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Adaptive Management for Turkey Harvest in Alabama
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September 2020
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The Alabama Units is conducting long-term research project for Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to inform science-based (adaptive) management of Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallapavo; hereafter Turkey) populations across the state. Applying AM requires a decision tool based on region-specific vital rates for turkey populations. Current, region-specific vital rates and harvest rates are unavailable, except as expert opinion. The tool will employ a population model that predicts the dynamics of Turkey populations based on vital rates and a management model that predicts the effects of harvest regulations on vital rates. This research will estimate the temporal and spatial variation in vital rates, update the recently developed expert-driven model, test methods for monitoring decision criteria, and provide the agency with a method for incorporating the best available information in decisions regarding Turkey harvest.
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Movement dynamics, distribution, habitat use, and species associations of juvenile burbot in tributaries of the Kootenai River
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December 2024
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The purpose of this project is to evaluate survival, movement, and habitat use of burbot in Deep Creek, a major tributary to the Kootenai River. Results of this research will be used to guide stocking practices associated with the management and conservation of burbot in western river systems.
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The purpose of this project is to evaluate survival, movement, and habitat use of burbot in Deep Creek, a major tributary to the Kootenai River. Results of this research will be used to guide stocking practices associated with the management and conservation of burbot in western river systems.
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Klamath Basin S3 Model
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September 2019
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The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has been working in close collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey Columbia River Research Laboratory and Dr. Thomas Hardy from Watershed Systems Group, Inc. and Texas State University to develop Decision Support Systems such as the Stream Salmonid Simulator or S3 model. The S3 model currently under development for the Klamath River represents an integrated set of sub models that predict the effects of water management alternatives on the production of juvenile Chinook Salmon. This synchronized series of sub-models reflects the array of physical and biological processes that interact to affect the growth, movement, and survival of fish at a given lifestage. A benefit to this method of model construction lies in the ability to update sub-models as new data, new analyses, or new scientific discoveries arise.
The current S3 model in development for the Klamath River tracks causes of mortality throughout the sub-adult life history of Chinook Salmon (redd scour, habitat limitations, disease, water quality, etc.) over time within 233-mile section of the mainstem Klamath River spanning from Keno Dam in Oregon to its confluence with the Pacific Ocean in California. The model is also being extended into the Trinity Basin, with the addition of an ocean component and IBM-type upstream adult migration sub module. These improvements will transform the S3 model into a basin-wide, full life cycle model. Future development of the S3 model will also include its expansion to incorporate Coho Salmon, as requested by NOAA Fisheries and the Bureau of Reclamation.
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Research objectives are two-fold: 1. to evaluate the best practices for assigning flow-to-habitat relationships for large river systems; and 2. to extend the Klamath River stream salmonid simulator model, which was developed to track population dynamics of juvenile Chinook Salmon as they move from tributary to the main channel; to apply to juvenile Coho salmon.
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Demographics and habitat use of Greater Sage-Grouse in wildfire-affected habitats in Oregon.
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June 2025
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Southeast Oregon contains part of one of the largest contiguous sage-brush steppe habitats remaining within the extant range of greater sage-grouse. During the summer of 2012, several large wildfires included more than 1 million acres of Oregon sage-grouse habitat within their perimeters. In collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife we designed a long-term study to evaluate acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects of large-scale wildfire on female greater sage-grouse demographics and habitat use and selection. Accomplishing these objectives will inform the prioritization of areas for post-fire habitat rehabilitation and restoration, and help identify areas requiring further protection and/or active management to reduce risk of wildfire and ensure sage-grouse population persistence.
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Southeast Oregon contains part of one of the largest contiguous sage-brush steppe habitats remaining within the extant range of greater sage-grouse. During the summer of 2012, several large wildfires included more than 1 million acres of Oregon sage-grouse habitat within their perimeters. In collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife we designed a long-term study to evaluate acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) effects of large-scale wildfire on female greater sage-grouse demographics and habitat use and selection. Accomplishing these objectives will inform the prioritization of areas for post-fire habitat rehabilitation and restoration, and help identify areas requiring further protection and/or active management to reduce risk of wildfire and ensure sage-grouse population persistence.
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Long-Term Logan River Trout Viability Study and Monitoring
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September 2021
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While the importance of reducing the impacts of non-native species is increasingly recognized in conservation, the feasibility of such actions is highly dependent upon several key uncertainties including the stage of invasion, the size of the ecosystem being restored, and the magnitude of the restoration activity. Here, we present the results of a multi-year, non-native brown trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i>) removal and native Bonneville cutthroat trout (<i>Oncorhynchus clarkii utah</i>) recovery in a small tributary in the Intermountain West, USA. We monitored trout populations for seven years prior to the onset of eradication efforts, which included two years of mechanical removal followed by two years of chemical treatment. Cutthroat trout populations were then seeded with low numbers of both eggs and juvenile trout. We monitored population demographics and estimated population growth rates and carrying capacities for both populations from long-term depletion estimate data, assuming logistic growth. Prior to eradication, brown trout populations fluctuated around their carrying capacity. Following brown trout eradication and initial seeding efforts, cutthroat trout populations have demonstrated exponential growth. Within five years, cutthroat trout have approached their estimated carrying capacity. Population projections suggest a 50% probability that cutthroat trout are currently at or above 90% of their carrying capacity, and that there is an 80 to 90% probability they will be at or above 90% of their carrying capacity within 10 years. Additionally, at least four age-classes are present including adults large enough to satisfy angling demand. This project is a collaboration of biologists, academics, and anglers and includes the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources , U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, the local chapter of Trout Unlimited – Cache Anglers, and the Ecology Center at Utah State University. These results demonstrate native trout species have substantial capacity to rapidly recover following the removal of invasive species in otherwise minimally altered habitats. While these locations are likely limited in extent individually, collectively they may serve as source populations for larger connected systems. In such cases, these source populations may provide additional conservation potential through biotic resistance.
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While the importance of reducing the impacts of non-native species is increasingly recognized in conservation, the feasibility of such actions is highly dependent upon several key uncertainties including the stage of invasion, the size of the ecosystem being restored, and the magnitude of the restoration activity. Here, we present the results of a multi-year, non-native brown trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i>) removal and native Bonneville cutthroat trout (<i>Oncorhynchus clarkii utah</i>) recovery in a small tributary in the Intermountain West, USA. We monitored trout populations for seven years prior to the onset of eradication efforts, which included two years of mechanical removal followed by two years of chemical treatment. Cutthroat trout populations were then seeded with low numbers of both eggs and juvenile trout. We monitored population demographics and estimated population growth rates and carrying capacities for both populations from long-term depletion estimate data, assuming logistic growth. Prior to eradication, brown trout populations fluctuated around their carrying capacity. Following brown trout eradication and initial seeding efforts, cutthroat trout populations have demonstrated exponential growth. Within five years, cutthroat trout have approached their estimated carrying capacity. Population projections suggest a 50% probability that cutthroat trout are currently at or above 90% of their carrying capacity, and that there is an 80 to 90% probability they will be at or above 90% of their carrying capacity within 10 years. Additionally, at least four age-classes are present including adults large enough to satisfy angling demand. This project is a collaboration of biologists, academics, and anglers and includes the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources , U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, the local chapter of Trout Unlimited – Cache Anglers, and the Ecology Center at Utah State University. These results demonstrate native trout species have substantial capacity to rapidly recover following the removal of invasive species in otherwise minimally altered habitats. While these locations are likely limited in extent individually, collectively they may serve as source populations for larger connected systems. In such cases, these source populations may provide additional conservation potential through biotic resistance.
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FWS: Pyramid Lake Fishery Evaluation to evaluate Lahontan cutthroat trout performance and identify limiting factors for the native fish community
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December 2019
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Pyramid Lake, Nevada is one of the last remaining strongholds for lacustrine Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi; LCT); almost all other large lake populations have undergone population declines or extirpation as a result of habitat degradation, over-harvest, and water diversions, all compunded by the stocking of non-native species. In 2015, we completed a comprehensive research project driven by critical uncertainties surrounding the performance of the fishery and stocked LCT across space and time, the role of exotic Sacramento perch (Archioplites interruptus), the potential for native forage fish recovery, and the link between fish performance and lake productivity and carrying capacity. The goals of this latter body of work were to analyze and synthesize all available data possible (primarily available LCT mark-recapture, creel, and stocking data), including any new data for recent years, to estimate critical performance and vital rates for LCT including but not limited to those outlined below as tasks. Projct partners include: Utah State University (USU), Pyramid Lake Fisheries (PLF, the Tribe), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The overall goal of this part of our multi-year study is to provide a draft framework for adaptive management of the fishery and ecosystem of Pyramid Lake
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Pyramid Lake, Nevada is one of the last remaining strongholds for lacustrine Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi; LCT); almost all other large lake populations have undergone population declines or extirpation as a result of habitat degradation, over-harvest, and water diversions, all compunded by the stocking of non-native species. In 2015, we completed a comprehensive research project driven by critical uncertainties surrounding the performance of the fishery and stocked LCT across space and time, the role of exotic Sacramento perch (Archioplites interruptus), the potential for native forage fish recovery, and the link between fish performance and lake productivity and carrying capacity. The goals of this latter body of work were to analyze and synthesize all available data possible (primarily available LCT mark-recapture, creel, and stocking data), including any new data for recent years, to estimate critical performance and vital rates for LCT including but not limited to those outlined below as tasks. Projct partners include: Utah State University (USU), Pyramid Lake Fisheries (PLF, the Tribe), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The overall goal of this part of our multi-year study is to provide a draft framework for adaptive management of the fishery and ecosystem of Pyramid Lake
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Of Pools and People: Small natural features with large ecosystem functions in urbanizing landscapes (Collaborators: A.Calhoun, M.Hunter, K. Bell, M. Kinnison, C. Loftin, K. Capps, D. Bauer, E. Nelson)
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December 2019
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The value of natural landscape features is not necessarily reflective in their size, and some small features play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity or providing ecosystem services. Conserving these features and the functions they provide while developing tools that help reconcile property rights and rules of environmental protection across scales and jurisdictions provides novel opportunities for resource management. Seasonally inundated wetlands (vernal pools) are a model system to study the dynamics of small natural feature management. This project is a collaboration of the University of Maine, US Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clark University, and Bowdoin College. This project brings together a team of ecologists and economists from multiple sub-disciplines and institutions to explore the biophysical and socioeconomic components of one type of small natural feature, vernal pools, as a coupled-systems model for management of these features; improve strategies for conserving vernal pools and other small natural features with large significance; and create novel and cutting-edge research, training, and educational experiences.
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The value of natural landscape features is not necessarily reflective in their size, and some small features play a significant role in maintaining biodiversity or providing ecosystem services. Conserving these features and the functions they provide while developing tools that help reconcile property rights and rules of environmental protection across scales and jurisdictions provides novel opportunities for resource management. Seasonally inundated wetlands (vernal pools) are a model system to study the dynamics of small natural feature management. This project is a collaboration of the University of Maine, US Geological Survey Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clark University, and Bowdoin College. This project brings together a team of ecologists and economists from multiple sub-disciplines and institutions to explore the biophysical and socioeconomic components of one type of small natural feature, vernal pools, as a coupled-systems model for management of these features; improve strategies for conserving vernal pools and other small natural features with large significance; and create novel and cutting-edge research, training, and educational experiences.
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Occurrence and variation in submersed aquatic vegetation along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico
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August 2020
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Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities are highly productive ecosystems that provide significant ecological benefits within coastal areas, including support for many important species of fish and wildlife. Despite their critical importance, and loss globally, we lack consistent baseline data on SAV resources across the coastal salinity gradient. This project will provide data on the occurrence and abundance of SAV resources (e.g., coverage, composition, seed resources) within the northern Gulf of Mexico, quantitatively assess environmental factors affecting its spatial and temporal variation and develop a conceptual model of factors influencing SAV resources. These data are critical in identifying empirical relationships between SAV resources and environmental variables, and will enable predictive modeling of SAV resources under different scenarios of landscape and climate change.
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Submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities are highly productive ecosystems that provide significant ecological benefits within coastal areas, including support for many important species of fish and wildlife. Despite their critical importance, and loss globally, we lack consistent baseline data on SAV resources across the coastal salinity gradient. This project will provide data on the occurrence and abundance of SAV resources (e.g., coverage, composition, seed resources) within the northern Gulf of Mexico, quantitatively assess environmental factors affecting its spatial and temporal variation and develop a conceptual model of factors influencing SAV resources. These data are critical in identifying empirical relationships between SAV resources and environmental variables, and will enable predictive modeling of SAV resources under different scenarios of landscape and climate change. This work will contribute to the refinement of existing models of ecosystem change and directly benefit efforts of the Gulf Coast Joint Venture (GCJV), Gulf Coast Prairies (GCP) Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC), and Gulf Coastal Plains and Ozarks (GCPO) LCC in forecasting the effects of these changes on distribution, abundance, and diversity of SAV resources and the priority fish and wildlife populations that depend upon them.
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Carnivore Occupancy and Intraguild Interactions Across New York State
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March 2020
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The distribution and abundance of carnivore species can have significant impacts on ecological communities through top-down and cascading trophic effects. Several carnivore species occur in New York, and in addition to their ecological importance, they have economic and recreational value to humans as fur-bearing species. Understanding the factors that influence their spatial distribution can help managers ensure the maintenance of sustainable populations. These factors can include environmental variables that determine the suitability of habitat for a particular species or their main prey, as well as the potential for negative interspecific interactions arising from competition and intraguild predation in areas where they occur in sympatry. Occupancy models are a useful tool to determine the occurrence of species as a function of environmental covariates across the landscape, while accounting for imperfect detection. In addition, more recently developed multispecies occupancy models can elucidate the effects of interspecific interactions on species occupancy. From 2013-2015, we collaborated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to conduct a non-invasive survey across western portions of New York. Results from the fisher survey resulted in the opening of conservative trapping seasons (6 days) in new wildlife management units (WMU) previously closed to trapping, based on a minimum threshold predicted occupancy level of 0.41. We are using the same fisher detection data, along with additional data on bobcats, coyotes, and red foxes in multispecies occupancy models to explore hypotheses regarding interspecific interactions and environmental correlates in determining species occupancy. These studies demonstrate the efficiency and value of large-scale camera-trapping surveys, which can detect multiple species at once. Both single-species and multispecies occupancy models can provide managers with useful information that can be used to guide decisions on harvest, conservation of habitat, and population management.
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We will estimate density of American marten and develop
occupancy models for a suite of carnivore species (marten, fisher, bobcat, coyote, red fox) in New York. The project will
involve 1) Marten Density Estimation: estimate density and
landscape connectivity of American marten using a spatial capture-recapture model by integrating non-invasive genetic data (collected over 4 years), live trapping data, and telemetry data (>100 individuals); 2) Co-occurrence Models: investigate
regional patterns in co-occurrence of carnivore species in New York using occupancy modeling with camera trapping data
(collected at over 700 sites in New York).
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Investigating Impacts of Winter Lake Drawdowns on Littoral Ecosystems
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December 2019
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In Massachusetts, there are about 200 small reservoirs that are drawn down in the fall and refilled in the spring as an approach to kill aquatic vegetation. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is interested in understanding the effects of these drawdowns on fish and wildlife that use the lakes. The project will begin with a literature review of the effects of lake drawdowns on fish and wildlife, and an assessment of the scope (location, timing, amount, rate, etc.) of drawdowns in Massachusetts. This will be followed by a field project assessing the impacts of drawdowns on lake fauna.
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Anthropogenic alteration of water levels in lakes is a major stressor to the ecological integrity of littoral zones, which provide critical heterogenous resources that support diverse biological communities. Annual winter drawdowns have used in Massachusetts (MA) for several decades as a macrophyte control technique, among other purposes; however, few studies have estimated impacts to littoral zone habitat and biological communities, particularly at relatively mild magnitudes (i.e., <2 m). This collaborative project with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will characterize winter drawdown hydrological regimes and estimate responses of physical habitat (macrophytes, sediment texture, coarse wood), macroinvertebrate assemblages, and mussel assemblages to variable levels of drawdown magnitude. Results are critical for understanding the scope of drawdowns in Massachusetts and will more broadly assist agencies in evaluating lake management techniques and determining management options that minimize losses to lake ecosystem integrity.
