Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

New Realities For The Management Of Tussock Grasslands In New Zealand, I.G C. Kerr

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Concerns about the potential demise of the tussock grasslands of the Soulh Island of New Zealand have been well recorded in the scientific and official literature. Little effective action has been taken to arrest the process of land degradation that has occurred during the 125 years of utilisation of !he tussock grasslands for pastoralism. A substantial decline in the pastoral productivity and conservation value of the "unimproved" tussock grasslands has been the result, Much of the cause has been the failure of the administrators and the occupiers of the high country to understand, and act on, the evidence. Occupiers and …

Integration Of Pastoral And Non-Pastoral Uses On Temperate Rangelands With Cold Winters In Developed Countries, T J. Maxwell, W A. Laycock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The demands of the relatively wealthy and sophisticated societies of developed countries, with their substantial amounts of leisure time and discretionary income, are having an increasing impact on temperate rangelands in a variety of ways. Some parts of these societies are concerned to protect the landscapes, habitats, wildlife and solitude that can be found there, and wish to constrain any further development within these ecosystems; others also wish .to gain ready access to these resources for hunting, recreation and sport and believe that this requires the exclusion of domesticated livestock. Temperate rangelands are frequently used as water catchments and some …

A Feed Production System Utilizing Steep Grasslands And Eutrophic Hydro-Environments In Japan, K Kabata, C Okamoto, P Lowilai, M Kikuchi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

One important landscape feature of Japanese grassland is the presence of much steep hill country. Precipitation is high in these areas. Soil nutrients are washed away into hydro-environments such as rivers, lakes and oceans. Waler pollution, especially eutrophication, has become a serious world-wide problem in recent years. In the feed production system of steep grasslands, it is suggested that a mixed pasture system is useful in promoting annual plant production in steep mountainous lands of the Aso area of Japan. Furthermore, the cultivation of water hyacinth (Eichhomia crassipes) in eutrophicated waters, in order lo remove the nutrient elements …

A Preliminary Discussion Of The Management And Administration Of Yunwu Mountain Natural Grassland Reserve In China, Zhao Zhiyi, Yang Ailian

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The advantages and problems encountered in the establishment of a grassland reserve are described. The conflicts between local farmers' requirement to feed and water livestock and the conservation strategy of natural grassland are discussed.

Software For Grassland Management For The Supply Of Fresh Feed For Stall-Feeding And/Or Grazing And For Conservation In Combination With Feed Production On Arable Land, A Chudy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Tasks, fundamentals and methodics (algorithms) of software for the projection of feed production (FUPRO) as part of an integrated software program (the package Futterplanung), are described. It covers total feed-economic relations, starting from the use of agricultural acreage up to specific animal requirement.

Computer Simulation To Aid The Development, Transfer An Adoption Of Alternative Forage Conservation Systems, C A. Rotz, D R. Buckmaster

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A computer simulation model of forage production, conservation and use was developed to evaluate forage technologies. The model simulates forage losses and quality changes along with the use and costs of machines, structures, labour, fuel, chemicals, etc. Alfalfa and corn produced on the farm arc supplemented with purchased feeds to feed a dairy herd or they are sold. Simulation over many years of weather conditions provides a long-term evaluation of the performance and economics of alternative forage systems. Simulation results provide manufacturers with design-performance constraints which aid the development of new products. Adoption of available forage technology is aided by …

Wolverine Habitat Suitability Analysis In Lake County, Colorado, Using Gis, Jake Hostnik

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

This project explores the reintroduction of the wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) to Colorado’s mountainous regions, where the species has been extirpated due to habitat destruction and human activities. The study uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify optimal habitats for wolverine reintroduction, considering factors like snowpack duration, prey availability, and human disturbance. By creating a GIS-based habitat suitability model, this research will guide conservationists in selecting reintroduction sites. The project addresses the species' role in maintaining alpine ecosystem balance and contributes to the broader understanding of biodiversity restoration in the face of climate change. Results will inform future conservation planning …

Indigenous Populations Of Lolium Perenne L. Identification, Evaluation And Conservation, G Spatz, A Oetmann, C Paul

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

One hundred indigenous ryegrass populations were identified along 2 geographical gradients in Germany (west-east and north-south), Each population was sampled by collecting 180 tillers in 1991. The total 18 000 tillers were cultivated and will be examined as spaced plants (ex situ) in 1992 Nine selected populations were investigated in situ 1991. The results of the i11 situ investigations show high variability between and within the populations. The most valuable populations will be conserved as gene reserves within their environments (i11 situ). Promising material will in future be handed over to private breeders.

