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The Prairie Naturalist Volume 9, No. 2. June 1977

The Prairie Naturalist

PROPAGULE DISPERSAL AMONG FOREST ISLANDS IN SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA ▪ J. W. Ranney and W. C. Johnson

GENERAL WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PRESCRIDED BURNING OF PRAIRIE IN NORTHWEST MINNESOTA ▪ W. D. Svedarsky and R. W. Sands

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS SIGHTED IN NORTH DAKOTA ▪ D. G. Jorde, G. L. Krapu, and R. K. Green

Rodent Density And Species Composition In The Snake River Birds Of Prey Natural Area, Idaho, Jon R. Montan Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rodent densities were estimated in the major vegetation types of the Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area in 1975 and 1976 by a combination of live-trapping and kill-trapping. Only deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were numerous enough to permit reliable density estimates. Relative densities of other rodent species were indicated by kill-trap capture rates. Densities of deer mice correlated well (r = 0.99) with kill-trap capture rates. The use of kill-trapping in place of live-trapping in 1976 permitted extensive sampling throughout the 1930 km² study area. Differences were found among the major vegetation and land-use types in …

The Effect Of Four Mine Spoil Treatments On The Seedling Water Relations Of Two Plant Species, Lorraine K. Van Kekerix

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Surface mines in mountainous areas cause environmental deterioration at lower elevations in the watershed. The most successful long term solution to the downstream problem is revegetation. However, mine spoils are low in essential plant nutrients, have low water holding capacity, and are often acidic. These factors limit plant colonization. Plants must also be adapted to the environmental conditions of high elevations.

At the McLaren Mine, }1ontana, at 2800 m, it was observed that seedlings on revegetation plots were desiccated, indicating possible water deficits. Field and growth chamber studies were carried out to determine the effects of some spoil ameliorating treatments …

Biological Manipulation Of Blackbrush (Coleogyne Ramosissima Torr.) By Browsing With Goats, Frederick D. Provenza

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to provide data on responses of Angora goats and blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) to a biological manipulation program. Blackbrush utilization levels averaged 30, 16, and 6 percent (545, 367, and 147 kg per hectare) for the heavily, moderately, and lightly browsed pastures, respectively; removal rates of 77, 38, and 19 percent (1164, 582, and 291 kg per hectare) were projected.

Statistically significant differences in body weight loss (P=0.052) were noted for goats browsing in different replications. Goats lost an average of 14 and 19 percent of body weight in replications one and two, …

The Limnetic Zooplankton Community Of Boulder Basin, Lake Mead In Relation To The Metalimnetic Oxygen Minimum, Thomas A. Burke

Publications (WR)

The limnetic zooplankton community of Boulder Basin, Lake Mead, was examined to determine the role of this community in the development of a metalimnetic oxygen minimum which regularly occurs in the lake. Analysis of the community from May 1975 to April 1976 revealed that zooplankton maintain high populations within the metalimnion during summer stratification. The species composition of the community changes noticeably during the summer, but due to advanced stages excysting from resting forms, a complete assemblage of individuals are found throughout the 74 day period studied. Thermal stratification was weak, covering a 30 meter metalimnion. Eddy currents powered by …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 9, No. 1. March 1977

The Prairie Naturalist

NESTING BY FERRUGINOUS HAWKS AND OTHER RAPTORS ON HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINE TOWERS ▪ D. S. Gilmer and J. M. Wiebe

ARTHROPODS CONSUMED BY AN IMMATURE MARBLED GODWIT ▪ R. M. Timm and R. M. Zink

NOTES

Black-headed Grosbeak in Jamestown, North Dakota ▪ R. Lender

Summer Record of Red-breasted Nuthatch in North Dakota ▪ R. Lender

BOOK REVIEWS

Minnesota's Wild Flowers ▪ Staff

In Search of Eagles ▪ J. Lokemoen

Forest and Range Research ▪ Staff

An Economic Analysis of Recycling ▪ Staff

A Stream Survey Of Riley Creek, Coles County, Illinois, Using Macroinvertebrates As Indicators Of Organic Pollution, Joseph R. Rowe

Masters Theses

A stream survey of Riley Creek in Coles County Illinois, was undertaken to determine ecological trends and the qualitative status of the aquatic community throughout the course of the stream.

The survey encompassed the entire length of Riley Creek from the area of its status as an intermittant waterway to its confluence with Cassel Creek. Sampling periods included the months of April, May, June, July, October and November.

