Environmental Studies Commons^™

Climate Change In Native American Communities: Challenges Of Comprehension, Context, & Communication, Patrick Austin Freeland

Open Access Theses

Very little literature exists which details how climate change impacts Indian Country. This study first investigates how US newspaper stories published from 1991 to 2011 present American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) perceptions, and observations, of environmental changes resulting from climatic change. Several specific risk, impacts, and vulnerabilities were documented, and observations of climate change from AI/AN perceptions were analyzed for content to identify three frames of perspective: pan-Indian, tribally-specific, and individual perceptions. By law, ethical considerations are paramount when dealing with research in Native American tribes and communities. While each nation is supposed to review research to assess the risk and …

Carbon Offset Solutions For International Travel Emissions, Kristen Bailey, Kelly Kurz, Tanya Sushkova

Geography and the Environment Capstone Projects

This paper explores possible carbon offset solutions for the University of Richmond’s (UR’s) study-abroad travel emissions in pursuit of the University’s goal to be carbon neutral by the year 2050. First, our group divided the world into five regions to which UR students travel: Oceania, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. For the most popular countries in each region, we suggest several carbon offset programs to address this portion of the University’s carbon emissions. Then, we created a methodology for evaluating and comparing carbon offset programs around the world including six scoring categories: experience, education, incentive, price, impact, and effectiveness. …

Assessing Scope 3 Emissions Within A University Department: Using A Life Cycle Assessment And Supply Chain Case Studies, Celia Landesberg, Erin Brady

Geography and the Environment Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project is to identify opportunities to reduce Scope 3 emissions associated with University operations. While the scope of this report is limited, analysis of the department case study and the two selected products suggest the University should conduct a larger, more comprehensive supply chain assessment in the future to identify methods for emissions and cost reductions from altered purchasing practices. By sharing the information from this report, we hope to encourage the University to pursue more sustainable consumption practices.

Poster prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone.

Rainwater Harvesting System: Proposal For A Pilot Rainwater Harvesting System Installment At Booker Hall, Diana Alderbashi, Joel Collins, Jack Wilkes

Geography and the Environment Capstone Projects

Fresh water is expected to become increasingly scarce as temperature and sea levels rise due to Global Climate Change. We believe now is the time to start rethinking our behaviors in terms of water use and start conserving water even if it is on a small scale. One of the best ways to conserve water at a university level is to install small scale rainwater harvesting system for irrigation. We propose for the University of Richmond to utilize Booker Hall to collect rainwater using ten 200 gallon rain barrels. The water will be used to irrigate flowerbeds around campus. The …

Climate Change And The Westhampton Lake: Review And Recommendations, Kendel Ahnell, Yazmeen Nuñez, Natasha Rathlev

Geography and the Environment Capstone Projects

The Westhampton Lake is a campus icon and one of the University of Richmond's most prominent features. The significant attachment that members of the University community hold toward the lake imbues great value on the lake as a key geographic element of campus (Devine-Wright, 2013). However, the lake’s status as a campus monument does not absolve it from the greater effects of climate change, a phenomenon which will continue to transform the geography and ecology of the lake. Without a concrete understanding of the implications of current and future climate change on campus, the community may leave the Westhampton Lake …

Measuring Support For Climate Change Research At The University Of Richmond, Adam Forrer, Brianna Miller, Hunterr Payeur

Environmental Studies Senior Seminar Projects

This study investigated the possibility of hiring new faculty at the University of Richmond whose area of expertise incorporates climate change. The study used a survey of Richmond students to gauge interest in academic areas such as climate change classes and research with faculty. In depth interviews with faculty members from various departments within the University were also conducted. Further research showed that although 12 of the top 25 liberal arts schools in the United States offered two or more classes specifically on the issue of climate change, the University of Richmond intermittently offers one climate change class, located in …

Attitudes Towards Climate Change And Sustainability, Sammy Easby, Tess Manning

Environmental Studies Senior Seminar Projects

Climate change is an important issue in the world today and the University of Richmond has the ability to make a difference. The purpose of this project was to gain information about University of Richmond students’ awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to climate change and sustainability on campus. A short survey was composed and sent to students via email. Over the course of two weeks, 274 students completed the survey. The data from the survey was composed and analyzed. Based on the data, for the most part our community’s behaviors have stayed consistent. Student awareness has slightly increased but they …

The Influence Of Topographic And Dynamic Cyclic Variables On The Distribution Of Small Cetaceans In A Shallow Coastal System, Marijke N. De Boer, Mark P. Simmonds, Peter J.H. Reijnders, Geert Aarts

