Environmental Monitoring Commons^™

Dalyup Catchment 2000, Esperance Catchment Support Team

Natural resources published reports

This 'State of the Dalyup Catchment' document is a snapshot of the condition of the Catchment in the year 2000. It records the current level of knowledge of the natural resources in the Catchment and discusses some of the management issues and options. This document is a benchmark and through ongoing monitoring, trends in the condition of the Catchment can be identified.

Its primary purpose is as a tool for resource planning such as a surface water management plan, river action plan or revegetation plan. It can also be used in the preparation of funding applications.

Mapping The Boulder City Wetlands Using A Global Positioning System (Gps) And A Geographic Information System (Gis), Jennifer Lea Bishop

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Boulder City Wetlands is a constructed wetlands park located in Boulder City, Nevada, approximately 23 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, a baseline study of water quality is being conducted in the Boulder City Wetlands. This baseline study of the wetlands is an important step in understanding the development of the Boulder City Wetlands over time. As wastewater is eventually introduced into the existing community tap water running through the wetlands, it is expected that the nitrogen within the water will enhance the growth of vegetation in the surrounding area. Comparing the vegetation growth over time is only …

Black-Tailed Deer Habitat Changes In A Portion Of The Mount St. Helens Blast Zone, Ronald W. Davis

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study utilized Landsat TM imagery to evaluate black-tailed deer habitat changes in a portion of the Mount Saint Helens blast zone in western Washington. The purpose of this study was to compare the post eruption vegetation changes with population trends for black tailed deer. The 55,000-acre study area comprises a Washington Department of Game Management unit (GMU 524) located to the northnorthwest of Mount St. Helens. Approximately 80% ofthe mostly forested study area was affected by lateral blast from the 1980 eruption. The area is predominantly private land managed for timber production but a small portion falls within the …

Bulletin 4396 - Byenup Hill Focus Catchment Benefit: Cost Analysis, Allan Herbert

Bulletins 4000 -

The main text of this document concentrates on the costs of the proposed strategies, and the on-farm financial benefits from forecast production changes - in particular the production differences between the 'do nothing' and 'with strategy' scenarios.

Members of the catchment group indicated however that their main focus was on preserving their capital base. Hence some discussion of the values of land lost to salt and premiums/discounts for 'landcared' vs 'unlandcared' land appears later in the report. Economics literature suggests that including changes in land values into these analyses is incorrect. It is argued that production differences are actually captured …

Cavefish Population Status And Environmental Quality In Cave Springs Cave, Arkansas - Final Report Submitted To Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, G. O. Graening, Arthur V. Brown

Arkansas Water Resources Center Technical Reports

This report summarizes the continuing effort to monitor environmental quality in the Cave Springs Cave Natural Area and to implement the Ozark Cavefish Recovery Plan. Last year’s report (Brown et al., 1998) identified certain environmental stressors, including a trend over 15 years of increasing nutrient pollution, a low cavefish population count of only 106, and the presence of heavy metals in the cave water and one semi-volatile organic compound (the phthalate DEHP at 500 ppb) in resident crayfish tissue. This year’s monitoring effort demonstrates that fecal coliforms continue to exceed Arkansas State Water Quality Standards (Regulation 2), sometimes by a …

Avian Communities Of Large Reclaimed Mine Grasslands In Southwestern Indiana, Travis L. Devault

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many bird species native to the tallgrnss prairie region oCthc central U.S. have declined drastically since European settlement due lo the destruction and alteration of grassland habitat. In this study, the breeding bird communities or 21 large reclaimed surface coal mine grasslands in a seven-county area or southwestern Indiana were examined with respect to species and guild composition, density, variation among sites, and grassland size. In addition, the vegetation characteristics of nine large mine grasslands were described and related to the presence and abundance or eight grasslund bird species common to the study areas. The immense size of mine grasslands …

Maritime Pine For Western Australia - Revegetation On Farms Information Kit, David Bicknell, Department Of Conservation And Land Management

Natural resources published reports

Revegetation on farms

The Revegetation on Farms Project and the material in this Information Kit is targeted at the agricultural zone of Western Australia with less than 600 mm rainfall. Some of the information is valid outside this range.

All information is provided in good faith, to help make informed revegetation decisions leading to sustainable land use.