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Deer abundance and its relationship to factors that affect forest vegetation conditions
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June 2026
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In the last decade, deer densities were reduced in many Wildlife Management Units (WMU) in Pennsylvania. These decisions to reduce deer densities were based on the assumption that forest conditions, especially regeneration, would improve with lower deer populations. Primarily anecdotal observations suggest forest regeneration has improved but the large-scale, quantitative Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) monitoring program has failed to provide strong evidence for changes in tree regeneration. Consequently, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has developed a decision model for deer harvest allocations based on deer browsing impact as measured by the FIA in addition to estimates of tree seedling density.<br><br>The ability to explain the lack of change in tree regeneration despite deer population reductions is critical to the credibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s deer management program. In recent years, deer population reductions have caused the deer program to be sued by a sportsmen's group and audited by the legislature. Additionally, the application of the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) on state forest lands has been questioned because DMAP has been used by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry (BOF) to attempt to reduce the effect of deer browsing on forest vegetation.<br><br>The PGC needs a better understanding of how the deer browsing impact measure is related to deer densities and whether this measure is valuable for making deer harvest decisions. Similarly, the BOF needs to better understand how the application of the DMAP affects deer harvest and hunter behavior. Both agencies require a better understanding of how vegetation responds to changes in deer density in the context of existing monitoring programs and management activities.<br><br>This research proposes to stabilize deer populations at different densities on four study areas and quantify changes in vegetation with respect to other forest conditions (seed production, advanced tree regeneration, etc.) and management actions (e.g., herbicide to remove competing vegetation).
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The forests of Pennsylvania have problems with tree regeneration and a lack of diversity in understory plant species. White-tailed deer herbivory has been identified as one problem source. However, other factors such as insect outbreaks, acid deposition, competitive effects among plant species, and lack of fire have been identified as other potential causes. Deer populations were reduced by about 23% during 2002-2005 yet problems with forest plant diversity remains. An important question is whether deer populations require further reduction or other factors may be playing an important role in affecting forested ecosystems.This study is a collaboration of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and the USGS Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at The Pennsylvania State University.In this study we are monitoring changes in deer density and the response in forest understory vegetation. In addition, we are conducting experiments to study the relative importance of liming and using herbicide to reduce interspecific plant competition. The results of this research will inform the Pennsylvania Game Commission on how their habitat metrics used to make deer harvest recommendations respond to changes in deer density. In addition, this study will help the Bureau of Forestry refine their monitoring program on state forest lands used to make deer management decisions.
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Wyoming Range Native Fish and Energy Development
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June 2021
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The rapid expansion of natural gas development has raised concerns about potential effects of energy development for fish and wildlife. An understanding of the effects of oil and natural gas development is required to balance the expansion of development with the protection of natural areas. In collaboration with the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative we are addressing the effects of oil and natural gas development for native fish communities. Our research provides insight into the responses of fish populations and the potential mechanisms underlying the effects. These results can be used to develop monitoring and mitigation strategies for fish most at risk from oil and gas development.
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The rapid expansion of natural gas development has raised concerns about potential effects of energy development for fish and wildlife. An understanding of the effects of oil and natural gas development is required to balance the expansion of development with the protection of natural areas. In collaboration with the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative we are addressing the effects of oil and natural gas development for native fish communities. Our research provides insight into the responses of fish populations and the potential mechanisms underlying the effects. These results can be used to develop monitoring and mitigation strategies for fish most at risk from oil and gas development.
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Wyoming Migration Initiative
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December 2023
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Wyoming's ungulate migrations, like the vast landscapes on which they occur, are a vital part of the state's cultural heritage. But corridors are facing new and ongoing threats, and their conservation is constrained by a still-incomplete understanding of migration ecology and by misconceptions among public stakeholders. In 2012, we created the Wyoming Migration Initiative (WMI) to enhance our research program, translate our research into actionable conservation tools, and expand our education and outreach to public and agency cooperators. The WMI has a broad goal of understanding and conserving ungulate migration routes through 1) migration research, 2) the development of conservation tools, 3) and public outreach and education. We conduct this work in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in addition to a wide variety of other state and federal partners and conservation groups. Current research is focused on mapping undocumented corridors and studying the benefits and challenges of long-distance migration. Our work on conservation tools focuses on creating a powerful archive of corridor data that can guide on-the-ground conservation and policy. Our outreach and education programs continue to tell the story of migration to a broad audience, focusing on "live" tracking of migrations, compelling new videos, storytelling, and resources for K-12 instructors.
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Wyoming's ungulate migrations, like the vast landscapes on which they occur, are a vital part of the state's cultural heritage. But corridors are facing new and ongoing threats, and their conservation is constrained by a still-incomplete understanding of migration ecology and by misconceptions among public stakeholders. In 2012, we created the Wyoming Migration Initiative (WMI) to enhance our research program, translate our research into actionable conservation tools, and expand our education and outreach to public and agency cooperators. The WMI has a broad goal of understanding and conserving ungulate migration routes through 1) migration research, 2) the development of conservation tools, 3) and public outreach and education. We conduct this work in collaboration with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in addition to a wide variety of other state and federal partners and conservation groups. Current research is focused on mapping undocumented corridors and studying the benefits and challenges of long-distance migration. Our work on conservation tools focuses on creating a powerful archive of corridor data that can guide on-the-ground conservation and policy. Our outreach and education programs continue to tell the story of migration to a broad audience, focusing on "live" tracking of migrations, compelling new videos, storytelling, and resources for K-12 instructors.
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Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project
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December 2019
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The overall goal of this research project is to address important research and management needs indentified by the Mule Deer Working Group in the MDI and WRMDI. Overall, we seek to investigate the nutritional relationships between mule deer population dynamics, energy development and disturbance, habitat conditions, and climate to provide a mechanistic approach to monitoring and management of mule deer.
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Identifying Migratory Routes and Wintering Grounds of Burrowing Owls throughout North America
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September 2024
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Project Synopsis:<br>We propose to attach “Geolocators” to 200 burrowing owls on numerous DoD installations throughout the western U.S. to identify their migratory routes and wintering grounds. This information will improve management for an At-Risk species that breeds on many DoD installations in the west. This is the first year of a 3-year project and one that builds upon a past Legacy project to address a critical need that was identified at a recent DoD-sponsored workshop in Oregon. The project represents a large collaborative partnership among 17 organizations including working closely with the Canadian Department of Defense and the Canadian Wildlife Service on this project. The use of this exciting new technology on this declining species will undoubtedly generate substantial positive media coverage that will benefit DoD and the Legacy program. The results will identify priority management needs for this declining species and help reduce conflict with the military mission on DoD installations.<br><br>Benefits to the DoD:<br>The project will benefit the DoD in general and also the 6 (or more) participating DoD installations throughout the western U.S. by providing explicit detailed information on the migratory timing, migratory routes, and wintering locations of burrowing owls that breed on DoD lands. This information is an important benefit, because without this knowledge, DoD will likely be expected to assume more and more of the management responsibility (or blame) for ensuring the persistence of burrowing owls in the U.S. as populations continue to decline. Without any knowledge of where owls on DoD installations migrate and overwinter, the only entity that can be made responsible for burrowing owls breeding on installations is DoD. Hence, greater knowledge of where “DoD owls” go during the migratory and wintering seasons will help spread the responsibility among the appropriate agencies, landowners, and countries. The project will also benefit the DoD because identifying the routes that burrowing owls take as they leave from (and return to) each participating installation during the spring and fall migratory seasons will help DoD personnel develop plans to minimize BASH problems. Knowing the migratory routes (and timing) that owls take as they leave the base each fall and return each spring will help guide practical decisions such as where NOT to install artificial burrows relative to runways (to avoid bird strikes). This knowledge will also help identify problems related to towers that are causing unnecessary mortality during migratory movements. And identifying the specific migratory corridors/routes will allow military commanders greater flexibility in using DoD lands that are outside of these corridors. The results may also help prevent burrowing owls from being listed as threatened or endangered by state and federal agencies in the U.S. Burrowing owls are already listed as federally endangered in Canada, and are listed as state endangered in several U.S. states. They have been petitioned for listing in several other U.S. states in recent years. Identifying migratory patterns and potential causes of decline on the wintering grounds will allow us to potentially reverse declines sooner and thereby prevent this species from being listed federally in the U.S. The results of this project will also identify critical areas along important migratory routes that need to be preserved and thereby identify key areas to target for habitat protection and restoration efforts. Finally, the project will benefit the DoD because it will help further identify DoD as a leader in the conservation of burrowing owls. As populations decline and more aggressive conservation measures are taken to ensure burrowing owl persistence, regulatory agencies will be able to see that DoD was funding projects to help conserve this high-profile species from the outset. Use of this exciting, new technology (Geolocators) to identify migratory patterns and wintering areas of a high-profile species-at-risk will undoubtedly generate substantial media interest. Indeed, we have already been contacted by the National Geographic Society who learned about our plans and want to help fund the project so that they can highlight it in their media outlets. The DoD and the Legacy program would benefit from such positive media coverage and would be identified as the leader of this effort. This project is a good example of integrating the goals of DoD's Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans (INRMPs) with those of the State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) because burrowing owls are listed in INRMPs on many installations in the western U.S. and in the SWAPs of many western states. Moreover, most regional management planning efforts in the western U.S. (e.g., multi-species conservation plans such as the Sonoran Desert Ecosystem Initiative) include burrowing owl as a focal species. The proposed effort will undoubtedly be viewed as a crosscutting project using cutting-edge technology with partners in 3 countries to identify migratory pathways and wintering grounds of a high-profile species of international conservation concern. Burrowing owls appear to be changing their migratory behavior in response to global change (Macias-Duarte 2011); this project will provide the piece of the puzzle currently missing (exact wintering locations) that would allow us to fully evaluate the extent of those changes. DoD would benefit from participating as a leader in this national and international conservation initiative on burrowing owls, and would help ensure that DoD interests are given proper consideration in future conservation plans. This project will be run through the Desert Southwest Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit (DSCESU). Hence, the project will further demonstrate DoD’s commitment to the CESU program and will help encourage additional partners to contribute to the project.
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Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) were once a common breeder in grasslands throughout North America but are now listed as a Species of National Conservation Concern in the U.S. Despite population declines, burrowing owls are present on many DoD installations throughout the western U.S. This project will identify wintering grounds and migratory routes of burrowing owls nesting on DoD lands through the use of geolocators. The project represents a large collaborative partnership among 17 organizations including USGS, DoD, the Canadian Department of Defense, and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Identifying migratory routes and wintering grounds for burrowing owls that breed on DoD installations will help determine shared management responsibility and allow for the development of the most cost-effective management plans for recovery. The results will identify priority management needs for this declining species and help reduce conflict with the military mission on DoD installations.
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Effectiveness of Forest Restoration Treatments on Demography of a Federally Listed Ground Squirrel
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February 2025
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Fire suppression over the past century has caused widespread changes to the structure and function of coniferous forests in the western U.S. Forest restoration efforts to reverse these changes must ensure that restoration prescriptions will not adversely impact federally listed species. Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels are federally threatened and have a very small range in central Idaho. We are comparing the effects of 2 forest treatments on Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels : 1) mechanical thinning followed by a fall-season burn (past prescription used by USFS); and 2) no treatment (control). We are using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design with field sampling >5 years prior to treatment and for >4 years post-treatment. The project is a collaboration between USGS Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The results will help determine whether thinning and fire treatments can be used to improve habitat suitability for Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels.
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Fire suppression over the past century has caused widespread changes to the structure and function of coniferous forests in the western U.S. Forest restoration efforts to reverse these changes must ensure that restoration prescriptions will not adversely impact federally listed species. Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels are federally threatened and have a very small range in central Idaho. We are comparing the effects of 2 forest treatments on Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels : 1) mechanical thinning followed by a fall-season burn (past prescription used by USFS); and 2) no treatment (control). We are using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design with field sampling >5 years prior to treatment and for >4 years post-treatment. The project is a collaboration between USGS Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The results will help determine whether thinning and fire treatments can be used to improve habitat suitability for Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels.
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Assessing the Importance of Wetlands on DoD Installations for the Persistence of Wetland-dependent Birds
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December 2019
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This project will develop detailed habitat models for rare and endangered wetland birds. We will then use the models to rank the importance of over 600 DoD installations to wetland birds and conduct wetland bird surveys on a random subset of DoD installations to verify the models and provide estimates of abundance for these rare species. We will also rank non-DoD wetlands that are within the breeding range of the numerous state and federally endangered wetland birds to document the value of DoD wetlands to the preservation of these species. The project will contribute to a large partnership of agencies and organizations in North America that are conducting marsh bird surveys following a standardized protocol written by the project POC. The project will produce a first-of-its-kind inventory of the biological value of wetlands on DoD lands, detailed habitat models for each species (which are not currently available), and baseline survey data of secretive marsh birds at a large subset of DoD installations.
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This project will develop detailed habitat models for rare and endangered wetland birds. We will then use the models to rank the importance of over 600 DoD installations to wetland birds and conduct wetland bird surveys on a random subset of DoD installations to verify the models and provide estimates of abundance for these rare species. We will also rank non-DoD wetlands that are within the breeding range of the numerous state and federally endangered wetland birds to document the value of DoD wetlands to the preservation of these species. The project will contribute to a large partnership of agencies and organizations in North America that are conducting marsh bird surveys following a standardized protocol written by the project POC. The project will produce a first-of-its-kind inventory of the biological value of wetlands on DoD lands, detailed habitat models for each species (which are not currently available), and baseline survey data of secretive marsh birds at a large subset of DoD installations.
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Impacts of Surface Water Supply Reservoirs on Stream Flow and Biota
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June 2024
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In 2010, the Massachusetts Sustainable Water Management Initiative (SWMI) was created to develop a water allocation program that satisfies human water needs while protecting aquatic ecosystem health. The current framework includes a safe yield approach to allocation, biological categorization of streams using fish communities as a surrogate for aquatic integrity, and streamflow criteria (http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/eea/water/framework-draft-feb03-2012.pdf). The approach for setting streamflow standards was based on estimates of flow alteration indicators (based on groundwater withdrawals and discharges), and relationships between estimated flow alteration and fluvial fish assemblages. Although the SWMI process is continuing with existing data, researchers identified the lack of information about flow alteration due to surface water withdrawals from reservoirs as a major information gap. <br><br>The overall goal of this research is to quantify flow alteration due to surface water withdrawals from reservoirs and the relationship between in-stream flow and biotic assemblages downstream of water supply reservoirs. This project involves collecting stream stage, fishes, and macroinvertebrates downstream of water supply reservoirs, and comparing that to non-supply reservoirs and unimpounded streams. We will select streams with similar size watersheds, but varying levels of water withdrawal. Streams will be continuously gaged with pressure transducers, and we will compare actual flows with the monthly withdrawals reported by the water suppliers. We will also investigate relationships between flow and temperature alteration, fish assemblages, and macroinvertebrate assemblages to determine the aspects of the flow and temperature regime that predict biotic assemblages.
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Surface water reservoirs used for public water supply are common throughout the landscape and can greatly disrupt stream flow regimes. Predicting effects of water withdrawals on downstream flows and aquatic ecosystems is particularly challenging due to variation in withdrawal and dam management and characteristics of the watershed, reservoir, and streams. This project is a collaboration with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Our hydrologic monitoring in streams will help to understand variability in flow alteration and directly link hydrology to biotic responses, which is critical for making decisions on how to manage water supply while protecting stream ecosystems.
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Landscape-scale management of forest wildlife populations in Wisconsin
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July 2024
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Conservation of species has shifted from single site efforts to landscape-scale approaches due to the scale at which forest management operates. US Forest Service national forest managers conduct monitoring activities on populations according to the Forest Plan but lack time and expertise to analyze the data to help inform their management actions. The project is a collaboration of researchers and managers across multiple agencies and includes the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Forest Service Northern Research Station, and managers from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The project will evaluate several long-term wildlife monitoring programs to provide science-based information to support inventory and monitoring efforts that contribute to the management of ecosystems and activities on the national forests in Wisconsin.
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Conservation of species has shifted from single site efforts to landscape-scale approaches due to the scale at which forest management operates. US Forest Service national forest managers conduct monitoring activities on populations according to the Forest Plan but lack time and expertise to analyze the data to help inform their management actions. The project is a collaboration of researchers and managers across multiple agencies and includes the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Forest Service Northern Research Station, and managers from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The project will evaluate several long-term wildlife monitoring programs to provide science-based information to support inventory and monitoring efforts that contribute to the management of ecosystems and activities on the national forests in Wisconsin.
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Landscape-scale management of grassland birds in Wisconsin
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April 2022
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It is widely recognized that grassland obligate birds are declining faster than any other bird community in the Upper Midwest. Recently, conservation delivery has changed from focusing on individual sites at the local scale to focusing on landscape-scale conservation areas. This project is a collaboration across the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and state natural resource managers in the Midwest. State-level densities will be estimated for a suite of grassland birds in the Midwest and then used to evaluate the importance of current landscape-scale conservation areas in Wisconsin for grassland bird populations.
