Environmental Sciences Commons^™

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Vegetation Monitoring And Management: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Vegetation Monitoring

Executive Summary

• Required reports on sticky buckwheat (Eriogonum viscidulum) and threecorner milkvetch (Astragalus geyeri var. triquetrus) to be submitted through appropriate protocols by December 30, 2005
• Summary report on several other rare plants to be submitted through appropriate protocols by December 30, 2005
• Invasive perennial pepperweed (also called tall whitetop; Lepidium latifolium) documented and treated by Weed Sentry within Black Canyon, Lake Mojave

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Sensitive Wildlife Species Monitoring And Analysis: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Wildlife Monitoring

• Topsoil replacement monitored at Willow Beach Wastewater Rehabilitation Project
• Desert tortoise surveys and monitoring conducted for Northshore Road reconstruction projects, and desert tortoise training provided to 9 construction contractors.
• Field work associated with the project to remove desert tortoise radio transmitters from animals on Mormon Mesa completed.
• Weekly data processing for Desert Bighorn Sheep monitoring associated with the Hoover Dam Bypass Project continued.
• Fall field surveys for relict leopard frogs completed (11 sites surveyed); last of this year’s head-started animals released; RLFCT meeting held.
• Work started on a digital database (GIS) of Peregrine falcon observations.
• Monthly shorebird surveys conducted (22 …

Performance Of A Sisal Fibre Fixed-Bed Anaerobic Digester For Biogas Production From Sisal Pulp Waste, A. Mshandete, A. K. Kivaisi, M. S. T. Rubindamayugi, L. Björnsson, B. Mattiasson

Tanzania Journal of Science

A single stage anaerobic digester employing a sisal fibre waste fixed bed was studied for biogas production from sisal pulp waste. The fibre was colonized by microorganisms involved in biogas production. The sisal pulp waste to be digested was fed from the top and was sprinkled intermittently with recirculating leachate from the material. Organic loading rates of 0.1-10 kg volatile solids (VS) m-3d-1 could be applied and methane yields in the range of 0.13-0.48 m3 CH4 kg-1 VS added were obtained. The average methane content in the biogas produced from sisal pulp waste was 55%, and the biogas production rate …

Use Of Hot Air Engine To Generate Electricity From Biogas: A Critique For Rural Development In Tanzania, L. L. N. Mkiramweni, P. Msaki, I. B. Mshoro

Tanzania Journal of Science

Rural electrification has high national priority because of several reasons. First, more than 90 per cent of the populations in Tanzania have no access to grid electricity and about 80% of this population lives in rural areas. Second, the poverty alleviation projects demand the incorporation of use of electricity in different economic projects. Third, a combination of high prices of fuel and environmental degradation and deforestation demand use of alternative renewable energy sources. The aim of this paper is to give a critical review and selected a suitable renewable energy by considering its ability to provide affordable, reliable and adequate …

Cooperative Conservation: Increasing Capacity Through Community Partnerships -- Interagency Volunteer Program & Cooperative Conservation Program: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Get Outdoors Nevada

• Database now contains 1,807 records, a 15% increase over the last quarter.
• Website activity increased, recording an average of 38,399 hits per month, with an average of 3,537 pages viewed per month.
• Inaugural interagency volunteer recognition event held October 28, 2005.
• Interagency training program (phase 1) scheduled for February 2006 (four sessions).
• Alternative Workforce Survey completed and delivered to National Park Service.

Take Pride In America In Southern Nevada: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Anti-littering Programs

• Messaging campaign proposal approved by the federal Land Managers.
• Invitations sent to potential Community Steering Committee members.
• Project Manager Doug Joslin appointed to new county-wide Southern Nevada Recycling Advisory Committee.
• Four public service announcements produced by UNLV students.
• Contract with the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) in progress for prison crew site clean-ups.
• Plan for agency requests for additional dumpsters and/or roll-offs approved by team.

