography Across Global Forests, Melina De Souza Leite, Sean M. Mcmahon, Paulo Inácio Prado, Stuart J. Davies, Alexandre Adalardo De Oliveira, Hannes P. De Deurwaerder, Salomón Aguilar, Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Nurfarah Aqilah, Norman A. Bourg, Warren Y. Brockelman, Nicolas Castaño, Chia-Hao Chang-Yang, Yu-Yun Chen, George Chuyong, Keith Clay, Álvaro Duque, Sisira Ediriweera, Corneille E. N. Ewango, Gregory Gilbert, I. A. U. N. Gunatilleke, C. V. S. Gunatilleke, Robert Howe, Walter Huaraca Huasco, Akira Itoh, Daniel J. Johnson, David Kenfack, Kamil Král, Yao Tze Leong, James A. Lutz, Jean-Remy Makana, Yadvinder Malhi, William J. Mcshea, Mohizah Mohamad, Musalmah Nasardin, Anuttara Nathalang, Geoffrey Parker, Renan Parmigiani, Rolando Pérez, Richard P. Phillips, Pavel Šamonil, I-Fang Sun, Sylvester Tan, Duncan Thomas, Jill Thompson, María Uriarte, Amy Wolf, Jess Zimmerman, Daniel Zuleta, Marco D. Visser, Lisa Hülsmann

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

The future trajectory of global forests is closely intertwined with tree demography, and a major fundamental goal in ecology is to understand the key mechanisms governing spatio-temporal patterns in tree population dynamics. While previous research has made substantial progress in identifying the mechanisms individually, their relative importance among forests remains unclear mainly due to practical limitations. One approach to overcome these limitations is to group mechanisms according to their shared effects on the variability of tree vital rates and quantify patterns therein. We developed a conceptual and statistical framework (variance partitioning of Bayesian multilevel models) that attributes the variability in …

Utah State University Commencement, 2024 - Brigham City, Kaysville & Tremonton Campuses, Utah State University

Commencement Programs

2024 Commencement Ceremony for the Brigham City, Kaysville & Tremonton Campuses of Utah State University.

Tremblings, May 2024, Western Aspen Alliance

Tremblings

Climate change insurance: planting aspen seedlings as fuel breaks

Catherine Schloegel, Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Boulder, Colorado

Jordan Mead, Resource Specialist, Summit County Open Space and Trails Department, Frisco, Colorado

As climate impacts accelerate, mountain communities living near forested areas across the West will be at increasing risk of more frequent wildfires. To protect neighborhoods from high-severity wildfires, land managers frequently clear strips of forest around homes and roads. We examined the potential to plant true aspen seedlings in these fuel breaks to increase habitat diversity while maintaining a reduced risk of wildfire. Historically, aspen has acted as a …

Across The Snake River Plain: Terminal Pleistocene, Early Holocene, And Early Middle Holocene Land-Use In Southeast Idaho, Jennifer Finn

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The range of mobility demonstrated to overcome challenges with resource distribution is a hallmark of hunter-gatherer societies. Previous studies in southeast Idaho have investigated the possibility that precontact human movement was impacted by climatic differences. According to preliminary studies on regional obsidian toolstone conveyance, land use patterns were already changing throughout the early Holocene due to increased aridity. However, the geographical distribution of Northern Side-notched projectile points suggests a significant expansion in mobility at the early Holocene/middle Holocene transition. This thesis tests the hypothesis that precontact early middle Holocene human mobility in the study area was conditioned by environmental factors …

Conflict Within Wildlife Management On Western Landscapes Home On The Range, Trisha A. Hedin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Most of the public lands within the Intermountain West are administered under a multiple-use mandate which emphasizes striking a balance in land use planning among the potentially competing values of livestock grazing, timber production, water supply, extraction of valuable fossil fuels, wildlife, and wilderness. This research sought to dive into a few of these competing values that involve large herbivores that compete for limited forage resources such as livestock and wildlife, on public lands, but also touched upon wildlife on private lands. The first component of research looked specifically at the coexistence of wildlife and livestock on both public and …

El Nino Prediction At 1- And 3- Year Lead Times Driven By The Western North Pacific Precursor And Their Impacts, Krishna Borhara