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It is widely recognized that grassland obligate birds are declining faster than any other bird community in the Upper Midwest. Recently, conservation delivery has changed from focusing on individual sites at the local scale to focusing on landscape-scale conservation areas. This project is a collaboration across the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and state natural resource managers in the Midwest. State-level densities will be estimated for a suite of grassland birds in the Midwest and then used to evaluate the importance of current landscape-scale conservation areas in Wisconsin for grassland bird populations.
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Eastern Brown Pelicans: Dispersal, Seasonal Movements and Monitoring of PAHs and Contaminants in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
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November 2019
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The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains a high density of oil and gas infrastructure and coastal development. It also has a rich assemblage of nearshore and pelagic seabirds. The region is of year-round importance to seabirds, including local breeding populations and breeders from distant locations that occur within the Gulf throughout the year. Because of its distribution patterns, behavior, and known sensitivity to chemical and oil contaminants exposure, the Brown Pelican (<i>Pelecanus occidentalis</i>) is a good indicator of species-level impacts from interactions with coastal and marine development. The species is widespread throughout the northern GOM and common during all phases of the annual cycle. Despite the species’ long history as a focus for conservation and restoration efforts, much of the information required to understand pelican population dynamics and habitat requirements (i.e<i>.,</i> adult and fledgling mortality, dispersal, site fidelity, diet composition, foraging behavior, migration patterns, and nonbreeding habitat use) remains unknown or is poorly understood.<br><br>In this study, we used several unique research avenues to address questions regarding movement, habitat use, physiology, and reproductive ecology of brown pelicans. Our research encompassed six principal objectives: (1) assessing reproductive ecology; (2) assessing baseline habitat use by the species in this region, particularly individual and regional variability; (3) assessing baseline health and exposure to contaminants in this region, particularly individual and regional variability; (4) predicting overlap of pelicans with anthropogenic risk factors; (5) understanding pathways by which changes to adult movement patterns might influence reproductive ecology and how to best measure such effects in wild populations; and (6) assessing movement ecology in the context of interactions with key prey resources.
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The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains a high density of oil and gas infrastructure and coastal development. The region is also of year-round importance to seabirds, including local breeding populations and breeders from distant locations that occur within the Gulf throughout the year. A species of high conservation concern in the region is the Brown Pelican. Despite the species’ long history as a focus for conservation and restoration efforts, much of the information required to understand pelican population dynamics, habitat requirements, or responses to environmental stress remains unknown or is poorly understood. This project relied on collaboration with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Program, state agencies (TX, LA, AL, and FL), and NGO partners to conduct the most spatially extensive research on Brown Pelicans nesting and movement ecology. Results from the research are informing restoration activities in the Gulf (e.g., <a href="https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/2020/02/queen-bess-island-restored-time-nesting-season">https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/2020/02/queen-bess-island-restored-time-nesting-season</a>) and have played a major role in the development of guidelines for the development of long-term monitoring plans for seabirds in the region (https://gomamn.org/strategic-bird-monitoring-guidelines). Results are also used by agency partners for the development of spill response plans, assessment activities, and marine spatial planning.
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The social-ecology of an intensively managed ecosystem: pheasants and pheasant hunters in Southwest Nebraska
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December 2019
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Ring–necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are a culturally and economically important game species. Across the Midwest agroecosystems have historically served as important habitat for pheasants, but the intensification of agricultural has significantly altered the landscape resulting in a long–term decline in pheasant populations. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has helped to mitigate habitat loss and slow the rate of population decline, but enrollment in CRP is declining. Given the importance of pheasants to Nebraska, managers are interested in developing programs that will continue to support pheasant populations while ensuring hunting opportunities.
In southwest Nebraska, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission intensively manages for pheasant habitat and pheasant hunting opportunities with the goal of producing the best pheasant hunting experience for the most hunters. Starting in 2012 we began working with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to monitor pheasants and pheasant hunters in the region to better understand how pheasants use managed agroecosystems, how hunters perceive and use public access, and how pheasants and pheasant hunters interact.
Since the start of the project we have captured and radio collared hundreds of pheasants and recorded thousands of locations on where pheasants are roosting, eating, loafing and nesting. At these locations we have collected information on vegetation characteristics, climatic conditions, and food resources to understand the ecological needs of pheasants. To understand changing population dynamics, we monitor the survival of pheasants throughout the year and each spring we monitor 20–70 nests collecting information on reproductive investment and success. We also monitor seasonal movements of pheasants and responses to management and regulations such as the opening of the hunting season or wheat stubble management. In addition to monitoring pheasants we are collecting information on hunter movements and harvest to understand how hunters interact with pheasants in the field.
The findings from this study are helping us to understand the complex dynamics between how uncontrollable factors such as weather interact with habitat and harvest management to affect pheasant population dynamics in an intensively managed ecosystem.
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Ring–necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are a culturally and economically important game species. Across the Midwest agroecosystems have historically served as important habitat for pheasants, but the intensification of agricultural has significantly altered the landscape resulting in a long–term decline in pheasant populations. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has helped to mitigate habitat loss and slow the rate of population decline, but enrollment in CRP is declining. Given the importance of pheasants to Nebraska, managers are interested in developing programs that will continue to support pheasant populations while ensuring hunting opportunities.
In southwest Nebraska, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission intensively manages for pheasant habitat and pheasant hunting opportunities with the goal of producing the best pheasant hunting experience for the most hunters. Starting in 2012 we began working with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to monitor pheasants and pheasant hunters in the region to better understand how pheasants use managed agroecosystems, how hunters perceive and use public access, and how pheasants and pheasant hunters interact.
Since the start of the project we have captured and radio collared hundreds of pheasants and recorded thousands of locations on where pheasants are roosting, eating, loafing and nesting. At these locations we have collected information on vegetation characteristics, climatic conditions, and food resources to understand the ecological needs of pheasants. To understand changing population dynamics, we monitor the survival of pheasants throughout the year and each spring we monitor 20–70 nests collecting information on reproductive investment and success. We also monitor seasonal movements of pheasants and responses to management and regulations such as the opening of the hunting season or wheat stubble management. In addition to monitoring pheasants we are collecting information on hunter movements and harvest to understand how hunters interact with pheasants in the field.
The findings from this study are helping us to understand the complex dynamics between how uncontrollable factors such as weather interact with habitat and harvest management to affect pheasant population dynamics in an intensively managed ecosystem.
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The demography of Northern Spotted Owls in Oregon and Washington
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June 2024
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The Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, primarily because of the loss of old growth forest habitat due to timber harvest. The Northwest Forest Plan was developed in the mid-1990's to conserve the owl and other old growth species, while allowing greatly reduced levels of commercial timber harvest on federal land. The Plan required the implementation of a regional effectiveness monitoring program for the spotted owl. This research project collects and analyzes data from 5 of the 7 spotted owl effectiveness monitoring program study areas across the owl's range. Data from this work is used to regularly evaluate population trends of spotted owls, as well as increase our understanding of owl ecology, including dispersal, diet, nest site selection, behavior, genetics, and response to a recent, congeneric invader, the Barred Owl (Strix varia).
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The Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, primarily because of the loss of old growth forest habitat due to timber harvest. The Northwest Forest Plan was developed in the mid-1990's to conserve the owl and other old growth species, while allowing greatly reduced levels of commercial timber harvest on federal land. The Plan required the implementation of a regional effectiveness monitoring program for the spotted owl. In collaboration with USDA FS - PNW, this research project collects and analyzes data from 5 of the 7 spotted owl effectiveness monitoring program study areas across the owl's range. Data from this work is used to regularly evaluate population trends of spotted owls, as well as increase our understanding of owl ecology, including dispersal, diet, nest site selection, behavior, genetics, and response to a recent, congeneric invader, the Barred Owl (Strix varia).
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Long-term meta-population demographics of Adélie penguins on Ross island, Antarctica
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September 2025
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The Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is a sea-ice obligate species so ocean habitats in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica are crucial during all stages of the species annual cycle. Changes in wind, temperature, and associated sea ice patterns in some of the more northern regions of the species range in are causing reductions in the size and distribution of Adélie penguin breeding colonies. In collaboration with Point Blue Conservation Science and HT Harvey and Associates, this NSF-funded study is designed to investigate the effects of environmental variation on vital rates and population size for Adélie penguins at 3 colonies within a metapopulation in the Southern Ross Sea. The core of our research is a long-term data set (24th season in 2019) on individually marked, known-age, known-breeding history penguins at these 3 colonies. With these data we can estimate population-level vital rates that produce population change, and attempt to understand the ecological factors that affect these vital rates. The southern Ross Sea has experienced a much smaller human footprint than other regions on the planet, so this project provides a unique and invaluable opportunity to disentangle climate change effects from anthropogenic influences for a species sensitive to predicted environmental changes.
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The Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) is a sea-ice obligate species so ocean habitats in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica are crucial during all stages of the species annual cycle. Changes in wind, temperature, and associated sea ice patterns in some of the more northern regions of the species range in are causing reductions in the size and distribution of Adélie penguin breeding colonies. In collaboration with Point Blue Conservation Science and HT Harvey and Associates, this NSF-funded study is designed to investigate the effects of environmental variation on vital rates and population size for Adélie penguins at 3 colonies within a metapopulation in the Southern Ross Sea. The core of our research is a long-term data set (24th season in 2019) on individually marked, known-age, known-breeding history penguins at these 3 colonies. With these data we can estimate population-level vital rates that produce population change, and attempt to understand the ecological factors that affect these vital rates. The southern Ross Sea has experienced a much smaller human footprint than other regions on the planet, so this project provides a unique and invaluable opportunity to disentangle climate change effects from anthropogenic influences for a species sensitive to predicted environmental changes.
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Understanding downstream migratory survival of Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River Maine; effects of dams and restoration
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September 2020
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The downstream migration of Atlantic salmon juveniles is a critical stage in their life cycle. During this stage, individuals undergo a series of morphological, physiological and behavioral changes that prepare them for the migration and for life at sea. Survival of juveniles in the Penobscot River has been studied since 2005, using acoustic and radio telemetry. Several areas of high concern, have been recognized - namely dams and the estuary. The system-wide survival of smolts in the Penobscot River has been consistently low throughout the years, but the influence of stocking timing, flow and delays are being revealed. Together with NOAA, USFWS, Penobscot Nation, we are working to understand how the range of conditions in the river can influence the odds of restoration success. These data are being used to inform both stocking strategies and stimulate innovative restoration techniques.
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The downstream migration of Atlantic salmon juveniles is a critical stage in their life cycle. During this stage, individuals undergo a series of morphological, physiological and behavioral changes that prepare them for the migration and for life at sea. Survival of juveniles in the Penobscot River has been studied since 2005, using acoustic and radio telemetry. Several areas of high concern, have been recognized - namely dams and the estuary. The system-wide survival of smolts in the Penobscot River has been consistently low throughout the years, but the influence of stocking timing, flow and delays are being revealed. Together with NOAA, USFWS, Penobscot Nation, we are working to understand how the range of conditions in the river can influence the odds of restoration success. These data are being used to inform both stocking strategies and stimulate innovative restoration techniques.
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Passage of adult Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot River before and after dam removal
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January 2022
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The Penobscot River has experienced two main-stem dam removals and other engineering changes, including the installation of a fish lift at Milford Dam (the lowest dam in the system) with hopes of restoring Atlantic salmon. Efforts to restore these federally endangered fish will rely on safe and effective fish passage. We sought to use acoustic, radio telemetry and PIT tag technology are being used to characterize migration patterns and passage efficiency of adult Atlantic salmon. This work in the Penobscot River, Maine, necessitating effective collaboration with USFWS, NOAA, Penobsot Nation, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Brookfield Power, TNC and the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. Characterizing migration patterns and passage efficiency in the Penobscot River, Maine can inform restoration strategies into the future.
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The Penobscot River has experienced two main-stem dam removals and other engineering changes, including the installation of a fish lift at Milford Dam (the lowest dam in the system) with hopes of restoring Atlantic salmon. Efforts to restore these federally endangered fish will rely on safe and effective fish passage. We sought to use acoustic, radio telemetry and PIT tag technology are being used to characterize migration patterns and passage efficiency of adult Atlantic salmon. This work in the Penobscot River, Maine, necessitating effective collaboration with USFWS, NOAA, Penobsot Nation, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Brookfield Power, TNC and the Penobscot River Restoration Trust. Characterizing migration patterns and passage efficiency in the Penobscot River, Maine can inform restoration strategies into the future.
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Web-Accessible Database of Standard Fish Sampling Data
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December 2024
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In 2009, the American Fisheries Society developed standard methods to sample freshwater fish populations, publishing them in the book <i>Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes</i>. The Arizona Unit leader was project lead, which involved over 280 biologists from the United States, Canada and Mexico from over 100 agencies, organization, and universities. This project was supported in part through partnership with the USGS Cooperative Research Units System, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and eight other agency and private partners. In 2019, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the American Fisheries Society funded a second edition of the book. The 2009 book’s final chapter included summaries of growth, condition, length frequency, and catch per unit effort for fifteen of the most common North American fishes; averaged by ecoregion and rangewide and collected using standard gears. Protection and management of freshwater fishes was enhanced by these data which provided managers with baselines for examination of population trends, population health and other indicators. However, further work was needed – these data were inconvenient to access and use. Therefore, we developed a website and database that accompanied Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes. This website (1) has an online expandable database of standard sampling data for comparison, (2) provides an overview of the standard sampling project, and (3) serves as a repository of comments on the published standard sampling procedures, and (4) uses the PHP-based Drupal framework to make it relatively easy to modify the web application to meet initial application needs and the needs that arise as users test and interact with the system.<br>The initial database (1) provided on-line summaries of 4,092 data sets of condition, length-frequency, CPUE and growth indices of common freshwater fishes, collected using standard gears, from 42 states and provinces across North America, (2) allowed entry of new data collected using standardized methods, so averages of commonly-used fishery indices can be updated in the future, (3) allowed queries, graphical, and tabular output of the data summaries so they can be easily accessed and integrated into projects across North America. Users are able to compare condition, growth and abundance of fish collected in a particular waterbody with regional and rangewide averages and percentiles, thus increasing resource information in a variety of areas. Generated broad-scale knowledge is useful in the enhancement of fish habitat and populations on both public and private lands. This database served as a small demonstration project by USGS, the USGS Cooperative Research Units and other sponsors, and helped demonstrate the usefulness of other larger efforts to provide continental fisheries data. Now the database tool is being updated through support from AFWA, the University of Arizona and the American Fisheries Society. The update will provide the user with more species to compare, significantly more data, and improved function, with the ability to perform summaries by U.S. state and Canadian province. Programming on the database is currently underway. This data tool is being updated in conjunction with the development of the 2nd edition of <i>Standard Sampling of North American Freshwater Fishes.</i>
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In 2009, the American Fisheries Society developed standard methods to sample freshwater fish populations, publishing them in the book Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes. The Arizona Unit leader was project lead, which involved over 280 biologists from the United States, Canada and Mexico from over 100 agencies, organization, and universities. This project was supported in part through partnership with the USGS Cooperative Research Units System, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and eight other agency and private partners. In 2019, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) and the American Fisheries Society funded a second edition of the book. The 2009 book’s final chapter included summaries of growth, condition, length frequency, and catch per unit effort for fifteen of the most common North American fishes; averaged by ecoregion and rangewide and collected using standard gears. Protection and management of freshwater fishes was enhanced by these data which provided managers with baselines for examination of population trends, population health and other indicators. However, further work was needed – these data were inconvenient to access and use. Therefore, we developed a website and database that accompanied Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes. This website (1) has an online expandable database of standard sampling data for comparison, (2) provides an overview of the standard sampling project, and (3) serves as a repository of comments on the published standard sampling procedures, and (4) uses the PHP-based Drupal framework to make it relatively easy to modify the web application to meet initial application needs and the needs that arise as users test and interact with the system.The initial database (1) provided on-line summaries of 4,092 data sets of condition, length-frequency, CPUE and growth indices of common freshwater fishes, collected using standard gears, from 42 states and provinces across North America, (2) allowed entry of new data collected using standardized methods, so averages of commonly-used fishery indices can be updated in the future, (3) allowed queries, graphical, and tabular output of the data summaries so they can be easily accessed and integrated into projects across North America. Users are able to compare condition, growth and abundance of fish collected in a particular waterbody with regional and rangewide averages and percentiles, thus increasing resource information in a variety of areas. Generated broad-scale knowledge is useful in the enhancement of fish habitat and populations on both public and private lands. This database served as a small demonstration project by USGS, the USGS Cooperative Research Units and other sponsors, and helped demonstrate the usefulness of other larger efforts to provide continental fisheries data. Now the database tool is being updated through support from AFWA, the University of Arizona and the American Fisheries Society. The update will provide the user with more species to compare, significantly more data, and improved function. Programming on the database is currently underway. This data tool is being updated in conjunction with the development of the 2nd edition of Standard Sampling of North American Freshwater Fishes.