The Analysis Of Core Competence For Chinese Oil Shipping Company, Binmeng. Mo

World Maritime University Dissertations

During the past decade, China’s crude oil import has risen sharply, which demands the immediately matching shipping capacity of the domestic oil shipping companies. Therefore, how to steer the Chinese oil shipping enterprises towards a promising development is a very big problem facing the Chinese entrepreneurs. This paper has tried to provide some practical suggestion to improve Chinese oil shipping companies’ core competence based on the analysis of Chinese Shipping Tanker Company, which is typical representative for this industry. After having studied the measuring methods of the core competence and the index system building principles, the author constructs a complete …

West Nile Virus National Report On Dead Bird Surveillance, Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Patrick Zimmer

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: Newsletters and Publications

The following is a synthesis of data collected in the National WNV dead bird surveillance program in 2005. As such it reflects the activities of a range of jurisdictions and agencies, including Federal/Provincial/Territorial Health, Wildlife and Agriculture Departments and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. All of the data used was compiled using the CCWHC database; minor discrepancies from other reports or websites are possible.

Assessing An Environmental Education Program, Gregory Schraw, Lori Olafson, Jeanne A. Klockow

Presentations (DM)

We developed a comprehensive assessment plan and tested the curriculum to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and implemented with a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events.

Detecting Submarine Groundwater Discharge With Synoptic Surveys Of Sediment Resistivity, Radium, And Salinity, John A. Breier, Crystaline F. Breier, Henrietta Edmonds

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

A synoptic geophysical and geochemical survey was used to investigate the occurrence and spatial distribution of submarine discharges of water to upper Nueces Bay, Texas. The 17 km survey incorporated continuous resistivity profiling; measurements of surface water salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen; and point measurements of dissolved Ra isotopes. The survey revealed areas of interleaving, vertical fingers of high and low conductivity extending up through 7 m of bay bottom sediments into the surface water, located within 100 m of surface salinity and dissolved Ra maxima along with peaks in water temperature and lows in dissolved oxygen. These results indicate …

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2005, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

The senior design competition helps to focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: December 6, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from October 18, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Parking
   D. Operator
4. Update on Design Development – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
5. Cultural Treatment Plan – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
6. Environmental Assessment Update – Otak Inc. (10 min.)
7. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (10 min.)
8. Standing Reports (10 min.)
   A. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   B. Community Outreach – LaNelda Rolley
9. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee
   B. Design Oversight
   C. Educational Programs
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships
   E. …

Preliminary Survey Of Rattlesnake Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Rattlesnake Brook is located in Assonet, MA, passing under Rte 24 near exit #9 and under South Main Street. The stream was accessed at three sites: NSTAR (just upstream from the South Main St. culvert), Rapoza (downstream at 114 South Main St.) and Narrows Road (just upstream from the Narrows Rd culvert prior to the stream’s confluence with the Assonet River). One major change in land use is the addition of the Stop & Shop distribution center on South Main St. behind the Rapoza site.

Initial data for temperature and DO indicate that dissolved oxygen is high at the first …

A Water Quality Study Of Germany Brook, A Tributary Of The Neponset River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Germany Brook is a first-order stream that originates in Westwood and travels two miles emptying into Ellis Pond in Norwood. Earlier sampling conducted by volunteers affiliated with the Neponset River Watershed Association on the lower reaches of the stream had indicated marginal water quality characterized by high nutrient and bacterial levels. In order to assess the potential impact of surrounding land uses on water quality in the stream, the benthic macroinvertebrate community was sampled at two stations during October, 2005.

It was hypothesized that the upstream station should have better water quality than its downstream counterpart as the upper reaches …

A Comparison Study: Fall Book And A Natural Spring; Focus: Water Chemistry

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of the study was to compare two fresh water resources in the Freetown Lakeville area. One site found was a natural spring located in Lakeville near Morgan Reserves off Long Pont Road. The Spring is located in the woods and in a remote location. The water from the spring enters into Little Quittacas Pond, a reservoir for New Bedford drinking water. The other freshwater site was a brook called Fall Brook in Freetown located off Gurney Road. The brook is located near Still Water Fastener Factory and flows under Gurney Road.