TreeNote No 20 - Weed control in eucalypts and pines

TreeNote No 21 - Insect pests of eucalypts and pines

In search of the perfect pine - David Gough (Article)

Farming carbon - Syd Shea (Article)

State Of The Fisheries Report 1998/1999, Jim W. Penn

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries document is designed as an essential supplement to the Annual Report to Parliament and provides a more detailed level of information to support the agency's non-financial performance measures. By summarising management changes, compliance activities and research data such as landings, effort, catch rates, stock assessment and breeding stock levels, this document provides a valuable reference point for Western Australian fisheries ofmajor importance to the commercial, recreational and aquaculture sectors. Information relevant to Fisheries WA's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program and activities undertaken on behalf ofthe Commonwealth is also provided. The report indicates that overall …

Intermediate Rings Between A Local Domain And Its Completion, William Heinzer, Christel Rotthaus, Sylvia Wiegand

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

We consider the structure of certain intermediate domains between a local Noetherian domain Rand an ideal-adic completion R* of R that arise as the intersection of R* with a field containing R. In the case where the intersection domain A can be expressed as a directed union of localized polynomial extension rings of R, the computation of A is easier. We examine conditions for this to happen. We also present examples to motivate and illustrate the concepts considered.

Bulletin 4359 - Soils Of The Swan Coastal Plain, Mike Bolland

Bulletins 4000 -

Almost all the soils of the Swan coastal plain are formed by material deposited by sea, rivers and wind. The Yilgarn Block, east and south of the Scarp bordering the Swan Coastal Plain (Fig. 1), rose about 40 to 50 million years ago. This caused erosion of the block by rivers and streams, and the eroded material was either deposited onto the Swan Coastal Plain or washed into the sea. The eroded material formed new soils on the Plain.

Broadly there are two major types of soils on the Coastal Plain. The first is a series of dune system near …

Bulletin 4357 - Fertilisers For Pastures On Sandy Soils Of The Swan Coastal Plain, K. W. Angell

Bulletins 4000 -

When newly cleared for agriculture, the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain were acutely deficient in phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and the trace elements copper ( Cu) and zinc (Zn) and sometimes molybdenum (Mo). Phosphorus deficiency was overcome by applying single superphosphate. Trace element deficiencies were overcome by adding Cu, Zn and Mo to superphosphate during manufacture, allowing P, Cu, Zn and Mo to be applied to the pasture in the one operation.

It was subsequently found that low sulphur (S) and potassium (K) were limiting production and persistence of subterranean clover-based pastures on the sandy soils of the …

Internal Temperature Of Douglas-Fir Buds Is Altered At Elevated Temperature, Martha E. Apple, Melissa S. Lucash, David M. Olszyk, David T. Tingey, Donald L. Phillips

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) saplings were grown in sun-lit controlled environment chambers at ambient or elevated (4°C above ambient) temperature. We measured internal temperatures of vegetative buds with thermocouple probes and compared temperatures of normal buds and abnormal buds with loosened, rosetted outer scales in elevated temperature chambers. The abnormal buds had higher and earlier peak daily temperatures than normal buds. Elevated temperature may influence the internal temperature of buds and contribute to the development of abnormal, rosetted buds with loosened outer scales. Abnormal bud development may alter branching patterns and allometry of Douglas-fir trees subjected to climatic change.

Effect Of Human Disturbance On Small Mammal Communities In Itasca State Park, Minnesota, Nancy L. Staus, Kathleen Conforti, Leslie N. Clapper, Jennifer A. Longhenry, C. C. Schoenbauer, Michael S. Rentz, John R. Tester

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

We determined effects of different levels of human disturbance on small mammal richness and relative abundance from live-trapping data obtained in Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota. We developed a quantitative measure of human disturbance based on disturbance units and trapped small mammals on three study sites, each reflecting a different level of disturbance. Our data revealed that small mammal diversity decreased with increasing human disturbance. Amount of ground cover and litter depth also appeared to be important in explaining differences in the demographic patterns of small mammals among sites.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Northam, Sarah J. Weaving

Native vegetation handbook series

This booklet provides land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Northam, including the existing and original vegetation, fauna and flora, drainage systems, topography and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of these resources within the Shire and community initiatives to deal with these problems are also discussed. It is hoped that this information will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the Shire.

Native Vegetation Handbook For The Shire Of Toodyay, Sarah J. Weaving

Native vegetation handbook series

The Handbook provides land managers with information relating to the natural resources of the Shire of Toodyay, including the original and existing vegetation, drainage systems and soils. Some of the problems relating to the management of these resources within the Shire and ideas and community initiatives to solve these problems are also discussed. It is hoped that this information will contribute to the long term viability of the agricultural landscape and the conservation of native vegetation within the shire.