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a climate variability characterized by fluctuations in the atmospheric and upper ocean conditions of the tropical Pacific Ocean that result in either warmer- or colder-than-average sea surface temperatures (SST) in the tropical eastern Pacific. These changes cause variations in weather and climate in distant locations through large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns. These variations often manifest in form of adverse effects or extremes such as heat waves, droughts, or floods, making efforts towards improving ENSO prediction critical in mitigating its impact on various sectors. This dissertation focuses on how interactions between the atmosphere and ocean in …

A Review And Critical Analysis Of Yoga And Mindfulness Meditation In Pain Management For Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Design Of Prospective Yoga Intervention Lesson Plans, Jamie Butikofer

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, inflammation, and in some cases permanent damage. This research project explores yoga’s potential to manage pain and improve quality of life for RA patients. A review of existing research investigated the impact of yoga on pain and function in RA. Studies employed various yoga programs, making comparisons difficult. All studies reported improvements in areas of pain, inflammation, emotional and mental wellbeing, or disease activity. Interestingly, meditation, a core tenet of traditional yoga, emerged as a potentially beneficial component. Studies suggest it may help manage chronic pain and improve …

Assessing Wma Stakeholders And Wildlife, Lane Arthur

Student Research Symposium

• Utah's Wildlife Management Areas are areas where people can hunt and fish, where wildlife can find healthy habitat, and more.
• Follow Administrative Rule R657-28-3
• Are experiencing an increase in recreational use not outlined by management objectives.

Utah Outdoor Recreation Asset Database: Purpose, Structure, And Development, Jordan W. Smith

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

To help inform the development of Utah's firsts strategic plan, the state's Outdoor Adventure Commission was tasked by the Legislature to develop a database that capable of quantifying the amount and location of outdoor recreation assets throughout the state. This brief describes the purpose, structure, and development of the Utah Outdoor Recreation Asset Database.

Effect Of Methane Mitigation On Global Temperature Under A Permafrost Feedback, Hannah Bäck, Riley May, Divya Sree Naidu, Steffen Eikenberry

Mathematics and Statistics Student Research and Class Projects

Earth systems may fall into an undesirable system state if 1.5°C of warming is exceeded. Carbon release from substantial permafrost stocks vulnerable to near-term warming represents a positive climate feedback that may increase the risk of 1.5°C warming or greater. Methane (CH₄) is a short-lived but powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28.5 times that of carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100 year time span. Because permafrost thaw in the coming centuries is partly determined by the warming in the 21st century, rapid reductions in methane emissions early in the 21st century could have …

Integrating Moral Norms And Stewardship Identity Into The Theory Of Planned Behavior To Understand Altruistic Conservation Behavior Among Hunters In Southwestern Utah (Usa), Jacob C. Richards, Zachary D. Miller, Russell Norvell, Jordan W. Smith

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

We integrate moral norms and stewardship identity into the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict the use of non-lead ammunition in the California condor recovery zone of southwestern Utah. Data were collected from licensed hunters via an online survey. Structural equation models of the TPB without and with the moral norms and stewardship identity constructs were compared to evaluate the utility of integrating these constructs into the TPB. Moral norms did have a significant direct influence on hunters’ behavioral intentions. Both moral norms and stewardship identity had significant indirect influences on behavioral intentions via the core constructs of the …

2024 Report To The Governor And Legislature On Utah's Land Water & Air, Janet Quinney Lawson Institute For Land, Water & Air

Reports

This report serves as a 2024 snapshot of key issues and concerns with Utah’s shared resources. It highlights a collection of data that is available to provide context to these issues and identifies areas where more study is needed. Addressing these challenges will enable Utah policymakers to make informed decisions for the future. Under the authorship of 52 researchers and with the support of 47 advisory board members, this report includes 6 chapters (Land, Water, Air, Forests and Rangelands, Bear Lake, and Metrics) that address the focus areas of the report.

Colorful Lizards And The Conflict Of Collection, Colin M. Goodman, Natalie M. Claunch, Zachary T. Steele, Diane J. E. Sturgeon, Christina M. Romagosa

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Invasive species threaten biodiversity, and their management is economically burdensome. Research on the indirect effects of introduced species are often focused on indirect ecological effects, with little focus on the more difficult to capture but critically important societal impacts. Often understated are the social costs of invasive species such as conflicts between invasive species managers and public stakeholders. Chameleons (Chamaeleonidae) are popular in the pet trade and have been introduced throughout Florida, USA, and their presence often attracts private collectors. After locating a population of panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) within a suburban neighborhood in central Florida, we administered …

Regular Surveys Rescue Wildlife: What A Lucky And Unlucky Individual Tsukuba Clawed Salamander, Chia-Hsuan Hsu, Jiefeng Kang