The focus of the study was on …

Macro Invertebrates Of Kirby Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of our project was to compare the relative abundance of Macroinvertebrates at two sites on Kirby Brook in Westport MA. One site was in the woods behind our high school approximately 1/4 of a mile along an overgrown trail. These woods are frequented in the winter for hunting purposes. At the time of the study, the water was stagnant due to lack of rain. The second site was across from a farm on Drift Rd. The water was low but flowing.

At both sites, Oligochaetes made up the majority of Macroinvertebrates (231 at site 1, 71 at site …

The Taunton River's Last Major Tributary: Chemical Analysis Of A Freshwater Dam System In The Upper Assonet River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

Comparative Study Of Leonard Washburn Brook And Poquoy Brook

Watershed Access Lab Projects

Leonard Washburn Brook is a tributary of Poquoy Brook. It is located in Lakeville, MA and was accessed on Cross Street. We considered this our pristine river environment. Poquoy Brook, also of Lakeville, MA was accessed on Taunton Street. We considered this our river with many land uses as it passes through both a cranberry bog and a golf course.

Initial data for temperature and DO indicate that dissolved oxygen is higher at the Leonard Washburn than Poquoy Brook. Poquoy follows a normal diurnal curve while Leonard Washburn fluctuates with temperature due to lack of vegetation in the water column. …

A Comparison Of Divergent Sites On The Farm River: Wetlands Vs. Industry

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The Fore River Watershed initiates in the Blue Hills of Milton, Massachusetts. The Farm River, which flows through Braintree, Massachusetts, is one of the tributaries. It is a first order river that contributes to Great Pond, the major water supply for Braintree, Randolph and Avon. As the Farm River proceeds beyond Great Pond, it passes within thirty feet of an industrial park and shopping mall for approximately 1km. It also passes under a heavily traveled road, Granite Street. The amount of imperviousness in the area is considerable

The purpose of this study was to determine if a river flows through …

A River With History: Evaluating The Aberjona River

Watershed Access Lab Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Autumn Leaf Drop On Water Quality At Turner's Pond Outlet

Watershed Access Lab Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact that the autumn leaf drop associated with the changing seasons has on water quality. Students in the senior elective, Botany, participated in this study of the main outlet of Turner’s Pond in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. The students designated two test sites downstream from the dam that holds back Turner’s Pond. Testing was done October 6 and 7, 2005 and October 27 and 28, 2005. The first dates were prior to the leaf drop and the second dates occurred after leaf drop had started but not yet been completed. The macroinvertebrate sampling …

The Runnins Report

Watershed Access Lab Projects

For the past 4 years, students in AP Biology have performed summer Ecology research studies at Burr’s Pond in Seekonk. One goal of the summer research has been to provide the students with a relevant, meaningful inquiry-based learning experience. At the start of the school year, the students measure the dissolved oxygen as part of the required AP Laboratory Exercise 12. A second goal of the summer research has been to sustain an annual evaluation of the dissolved oxygen as well as the diversity and distribution of organisms in and around the pond. Unfortunately, the data is not very accurate …

Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant Nebraska, Bryant Burnett, Karla Asberry

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

The 19-square mile Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant is a former U.S. Army Armament, Munitions, and Chemical Command facility. On standby status since 1973, the operation leases land for agriculture, grazing, and wildlife management activities. The plant was built in 1942 to produce munitions and provide support functions during World War II. It has been in and out of production over the years. The plant consists of five main components: five major production areas where munitions were loaded, assembled, and packed; a fertilizer manufacturer; two major storage facilities; a sanitary landfill; and a burning ground where materials contaminated with explosives were …

The John Muir Newsletter, Winter 2005/2006, The John Muir Center For Environmental Studies

Muir Center Newsletters (1981-2015)