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Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes
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October 2023
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Standardization in industry, medicine and science has led to great advances. However, despite its benefits, freshwater fish sampling was generally unstandardized, or at most standardized locally. Standardization across large regions allows for measurement of large-scale effects of climate or geography on fish populations; larger sample sizes to evaluate management techniques, reliable means to document rare species; easier communication; and simpler data sharing. With increased interaction among fisheries professionals worldwide, reasons for wide-scale standardization were more compelling than ever. The Fish Management Section of the American Fisheries Society in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USGS Cooperative Research Units Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, AFS Education and Computer User’s Sections, and Arizona Game and Fish Department developed standard sampling methods for North America. This was the largest such project in the history of fisheries science. Almost 50 United States, Canadian and Mexican fish sampling experts authored a book on the subject. These methods were reviewed by 54 representatives from 33 North American agencies and by biologists from six European and one African country. Final drafts were reviewed by an additional 36 sampling experts. In total 284 biologists from 107 agencies and organizations contributed as authors, reviewers, data providers and sponsors. Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, was published in 2009, and described standard methods to sample fish in specific environments so population indices can be more easily compared across regions and time. Environments include ponds, reservoirs, natural lakes, streams and rivers containing cold and warmwater fishes. This book provides rangewide and regional averages; calculated from over 4000 data sets from 42 states and provinces; of size structure, CPUE, growth, and condition for common fishes collected using methods discussed. Biologists can use these data to determine if fish from their waterbody are below, above, or at average for an index. These procedures will be useful to those hoping to benefit from standard sampling programs in their regions. Since publication, these methods are being increasingly adopted across North America. Three symposiums at the North American meeting of the American Fisheries Society have been held; and numerous presentations on the techniques throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada have been given. Furthermore, keynotes have also been invited and presented in the United Kingdom, South Korea and the Czech Republic discussing the techniques. Publications concerning this work since 2016 have been published in Fisheries, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, and Freshwater, Fish and the Future: Proceedings of the Global Cross-Sectoral Conference at FAO, United Nations, Rome. Now a 2nd edition is underway with unanimous support from the Fisheries Management Section of the American Fisheries Society, and funding from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Currently design and writing of the book is underway and publication date is slated at 2021-2022.
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Standardization in industry, medicine and science has led to great advances. However, despite its benefits, freshwater fish sampling was generally unstandardized, or at most standardized locally. Standardization across large regions allows for measurement of large-scale effects of climate or geography on fish populations; larger sample sizes to evaluate management techniques, reliable means to document rare species; easier communication; and simpler data sharing. With increased interaction among fisheries professionals worldwide, reasons for wide-scale standardization were more compelling than ever. The Fish Management Section of the American Fisheries Society in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, USGS Cooperative Research Units Program, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, AFS Education and Computer User’s Sections, and Arizona Game and Fish Department developed standard sampling methods for North America. This was the largest such project in the history of fisheries science. Almost 50 United States, Canadian and Mexican fish sampling experts authored a book on the subject. These methods were reviewed by 54 representatives from 33 North American agencies and by biologists from six European and one African country. Final drafts were reviewed by an additional 36 sampling experts. In total 284 biologists from 107 agencies and organizations contributed as authors, reviewers, data providers and sponsors. Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, was published in 2009, and described standard methods to sample fish in specific environments so population indices can be more easily compared across regions and time. Environments include ponds, reservoirs, natural lakes, streams and rivers containing cold and warmwater fishes. This book provides rangewide and regional averages; calculated from over 4000 data sets from 42 states and provinces; of size structure, CPUE, growth, and condition for common fishes collected using methods discussed. Biologists can use these data to determine if fish from their waterbody are below, above, or at average for an index. These procedures will be useful to those hoping to benefit from standard sampling programs in their regions. Since publication, these methods are being increasingly adopted across North America. Three symposiums at the North American meeting of the American Fisheries Society have been held; and numerous presentations on the techniques throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada have been given. Furthermore, keynotes have also been invited and presented in the United Kingdom, South Korea and the Czech Republic discussing the techniques. Publications concerning this work since 2016 have been published in Fisheries, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, and Freshwater, Fish and the Future: Proceedings of the Global Cross-Sectoral Conference at FAO, United Nations, Rome. Now a 2nd edition is underway with unanimous support from the Fisheries Management Section of the American Fisheries Society, and funding from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Currently design and writing of the book is underway and publication date is slated at 2021-2022.
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Regeneration of Forest Vegetation in Response to Browsing by Moose and Deer: An Experimental Approach Using Exclosures
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December 2027
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In cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Harvard Forest, and several other groups, we have built 16 sets of experimental exclosures to monitor the response of forest vegetation in relation to browsing by moose and deer. Each site has two 20x20 m fenced treatments (full exclosure with fencing to the ground, and a partial exclosure with fencing two feet off the ground to allow access to deer but not moose) and an unfenced control. We have documented varying responses of woody vegetation based on treatment in the first few years of the experiment. Our goal is to see that this experiment continues for at least the next few decades.
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Moose (Alces americanus) returned to southern New England in the late 20th century after a 1-2 century absence. Moose are generalist browsers and, coupled with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), can have long-term influences on the structure and composition of forest ecosystems. We set out to understand these relationships by constructing 15 20 x 20 m exclosures in a randomized block design with 3 treatment levels: (1) no-ungulates (full exclosure), (2) deer only (partial exclosure), and (3) deer + moose (control, i.e., no fence). During the first phase of this research, we discovered that in logged forests, moose and deer used the cuts at roughly the same frequency despite moose densities being much lower than deer densities. Moose were the dominant browser and after 6–7 years of browsing, deer + moose reduced stem densities and basal area by 2-3-fold, cherry and oak recruitment by 3–6 fold, and species richness by 1.7 species (19%). Browsing resulted in greater herbaceous species richness and greater woody species richness than ungulate exclusion and deer alone. Our initial results illustrate the complex interactions that two native browser can have on forests, with implications for understanding forest ecological dynamics and timber management. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Harvard University, Highstead Foundation, and U. S. Forest Service collaborated on this research. We will continue with this long-term study through various stages of forest development. The information will be used by conservation and management agencies to further understand wildlife-forest habitat relationships and the role they play in forest ecology, animal community dynamics, watershed management, and production of timber and other forest products.
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Responses of large mammals to forest restoration treatments and wildfire in the southwest Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
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April 2025
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Decades of fire suppression, overgrazing, and logging in the western U.S. have resulted in increased tree densities, altered habitat conditions for many wildlife species, and increased risk of stand-replacing wildfires. Land managers are currently implementing landscape-scale treatments in efforts to mitigate catastrophic wildfires and to restore historical forest conditions. The goals of this project are to monitor the responses of mule deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion to forest restoration treatments and wildfires as part of the Southwest Jemez Mountains Collaborative Forest Restoration Project. Specifically, we are assessing changes in forage conditions, movements, and resource selection of mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion in relation to prescribed fires, restoration thinning, and previous wildfires. The results of this project will allow for more informed design and implementation of restoration treatments that simultaneously mitigate wildfire risk and enhance habitat conditions for mule deer, elk, black bears and mountain lions. This research is in collaboration between the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Jemez Pueblo, and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
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Decades of fire suppression, overgrazing, and logging in the western U.S. have resulted in increased tree densities, altered habitat conditions for many wildlife species, and increased risk of stand-replacing wildfires. Land managers are currently implementing landscape-scale treatments in efforts to mitigate catastrophic wildfires and to restore historical forest conditions. The goals of this project are to monitor the responses of mule deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion to forest restoration treatments and wildfires as part of the Southwest Jemez Mountains Collaborative Forest Restoration Project. Specifically, we are assessing changes in forage conditions, movements, and resource selection of mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion in relation to prescribed fires, restoration thinning, and previous wildfires. The results of this project will allow for more informed design and implementation of restoration treatments that simultaneously mitigate wildfire risk and enhance habitat conditions for mule deer, elk, black bears and mountain lions. This research is in collaboration between the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Jemez Pueblo, and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
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Using a Mechanistic Model to Develop Management Strategies to Cool Apache Trout Streams under the Threat of Climate Change
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October 2019
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User‐friendly stream temperature models populated with on‐site data may help in developing strategies to manage temperatures of individual stream reaches that are subject to climate change. We used the field‐tested Stream Segment Temperature model (U.S. Geological Survey) to simulate how altering discharge, groundwater input, channel wetted width, and shade prevents the temperatures of White Mountain, Arizona, stream reaches from exceeding the thermal tolerance of Apache Trout <i>Oncorhynchus apache</i>, both under existing conditions and under a climate change scenario. Simulations suggested increasing shade, either through streamside planting of specific numbers and species of plants or by other means, would be most effective and feasible for cooling the stream reaches we studied. Ponderosa pine <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> and Douglas fir <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i> provided the most shade followed in order by Engelman spruce <i>Picea engelmannii</i>, Bebb's willow <i>Salix bebbiana</i>, Arizona alder <i>Alnus oblongifolia</i>, and finally coyote willow <i>Salix exigua</i>. Vegetation survival depends on the appropriateness of site conditions at present and under climate change, and planting in buffer strips minimizes additional water removal from the watershed through evapotranspiration. Alternative shading options, including thick sedge growth, shade cloth, or felled woody vegetation, may be considered when environmental conditions do not support plantings. Increasing groundwater input can cool streams, but additional sources are scarce in the region. Decreasing the width‐to‐depth ratio would succeed best on reaches with widths greater than 2.0 m. Increasing discharge from upstream may lower water temperature on reaches with an initial discharge greater than 0.5 m<sup>3</sup>/s. Existing models provide suggestions to cool stream reaches. Further development of accessible software packages that incorporate evaporation, fragmentation, and other projected climate change effects into their routines will provide additional tools to help manage climate change effects. Partners include the AZGFD. Products included a thesis and a featured article in a journal.
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User‐friendly stream temperature models populated with on‐site data may help in developing strategies to manage temperatures of individual stream reaches that are subject to climate change. We used the field‐tested Stream Segment Temperature model (U.S. Geological Survey) to simulate how altering discharge, groundwater input, channel wetted width, and shade prevents the temperatures of White Mountain, Arizona, stream reaches from exceeding the thermal tolerance of Apache Trout <i>Oncorhynchus apache</i>, both under existing conditions and under a climate change scenario. Simulations suggested increasing shade, either through streamside planting of specific numbers and species of plants or by other means, would be most effective and feasible for cooling the stream reaches we studied. Ponderosa pine <i>Pinus ponderosa</i> and Douglas fir <i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i> provided the most shade followed in order by Engelman spruce <i>Picea engelmannii</i>, Bebb's willow <i>Salix bebbiana</i>, Arizona alder <i>Alnus oblongifolia</i>, and finally coyote willow <i>Salix exigua</i>. Vegetation survival depends on the appropriateness of site conditions at present and under climate change, and planting in buffer strips minimizes additional water removal from the watershed through evapotranspiration. Alternative shading options, including thick sedge growth, shade cloth, or felled woody vegetation, may be considered when environmental conditions do not support plantings. Increasing groundwater input can cool streams, but additional sources are scarce in the region. Decreasing the width‐to‐depth ratio would succeed best on reaches with widths greater than 2.0 m. Increasing discharge from upstream may lower water temperature on reaches with an initial discharge greater than 0.5 m<sup>3</sup>/s. Existing models provide suggestions to cool stream reaches. Further development of accessible software packages that incorporate evaporation, fragmentation, and other projected climate change effects into their routines will provide additional tools to help manage climate change effects. Partners include the AZGFD. Products included a thesis and a featured article in a journal.
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Grand Teton Wildlife Connectivity Modeling
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January 2027
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The importance of large, connected landscapes to achieving sustained ecological health is increasingly apparent. Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to most species facing declines and extirpations nationally and globally. The effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are exacerbated by other threats such as climate change, invasive species, disease, and over harvest. The National Park Service (NPS) requires tools and approaches to ensure protection of biodiverse areas and to facilitate daily, seasonal and life cycle movements of wildlife species both within and beyond park boundaries. This project will develop tools and approaches to inform local level management (i.e., visitor use planning, transportation planning, construction activities, etc.) while also linking to broader conservation actions across the larger landscape. Grand Teton National Park (GRTE) will serve as our pilot NPS unit. The project is a close collaboration between the MTCWRU and University of Montana, with project partners at GRTE, the NPS Biological Resources Division, and the NPS Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network. The project will seek to produce foundational spatial products for GRTE along with a template for how this general approach can be implemented across NPS units. Project products will be used to inform park planning and identify areas for cross-jurisdictional wildlife management and habitat conservation.
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Prioritizing Actions for Restoring Connectivity and Climate Resilience in the Appalachian Highlands
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June 2027
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The goal of this project is to develop a holistic, data-driven process for identifying (1) priority watersheds and sites and (2) habitat and connectivity restoration actions. To clearly articulate ecological problems that stakeholders are interested in, we will convene a Structured Decision-Making (SDM) workshop with several stakeholders and decision-makers, including government agencies (federal, state, and local), watershed groups, and other non-profit organizations. Then, we will develop a shared understanding of watershed processes within the system by co-developing a conceptual model of the social and eco-system function. We will use the conceptual model and facilitated meetings to identify management actions that improve future watershed conditions. We will focus on habitat and connectivity restoration because improvements there often result in improvements to other key freshwater characteristics like streamflow, sediment regime, temperature regulation, water quality, and flood plain access. The research will be conducted in the Appalachian Highlands region of Massachusetts (MA), an area with numerous At-Risk and sensitive species, and with great potential to protect and restore critical habitats.
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Population assessment, habitat use, and occupancy for multiple freshwater turtle species
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September 2028
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is reviewing a petition to list the Blanding’s, Wood, and Spotted Turtles as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Surveys for Blanding’s Turtles were last conducted on Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) in the early 1990s and early 2000s, although recent surveys and headstarting on adjacent properties (Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area) suggest this area has the largest population of Blanding’s Turtle in the northeast. Given the upcoming listing decisions, new surveys are needed to provide updated baseline population and habitat use information on the freshwater turtle populations at Devens RFTA. Specifically, our objectives are to (1) assess populations status, movement, and habitat use for Blanding’s Turtle using radio telemetry, and (2) conduct presence absence surveys for Spotted Turtle and Wood Turtle on Devens RFTA. Surveys may expand to areas adjacent to the Devens property as well as at the Hansom Air Force Base.
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NSF: Drivers of infection outbreaks in a temperature-sensitive host-pathogen system
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July 2028
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Hosts and their pathogens exist in spatiotemporally variable thermal environments, and temperature has been repeatedly shown to impact critical disease quantities, such as contact rates, vector abundance, and recruitment of susceptible hosts. Predicting how a changing climate will impact infectious disease dynamics requires a better understanding of the mechanistic impact of temperature on host-pathogen interactions. Our proposal is focused on how temperature and climate influences in-host infection dynamics in seasonal environments when hosts are sensitive to environmental temperature. Specifically, we will focus on how seasonal temperature variation influences host immune function, pathogen transmission, and host behavior; processes that may be determinants of the timing, magnitude, and extent of seasonal disease outbreaks. We will use the amphibian-<i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis </i>(Bd) system, where both host (the Eastern red-spotted newt, <i>Notopthalmus viridescens</i>) and pathogen are sensitive to temperature, to determine the functional relationship between environmental temperature and host and pathogen responses and parameterize models to predict the timing and magnitude of seasonal infection outbreaks. To accomplish these goals, we combine manipulative field experiments with a robust set of field observations (including a 5-year pilot study) to identify mechanisms that underlie the complex temperature relationships in this system. We will develop statistical and mathematical tools that combine data types, account for observation uncertainty, and allow for prediction and validation. Our results will contribute to disentangling the role of host- (i.e., immune response, behavior) and pathogen-related (i.e., development, growth) contributions to the timing and magnitude of seasonal outbreaks. <br><br>
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NSF: Drivers of infection outbreaks in a temperature-sensitive host-pathogen system
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July 2028
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Hosts and their pathogens exist in spatiotemporally variable thermal environments, and temperature has been repeatedly shown to impact critical disease quantities, such as contact rates, vector abundance, and recruitment of susceptible hosts. Predicting how a changing climate will impact infectious disease dynamics requires a better understanding of the mechanistic impact of temperature on host-pathogen interactions. Our proposal is focused on how temperature and climate influences in-host infection dynamics in seasonal environments when hosts are sensitive to environmental temperature. Specifically, we will focus on how seasonal temperature variation influences host immune function, pathogen transmission, and host behavior; processes that may be determinants of the timing, magnitude, and extent of seasonal disease outbreaks. We will use the amphibian-<i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis </i>(Bd) system, where both host (the Eastern red-spotted newt, <i>Notopthalmus viridescens</i>) and pathogen are sensitive to temperature, to determine the functional relationship between environmental temperature and host and pathogen responses and parameterize models to predict the timing and magnitude of seasonal infection outbreaks. To accomplish these goals, we combine manipulative field experiments with a robust set of field observations (including a 5-year pilot study) to identify mechanisms that underlie the complex temperature relationships in this system. We will develop statistical and mathematical tools that combine data types, account for observation uncertainty, and allow for prediction and validation. Our results will contribute to disentangling the role of host- (i.e., immune response, behavior) and pathogen-related (i.e., development, growth) contributions to the timing and magnitude of seasonal outbreaks.