Using Spatial Systems To Establish Priorities For Catchment Management, David Deeley, David Weaver, J Hick

Conference papers and presentations

Priorities for catchment management can be established based on either, an objective assessment of relative priorities throughout the catchment, or by simply responding to crises associated with particular land uses and their sectional interests. While the latter method can have advantages in terms of establishing community good will, team cohesion, and a sense of achievement for particular sectional interests, it may have shortcomings in terms of a more objective and rational assessment of the relative magnitude and hence priority of land management problems. Spatial modelling using GIS can form the basis for developing a catchment-wide understanding of the relative importance …

The Use Of Bauxite Residue As A Soil Amendment In The Peel -Harvey Coastal Plain Catchment - Environmental Monitoring Report August 1999, Mark Rivers

Natural resources published reports

The Peel-Harvey Coastal Plain Catchment is located immediately south of Perth in Western Australia and covers approximately 190,000 ha. It extends from Forrestdale in the north to Harvey in the south, and west from the Darling Scarp to Mandurah on the coast. The boundary of the catchment, as illustrated in Figure 1, represents the area which has been approved by the DEP for the broadscale application of Alkaloam as a soil amendment. (This figure also indicates features and regions of importance in this project).

The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters with most …

Salinity And Hydrology Of The Fence Road Catchment : A Focus Catchment Of The Blackwood Basin, Ben Whitfield

Resource management technical reports

It is the clearing of native vegetation and replacement with lower water-use annual crops and pastures that is responsible for the developing salinity problem. Traditional farming practices have led to increased recharge to the groundwater systems resulting in increased storage and/or greater areas or rates of discharge. Groundwater monitoring has revealed variable rates of rise throughout the Fence Road catchment, from static to 0.6 metres per year, in a period of average to below average rainfall.

A Spatial And Temporal Analysis Of Riparian Vegetation Along Satus Creek On The Yakama Indian Reservation, Kathryn Gellenbeck

All Master's Theses

Satus Creek provides critical habitat for the Yakima River Basin steelhead. A diverse community of riparian vegetation is important for healthy fish habitat; vegetation changes can affect shade, cover, channel structure, water quality, and food availability. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze and illustrate riparian vegetation change, both temporally and spatially, along three separate reaches of Satus Creek. A Geographic Information Systems approach was applied to assess the vegetation change by comparing plant species composition and density on 1949 and 1995 aerial photographs. The GIS approach allowed patterns and trends in the vegetation to be identified. In less …

Observations On Groundwater Recharge In The Westdale Catchment, M F. Lewis, C E. Mcconnell

Resource management technical reports

A study of the role of groundwater carriers and barriers in controlling salinity was carried out in the Westdale Catchment by Lewis and McConnell (in preparation). Although that study was primarily concerned with groundwater flow and discharge processes, the data collected also provided rudimentary information on the timing of groundwater recharge events and their distribution across the landscape.

Morphogenesis Of Douglas Fir Buds Is Altered At Elevated Temperature But Not At Elevated Co2, Martha E. Apple, Melissa S. Lucash, David M. Olszyk, David T. Tingey

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Global climatic change as expressed by increased CO₂ and temperature has the potential for dramatic effects on trees. To determine what its effects may be on Pacific Northwest forests, Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii ) seedlings were grown in sun-lit controlled environment chambers at ambient or elevated (+4°C above ambient) temperature, and at ambient or elevated (+200 ppm above ambient) CO₂. In 1995–1996 and 1996–1997, elevated CO₂ had no effect on vegetative bud morphology, while the following unusual morphological characteristics were found with greater frequency at elevated temperature than at ambient: rosetted buds with reflexed and loosened outer …

Interagency Lake Mead And Las Vegas Wash Monitoring Program: Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Bureau Of Reclamation, City Of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility, City Of Las Vegas Water Pollution Control Facility, Clark County Sanitation District, Nevada, Southern Nevada Water Authority

Publications (WR)

A number of agencies sample Lake Mead and the Las Vegas Wash on a routine basis at several locations. In order to share and properly interpret the data, the Bureau of Reclamation, Southern Nevada Water Authority and the three Wastewater Treatment Facilities (City of Las Vegas, Clark County Sanitation District and City of Henderson) formed a committee to examine sampling and analytical protocols and to share information with the goal of maximizing the data quality. The group first met in April 1997. It was agreed that an effort should be made to discuss and compare specific sampling and analytical techniques …

State Of The Fisheries Report 1997/1998, Jim W. Penn

Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

The State of the Fisheries document is designed as an essential supplement to the Annual Report to Parliament. By summarising data such as landings, effort, catch rates, stock assessment and breeding stock levels, this document provides a valuable reference point for all Western Australian fisheries of major importance to the commercial, recreational and aquaculture sectors. Information relevant to Fisheries WA's Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program is also provided. The report indicates that overall the major fish stocks which support fisheries in Western Australia continue to be in a reasonably healthy condition. Those species which are being harvested at levels …