Macroinvertebrate collections were made at six locations along the stream approximately equidistant from each other. The organisms were assigned tolerance levels as designated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Physical and chemical …

Leaf Epidermal Transmittance Of Ultraviolet Radiation And Its Implication For Plant Sensitivity To Ultraviolet-Radiation Injury, Ronald Robberecht

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Leaf epidermal transmittance of ultraviolet radiation (280-400 nm) was examined in several plant species to determine the capability of the epidermis to attenuate solar ultraviolet radiation. Epidermal samples were mechanically isolated and examined with a spectroradiometer/integrating sphere for transmittance. A survey of 25 species exposed to natural insolation was conducted. Although the species differed in life form, habitat type, and epidermal characteristics, epidermal transmittance was generally less than 10%. Ultraviolet radiation was attenuated 95 to 99% in more than half of the species. In 16 species, flavonoid and related pigments in the epidermis accounted for 20 to 57% of the …

The Prairie Naturalist Vol. 8, Nos. 3 And 4 September-December 1976

The Prairie Naturalist

SPRING MORTALITY OF INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS IN SOUTHERN MANITOBA ▪ J. R. Serie and R. E. Jones

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS FOR NORTH DAKOTA—1976 ▪ R. N. Randall

MOSSES OF THE GREAT PLAINS: INTRODUCTION AND CATALOGUE ▪ S. P. Churchill

NOTES

Fulvous Tree Duck in North Dakota ▪ L. A. Jones

Unusual Mortality of a Saw-whet Owl ▪ H. A. Kantrud

Cardinal and Mockingbird in Jamestown, North Dakota ▪ D. H. and J. E. Johnson

BOOK REVIEWS

Essence of Wilderness ▪ K. T. Killingbeck

The Changing America ▪ L. M. Kirsch

A Government Bird Book ▪ J. F. Cassel

Wildflowers ofthe Rockies …

A Review Of The Limnology Of And Water Quality Standards For Lake Mead, Charles R. Goldman

Publications (WR)

1. The waters of Las Vegas Bay, a heavily utilized recreational resource, receive discharges from a variety of municipal and industrial waste sources. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined, on the basis of numerous studies, that the present water quality violates state and federal standards and constitutes a public nuisance. Consultants have advised the Sewage and Wastewater Advisory Committee that rapid abatement of the alleged pollution conditions can be achieved by an advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) plant.

2. The major problems in Las Vegas Bay are an objectionable water color, excessive turbidity, noxious odors, and oxygen depletion in certain …

Report On Wastewater Disposal To Board Of County Commissioners, Clark County Nevada, Clair N. Sawyer

Publications (WR)

This report is concerned with the management of waste-waters and subsurface drainage from the City of Las Vegas and its environs and the BMI complex, all in Clark County, Nevada. The prime objective is to recommend a plan of action which will utilize the natural resources of the area in the least costly manner and still protect Lake Mead for recreational purposes and use as a public water supply, At this writing, conditions in the upper Las Vegas arm of Boulder Basin are quite unsatisfactory for some recreational purposes due to the extensive blooms of algae which develop. Experience at …

Final Report - Lake Mead Monitoring Program, James E. Deacon

Publications (WR)

The Lake Mead monitoring program has developed a substantial body of information on the physical, chemical and biological limnology of Lake Mead since 1972. This report summarizes pertinent aspects of that data, with emphasis on studies completed in 1975 -76. It is our continuing hope that the data developed by us will be useful to an ever broader group of users of the water resource represented by Lake Mead. We have been privileged to see our data have a significant influence in some very important water resource decisions over the past four years. There is every reason to expect that …

Presumpscot River Basin - Cumberland County Tidewater Water Quality Management Plan, Bureau Of Water Quality Control

Maine Collection

Presumpscot River Basin - Cumberland County Tidewater Water Quality Management Plan

Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Control, Division of Water Quality Evaluation and Planning, August, Maine (June 1976).

"Prepared pursuant to Section 303 (e) of the Federal Water Pollution Act Amendments of 1972"

Contents: Letter of Transmittal / Table of Contents / Appendices and Tables / I. Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations / II. Introduction / III. Water Quality / IV. Planning Activities / Appendices / Tables

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 8, Nos. 1 And 2. March-June 1976

The Prairie Naturalist

THE POTAMOGETONACEAE IN NORTH DAKOTA ▪ G. E. Larson

NOTES

January Record for Western Grebe at Amenia, North Dakota ▪ J. M. Wiehe and J. F. Cassel

An Observation of Possible Mallard Adoption ▪ R. A. Stromstad

Unusual Mortality in California Gulls ▪ G. R. Lingle

Great Horned Owl Predation of Penned Gray Partridge ▪ J. W. Schulz

BOOK REVIEWS

North Dakota's Own Bird Book ▪ B. and A. Gammell

North Dakota's Wildlife ▪ Staff

A New Bird Book for Minnesota ▪ D. H. Johnson

Two New Waterfowl Books ▪ T. J. Dwyer

Two Canadian Bird References ▪ Staff

Canadian …

Distribution Of Stream Pollution In Lake Water, Richard W. Tew, Samuel S. Egdorf, James E. Deacon

Publications (WR)

Wastewater effluent-laden waters from Las Vegas Wash (LVW) form a density current that may be detected in Boulder Basin of Lake Mead at considerable distances from the wash estuary. This led to the suspicion that water from the inflowing stream [40 mgd (1.5 X 10⁵ cu m/day)] might not be rapidly diluted in the enormous volume of the lake [19 mil acre-ft (2.3 X 10¹⁰ cu m)], but might persist as a recognizable entity to the vicinity of the intake of a major water source for populous Clark County, Nev.