Ecology Collection

The influence of topographic and temporal variables on cetacean distribution at a fine-scale is still poorly understood. To study the spatial and temporal distribution of harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena and the poorly known Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus we carried out land-based observations from Bardsey Island (Wales, UK) in summer (2001–2007). Using Kernel analysis and Generalized Additive Models it was shown that porpoises and Risso’s appeared to be linked to topographic and dynamic cyclic variables with both species using different core areas (dolphins to the West and porpoises to the East off Bardsey). Depth, slope and aspect and a low variation …

How Much Is Enough? Minimal Responses Of Water Quality And Stream Biota To Partial Retrofit Stormwater Management In A Suburban Neighborhood, Allison H. Roy, Lee K. Rhea, Audrey L. Mayer, William D. Shuster, Jake J. Beaulieu, Matthew E. Hopton, Matthew A. Morrison, Ann St. Amand

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Publications

Decentralized stormwater management approaches (e.g., biofiltration swales, pervious pavement, green roofs, rain gardens) that capture, detain, infiltrate, and filter runoff are now commonly used to minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces on aquatic ecosystems. However, there is little research on the effectiveness of retrofit, parcel-scale stormwater management practices for improving downstream aquatic ecosystem health. A reverse auction was used to encourage homeowners to mitigate stormwater on their property within the suburban, 1.8 km² Shepherd Creek catchment in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA). In 2007–2008, 165 rain barrels and 81 rain gardens were installed on 30% of the properties …

A Cultural Resources Survey For The Leon Valley Hike And Bike Trail Project, Bexar County, Texas, Herbert G. Uecker, Imogen R. Cooper

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In early March, 2014, South Texas Archeological Research Services, LLC, conducted a cultural resources survey for the Leon Valley Hike and Bike Trail Project, Bexar County, Texas. The survey focused on discovery and preliminary assessment of archeological resources but also included an estimation of effect to the Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stage Coach Stop Site (41BX1429), which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Since the project area was owned by the City of Leon Valley and the project involved federal funding through the Texas Department of Transportation, compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas and Section 106 of …

A Cultural Resources Survey For The City Of Temple’S Prairie View Road Expansion Project, Bell County, Texas, Herbert G. Uecker

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In December, 2013, and January, 2014, South Texas Archeological Research Services, LLC, conducted a cultural resources survey for the City of Temple’s Prairie View Road Expansion Project, Bell County, Texas. The survey focused on discovery, identification, and preliminary assessment of archeological resources. The area surveyed was about 3,220 m of public road right-of-way about 30 m wide. It consisted of about 24 acres of land.

Because the survey area was owned or controlled by the City, a political subdivision of the State of Texas, compliance with the Antiquities Code of Texas was triggered for the project. Since there was no …

A Cultural Resources Survey For The Bell County Wcid No. 3 Lift Station Project, Nolanville, Bell County, Texas, Herbert G. Uecker

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In December, 2013, and January, 2014, South Texas Archeological Research Services, LLC, conducted a cultural resources survey for the Bell County Water Control and Improvements District No. 3 Lift Station Project in Nolanville, Bell County, Texas. The survey focused on discovery, identification, and preliminary assessment of archeological resources. The area surveyed was about 250 m of utilities line right-of-way about 30 m wide and a circular lift station site about 40 m in diameter. It consisted of about two acres of land.

Because the survey area was owned or controlled by a political subdivision of the State of Texas, compliance …

Intensive Areal Survey With Deep Mechanical Testing: For The City Of Ballinger Waste Water Treatment Plant Expansion, Runnels County, Texas, Katherine Turner Pearson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Archaeologists from Central Texas Archaeological Resources (CTAR), on behalf of the City of Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas, conducted an intensive areal archaeological survey with deep mechanical testing within the boundaries of a proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion, located in Ballinger, Runnels County, Texas on August 24-25, 2014. The proposed WWTP expansion was funded by a Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) and therefore, subject to the Antiquities Code of Texas. The city’s current treatment plant in Ballinger was nearing it capacity and was required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to expand its capabilities in order …

Archaeological Data Recovery At The Fish Creek Slough Site (41dl436), Dallas County, Texas, James T. Abbott, W Nicholas Trierweiler