Radical Transcendentalism: Emerson, Muir and the Experience of Nature by James Brannon Palo Alto Center for Science and the Humanities, Palo Alto, CA ©2006 The uniquely American Transcendentalist School which formed in Harvard-influenced 1830's Cambridge brought a New Idea regarding man, spirit, and nature to a young country struggling to find its own voice. As its chief proponent, Ralph Waldo Emerson conveyed a philosophy that was considered radical in its time. The young John Muir, raised in an environment of harsh Puritan sensibilities and Christian dogma, took strongly to the Transcendental ideas as he was introduced to them at the …

Final Environmental Assessment And Finding Of No Significant Impact For The Proposed Safety Of Dams Modifications And Bridge Reconstruction, Provo Area Office, Upper Colorado Region, Bureau Of Reclamation, U.S. Department Of Transportation, Utah Division, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department Of The Interior

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

The Bureau of Reclamation, Provo Area Office (Reclamation) proposes to replace the concrete spillway structure at Scofield Dam, the principal feature of the Scofield Project. This construction project would be completed under the Safety of Dams (SOD) Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-578, as amended). The proposed SOD modifications would correct safety deficiencies of the dam without affecting the purpose, or benefits of the dam. Reclamation also proposes to replace the existing gate house at its current position on the crest of the dam. This building is in poor condition and would be replaced with either a new concrete structure …

Natural Flow And Salt Computation Methods, Calendar Years 1971-1995, James Prairie, Russell Callejo

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

This paper documents the steps taken to compute natural flow and salt in the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins from 1971-1995. Natural flow and salt data are hydrologic input data required in the CRSS planning model. The methods used to compute natural flow and salt described in this paper have changed from previous methods as a result of recent research. This research found data and methodological inconsistency in past methods to compute natural flow and salt was compared to data and methods used in the CRSS planning model (Prairie and Fulp, 1999). To assure the computation of natural flow …

Plant Information Compiled By The Utah Natural Heritage Program: A Progress Report, M. A. Franklin, State Of Utah Department Of Natural Resources

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

The Utah Natural Heritage Program (UTHP) was initiated in late summer 1988 and has functioned as an ongoing biological survey of the state with an emphasis on rare or declining species. It serves as a centralized data repository, acquiring range wide information regarding rare plant and animal species for use by land managers as well as for the evaluation of conservation needs. As well as being used by government agencies, data are used in responding to requests for information from non-government organizations and private interests. Data can be used in the assessment of species’ conservation status state-wide and, in coordination …

Fisheries Research Report No. 152 - Development Of A Dna Database For Compliance And Management Of Western Australian Sharks., Rory Mcauley, K. Ho, R. Thomas

Fisheries Research Reports

Final FRDC Report - Project 2003/067

The capability to identify individual shark species from processed body parts is necessary for the WA Department of Fisheries to ensure the compliance of all WA fisheries with both existing protected species regulations and proposed new management measures for commercially important shark species. This project established a reference database of genetic profiles or ‘fingerprints’ for nine of Western Australia’s protected and commercially important shark species. Fingerprints from a 10th species, the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) could not be obtained due to probable primer sequence mismatching. The database, in conjunction with an associated inspection and …

Spatial Autocorrelation Of Deer-Vehicle Accidents In Vigo County, J. Scott Horn

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Deer-vehicle accidents (DV As) are a problem in many areas. They cause millions of dollars in property damage, personal injury, and loss of life each year. This thesis examines whether DVAs in Vigo County, Indiana during the year 2000 were spatially autocorrelated; and whether DV As selected by deer habitat were spatially autocorrelated. Specifically using Moran's I to test for spatial autocorrelation this study determined if and to what degree spatial autocorrelation existed among these DVAs. A Moran's I value of .0023 shows that the accidents occurred randomly. These DV A data were then used to plot a map which …

Biomass Estimation Using Statistical And Neural Network Analysis Of Aster Data, Vijay O. Lulla

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed the performance of different biomass estimation methods using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) lll data in a temperate forest. Multiple linear regression statistics of spectral band data and derived indices with biomass values were compared with advanced neural network models created with spectral band data and indices to model biomass values. Biomass for the study area was estimated using both of these methods and the results were discussed. The data were analyzed using multivariate statistical analysis. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to understand the relationship of biomass to the spectral data and …