Because of the detection sensitivity implicit in the …

Feeding Behavior Of Pen Reared Mule Deer Under Winter Range Conditions, Michael A. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study examined the feeding responses of mule deer to a system of spring livestock grazing. The specific purposes were 1) to determine botanical composition of diets selected by mule deer on a winter range subjected to previous spring grazing by sheep compared to one with no sheep grazing and 2) to develop a basis for predicting selection of individual plants by deer, based on physical characteristics of the plants and the species and physical proximity of associated plants.

The study was conducted within the framework of a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments. Variables controlled for each unit …

Forage Selection And Nutrition Of Sheep And Goats Grazing In The Tunisian Pre-Sahara, Rudolfo Ricardo Griego

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Nomadic pastoralism has been the traditional method of utilizing grazing resources in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. However, increased sedentarization accompanied by growing human and animal populations during the past two decades is thought to be accelerating the desertification process, or desert expansion. The specific interactions of the grazing animal with this process has been speculated upon but not studied in detail. A comparative study was initiated during the spring grazing season of 1974 to determine sheep and goat nutritional and production responses, as well as patterns of vegetative selection and utilization under the pastoral system currently employed in …

Analysis Of The Presettlement Forests Of The Unglaciated Portions Of Southern Illinois, Lawrence A. Leitner

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research used the data on witness trees found in the surveyors' records of the General Land Office surveys of 1805-1815 as the basis for studying the primeval forests of unglaciated southern Illinois. Via computer, the random pairs and closest individual methods of plotless sampling were used to develop stand attributes tables, with soil association boundaries defining the limits of forest stands. A vegetation map was developed from these stands. Four major forest types were delineated: Upland Oak, nixed Hardwoods, Swamp Forest, and Floodplain Forest. The Upland Oak Forest, with lowest density (175.9/ha or 71.2/acre) and basal area (21.3 rn …

The Nature And Distribution Of Enteric Bacteria In Las Vegas Bay, Samuel S. Egdorf

Publications (WR)

The distribution of water and of enteric bacteria of possible fecal origin into Las Vegas Bay from Las Vegas Wash was determined. Determination of distribution patterns was attained by applying the concept of the population component ratio of enteric bacteria. The development and application of new techniques and methods implicit in the application of the "component ratio" concept are discussed. The unreliability of thoroughly referenced techniques and methods generally accepted as standard are treated in detail. Physical factors affecting the distribution and deposition of enteric bacteria (including those of special public health importance) in Las Vegas Bay are also discussed.

An Evaluation Of The Effects Of Dredging Within The Arkansas River Navigation System, Volume Iii-The Effects Upon The Zooplankton Associations, Edgar D. Short, Eugene H. Schmitz

Arkansas Water Resources Center Technical Reports

The primary purpose of the zooplankton phase of the coordinated study was to attempt to evaluate the effects of dredging operations on the abundance, distribution, composition and complexity of the zooplankton communities within the aquatic system of the Arkansas River. The other phases of investigation include fish, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton and some physico-chemical parameters. The lack of baseline data, needed for measurement of previous ecological conditions from which to detect past and future changes, proved to be a major impediment to any evaluation. Although the study involved only about 240 miles of the river in Arkansas, it should serve as an …

Biological Inventory Of The Southern Nevada Water Project, Second Stage, W. Glen Bradley, J. Scott Miller

Publications (WR)

The present report is a biological inventory of the Southern Nevada Water Project, Second Stage. The boundaries of the project encompass sections of North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, East Las Vegas and areas along Las Vegas Wash extending to its drainage point in Las Vegas Bay in Lake Mead. Therefore, it encompasses a wide array of ecological situations and landscapes ranging from essentially natural to various stages of urban development.