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TCU 470: Influence of environmental thresholds on trajectories of freshwater assemblages with implications for building climate resilience across prairie landscapes
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September 2027
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Prairie streams are lifelines for human society through provisioning of economic, recreational, and municipal services. However, environmental conditions around prairie streams are substantially altered. Aquatic organisms including fish, crayfish, and mussels may be sensitive to environmental change including landcover conversion, road and dam construction, and climate change. However, there is limited knowledge across the Great Plains regarding thresholds in environmental change which dictate where and when organisms can successfully survive. Thus, managers lack data needed to guide decision-making regarding where to implement actions that may deal with human-induced shifts in the presence and composition of aquatic organisms. A region-wide perspective will allow natural resource management agencies to learn from and anticipate change based on current spatial variation in, for example, the rate and magnitude of agricultural conversion to urban land use across the study area. The objectives of this study were informed by the Prairie Streams and Fish Collaborative, comprised of stakeholders from state, federal, and NGO partners, which identified quantification of thresholds leading to changes in fish assemblage structure as a top priority. We plan to use our broad geographic coverage and state cooperators’ expertise to 1) aggregate and quantify the spatial and temporal landscape of environmental gradients, including climate and land use variables to characterize patterns of aquatic assemblage diversity, 2) identify threshold responses in aquatic assemblage structure to environmental gradients, and 3) create data products and tools to support management actions that resist reaching thresholds, direct community trajectories, or accept changes of aquatic assemblages. Because not all prairie stream organisms will be able to track their ideal environmental conditions, on the ground management actions will be needed to promote persistence of some species within a changing climate. This project will inform the process of identifying when and where such actions may be best implemented.
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Mapping Ungulate Migrations in Nevada
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August 2026
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Large-scale land-use changes threaten to fragment habitats and disrupt seasonal migration corridors of large ungulates that are important to population growth and persistence. By identifying important habitats and migration corridors for ungulate populations in Nevada, land-use planning might accommodate requirements for ungulates in addition to other multiple uses on landscapes. To this end, we are participating in a large-scale research project that aims to identify important habitats and migration corridors for ungulate populations across Nevada. We are collaborating with Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) to analyze existing GPS-collar data describing seasonal movement patterns of Mule Deer, Pronghorn, and Elk and provide maps estimating seasonal ranges and migration corridors for different populations across the state. Land-use planning decisions across Nevada could benefit from the resulting spatial information describing key habitats and migration corridors for ungulates in the state, potentially to be used as exclusion criteria. Additionally, we will produce a synthetic analysis of all ungulate migration corridors in the state and work with the state to develop a decision-support analysis at a large scale, given their needs.
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Assessing at-risk turtle species' population status to inform conservation and management
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December 2026
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Eastern US turtle populations are reduced in distribution and population by habitat degradation or loss. Simultaneously, climate change is an exacerbating stressor and illegal collection of turtles in the eastern US is at crisis levels. Throughout the eastern US, turtle populations have declined dramatically; turtles (Reptilia: Testudines) are among the most threatened vertebrates. More than half of all species in the family Emydidae, which includes wood, spotted, and box turtles, are ranked as threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. We are working with partners in the National Park Service and National Park Foundation to understand the current status of multiple turtle species on federal lands and how populations are affected by threats. Our results will help inform management actions such as nest protection, reintroductions, and habitat restoration.
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Antarctic Marine Predators in a Dynamic Climate
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December 2024
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The accelerating pace of global change creates urgency to understand and predict climate impacts on ecosystems. In the Antarctic region, sea ice is a fundamental feature of the environment; projected sea ice loss has the potential to alter all levels of the food chain, from primary and secondary productivity to seabirds and marine mammals. A predictive capacity for ecosystems is critical to enable decision-making for conservation and resource management; such a capacity requires clear understanding of ecosystem function in the context of dynamic environmental conditions.<br><br>This project is a collaboration between the USGS, NASA the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. We use a comprehensive dataset on the abundance and distribution of four Antarctic key marine predators, made possible via satellite imagery, to captures the spatial and temporal population dynamics at the pan-Antarctic scale. We use this to evaluate the conditions sustaining marine “hotspots” -regions where biomass is exceptionally concentrated- which will contribute to our capacity to forecast the long-term resilience of Antarctic marine predators.
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Identifying Population Tipping Points Through Imagery Super-Resolution
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May 2025
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The Landsat satellite archive provides an extraordinary time series of environmental change, but many key processes occur at spatial scales too small to be studied at its native resolution. However, techniques for image super-resolution provide an exciting opportunity to infer environmental changes occurring at smaller spatial scales and, in doing, unlock the potential to study sub-pixel changes in biodiversity going back nearly 50 years.<br><br>This project is a collaboration between the USGS, NASA, the University of Wisconsin - Madison and Stony Brook University. We will leverage the temporal repeat imaging capability of Landsat and the statistical regularity of Earth’s features to infer sub-pixel scale patterns in the population dynamics of Adelie penguins, colonially nesting seabirds whose guano stain is visible in satellite imagery. In doing so, we will address fundamental questions about the long-term dynamics of Adelie penguins and develop an image super-resolution methodology with wide applicability to other biodiversity applications.
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Advancing Trail Camera Monitoring Through Simulation
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August 2027
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The Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera network provides continuous photo data across Wisconsin to better understand the status of wildlife populations. These data can potentially be used to estimate populations metrics, such as the distributions, sex and age ratios, and relative abundances of both focal game and nongame species. However, Snapshot Wisconsin trail cameras are set up non-randomly and are spaced far apart relative to most home range sizes of Wisconsin’s wildlife. These factors can complicate or impede our ability to get unbiased metrics from existing trail camera modeling methods.<br><br>This project is a collaboration between the USGS, the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. We will build animal movement models to simulate movement of focal species across Wisconsin landscapes with the Snapshot Wisconsin network of trail camera. These simulations will help answer long-standing questions about how the distribution, social structure and population dynamics of animal populations affect our ability to derive accurate population metrics given a distribution of trail cameras.<br><br>
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Advancing Trail Camera Monitoring Through Simulation
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August 2027
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The Snapshot Wisconsin trail camera network provides continuous photo data across Wisconsin to better understand the status of wildlife populations. These data can potentially be used to estimate populations metrics, such as the distributions, sex and age ratios, and relative abundances of both focal game and nongame species. However, Snapshot Wisconsin trail cameras are set up non-randomly and are spaced far apart relative to most home range sizes of Wisconsin’s wildlife. These factors can complicate or impede our ability to get unbiased metrics from existing trail camera modeling methods.<br><br>This project is a collaboration between the USGS, the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. We will build animal movement models to simulate movement of focal species across Wisconsin landscapes with the Snapshot Wisconsin network of trail camera. These simulations will help answer long-standing questions about how the distribution, social structure and population dynamics of animal populations affect our ability to derive accurate population metrics given a distribution of trail cameras.
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Building Ecological Data Pipelines for Listed Species Permit Data
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January 2025
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To more effectively manage federally endangered, threatened, and at-risk species, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seeks to use data it has collected from permit holders to help address critical recovery and management needs. To accomplish this task, reproducible data pipelines and workflows must be developed and implemented that can deliver a standardized data product easily vetted and used by USFWS biologists and field staff. These need to be extensible to additional taxa beyond the scope of this project and can ultimately serve as potential precursors to larger data standardization and database initiatives currently underway at the USFWS.<br><br>This project is a collaboration between the USGS, the University of Wisconsin - Madison and the USFWS Region 3 Ecological Services program. Under this collaboration, data pipelines and workflows will be developed for freshwater mussels, bats and bee USFWS permit data. A key output from these efforts will be an updatable spatial database available to staff biologists tasked with managing these species that can be easily maintained by USFWS staff.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl occurrence and concentrations in lentic invasive snakehead populations: identifying gene expression signatures of toxicity with implications for human consumption advisories
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January 2026
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The specific objectives of this project are to (1) quantify the occurrence and concentration of select PFAS in the muscle (fillet) and gill tissue of lentic invasive snakeheads across a developed land use gradient and (2) use gene expression profiles to identify potential biochemical response pathways and gene expression biomarkers of PFAS exposure.
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Chasing the deer denominator: A standardized density estimation technique for white-tailed deer
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September 2026
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Effective chronic wasting disease (CWD) management has relied on the targeted harvest or culling of white-tailed deer hosts in local areas where CWD has been newly detected and apparent prevalence is assumed < 1%. While this can be successful, it is dependent on existing deer densities and the ability to effectively remove deer and sustain high, additive mortality rates. To evaluate desired CWD mitigation and management goals, it is critical to understand whether deer density changed due to removals and then be able to repeat a reliable population estimation measurement. Furthermore, it is essential that these density estimates are rigorous yet easily implemented. There is a need to standardize these approaches to compare efforts over time and among jurisdictions. Working in collaboration with Michigan DNR and USDA, we are attempting to implement a standardized density estimation technique for deer on the scale of CWD management (9 square miles). If we can demonstrate a reliable, efficient, non-invasive density estimation technique it can be broadly adopted across the jurisdictions that manage CWD and inform management and success.
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Understanding spatiotemporal drivers of fisheries and aquatic resources in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
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August 2029
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Agricultural and urban settings are the focus of the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) efforts to reduce nutrients, sediment, and contaminants, and improve aquatic conditions for fisheries. The CBP Water-Quality Strategy is focused on reducing nutrients and sediment, while the Toxic Contaminant Strategies are focused on reducing contaminants to improve conditions for fishes and their consumption. Additional CBP efforts are focusing on improving fish habitat and stream health. However, the CBP efforts have limited interaction among these research themes, so this project will help to develop integrative, multidisciplinary science across themes to provide a system-level, comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting stream and fish health, aquatic conditions, and fish habitat.
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Predicting climate-change induced habitat shifts for big game species in New Mexico
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December 2026
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Climate change is the largest threat to ecosystem stability and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Worldwide, animals and plants are either migrating higher in elevation or northward where habitat connectivity exists or declining toward local extinction when isolated. Locally, changes in climate pose an imminent threat to game species, engendering serious ramifications for the sustainability of New Mexico’s vibrant hunting culture and associated economy. Despite the severity of this issue, there is not a clear understanding of where and when climatic changes can be expected to impact game species in New Mexico. Our project focuses on faunal relationships with habitat and projecting these relationships over time and geographical space given downscaled climate models and emission scenarios. Understanding how climate-induced shifts in ecosystem conditions will influence the future distribution of the big game species is critical to the development of long-term management plans by state and federal agencies. This project proposes to estimate resource selection and density of select big game species (e.g., elk, mule deer, oryx, pronghorn) in several study areas located in representative ecoregions of New Mexico. We plan to fit several populations of each species with GPS collars to assess resource selection as well as establish remote camera arrays to estimate density and abundance in each study area. Bioclimatic models will ultimately be used to predict changes in the distribution of major vegetation types and these data will then be combined with data on habitat selection and use, and population abundance/density to predict future distribution of the study species. The New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is engaged in this collaborative research effort with US Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, University of New Mexico, and Department of Defense.
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Developing a Spatially-Explicit Monitoring Framework for Range-wide Population Assessment of Light-Footed Ridgway’s Rails
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May 2024
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Light-footed Ridgway’s rails are a federally threatened species endemic to coastal areas of southern California. The species’ recovery plan has explicit recovery goals detailing population sizes needed for downlisting. Yet we lack a meaningful and statistically defensible monitoring and assessment framework to assess range-wide populations relative to recovery goals. We used historical occurrence data and spatially explicit models of potential habitat to develop a spatially-stratified sampling frame covering key rail habitats across their range. We also developed a detailed stochastic simulation model to mimic sampling and simulate call-broadcast data under varying rail densities and response rates, and differing levels of spatial and temporal replication of sampling. Using stochastic simulation, we are also simulating 6 sampling strategies that represent different approaches for allocating sampling efforts spatially amongst sampling strata and multiple methods for probabilistically selecting areas to sample within each stratum. Results of our simulation study will inform field application of range-wide monitoring and survey efforts for this rare bird and provide partners with critical information about appropriate sampling strategies and efforts needed to reliably track recovery of Light-footed Ridgway’s Rails across their range. Collectively this work will also provide the first range-wide, spatially explicit monitoring and assessment framework for any species of secretive marsh bird.
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Post-breeding Movements, Migration Resource Selection, and Survival of Burrowing Owls
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December 2026
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Western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) are declining or have disappeared from many portions of their historic breeding range. The decline of burrowing owl populations is often attributed to conversion of native grasslands to agriculture and urban development, and to declines in abundance of burrowing mammals that the owls rely on for creation of nest burrows. Burrowing owls are relatively well studied during the breeding season but relatively little is known about their ecology after breeding. Some burrowing owls move to a distinct post-breeding home range before they migrate (post-breeding movement) where they spend approximately 2.5 months of their annual cycle. We have been working with numerous cooperators to attach satellite transmitters to 280 burrowing owls in the U.S. and Canada over the past 11 years which enables us document movements and resource selection of burrowing owls after they leave the breeding grounds. The transmitters also allow us to document daily survival probabilities across the owl’s annual cycle. The objectives of this project are: 1) thoroughly describe post-breeding movements of migrating burrowing owls, 2) investigate why some burrowing owls make a post-breeding movement prior to migration while others do not, 3) document resources burrowing owls select during migration, and 4) identify factors that influence survival. The results of this project will help ensure that management efforts that target burrowing owls do not neglect to consider post-breeding and migration life stages where knowledge is currently lacking.
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Latitudinal variation in natal dispersal, breeding recruitment, and survival of juvenile Burrowing Owls throughout North America
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May 2025
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The Burrowing Owl (<i>Athene cunicularia</i>) is federally endangered in Canada, is a species of national conservation concern in the United States, and is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) many western states. Abundance of Burrowing Owls has declined over the past several decades (Conway and Pardieck 2006, Sauer et al. 2014, Conway 2018), and its breeding distribution has been significantly reduced in size (Wellicome and Holroyd 2001, Macias-Duarte and Conway 2015). However, survey data suggest that breeding populations are stable in some locations whereas other populations are declining rapidly (Sauer et al. 2014). We do not know the cause of these declines (or why they vary spatially so much), and implementing effective management or policy actions to halt declines requires knowledge of the underlying cause(s) of the observed declines. <br>Over the past 9 years, we have attached 5-gram solar-powered satellite transmitters (PTTs) to >120 adult Burrowing Owls at >40 locations (in 12 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces). The goal of this large, collaborative project is to thoroughly document migratory patterns of the Burrowing Owl and to link breeding locations with wintering locations. These linkages will allow us to examine whether the breeding populations that are declining more dramatically are spending the winter in similar locations (i.e., whether the observed population declines on the breeding grounds are likely caused by problems on the wintering grounds or migratory routes) and allow us to compare survival among seasons to document the stage of their annual life cycle where the declines are manifest. Effective management and recovery efforts require knowledge of the full life-cycle movements of this migratory owl so that conservation efforts can be increased in the most pressing areas of their continental range. <br>To date, the project has produced novel information regarding the migratory timing, migratory routes, and wintering locations of adult Burrowing Owls throughout the U.S. and Canada. Breeding owls in Oregon and Washington wintered in the U.S. (in WA, OR, and CA) and migratory behavior differed between males and females; most female owls migrated to California for the winter whereas most male owls wintered in east-central and north-central Washington. Breeding owls in Nevada migrated southern California and Baja California in Mexico. In contrast, breeding owls in all other regions of the U.S. and Canada wintered primarily in mainland Mexico. From 2009-2015, we deployed geolocators on 296 burrowing owls at 13 locations in the U.S. and we recaptured and obtained data from 52 owls. From 2013-2022, we also deployed satellite transmitters (PTTs) on >120 adult owls in 10 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces; thus far, we have obtained migration data from >60 of those owls.<br>The work proposed here is for a second phase of this project and involves attaching satellite transmitters to juvenile burrowing owls (hatch-year owls) to document range-wide patterns in natal dispersal and first-year survival. Burrowing owls are declining precipitously in some areas (e.g., Canada, California, and eastern Washington). One proposed cause of population declines in those areas is the lack of juvenile owls to return as breeders (i.e., low local recruitment). To test that hypothesis, we plan to attach satellite transmitters to juvenile owls throughout their breeding range in western North America to document regional patterns in natal dispersal and local recruitment following their first year’s migration. This project will help determine why some populations are declining and others are not, and whether the cause of the declines are on the breeding grounds, migratory routes, or wintering grounds.