A Grazing Land Conservation Plan, R G. Hendricks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a sample planning scenario, a ranching operation in the USA demonstrates a typical conservation problem on grazing lands. Using SCS conservation planning techniques, problems and objectives are identified, resources are inventoried, data are analysed, solutions formulated and conservation practices implemented to solve the resource problem. With use of the economic analysis routine in Grazing Land Applications (OLA) version 1.1 decision suppott software, return on investment was largest when the client installed a combination of rest-rotation grazing, prescribed burning, and initiated a hunting lease programme.

Range Conservation Planning: The Usda- Soil Conservation Service Method, Rhett H. Johnson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The USDA-Soil Conservation Service has responsibility for providing one-on-one conservation planning assistance with the private rangeland managers of over 160 million ha in the USA. This assistance is provided on voluntary basis at the request of the private land user through a local conservation district. Through SO years of experience, a successful planning process has evolved, known as the Ten Elements Of Conservation Planning. These elements are: (1) provide information, (2) request assistance, (3) develop resource inventories, (4) recognise problems and opportunities, (5) determine objectives, (6) develop and evaluate alternatives, (7) make decisions, (8) document decisions, (9) implement decisions, and …

Identifying New Potential Breeding Pond Sites For The Dusky Gopher Frog In Southern Mississippi, Shelbie Kellum

Master's Theses

The main objective of this thesis was to identify potential new pond sites across southern Mississippi for the critically endangered dusky gopher frog (DGF). Ephemeral ponds are the preferred breeding habitat for the species, but they are quite rare in the region due to the diminishment of the longleaf pine ecosystem. This research addresses gaps in the current literature by providing a broad overview of dusky gopher frog breeding habitat identification. LiDAR derived datasets as well as tools within ArcGIS Pro were utilized in order to perform spatial analysis on sites of interest in south Mississippi. By using this methodology …

Assessing Regional Responsibility Of Plecoptera (Stoneflies) Across Two U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service Regions, Josie Griffith

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Developing an objective metric to designate taxa that are the responsibility of the region is imperative for the proper allocation of conservation funding. This project focused on stoneflies (Order Plecoptera), an imperiled group of aquatic insects at the global scale, in two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regions. At the regional scale, a baseline designation of Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need (RSGCN) was applied to each species where their range included at least 75% of states within either the Midwestern or Northeastern regions. Two sets of data were accumulated for each RSGCN. One, distributional information was collected from valid …

Ord River Irrigation Area Stage 2 M2 Supply Channel Compliance Assessment Report 2023 - Statement 938, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Irrigated Agricultural Development in the North

Ministerial implementation Statement 938 for the Ord River Irrigation Area Stage 2 (M2 Supply Channel) proposal was published on 12 June 2013 pursuant to section 45 of the EP Act. DPIRD administers MS938 on behalf of the Minister for Regional Development.

Testing Multiple Environmental Dna Substrates For Detection Of The Cryptic And Critically Endangered Burrowing Freshwater Crayfish Engaewa Pseudoreducta, Kathryn L. Dawkins, Paul Nevill, Brian Chambers, Shane Herbert, Quinton F. Burnham

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Effective conservation of endangered species depends on knowledge of their distributions, but species detection can often be challenging. An example of this is provided by the Critically Endangered Margaret River burrowing crayfish (Engaewa pseudoreducta), which is highly cryptic. Due to the burrowing habit of this crayfish, detection of this species currently requires a great deal of effort, the results are often non-conclusive, and, as it involves manual excavation of their burrows, the habitat of this and other species is destroyed in the detection process. In response to these challenges, this study developed and optimized a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay targeting …

Population Demography, Occupancy, And Connectivity Of Invasive Bigheaded Carp In The Platte River, Nebraska And Its Tributaries, Blake W. Logan

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

Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis, collectively referred to as bigheaded carp, are invasive species in the United States of America that have expanded their range throughout the Missouri River basin in the last three decades. It may be desirable to develop management plans directed at the monitoring, control, or removal of bigheaded carp within the Missouri River basin. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding bigheaded carp ecology in Missouri River tributaries, which may be important for the development of management plans. As such, this study characterized bigheaded carp population demographics, occupancy, and connectivity in …

Additives As Preservatives For Wrapped Round Bales Silage Made Under Tropic Climate, J M. Paillat, G Mandret

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In tropical highlands it is difficult to conserve harvested forage as silage. Tests with molasses as an additive, or using ammonium tetraformiate (ATF) or inoculants have been conducted to find out more about the fermentation process in these conditions. Sugar additives are not the primary factor in the fermentation process. Nevertheless, they are essential to make up for the small amounts of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in the forages, but only if the dry matter (DM) content is high enough (27% for temperate species, 40 % for the kikuyu grass). Even at high rates such as 5 l t-1 of …