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The Tsukuba clawed salamander (Onychodactylus tsukubaensis), native to Japan's Tsukuba mountain areas, faces peril from human activities and climate change. Classified as critically endangered by both the Japanese Ministry of Environment and the IUCN Red List, limited research has been conducted since its identification as a distinct species. Monthly surveys initiated in August 2023 aimed to understand its ecology. During a December 2023 survey, a remarkable encounter unfolded: a trapped individual salamander was discovered, initially assumed dead but miraculously alive. Despite an ulcerated tail wound, the salamander's survival presents a hopeful outcome for this endangered species. Uncertain of …

2023 Utah Farmers Market Data, Chandler Rosenberg, Steven Price, Roslynn Mccann

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

In 2023, the Utah Farmers Market Network collected customer, vendor, and manager data from three Utah markets. This data is shared for public use in an infographic style for ease of interpretation.

Utah Farmers Market Manager Handbook, Gwen Crist

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Welcome to the Utah Farmers Market Manager Handbook, designed by the Utah Farmers Market Network for market managers like you! We’re thrilled to support you in your job as a market manager by providing this Handbook of information and tools you’ll need to start a market from scratch or to grow your market, along with helpful links and resources, tips, and best practices for running a successful market.

Educational Policies Committee Agenda December 7, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee (Chad Simon)
• Academic Standards Subcommittee (Renee Galliher)
• General Education Subcommittee (Matt Sanders)

An Overview Of Sustainability Content In Higher Education: Applications For University Landscape Architecture Programs, Hye Yeon Park

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Higher education institutions worldwide have recognized the importance of integrating sustainability into their programs, with over 600 universities offering courses focused on sustainable development. This trend has led to the emergence of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This multidimensional approach aims to empower individuals to create a sustainable future by integrating environmental, social, and economic systems. In particular, ESD has been implemented in various aspects of higher education, such as course content, teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and faculty roles.

Design and planning education are critical components of shaping future decision-makers who will positively and negatively impact society and the environment. …

Exploring Social Hierarchy Computationally To Further Our Understanding Of Social Organizations Within Their Environments, Stanley L. Rhodes Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Hierarchy is ever-present across countless human societies, a seemingly inescapable reality of small organizations and national governments. However, there is a lot about hierarchy we don’t understand, and if we want to make better organizations and better society, it is crucial we learn more about it. This dissertation investigates three questions: 1) “What is hierarchy?” 2) “How is hierarchy useful?” 3) “How does hierarchy vary?” I find that social scientists do not all mean the same thing by hierarchy, even within the same fields; yet, they do consistently write of hierarchy as control (like boss-employee relations), hierarchy as rank (like …

Comparing City Park Perspectives: Users Vs Organizers, Kalli Hull

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Green spaces and parks are an essential aspect of a healthy community. Incorporating parks into the landscape of a city can benefit the community. Understanding the relationship between park management and park users is important for creating the most effective use of space and accessibility. This project looks at the comprehensive viewpoints of both park managers and park users through a series of interviews and reviews of previous research and literature. Logan City, Utah is used as the location of interest for collecting and determining outcomes. This project displays the key findings of the priorities and viewpoints of both park …

Navigating Roadblocks In Utah's Path Towards Curbing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Emily K. Fletcher

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In places where discussions about climate change have become highly political and divided, community groups have attempted to connect rival political parties by focusing on improving air quality. This topic is often less politically charged. The effects of climate change have been disproportionately felt by marginalized communities around the world. In the west side of the Salt Lake Valley, many communities are more likely to experience the negative consequences of a drying lake, a problem that Utah and other regions are currently facing, compared to others in the valley. This research focuses on the individuals who have signed the Utah …

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda December 7, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn

Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting Agenda November 2, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 5, 2023
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Education Policies Committee Meeting Agenda November 2, 2023, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 5, 2023
• Subcommittee Reports
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

The Utah Statesman, October 9, 2023, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

The Utah Statesman, September 11, 2023, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Environmental Conditions And The Fertility Intentions Of Utahns, Mufti Nadimul Quamar Ahmed, Jennifer E. Givens

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

One of the most important decisions a person may make in their lifetime is whether to have children. Many factors shape fertility intentions and outcomes. A better understanding of individual reproductive intentions can shed light on current fertility patterns, enable more accurate population projections^1-2 and planning efforts, and improve our ability to address environmental drivers and implications.