This biological inventory presents basic ecological classifications, descriptions of vegetation, lists of vascular plants and vertebrates known to occur in the area. Each major group, i.e., plants, fish, amphibians, reptiles, …

A Chronological Comparison Of The Vegetation Of Vigo County, Indiana Presettlement (1814) Versus Contemporary (1974), Ellen Oliver Donselman

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A study of the vegetation of Vigo County was undertaken to categorize and map presettlement and contemporary vegetation patterns, and to relate these patterns to climate, topography, soil types and land-use changes. Vigo County was divided into four major topographic units according to geography and soil types. Ttese units served as the basis for this study. The General Land Office Survey of 1814 provided data for the presettlement forest distribution. Sixteen contemporary stands were sampled to obtain data for characterization of present-day vegetation patterns. Standattributes tables and size-class tables were constructed for four contemporary and four presettlement forest units. A …

The Prairie Naturalist Vol. 7, No.4. December 1975

The Prairie Naturalist

COMPARISON OF FLOWERING RECORDS FROM KANSAS AND NORTH DAKOTA ▪ O. A. Stevens

REPAIRED BONE BREAK IN A HOUSE SPARROW ▪ C. L. Cink and T. K. Broschat

A LARGE RACOON LITTER ▪ E. K. Fritzell and J. W. Matthews

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS FOR NORTH DAKOTA –1975 ▪ R. N. Randall

BOOK REVIEW

Autumn Hawk Migrations ▪ P. B. Hofslund

The Prairie Naturalist Vol. 7 , Nos. 2 And 3. June-September, 1975

The Prairie Naturalist

VASCULAR FLORA OF EMMONS COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA ▪ R. P Williams and W. T. Barker

NOTES

Unusual Nesting Site of Barn Swallows ▪ W. A. Buresh

Summer Tanager in Burleigh County, North Dakota ▪ W. A. Buresh

Additional Record of Summer Tanager in North Dakota ▪ J. F. Cassel

Snowy Owl in McHenry County, North Dakota, in May ▪ W. A. Buresh

Nutritional Quality And Herbage Production Of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Agropyron Intermedium [Host] Beauv.) When Infested With Black Grass Bugs (Labops Hesperius Uhler), Alan M. Gray

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two intermediate wheatgrass seedings with different levels of grass bug infestation were evaluated for herbage production, seedhead production, percent dry matter, crude protein, and cell contents. Study sites were located at different elevations on mountain summer ranges in northern (Site I) and central (Site II) Utah. Study plots at Site I and Site II were infested with 113 and 210 bugs per sweep, respectively. Herbage production appeared to be reduced in early spring on the site with the higher infestation; however, no effect on season-long herbage production could be detected on either site. Seedhead production on infested plots was reduced …

Factors Influencing Germination And Seedling Survival Of Several Varieties Of Astragalus Lentiginosus Dougl., Paul Ziemkiewicz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Astragalus lentiginosus, which consists of 36 varieties, is one of the principal locoweeds of western North America. The objectives of this study included identification of some of the major factors affecting germination of the seed and survival of the newly established seedlings for several of these varieties.

The seeds of the varieties studied exhibited two mechanisms for dormancy. One is a seed coat that is impermeable to water, and the other is a water-leachable inhibitor. The presence or absence of low-intensity incandescent light (in 14-hour day lengths) had no effect on germination. Of three temperature regimes studied, the regime …

Exploratory Sensitivity Analysis Of A Stream Ecosystem Model, Joseph H. Wlosinski

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The framework of a stream ecosystem simulation model is described. Using this framework and data from two different geographical areas, a cold desert stream and a generalized mountain stream, exploratory sensitivity analysis was performed on the model. This was accomplished by qualitatively comparing outputs of a series of simulations in which a different level of a driving variable was used in each simulation. Based on these results, recommendations are made for improving the structure of the model.

Seasonal And Spatial Variation In Primary Productivity In Boulder Basin, Lake Mead, Clark County, Nevada, Isamu Aoki

Publications (WR)

The ¹⁴C light and dark bottle technique for measurement of primary production was utilized as a means of assessing the amount of inorganic carbon being converted Into organic form by the photosynthesis of phytoplankton populations In the Boulder Basin of Lake Mead.

Spatial and time series changes of productivity levels observed at eight sampling locations within Boulder Basin Indicate that the Influence of treated municipal arts' industrial effluent flowing into Les Vegas Bay is contributing high levels of available nutrients at Las Vegas Wash Inlet to cause productivity to approximate those levels associated with polluted waters.

Productivity levels at …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 7, No.1. March 1975

The Prairie Naturalist

MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN NORTH DAKOTA DURING FAll 1974 ▪ J. T. Lokemoen & D. H. Johnson.

REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF FOUR MALLARD LINES ▪ R. J. Greenwood

Biological Inventory In Conjunction With The Las Vegas Wash Unit, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act Title Ii (P.L. 93-320), W. Glen Bradley, J. Scott Miller

Publications (WR)

The present report is a biological inventory in conjunction with the Las Vegas Wash Unit, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, Title II. The boundaries of the project encompass sections of North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, East Las Vegas and areas along Las Vegas Wash extending to its drainage point in Las Vegas Bay in Lake Mead. Therefore, it encompasses a wide array of ecological situations and landscapes ranging from essentially natural to various stages of urban development. This biological inventory presents basic ecological classifications, descriptions of vegetation, lists of vascular plants and vertebrates known to occur in the area. …