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Decision support tools to guide environmental flows and habitat management in the middle Rio Grande River
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September 2028
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Water is a limited resource in the desert southwest, in which agencies are tasked with allocating water for multiple purposes such as agriculture, residential use, and environmental flows. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate this issue in the Middle Rio Grande River, which creates conservation challenges for aquatic species. The Rio Grande Silvery Minnow is a federally endangered fish species. Given the competing demands for water, managers must allocate water for maximal benefit, often under uncertain hydrograph conditions) and identify creative solutions for population recovery, such as creation of nursery habitat. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the US Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A useful decision-making model will be developed to inform water, habitat, and conservation management decisions on the Rio Grande River to benefit the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow population.
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Assessment of large woody debris as a low‐cost best management practice for improving water quality in urban headwater streams
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September 2023
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In stream ecosystems, urbanization is associated with increased erosion and habitat homogenization. This habitat degradation often has biological consequences, such as decreased species richness. The main driver of these geomorphic changes is the high frequency of erosive flows that occur in urban streams as a result of stormwater runoff draining from impervious surfaces. Conventional stream restoration practices are costly, and projects are limited to small areas with easy access. A scalable, low-cost method of stream restoration is needed to address the widespread degradation occurring in urban streams. Large woody debris (LWD), which is typically abundant in natural streams and low in urban streams, can reduce water velocities, generate pool habitat, decrease erosion, and provide cover for aquatic organisms. In this study, we performed experimental LWD installations to assess the capacity of LWD restoration to decrease erosion and sediment transport and increase the availability of pool habitat. In May of 2022, eight log jams were installed in Cooper Creek, a headwater stream in Cincinnati, OH. The geomorphic effects of these installations were monitored using a before-after-control-impact study design in four 60-meter reaches, two treatment and two control. We found that these installations are able to rapidly increase pool habitat availability when jams remain stable, but there was little impact on sediment transport. In the first year following the installation, a majority of the LWD structures were mobilized and reconfigured by flow events, but the overall density of LWD within the study site remained high relative to initial conditions. Further investigation is needed to address the stability concerns in order to maximize desired outcomes and minimize the potential for wood-related damage to local infrastructure.
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Assessing spatial relationships between littoral habitat availability and sport fish
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June 2025
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The project, <i>Assessing spatial relationships between littoral habitat availability and sport fish populations in Ohio reservoirs</i>, will employ a standardized habitat assessment methodology using side-scan sonar to develop habitat inventories and relate habitat metrics to the characteristics of important reservoir sport fish populations. Ultimately, the project will provide insight into potential habitat management levers to improve sport fisheries. Specifically, we will 1) generate habitat maps in a geographic information system (GIS) and calculate relevant habitat metrics for 12 reservoirs across a gradient of fish population characteristics, and 2) analyze potential relationships among sport fish population characteristics, reservoir and watershed characteristics, and habitat availability.
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Developing a Regional Deer Monitoring Protocol for the National Park Service
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June 2026
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The long-term resilience of forests in the face of climate change depends on ensuring that there is adequate seedling and sapling regeneration. In the northeast United States, the white-tailed deer (<i>Odocoileus virginianus</i>) is an abundant herbivore that can have widespread effects on forest vegetation communities. Because the abundance of deer can affect forest regeneration, being able to accurately monitor deer populations is critical. However, estimating the density of deer in areas of interest can be challenging because of the variety of methods that exist to collect and analyze deer population data, each of which has benefits, limitations, and sources of bias. To develop future management plans related to tree regeneration, the National Park Service is seeking to optimize regional deer monitoring efforts. We will support these efforts by helping the National Park Service develop a consistent, efficient approach to deer population monitoring, while aiming to minimize costs and complexity of monitoring, in addition to creating a decision-support tool to help managers plan future surveys and analyze data. This project is a collaboration between the National Park Service, West Virginia University, and the WV Coop Unit.
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Toward identifying candidate species for an aquatic nuisance species watchlist in Arkansas: Customizing and improving ecological risk screening summaries for aquatic invasive species
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June 2025
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Creating watchlists for potential high-risk invaders can serve as a strong proactive invasive species management tool, but the biggest challenge for creating watchlists is identifying which species out of thousands are “high risk” for becoming harmful invaders. Rapid horizon scans can narrow down non-native species lists from thousands of non-native species to hundreds, and then in-depth risk screening summaries, such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Ecological Risk Screening Summary (ERSS) protocols, can further winnow lists down to a handful of high-risk species. However, there remain key gaps in the USFWS ERSS protocols: the summaries are not tailored for finer-scale ecoregions, the climatic analyses do not account for future climate scenarios, and the literature review for understanding risks of establishment, spread, and impacts is not standardized. To support preventative invasive species management in Arkansas by identifying potential watchlist species, there is a <i><u>critical need</u></i> to have and implement a standardized protocol for in-depth ecological risk screening summaries for species that are high-risk for becoming invasive in Arkansas. To fill this need, we propose to customize and improve upon the USFWS ERSS protocols. Our specific objectives are: 1) Customize and make improvements on the USFWS ERSS protocols for Arkansas by (a) tailoring climate matching to Arkansas and (b) developing and implementing a standardized, semi-automatic systematic literature review for high-risk species; and 2) Implement the new Arkansas ecological risk screening summary protocols on the top 10 heighted risk freshwater fish species identified in the U.S. Geological Survey’s Vertebrates in Trade Horizon Scan. As a result of this project, Arkansas will have customized and improved ecological risk screening summary protocols for conducting in-depth risk screening of potential invasive species. We envision these ERSS protocols will fit into an overarching workflow for proactive invasive species management that starts with (i) horizon scanning (rapid risk screening), moves to (ii) ecological risk screening (in-depth risk screening for species flagged in horizon scanning), and then finishes with (iii) considering species categorized as high-risk for addition to an Arkansas aquatic nuisance species watchlist. This project will ensure Arkansas has a clear set of methods for identifying potential watchlist species.
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TPW 52: Experimental Approaches to Improve Survival and Conservation of Swift Fox
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December 2028
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The swift fox has been a species of conservation concern throughout its range for over 30 years. In 2022, an interagency committee represented by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and US Department of Agriculture NRCS drafted a Texas-level plan for conservation of the swift fox (<i>Vulpes velox</i>). The plan identified a list of research priorities to better understand how to increase the survival and population expansion of the species. We will attempt to address these research priorities in Dallam county, Texas, the only county in the state known to currently have a functional swift fox population. Our research will focus on four objectives; 1) evaluating the efficacy of different methods to increase swift fox survival, including a) livestock guardian dogs and b) artificial burrows,; 2) assess fox response to applied habitat management conducted via grazing and prescribed burning; 3) estimate the prevalence of disease (e.g., canine distemper, parvo virus) among foxes and attempt to determine disease influence on pup survival; and 4) assess the attitudes and knowledge of landowners, hunters, and recreationists regarding swift fox and conservation actions. The multidisciplinary nature of this study necessitates participation of researchers with different areas of expertise from different institutions, managers from state and federal agencies, and landowners in the study area.
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Development of a brown trout GT-seq panel for native fish conservation purposes
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June 2025
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PI Pregler will coordinate among the development of a GT-seq (genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing) genetic marker panel to support future YY-brown trout implementation efforts. Non-native trout species like brown trout can outcompete native New Mexico fish species. The introduction of hatchery male brown trout with YY genotypes to natural populations can shift sex ratios with the eventual goal of decreasing & eradicating non-native brown trout populations in locations where recovery of native species is needed. The developed genetic panel will be used to determine the sex ratio in natural populations to assess the progress of such interventions. This project is supported and funded by New Mexico Department of Game of Fish and is a collaborative effort among three genetics labs: (1) USFWS Abernathy Fish Technology Center (Seattle, WA), (2) Floragenex (Beaverton, OR) and (3) GT-Seek (Twin Falls, ID).
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Evaluation of a Gila trout outcrossing experiment
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June 2029
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Gila trout are one of the rarest trout species in North America and exist in remnant habitats in the rugged wilderness of Gila National Forest where they persist in only 11 percent of their historical distribution (Propst et al., 2021). Maintenance of genetic diversity is a fundamental component of this species’ recovery plan in which higher genetic diversity is important for adaptive potential as well as alleviating inbreeding risks. Therefore, in 2020, the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish translocated the five lineages of Gila trout together into multiple sites to increase genetic diversity and fitness. A fin clip was taken from every fish translocated into the watershed for future genetic analysis. Enough time has passed since the initial translocation effort in 2020 that these translocated individuals have had the opportunity to reproduce in Whitewater. This marks an important point in the study to assess various fitness outcomes of the translocation effort. Specifically, we aim to use genetic analysis of translocated fish and their offspring to characterize the mating structure and reproductive success. These results will show whether individual lineages or hybrids are more successful and will allow us to directly investigate if outcrossing Gila trout lineages is a viable conservation strategy to improve their fitness. This project is supported and funded by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish and may also involve collaborators from other universities and federal agencies.
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Influence of environmental thresholds on trajectories of freshwater assemblages with implications for building climate resilience across prairie landscapes
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September 2029
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Land use, geomorphic change, and fragmentation threaten prairie stream biodiversity and ecosystem function through changes in flow, temperature, and connectivity. Climate change will exacerbate these changes and likely lead to further shifts in species composition and biodiversity loss. Conservation and management actions needed to counter shifts in species composition and biodiversity loss depend on identifying environmental thresholds (i.e., tipping points) after which undesirable state shifts occur. Yet, identifying systematic environmental thresholds across freshwater ecosystems remains elusive despite the recognition that reaching thresholds may lead to trajectories with irreversible changes. The substantial climatic gradient across the Great Plains prairie ecoregion provides an ideal setting to evaluate environmental threshold responses in freshwater streams. Further, prairie streams are embedded within a matrix of diverse land use and geomorphic conditions. A region-wide perspective will thus allow natural resource management agencies to learn from and anticipate change based on current spatial variation in, for example, the rate and magnitude of agricultural conversion to urban land use, or upper thermal limits of organisms from south to north, across the study area. management and conservation actions (e.g., provide environmental flow allocations) that facilitate species persistence. Specifically, we propose to:<br> <br> 1) aggregate and quantify the spatial and temporal landscape of environmental gradients, including temperature, precipitation, and land use and characterize spatial and temporal patterns of aquatic assemblage diversity,<br> <br>2) identify threshold responses in aquatic assemblage structure to environmental gradients, and<br> <br>3) identify and aggregate data to support management actions that resist reaching thresholds, direct community trajectories, or accept change and promote tracking of aquatic assemblages to climate shifts.<br>
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Assessing utility of side-scan sonar to evaluate Paddlefish populations and habitat availability
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May 2026
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The Paddlefish is a large bodied fish that inhabits large river and requires hard substrates, such as gravel and boulders, for a place to lay their eggs. The distribution of Paddlefish has been declining, but the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has been stocking lakes and rivers in an attempt to restore lost populations. This project will collect side-scan sonar data on substrate availability, such percent gravel, in two rivers within the historic range of Paddlefish (Deep Fork River and Kiamichi River) to determine how much suitable spawning substrates exist. In addition, this project will follow up on previous research regarding the utility of side-scan sonar to identify and count Paddlefish and assess the accuracy of this tool from stocked populations.
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Gear Efficiency and Habitat Use of Age-1 Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Lower Missouri River
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December 2026
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For pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River, the environmental factors that affect reproductive potential or recruitment and year-class strength are poorly understood. Additionally, the location where recruitment occurs and the rate at which it occurs is also unknown. Developing a monitoring strategy that can be implemented to effectively assesses year-class-strength of juvenile pallid sturgeon (age-1) and recruitment drivers is paramount to assessing progress towards the objective of increasing recruitment to age-1. The project is a collaboration of researchers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District and USGS, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.The purpose of this study is to assess sampling gear efficiency and habitat use of age-1 pallid sturgeon in the Lower Missouri River. Information gleaned from this study will aid in the development of a monitoring program designed to assess recruitment of pallid sturgeon to age-1 in the Lower Missouri River.
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Evolution of salmon migration
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August 2024
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There is little understanding of how salmon select breeding locations. We developed a spatially explicit and allele-based model to study the role of landscape heterogeneity on the evolution of homing/straying in order to better picture of threat of environmental change.
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Giving up density of snowshoe hares
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August 2024
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This pilot study uses cellular-enabled remote cameras to confirm the species identity and timing of foraging events. The giving up density (GUD) of food items left behind is predicted to be a function of habitat quality. We predict that GUD at our experimental feeders will decline when snowfall reduces missed opportunity costs.
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Ecotoxicology of the Kootenai River
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December 2026
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We are building statistical models of mercury and selenium pollution in the the Kootenai River and its fishes.
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Have population size fluctuations influenced the genomic diversity in monarchs?
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June 2026
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North American monarch butterflies are a charismatic pollinator, in part, because of their unique long-distance migration and formation of large clusters of individuals at winter roosting sites. Through monitoring at roost sites, marked declines in monarch numbers were detected. The eastern population segment of monarchs that winters in Mexico declined by 90% with the western population segment estimated to have declined by 95% since the late 1990s. Further, eastern and western segments of monarchs are genetically differentiated, indicating the two regions are demographically isolated. The marked declines experienced by monarchs across North America prompted concerns about the persistence of the unique behavioral segments of the species and capacity of the species to respond to current and emerging threats.<br> <br>The effective population size (and thereby retention of genomic diversity) of species underlies a populations’ capacity to adapt and respond to changes in the environment in both current and future conditions. Dramatic reductions in census sizes not only reduce the capacity of populations to retain genomic diversity but also reductions allow for the expression of deleterious mutations that are present in the population at low frequency, which can further erode the viability of populations in decline. Evaluation of the impact that the decline has on the effective population size of monarchs, therefore, is needed to inform resiliency and population persistence forecasts under projected future conditions.
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Evaluating spatial distribution and composition of mesopredator communities in western Nebraska
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July 2027
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Mesopredators are important components of animal and plant communities and play a role in maintaining ecosystem function and health. Not only does the presence of predators on the landscape have a strong influence on prey density and vital rates, mesopredator composition has cascading effects on species and ecosystem processes. Within Nebraska, scant data are available describing predator composition, occurrence and distribution. Given the influence mesopredators have on species, data on predator communities are needed to address knowledge gaps regarding population dynamics of harvested species and ultimately inform management strategies for both predator and harvested species. Our project will investigate how predator presence and community composition in Nebraska vary in relation to landscape features, land cover types, and other vegetation characteristics to inform decisions regarding habitat management.
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Assess reference condition of small-mammal population dynamics and genetic variation prior to Ambler Road development and ongoing climate change
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September 2028
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Small mammals play a vital role in boreal and Arctic ecosystems in Alaska. As local and resident, keystone species in food webs with quick generation times and small home ranges, small mammals are sensitive bioindicators of local disturbance, including climate change and development. In Denali National Park, small mammals have been studied for 30 years (1992-2022) as part of the Central Alaska Network Long-Term Monitoring program. Over many years, rain, snow, and growing season temperatures were strongly associated with variation in plant primary productivity. Both vole and hare abundance cycles showed a four-fold change in amplitude (peak) that corresponded to long-term changes in primary productivity. As climate change continues to affect temperatures, primary productivity and growing season, we can expect changes in small-mammal populations movements, ranges and cycles that may drastically influence boreal and Arctic ecosystems. Our project will compare reference condition data - genetic diversity, genetic structure - as well as population demographic data among Denali, Gates of the Arctic, and Kobuk Valley national parks. These data are central for comparative research and informed dialogue with industry to establish pre-development mitigation strategies by providing pre-development snapshot of population status preceding future climate change and development.