Report On Degradation In The Southern River / Wungong Catchment. Perth, Western Australia, Brian Lloyd

Natural resources published reports

A five day field survey of degradation in the Southern River/Wungong Catchment revealed several areas of concern. Key concerns are:

- Erosion and Sedimentation

Various forms of water erosion were present that cumulatively, would probably have a significant effect on the water quality of the Canning (and Swan) River. Much of the water erosion results from the installation and maintenance of infrastructure and developments, e.g. roads, subdivisions, stormwater drains etc. Reviewing standard practices, raising of awareness of consequences of erosion and training in urban erosion and sediment control techniques is recommended. Wind erosion is also an issue on the sands …

Inventory Of Sub-Catchments Within The Wilson Inlet Catchment, B Radys

Resource management technical reports

The release of the "Salinity Action Plan for Western Australia' in December 996 highlighted the need for catchment scale planning and coordinated actions to reverse salinity trends.

A separate report has been produced for each major catchment area. Each report contains and inventory of all sub-catchments. with information on area, degradation risks and group activities with each catchment.

An Inventory And Condition Survey Of The Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find Area, Western Australia, A L. Payne, A M E Van Vreeswyk, K A. Leighton, H J. Pringle, P Hennig

Technical Bulletins

The inventory and condition survey of the Sandstone-Yalgoo-Paynes Find area, undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA) between 1992 and 1993, describes and maps the natural resources of the region’s pastoral leasehold land. This survey report provides a baseline record of the existence and condition of the area’s natural resources, to assist with the planning and implementation of land management practices. The report identified and described the condition of soils, landforms, vegetation, habitat, ecosystems, and declared plants and animals. It also assessed the impact of pastoralism and made land management recommendations. The area surveyed covers about …

Drought-Induced Shift Of A Forest–Woodland Ecotone: Rapid Landscape Response To Climate Variation, Craig Allen, David D. Breshears

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

In coming decades, global climate changes are expected to produce large shifts in vegetation distributions at unprecedented rates. These shifts are expected to be most rapid and extreme at ecotones, the boundaries between ecosystems, particularly those in semiarid landscapes. However, current models do not adequately provide for such rapid effects—particularly those caused by mortality—largely because of the lack of data from field studies. Here we report the most rapid landscape-scale shift of a woody ecotone ever documented: in northern New Mexico in the 1950s, the ecotone between semiarid ponderosa pine forest and pinon– juniper woodland shifted extensively (2 km or …

Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy. Weeds Target List, B. M. Waterhouse, A A. Mitchell

Biosecurity published reports

Second edition.

The Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy (NAQS) was established in 1989 as an outcome of a major evaluation of quarantine in Australia (AGPS 1987, 1988). NAQS activities include surveying for weeds,insect pests and diseases of plants; and pests and diseases of animals in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The primary goal is to provide early detection and warning of new quarantine threats or incursions.

A targetted approach was adopted for all pests, diseases and weeds. For each category of pest, experts in the discipline compiled lists of organisms not known from Australia but known to occur in …

Yuna Farm Improvement Group - Conservation Farm Planning Manual, Mike Clarke, Cecilia Mcconnell, Nancye Gannaway

Natural resources published reports

A landcare group formed on Tuesday, 30 June 1998 due to growing concern about land degradation. The main interests and objectives of the group where discuss and were outlined as follows:

1. Wind Erosion

2. Soil Acidity

3. Soil Degradation

4. Remnant Vegetation Decline

5. Tree Placement and Survival

6. Oil Mallees

7. Water Erosion

8. Non Wetting Soils

9. Salinity

10. Waterlogging

The first step toward addressing these issues was to organise two workshops with Mike Clarke, Cecilia McConnell and Nancye Gannaway from Agriculture Western Australia. The first workshop was held on the 4/8/98 and the second on the …

Northern Agriculture Integrated Management Strategy - Sub-Region Strategies And Action Plans, Agriculture Western Australia

Natural resources published reports

Greenough Sub-region

Moore River Sub-region

West Midlands Sub-region

Yarra Yarra Sub-region

The strategies and action plans contained in this document have been developed by members of the community, local industry and government agencies, representing the four sub-regions of the Northern Agricultural Region. Sub-regional strategy development has occurred due to community and agency recognition of the importance of protecting, enhancing and developing the region's valuable natural resource base.

Work began on this process with a two-day regional workshop in October 1996 and following this, numerous sub-regional meetings were held over a period of one year.

The summary of this planning work …