Pfra Grazing Management Conserves Biodiversity, B Bristol, T Weins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Shrinking grassland habitats across Prairie Canada are resulting in increased societal values for biodiversity within the remaining rangeland resources. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) manages 929,000 hectares in the Prairie and Boreal Plain Ecozones across three Prairie Provinces. Management of these range resources accomplishes two main objectives: (1) sustaining economic viability of the rural community through provision of livestock grazing and (2) conservation of soil, water and biodiversity resources. PFRA uses the tools of inventory, research and management to accomplish these objectives. The 87 pastures are managed toward the “good and excellent” range condition classes which conserves biodiversity and …

Genetic Diversity In The Native Australian Grass Agrostis Adamsonii (Poaceae), E A. James, A Brown

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Genetic variability in A.adamsonii is assessed from measurements of mature florets and from analysis of variation in DNA using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Results are compared to those for three other species of Agrostis growing at the same site or in similar habitats.

Visualization Of Indiana And Northern Long-Eared Bats Using Spline Surfaces To Enable Targeted Land Management, Devin Escue

Geography and the Environment: Graduate Student Capstones

This project introduces a Bat Visualization Tool to help manage habitats for threatened bat species while considering broader ecosystem dynamics. It integrates data from acoustic bat surveys at the Corriell Nature Preserve in Iowa. The tool attaches spatial context to non-spatial survey data, weights species calls based on statistical p-values, and creates visual bat species distribution maps using spline surfaces. It also generates future survey locations based on these patterns. By using geospatial analysis and statistics, the tool identifies priority areas for conservation actions, focusing on factors like forest composition, roosting preferences, and land cover types that affect bat habitat …

The Impact Of Maine’S Municipal Shellfish Management On Clam Harvester Motivation To Participate In Resource Conservation, Rachel Lohr Freer

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

This study investigates how the resource management strategies implemented by Maine’s different Municipal Shellfish Conservation Committees influences the motivation held by shellfish harvesters’ to participate in resource conservation activities. As soft shell clam landings are declining across Maine due to increasing predation and climate-related stress, there seems to be a disconnect in harvesters’ willingness to support the conservation activities that Shellfish Conservation Committees make available to them. In efforts to improve participation, town leadership in select regions have started to mandate the completion of annual conservation hours requirements. The diversity of policy approaches enacted by towns provides the unique opportunity …

Operation Shark: Addressing The Negative Portrayal Of Sharks In Media, Michael R. O'Shea

Masters Theses

Sharks are some of the most well adapted and effective animals in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most feared. For many people the word shark evokes images of vicious attacks like those seen in movies such as Jaws. Sharks have also been negatively portrayed in the media. This negative portrayal of sharks has led to misconceptions about sharks that have damaged their populations. Efforts have been made to raise awareness and fight common misconceptions of sharks. However, many people still hold on to the incorrect ideas they have about sharks. This thesis will examine the …

From Pixels To Plants: Remote Sensing Of California Invasive Plants, Kenneth Rangel

Master's Projects and Capstones

Invasive plants cause significant impacts to ecosystems, the economy, and human health. California has experienced significant plant invasions and is well suited to future invasion because of its Mediterranean climate and human disturbance. Eradication or control of invasive plant species requires a detailed understanding of their spatial distribution, which typically involves on the ground surveys that can be expensive or inconsistent. Remote sensing offers a potential alternative or supplement to in-person invasive plant mapping. This study performed a comparative analysis of 41 remote sensing studies that mapped the distribution of California invasive plants. I found that while high spectral resolution …

Thermal Physiology Of Sceloporus Olivaceus And Sceloporus Variabilis In South Texas, Ian Rockel

Masters Theses (Archived)

This study explores the thermal physiology of two sympatric lizard species, Sceloporus olivaceus (Texas spiny lizard) and Sceloporus variabilis (rose-bellied lizard), in South Texas. I document the metabolic rate and its temperature sensitivity, thermal limits, and performance at different temperatures to better understand the impact of rising temperatures and urbanization on these ectotherms, whose body temperature and, consequently, metabolic rate, activity level, and reproductive success depend on their thermal environment. We hypothesize that S. olivaceus will exhibit greater thermal resilience owing to its broader latitudinal range, variable habitat usage within Texas, and presumed more versatile thermoregulatory strategies. Scelorporus olivaceus's higher …

The Water That Will Be: A Qualitative Look Into The Effects Of Visual Imagery On Participation In Water Conservation Initiatives, Shane Martin White