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Montana Wolf Conservation via Management Strategy Evaluation
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January 2026
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We are using Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) to help inform wolf management decisions in Montana. Wolf season setting has become complicated and controversial again. State law requires Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to both reduce the population and avoid federal relisting. Big game advocates want to see improved big game populations and hunting opportunity, while wolf advocates feel that wolves are being persecuted under the current harvest regulations. MSE is a tool to simulate the workings of a harvested population or system. It will allow us to test whether potential management strategies can achieve pre-defined fundamental objectives. MSE considers the full range of uncertainty and helps decision-makers consider long-term trade-offs among the management objectives, instead of focusing on short-term considerations only. We are working closely with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to inform this MSE. Through this project, we will evaluate the effects of management strategies on the ability to meet objectives for wolf management, and thereby help inform decision-making for wolf conservation in Montana.
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Determining the instream flow needs to support the federally threatened Arkansas River Shiner
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September 2019
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The Arkansas River Shiner is an emblematic species of pelagophil because it is federally threatened. It is assumed to require migrations to complete their life history though little is known about their movements outside of the summer season. Our objectives are to link available habitat to discharge patterns and link migration patterns to the timing of particular flow and temperatures.
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Genomic forensics: using bioinformatics to investigate the causes of melanistic lesions in Brown Bullhead
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September 2028
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Brown Bullhead catfish are scaleless bottom dwellers, which make them ideal indicator species to study the effects of contaminants. Using fish genomics to understand and prevent environmental contamination.
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Analysis of bald eagle habitat selection and movement patterns
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June 2024
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Power lines pose a threat to Bald Eagles through electrocution and these mortalities are important to consider when determining allowable take. Mortality risk can be mitigating by retrofitting utility infrastructure yet information is needed to determine where such mitigation actions should be implemented. Mitigating Bald Eagle mortality risk from electrocution requires an understanding of where Bald Eagles are likely to occur on the landscape. High-resolution GPS telemetry is often used to monitor the movements of Bald Eagles and this information can be used to create spatially explicit predictions of Bald Eagle habitat selection which can then be overlaid with spatial information on utility infrastructure to identify potential hotspots of high mortality risk. This project is being conducted in collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. We will use GPS telemetry data from subadult Bald Eagles in Arizona to create spatially explicit predictions of Bald Eagle habitat selection in Maricopa County by estimating multi-scale integrated step-selection functions. Our models will include a variety of landscape data including vegetation cover, urbanization and roads, water bodies, and topographic features. The resulting map can be used by project partners to identify areas in potential need of mitigation to minimize electrocution risks.
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Hatchery Program Viability Assessment
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June 2024
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) operates 33 hatchery facilities in Oregon, 14 of which are state-owned. Statewide, these facilities produce fish for over 70 salmon and steelhead hatchery programs (i.e., releases of a specific anadromous species/run type in one or more locations within a basin or sub-basin). They also produce several million resident trout that are stocked in waterbodies throughout the state. The impacts of climate change (e.g., increasing stream temperatures, higher disease incidence, decreasing stream flow, and reduced ocean survival) will affect the ability of hatchery programs to meet fishery and conservation objectives. The goal of this project is to assess vulnerability to climate change impacts, including risks to program viability, for a sample set of hatchery programs representing different geographic areas of the state and the primary species raised in Oregon hatcheries. Findings will be presented to the Oregon Legislature as part of a third-party assessment of the operations, sustainability, and climate vulnerability of state-owned fish hatcheries. A completed report will be presented to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means during the 2025 legislative session, and will directly inform policy decisions at the state level.
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Developing a proactive conservation planning tool for stream fishes of greatest conservation need in the Carolinas
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June 2026
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The Carolinas (South and North Carolina, respectively) are home to one of the richest freshwater fish faunas in the US, with many species of greatest conservation need. These species are increasingly threatened by factors associated with human encroachment as natural land is converted to developed land. We are building a web-based Aquatic Planning Tool that will allow conservation practitioners to assess the impact of future development and restoration on SGCNs, allowing us to better identify areas of greatest concern in this rapidly growing region.
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Moose Habitat on the Flathead Indian Reservation
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January 2028
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We are investigating moose habitat on the Flathead Indian Reservation (FIR) to help inform conservation decisions. Moose population declines are evident in the area, with no conclusive evidence for the cause. Understanding factors that contribute to local declines will become increasingly important for moose conservation as ecological systems continue to change. Successful management of moose habitat in turn requires understanding how the species use their habitat. In collaboration with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, this study aims to understand and predict moose habitat relationships. The knowledge gained by this study will help inform conservation decisions, such as where to potentially designate FIR Moose Conservation Management Areas and where and how to focus habitat management to benefit moose.
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Grassland Birds and Solar Energy
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March 2027
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Solar energy provides a viable means by which to mitigate climate change, yet it's land intensive and causes land-use change. Suitable sites for solar energy, including agricultural lands, also provide nesting habitat for grassland birds. We know very little about how grassland birds and solar energy interact at local- and landscape-levels. Grassland birds are globally declining in response to rapid land-use and land-cover change, among other factors. Given the potential overlap of grassland bird habitat and current siting for solar energy in the northeastern, there are growing concerns regarding solar energy and grassland bird conservation; these concerns are exacerbated by known responses of grassland birds to patch dynamics that may be influenced by solar energy siting. Sustainable solar siting can be informed our research. The project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; staff at the NYSDEC are collaborating on the research project. We also are working with SUNY Brockport, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the USFWS, and renewable energy industry partners. Our research will inform solar energy siting and development for grassland bird conservation and guide sustainable solutions for increasing solar energy development to mitigate climate change.
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Assessment of the Immune Status of Smallmouth Bass
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May 2023
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A long-term monitoring multidisciplinary approach has been implemented to investigate smallmouth bass health issues in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including sites in West Virginia from 2019-2021. Many factors naturally affect wild fish immunity, so the purpose of this study was to monitor and evaluate changes in immune function in context with other aspects of health and environmental factors, including complex interactions between water quality, contaminants, climatic factors, pathogens and parasites, and genetic changes. Analyses are ongoing for this project, including controlled exposures of laboratory fish leukocytes to environmentally relevant chemicals and development of a statistical model to parse out predictors of immune function in wild fish. Papers will be supplied as they are completed.<br>Some factors found so far to be associated with immune function in the wild smallmouth bass include surrounding land-use, chemical concentrations both in surface water and blood plasma of the host fish, and disease status of the host fish. Site, season, biometrics (sex, age, length, weight), and histopathological indicators (tissue parasites and macrophage aggregates) have also been found to be associated. Expression of immune- and contaminant-related gene transcripts will help explain immune function results and associations further. The ability to consistently monitor over multiple years/seasons and collect ancillary data has been paramount to understanding immune function results of wild smallmouth bass. Long-term monitoring has provided a baseline for wild fish immunity and ancillary data has provided context for their functional immune responses. Recognizing the complexity and interaction of multiple factors in understanding immune function, advanced statistics are needed and are our next steps in more comprehensively understanding relationships between immune function, various stressors, and other indicators of host health. Integration of lower-level responses like transcript abundance with higher levels responses like immune function will help to identify and ultimately understand adverse outcomes in wild smallmouth bass populations.
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Habitat Suitability for Big Spring Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis) in Meadow Valley Wash, Nevada
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May 2025
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The Big Spring Spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis pratensis) is a Federally threatened cyprind fish with a distribution limited to a single 5-km stream reach in Meadow Valley Wash, Lincoln County, NV. Little is known about the life history, habitat requirements, or demographics of this species. In 1994, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service set goals and objectives for recovery of BSS that included selection and establishment of refuge populations due to the vulnerability of the existing population to catastrophic events, human-induced habitat modification, and nonnative species introduction, and indicated that information collected on life history and habitat requirements should be utilized to evaluate potential refugia sites.This project is a collaboration among the U.S. Geological Survey, Nevada Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife. We will establish criteria to evaluate Big Spring Spinedace habitat suitability via a literature review and pre-assessment analysis, conduct flow permanence surveys, monitor water levels and temperatures, and survey occupied and potential re-introduction sites for habitat suitability. We expect to recommend a prioritized list of sites that could be used as refuge population(s) for Big Spring Spinedace in and around Meadow Valley Wash, Nevada.
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Effects of Forest Management and Wildfire Disturbance on Grizzly Bears
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January 2029
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Over past centuries, habitat loss and degradation contributed to declines of grizzly bears in the contiguous US, including in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE). The NCDE has a long history of both industrial logging and wildlife suppression. Today, due to decades of increasing fuel loads, wildfire is the dominant source of disturbance in the NCDE. The effects of wildfire and timber harvest on grizzly bears are only partially understood, and both positive and negative effects have been identified. Further research is needed to understand the effects of these disturbances on this threatened species. We are working closely on this project with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, and other collaborators. Through habitat suitability modeling and movement modeling, we will investigate how grizzly bears respond to timber harvest and wildfire to better understand their effects. Our work will inform forest management practices in the Northern Rockies.
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Predictive Modeling for Grizzly Bears in the Bitterroot Ecosystem
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January 2030
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Grizzly bears were extirpated across 98% of their former range in the contiguous US in recent centuries, including in the Bitterroot region of east-central Idaho and western Montana. The reestablishment of a population in the Bitterroot would contribute to the long-term persistence of grizzly bears in the contiguous US. In 2000, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a record of decision and final rule with a planned reintroduction for the Bitterroot, yet a reintroduction was never undertaken. Since the mid-2010s, numerous observations of grizzly bears have been documented in the region. We are working closely with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Forest Service, and other collaborators to understand planning needs. To assist with recovery planning, we are using movement models and simulations to develop predictions of how grizzly bears will use habitat in this area. Our results will directly inform conservation of this species in their former range.
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Quantifying the socio-environmental landscape for red wolf translocation, movement, and connectivity
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May 2028
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The red wolf, a critically endangered species, faces numerous challenges to its survival, including habitat loss and human-related mortality. Red wolves must navigate a complex environment. To support their recovery, it is essential to identify suitable areas for translocating red wolves while considering both habitat quality and the risks associated with human activities. This research project aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding spatial socio-environmental risks through a combination of geographic analysis, surveys, and movement modeling. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as other collaborators. The outcomes of this project will provide valuable information for identifying potential translocation sites and informing management decisions. By understanding the spatial distribution of habitat and socio-environmental risks, conservation efforts can be optimized to increase the population abundance of red wolves and mitigate threats to their survival.
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Alligator movement ecology in coastal South Carolina
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December 2025
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American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are an integral part of coastal wetland ecosystems in many parts of the southeastern United States. As human development and saltwater intrusion affect these coastal ecosystems, alligators will also be affected. Alligator movement is important to understand in the context of habitat linkages, trophic interactions, and ecosystem connectivity. They have different movement strategies to navigate salinity gradients and heterogeneous environments, including areas that are actively used and/or managed for people (e.g., developments, waterfowl hunting areas). This work builds on data collected by students and professors at Clemson University and scientists at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This work will use movement models and habitat selection to better understand how American alligators utilize the landscape. Findings can help manage coastal areas and alligator populations, as well as inform mitigation actions related to hunting and human-alligator conflict.
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The current and future distribution of armadillos: constraints, implications, and management
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October 2027
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Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are rapidly expanding their range within the United States, at least partially facilitated by climate change. It is currently unclear how much of the northern United States they can colonize and even less clear what the implications of their arrival are for native wildlife. Armadillos are ecosystem engineers that cause extensive alteration to their environment through their prolific burrowing behavior. These alterations are certain to change the availability of shelter sites, thermal environment availability, and predator-prey interactions of native wildlife and yet there is no research to explore these changes. Working with faculty and students at the University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, Bradley University, and the Michigan DNR, the Michigan Unit is exploring some facets of the distribution of armadillos and the repercussions for native wildlife. Understand the limits of armadillo range expansion will allow managers to pro-actively inform the public about management strategies to reduce conflict with humans as well as to better understand the implications for native wildlife that may soon be co-existing with armadillos.
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Enhancing proactive aquatic nuisance species management in Arkansas by developing a standardized risk screening workflow
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July 2024
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Preventing new invasions from occurring is the most effective way to avoid the negative ecological, economic, and societal impacts of invasive species. Two established and highly related methods for preventing new invasions are horizon scans and risk screening. Horizon scans use expert consultation and consensus building to conduct rapid risk screening. Arkansas, like the rest of the U.S., is experiencing negative impacts of invasive species, and thus, <i>there is a <u>critical need</u> to prevent new invasions and thereby avoid new negative impacts</i>. Here, we propose to meet this need through three objectives: 1) extracting risk screening results for fish in trade from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Horizon Scan and adapt these results to Arkansas, 2) using fish species screened in the USGS Horizon Scan, determine how climate matching scores shift under future climate scenarios, and 3) develop a standardized workflow for risk screening for aquatic nuisance species in Arkansas that incorporates risk of establishment under future climate scenarios. To accomplish the first objective, we will pull risk screening scores (comprised of risk of establishment, risk of spread, and potential negative impacts) for each aquatic species in the USGS Horizon Scan. For the second objective, we will use all fish species identified and screened in the USGS Horizon Scan. Then, we will use Representative Carbon Pathway models to predict future climatic conditions and then calculate climate matching scores between potential fish invaders’ native ranges and the U.S. under future climate scenarios in 2050, 2060, and 2070. For the third objective, we will create a scoring protocol for risk of establishment under future climate scenarios and apply the scoring to all fish species from Objective #2. Overall, this project will result in a standardized rapid risk screening workflow, tailored to Arkansas and incorporating risk under future climate scenarios. We envision our results being the basis for standardized protocols for developing aquatic invasive species watchlists in Arkansas.
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Effects of field management on bats of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
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June 2026
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Bats provide important ecosystem services but are declining due to many threats. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO) provides habitat for 12 bat species, of which seven are susceptible to white-nose syndrome and three are experiencing heavy mortality due to wind energy development. Open areas such as fields are important bat foraging areas and many of at-risk bat species utilize fields. This study will determine 1) which bat species utilize fields for foraging, 2) the effects of field size and shape on use, and 3) effects of past management and vegetative characteristics on activity of each species. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the US Forest Service, Clemson University, USGS SC CFWRU, and natural resource managers at BISO. Results of this study will inform future management of these important areas and help managers design management plans that are effective for achieving management objectives while providing valuable habitat for conservation and recovery of bat species at BISO.
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Black bear landscape use and population ecology in upstate South Carolina
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December 2027
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Black bears (Ursus americanus) are becoming more common in upstate South Carolina. There are established populations in neighboring regions. However, it is unclear how many live in the upstate, their distribution, and how they use the landscape. This poses a management challenge. Black bear hunting is legal in South Carolina, but it is difficult to sustainably manage the population without knowing how many bears are there. The project is a collaboration of researchers and managers, includes the USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Outcomes from this work will inform SCDNR management actions, for example, in determining the black bear hunting season and limits. It will also support our understanding of black bears and their landscape use in upstate South Carolina relative to the neighboring regions.
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Defining oxythermal performance metrics for use in physiologically guided abundance models of diverse coregonid ecotypes
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May 2026
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Recruitment failures have led to declines of Lake Whitefish (<i>Coregonus clupeaformis</i>) and Cisco (<i>C. artedi sensu lato</i>) throughout the Great Lakes and in inland lakes. Maintaining, restoring, and the re-establishment of coregonid populations requires understanding environmental drivers of population processes and how population-specific biology may need to be integrated into hatchery-based culturing and stocking practices. This project will quantify the oxythermal performance of coregonid populations and examine whether populations from different environments exhibit habitat-relevant differences in physiology.
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Population structure, movement dynamics, and growth of native fishes in the Kootenai River system: using microchemistry to inform management and conservation
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December 2024
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This research will provide a comprehensive understanding of factors regulating the population. dynamics of White Sturgeon and Redband Trout in the Kootenai River system.
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Distribution, abundance, and outmigration characteristics of juvenile Bull Trout in tributaries of the upper St. Joe River system
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December 2024
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This project will provide insight on the distribution and abundance of Bull Trout that will be used to guide management and conservation decisions. Idaho Department of Fish and Game; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Avista, and the St. Joe Bull Trout Working Group.
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Gopher tortoises as facilitators of ecosystem connectivity
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May 2028
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Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers. We do not know how their movements and burrows could facilitate functional ecosystem connectivity, potentially serving the role of stepping stones in the landscape. Multiple species rely on gopher tortoise burrows, but their populations are at risk. This work will be done in collaboration with the USGS Virginia CRU. Findings from this work can inform decisions about gopher tortoise conservation as well as how land management could affect connectivity.