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The Fish Creek Slough site (41DL436) is a well stratified, multi-component, open campsite situated on an alluvial terrace on the west bank of Fish Creek in Dallas County, Texas. Discovered in 2005, the site contains an abundance of faunal material, charcoal, and burned clay within multiple, discrete stratified zones. The site was evaluated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT ) as eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Because the site was within the right-of-way for a planned road and bridge construction project, and as directed by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, TxDOT elected …

An Intensive Archeological Survey For The Proposed Us 87 Reliever Route In The City Of Lamesa, Dawson County, Texas, Brandon S. Young, Joseph M. Sanchez

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

In November 2006 archeologists from Blanton & Associates, Inc. (Blanton & Associates) conducted an intensive archeological survey of the proposed six-mile US 87 Reliever Route in the City of Lamesa, Dawson County, Texas (CSJ: 0905-32-005). The survey was performed at the request of Parkhill, Smith, & Cooper, Inc. (PSC) on behalf of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lubbock District. The survey discovered one prehistoric archeological site (41DS12) within the APE. No artifacts were collected so curation was unnecessary.

Eligibility Testing At 41bu75, Burleson County, Texas, Jennifer K. Mcwilliams, Karl W. Kibler, John E. Dockall, Eloise Frances Gadus, Ross C. Fields

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Prewitt and Associates, Inc., conducted test excavations at site 41BU75 in Burleson County, Texas, to determine its eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and designation as a State Antiquities Landmark. The work was performed in 2007 under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 4525 for the Texas Department of Transportation, Environmental Affairs Division, in conjunction with a planned widening of FM 60, which will require up to 45 m of new right of way. The excavations consisted of six Gradall trenches and five 1x1-m hand-dug test units totaling 6.9 m3 , all on stateowned land. Excavations yielded a …

Intensive Archeological Survey For The Proposed Widening Of Cr 110 From Us 79 To Sam Houston Avenue In Williamson County, Texas, Timothy B. Griffith, Joseph M. Sanchez

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

Between July 21 and 25, 2014, Blanton & Associates, Inc. (B&A), at the request of Williamson County, conducted an intensive archeological survey (as per 13 TAC 26.20 and 26.5) of 6.5 miles of proposed improvements along County Road (CR) 110 near the City of Hutto in Williamson County, Texas. The 100 percent visual inspection, augmented by strategically placed shovel tests and backhoe trenches, was negative for cultural resources within the proposed project area. Based on these data, B&A recommends that the proposed improvements to County Road (CR) 110 in Williamson County, Texas, be allowed to proceed as planned without additional …

Cultural Resource Survey Of The South Texas Syngas Directional Drill Locations Negative Findings Phase I Survey Report Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area Brazoria County, Texas, Jeff Turpin

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

During October of 2014, Turpin and Sons Inc. (TAS) conducted a cultural resource assessment of two potential horizontal directional drill (HDD) locations and one additional baseline trench location along Jones Creek within the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The area of interest is located along an existing pipeline corridor between the San Bernard and Brazos rivers in southwest Brazoria County, Texas. The project was sponsored by Gremminger and Associates Inc., acting as agents for Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP, and conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit Number 7029 issued to Dr. Jeff …

Documentation Of Unassociated Ceramic Vessel Funerary Objects In The Gregg County Historical Museum Collections From Sites In Gregg, Harrison, And Panola Counties In East Texas, Timothy K. Perttula, Robert Z. Selden Jr., Bo Nelson

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

This report is the latest in a series of reports that have been supported by the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Cultural Preservation Program that concern the documentation of funerary objects in museum facilities that are subject to the provisions and regulations of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) (Gonzalez et al. 2005; Cast et al. 2006; Perttula et al. 2007, 2009a, 2009b, 2010a, 2011). These documentation studies have been done either with grants from the National Park Service, or through funding provided by the museum facility that held NAGPRA funerary objects. In the case of the present …

The Caddo Archaeology Of The Musgano Site (41rk19) In The Sabine River Basin Of East Texas, Timothy K. Perttula

Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State

The Musgano site (41RK19) is an important ancestral Caddo habitation site on Martin Creek in Rusk County in the Sabine River basin in the East Texas Pineywoods. The site was investigated by the Texas Archeological Survey at The University of Texas at Austin in 1972 and 1973 prior to the construction of Martin Creek Lake by Texas Utilities Services, Inc., and a Caddo house structure, midden deposits, features, and a large ceramic assemblage were documented from a component speculated to date between ca. A.D. 1400-1500 (Clark and Ivey 1974:14-41; McDonald 1972:10-11). Unfortunately, however, the results of the excavations and the …