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explored the role of visual imagery in water conservation initiatives, focusing on its impact on public understanding, emotional connection, and willingness to participate. Drawing from the Theory of Planned Behavior and Affective Disposition Theory, the study investigated how art interventions can enhance comprehension and engagement with water conservation easements. Utilizing qualitative methods, including interviews, focus groups and PhotoVoice, data was collected from stakeholders in the Illinois River Watershed region. The research examined current levels of understanding regarding conservation easements, evaluated the effectiveness of visual imagery interventions in enhancing public awareness, and identified the potential for collaborative approaches between …

Soil Carbon Sequestration Efforts In Arid And Semi-Arid Climates Under Conservation Agriculture And Reforestation, Samantha Lynn Colunga

Theses and Dissertations

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in the global carbon cycle and aids in climate change mitigation. However, deforestation and intensive agricultural practices threaten topsoil and carbon (C) pools through soil disturbances releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) by enhancing the decomposition of organic materials. Degraded soils typically lack stable aggregates, nutrient and water retention, and overall low fertility. In arid and semi-arid regions, soils are in an even more dire situation, as low precipitation and high temperatures slow down the accumulation of SOC. This thesis has two objectives: 1) to evaluate whether conservation tillage practices increase …

Vascular Epiphyte Population Dynamics Within Human-Modified Landscapes Of Guadalupe, Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá, Lucine Tashjian

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants non-parasitically, and globally, epiphytes compose a very large and diverse group. They are especially abundant and species-rich in the tropics- particularly, in tropical montane forest ecosystems. Human population growth in the tropics, however, has resulted in significant declines in forest cover with land being converted largely for agricultural purposes. Studies on epiphytes have traditionally been undertaken in pristine, undisturbed forest ecosystems, yet terrestrial land conversion has increased the need to understand the value of human-modified ecosystems for epiphytic populations and biodiversity conservation. This study sought to understand the relationship between human modification …

My Legacy Document: A Story Told Through A Pedagogical Lens Of Three Landscapes. School, Work, And Faith, Debra Williams

Dissertations

Too often professionals, when answering the question “Who are you?”, resort to listing what they do. Although individuals are gifted, experienced, and qualified, as these persons influence and significantly impact others, one could get lost as a person and be unfulfilled. That’s a problem.

Positioning myself as the study of research, utilizing autoethnography as the chosen methodology, my doctoral journey is chronicled. Three landscapes, school, work, and faith, serve as the areas of emphasis.

Demographic Consequences Of Off-River Nesting For Piping Plover (Charadrius Melodus) And Interior Least Tern (Sternula Antillarum Athalassos) In The Lower Platte River System, Nebraska, Elsa M. Forsberg

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

Piping plovers (Charadrius melodus; hereafter, plovers) and interior least terns (Sternula antillarum athalassos; hereafter, terns) are two avian species that nest along the Lower Platte River system (LPRS) in Nebraska. In the LPRS, river sandbars provide natural nesting habitat, but off-river sites provide substantial nesting habitat especially when sandbar habitat is scarce. Although presumed to be important for the persistence of plovers and terns, off-river habitat is not self-sustaining and predicted to decline. Understanding the vital rates of plovers and terns in the LPRS will inform the role of off- river sites in the future conservation …

Field-Based Measurement Tools To Distinguish Clonal Typha Taxa And Estimate Biomass: A Resource For Conservation And Restoration, Brian M. Ohsowski, Cassidy Redding, Pamela Geddes, Shane Lishawa

School of Environmental Sustainability: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Two species of clonal Typha [T. latifolia (native) and T. angustifolia (exotic)] hybridize to form the highly invasive, heterotic (high vigor) T. × glauca in North American wetlands leading to increased primary production, litter accumulation, and biodiversity loss. Conservation of T. latifolia has become critical as invasive Typha has overwhelmed wetlands. In the field, Typha taxa identification is difficult due to subtle differences in morphology, and molecular identification is often unfeasible for managers. Furthermore, improved methods to non-destructively estimate Typha biomass is imperative to enhance ecological impact assessments. To address field-based Typha ID limitations, our study developed a predictive …

Gis And Genetic Diversity- Case Studies In Stylosanthes, P G. Jones, M C. Sawkins, B L. Maass, P C. Kerridge

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We present a new technique for mapping the potential occurrence of wild germplasm based in climate data and show its application to six important Stylosanthes species. The method can be used to develop hypotheses as to the distribution for purposes of collection and/or in situ conservation. It can also be used to investigate genetic diversity with a species. We present some first results based in isozyme data from S. guianensis.