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Zebra mussel impacts on fish mercury concentrations
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December 2025
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Recent work has shown that invasive Dressenid mussels can increase mercury (a neurotoxin) in fish tissues, but it is unknown how widespread these effects are. This work assesses this zebra mussel effect at a large scale and provides explicit predictions of mercury concentrations in important fisheries. We will produce mercury risk maps that can be used to guide monitoring towards potential mercury hot spots. This work will enhance our understanding of zebra mussels as a driver of variation in mercury bioaccumulation and ensure that future monitoring is allocated strategically–mitigating a significant impact of a highly problematic invader.<br>
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Understanding the responses of freshwater systems to ongoing restoration in West Tennessee rivers
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January 2030
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We are conducting multiple research projects to support the restoration of West Tennessee streams and rivers impacted by past human activities and modern agriculture. Our studies monitor how freshwater fish populations respond when degraded headwater streams are renewed through restoration. We also examine how recovering certain habitat features via restoration influences the distribution of freshwater mussels in these rehabilitated stream systems. By pairing restoration with scientific monitoring, our work helps revive West Tennessee streams to benefit native fish and mussel communities.
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We are conducting multiple projects intended to inform ongoing restoration of stream habitats in West Tennessee impacted by past human impacts and ongoing agricultural activities. Studies encompass monitoring responses of freshwater fishes to restoration of a headwater stream in West Tennessee, to understanding how the distribution of freshwater mussels relate to habitat features recovered or re-established via these restoration practices.
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LTER: The Role of Climate Variability in Controlling Arctic Ecosystem Function
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February 2029
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The Arctic is rapidly warming. Some responses to this warming involve acceleration of processes common to other ecosystems around the world (e.g., shifts in plant species), whereas others are unique to the Arctic but with global consequences for society (e.g., carbon loss from permafrost thaw). The objectives of the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research (ARC-LTER) project for 2023-2029 are to determine how and how fast trends in climate change and especially climate variability are changing arctic ecosystem structure and function. The research will use synthesis of ongoing, long-term observations and experiments, and new activities combining observations, experiments, and modeling. These activities will answer the research questions about how trends in mean climate, climate variability, and disturbances all interact to control arctic ecosystem structure and function, now and in the future. Partners inlcude the Alaska Dept. of Game and Fish and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Associated researchers, postdocs, and students benefit from access to long-term data and the ability to conduct complementary studies in our monitoring and experimental sites. Education and outreach to non-scientists will be expanded, and a new ARC-DEI plan guides our efforts to broaden diversity and participation in all our activities.
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The Arctic is rapidly warming. Some responses to this warming involve acceleration of processes common to other ecosystems around the world (e.g., shifts in plant species), whereas others are unique to the Arctic but with global consequences for society (e.g., carbon loss from permafrost thaw). The objectives of the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research (ARC-LTER) project for 2023-2029 are to determine how and how fast trends in climate change and especially climate variability are changing arctic ecosystem structure and function. The research will use synthesis of ongoing, long-term observations and experiments, and new activities combining observations, experiments, and modeling. These activities will answer the research questions about how trends in mean climate, climate variability, and disturbances all interact to control arctic ecosystem structure and function, now and in the future. Partners inlcude the Alaska Dept. of Game and Fish and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Associated researchers, postdocs, and students benefit from access to long-term data and the ability to conduct complementary studies in our monitoring and experimental sites. Education and outreach to non-scientists will be expanded, and a new ARC-DEI plan guides our efforts to broaden diversity and participation in all our activities.
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White River Conservation and Restoration: Using large wood piles for beaver mimicry and investigating novel methods for determining beaver carrying capacity, to inform future phases of restoration.
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October 2024
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The lower White River is home to many native fishes, is frequently used by endangered big river fishes of the Upper Colorado Basin (UCB), has some of the best remaining cottonwood galleries and in-stream habitat across the tributaries of the UCB, and is home to an active beaver population. Beaver activity provides many ecosystem services commonly associated with river conservation and restoration, namely maintaining and enhancing complex in-stream habitat by providing inputs of large woody debris. Yet, the status of the beaver population remains unknown, adding uncertainty to the future condition of in-stream habitat. The partners include the Utah DIvsion of Wildlife REsources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Desert Fishes Habitat Council. The lower White River, UT, is currently in a state of high-quality condition, but invasive plants threaten the river’s condition and are therefore being mechanically removed as part of a large river restoration effort, where we are implementing an adaptive, science-based conservation, restoration, and monitoring plan for the lower White River (the Plan). The White River appears to be home to a thriving and extremely active beaver population, but we do not know the population density nor if the population is near carrying capacity. A precise population estimate in the lower White River is critical to future phases of this conservation and restoration project and has the potential to inform beaver translocation efforts elsewhere, where beavers are at very low densities, largely due to previous trapping. Genetic approaches to beaver population estimates and habitat use appear extremely promising.
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The lower White River is home to many native fishes, is frequently used by endangered big river fishes of the Upper Colorado Basin (UCB), has some of the best remaining cottonwood galleries and in-stream habitat across the tributaries of the UCB, and is home to an active beaver population. Beaver activity provides many ecosystem services commonly associated with river conservation and restoration, namely maintaining and enhancing complex in-stream habitat by providing inputs of large woody debris. Yet, the status of the beaver population remains unknown, adding uncertainty to the future condition of in-stream habitat. The partners include the Utah DIvsion of Wildlife REsources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Desert Fishes Habitat Council. The lower White River, UT, is currently in a state of high-quality condition, but invasive plants threaten the river’s condition and are therefore being mechanically removed as part of a large river restoration effort, where we are implementing an adaptive, science-based conservation, restoration, and monitoring plan for the lower White River (the Plan). The White River appears to be home to a thriving and extremely active beaver population, but we do not know the population density nor if the population is near carrying capacity. A precise population estimate in the lower White River is critical to future phases of this conservation and restoration project and has the potential to inform beaver translocation efforts elsewhere, where beavers are at very low densities, largely due to previous trapping. Genetic approaches to beaver population estimates and habitat use appear extremely promising.
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Feeding ecology of Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu in the White River, UT-CO: quantifying predatory and competitive impacts to native fishes to guide more effective removal efforts.
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April 2026
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Smallmouth Bass <i>Micropterus dolomieu </i>are highly invasive in rivers of the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) and are considered a substantial threat to native fish recovery. Smallmouth Bass can negatively impact native fishes through predation and could compete for potentially limiting resources. Quantification of diets is a crucial step to estimate predatory and competitive threats of nonnative fishes, but predicting when and where potential deleterious effects may occur is challenged by spatial and temporal variation in feeding habits and resource availability. The partners are the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources andthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as teh Upper Colorado RIver Recovery Program. A more comprehensive assessment of Smallmouth Bass diet in Utah could help identify areas with high incidence of native fish predation or potential competition (if coupled with surveys of availability) to help prioritize intensive removal efforts and aid in conservation of native fishes.
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Smallmouth Bass <i>Micropterus dolomieu </i>are highly invasive in rivers of the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) and are considered a substantial threat to native fish recovery. Smallmouth Bass can negatively impact native fishes through predation and could compete for potentially limiting resources. Quantification of diets is a crucial step to estimate predatory and competitive threats of nonnative fishes, but predicting when and where potential deleterious effects may occur is challenged by spatial and temporal variation in feeding habits and resource availability. The partners are the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources andthe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as well as teh Upper Colorado RIver Recovery Program. A more comprehensive assessment of Smallmouth Bass diet in Utah could help identify areas with high incidence of native fish predation or potential competition (if coupled with surveys of availability) to help prioritize intensive removal efforts and aid in conservation of native fishes.
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The use of riparian buffer best management practices to reduce thermal stress on trout populations
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September 2025
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Riparian buffers are one of several best management practices used as part of watershed management plans developed for improving stream habitat for cold-water species of fish, including recreationally important trout. However, how riparian buffer development over time affects trout population viability is understudied. Critically, individual trout health has received almost no attention due to the lack of effective assessment tools. This study will assess thermal stress of trout living in streams with different age riparian buffers. To accomplish this, we will use a cutting-edge technique that involves quantifying the level of expression of thousands of genes. This research will help inform the effectiveness of riparian buffers at reducing thermal stress in trout populations.
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Riparian buffers are one of several best management practices used as part of watershed management plans developed for improving stream habitat for cold-water species of fish, including recreationally important trout. However, how riparian buffer development over time affects trout population viability is understudied. Critically, individual trout health has received almost no attention due to the lack of effective assessment tools. This study will assess thermal stress of trout living in streams with different age riparian buffers. To accomplish this, we will use a cutting-edge technique that involves quantifying the level of expression of thousands of genes. This research will help inform the effectiveness of riparian buffers at reducing thermal stress in trout populations.
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Response of pollinators to land and water management in National Wildlife Refuges
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July 2024
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Effects of land management practices on abudnace, richness, and diversity of pollinators in 10 NWRs
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Effects of land management practices on abudnace, richness, and diversity of pollinators in 10 NWRs
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Regional assessment of the threatened and endangered species-renewable energy nexus in the Northeastern United States
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December 2025
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Spatial co-occurence of RSGCN and renewable energy buildout, with a literature synthesis to inform potential conservation implications
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Spatial co-occurence of RSGCN and renewable energy buildout, with a literature synthesis to inform potential conservation implications
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Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the agriculture-conservation-solar energy matrix
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June 2025
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Understanding spatial interactions with terrestrial and floating solar buildout and ecosystem services.
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Understanding spatial interactions with terrestrial and floating solar buildout and ecosystem services.
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Agrivoltaics in New York
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August 2024
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Agro-ecological interactions among co-located cropping and solar energy systems.
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Agro-ecological interactions among co-located cropping and solar energy systems.
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The need for landscape scale abundance monitoring of avifauna in New York state
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April 2025
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Species extinctions have defined the current global biodiversity crisis; however, extinctions begin with loss in abundance of individuals that can result in a loss of ecosystem function. Recent estimates in North America suggest a net loss of 3 billion birds since 1970, with many of including once “common” species (Rosenberg et al. 2019). This empirically demonstrated loss of bird abundance across the U.S. including New York (NY) signals an urgent demand to install robust abundance monitoring programs at the state level enabling the creation of management threshold criteria in order to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity.Estimating the abundance or density of populations and how they change over time is important for their management and ultimately the conservation of species and biodiversity. Due to increasing doubt over reliability and accuracy, methods of monitoring have moved away from long relied on uncorrected indices in favour of methods like occupancy and abundance estimation which account for imperfect detection. Currently categorizations of species as rare and common are relative to one another, and due to this relative scale and shifting baseline syndrome (Soga & Gaston, 2018), this approach fails to accurately quantify or monitor actual changes in numbers of individuals of any species over meaningful timescales. Understanding change over time is important especially given the rapid pace of climate change affecting ecosystems (e.g. tree species composition and distribution. The longstanding goal of the DEC of implementing a comprehensive state-wide monitoring program for NY’s species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) has remained unmet (NYSDEC, 2015), although progress has been made for certain populations and habitats. DEC currently has programs in place to monitor some important avifauna groups such as marsh birds and colonial waterbirds but lacks critical knowledge of population trends of many vulnerable species that live in the state’s most important and declining habitats for SGCN including coastal saltmarsh, grasslands/shrublands, and forests. We will implement a two-part state-wide monitoring program.
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Species extinctions have defined the current global biodiversity crisis; however, extinctions begin with loss in abundance of individuals that can result in a loss of ecosystem function. Recent estimates in North America suggest a net loss of 3 billion birds since 1970, with many of including once “common” species (Rosenberg et al. 2019). This empirically demonstrated loss of bird abundance across the U.S. including New York (NY) signals an urgent demand to install robust abundance monitoring programs at the state level enabling the creation of management threshold criteria in order to avert future avifaunal collapse and associated loss of ecosystem integrity.Estimating the abundance or density of populations and how they change over time is important for their management and ultimately the conservation of species and biodiversity. Due to increasing doubt over reliability and accuracy, methods of monitoring have moved away from long relied on uncorrected indices in favour of methods like occupancy and abundance estimation which account for imperfect detection. Currently categorizations of species as rare and common are relative to one another, and due to this relative scale and shifting baseline syndrome (Soga & Gaston, 2018), this approach fails to accurately quantify or monitor actual changes in numbers of individuals of any species over meaningful timescales. Understanding change over time is important especially given the rapid pace of climate change affecting ecosystems (e.g. tree species composition and distribution. The longstanding goal of the DEC of implementing a comprehensive state-wide monitoring program for NY’s species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) has remained unmet (NYSDEC, 2015), although progress has been made for certain populations and habitats. DEC currently has programs in place to monitor some important avifauna groups such as marsh birds and colonial waterbirds but lacks critical knowledge of population trends of many vulnerable species that live in the state’s most important and declining habitats for SGCN including coastal saltmarsh, grasslands/shrublands, and forests. We will implement a two-part state-wide monitoring program.
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Northeast Mobile Acoustic Bat Transect Data Assessment
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September 2027
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Despite the fact that some of the very first mobile acoustic surveys for bat population monitoring were conducted in New York, adoption of this survey technique has been slow within the region. Select monitoring partners in the region have conducted consistent mobile acoustic surveys, but the information gained from such surveys have not been broadly available because either the data have not been analyzed or the reports produced are not widely accessible. This leaves regional partners with the unanswered question of “how can mobile acoustic surveys help fill my information needs.” To address this gap, we will conduct an analysis of mobile acoustic data collected in the northeast region and communicate what is learned to regional monitoring partners.
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Despite the fact that some of the very first mobile acoustic surveys for bat population monitoring were conducted in New York, adoption of this survey technique has been slow within the region. Select monitoring partners in the region have conducted consistent mobile acoustic surveys, but the information gained from such surveys have not been broadly available because either the data have not been analyzed or the reports produced are not widely accessible. This leaves regional partners with the unanswered question of “how can mobile acoustic surveys help fill my information needs.” To address this gap, we will conduct an analysis of mobile acoustic data collected in the northeast region and communicate what is learned to regional monitoring partners.
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Bobcat monitoring in New York
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April 2025
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The season structure for bobcat hunting and trapping remained mostly unchanged from 1976-2012, with harvest seasons restricted to northern and southeastern New York. Analyses of bobcat observation data from the 2012-2017 Management Plan for Bobcat in New York State found that populations in portions of central and western New York had recovered to a point where they could sustain a limited harvest season. This management plan expanded harvest opportunities for bobcats by extending the trapping season throughout northern NY from December 10th to February 15th, extending the hunting and trapping season in central Tug Hill until February 15th, and opening a large portion of the southern tier, Mohawk River valley, and the New York City transition area (referred to as the Harvest Expansion Area, or HEA) for a bobcat harvest for the first time since 1976. When the expanded seasons opened in 2013, high fur prices coupled with the novelty of a new season led to New York’s largest bobcat harvest in over 20 years. Since that first season, the harvest in the Harvest Expansion Area has declined. While this is likely primarily driven by decreases in pelt prices, the bobcat harvest in western wildlife management units (WMUs) remains lower than expected. These low harvest numbers make it difficult to estimate population trends using harvest data and raise concerns that the harvest may be negatively impacting the bobcat population in these areas. There is a need for harvest-independent indices to better evaluate the bobcat population and impacts of the limited harvest season and make appropriate management recommendations. The collection of observation data from the general public has proven useful in monitoring changes in distribution of bobcat at little cost to the agency, but these data alone provide limited information on bobcat abundance needed to make refined management decisions. This project will develop a protocol for long-term surveys to provide robust, harvest-independent metrics such as occurrence and density of bobcats in central and western New York. These metrics will be used to inform decisions on additional harvest opportunities in areas with closed seasons and modification of existing seasons to maximize opportunity while ensuring a sustainable harvest.
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The season structure for bobcat hunting and trapping remained mostly unchanged from 1976-2012, with harvest seasons restricted to northern and southeastern New York. Analyses of bobcat observation data from the 2012-2017 Management Plan for Bobcat in New York State found that populations in portions of central and western New York had recovered to a point where they could sustain a limited harvest season. This management plan expanded harvest opportunities for bobcats by extending the trapping season throughout northern NY from December 10th to February 15th, extending the hunting and trapping season in central Tug Hill until February 15th, and opening a large portion of the southern tier, Mohawk River valley, and the New York City transition area (referred to as the Harvest Expansion Area, or HEA) for a bobcat harvest for the first time since 1976. When the expanded seasons opened in 2013, high fur prices coupled with the novelty of a new season led to New York’s largest bobcat harvest in over 20 years. Since that first season, the harvest in the Harvest Expansion Area has declined. While this is likely primarily driven by decreases in pelt prices, the bobcat harvest in western wildlife management units (WMUs) remains lower than expected. These low harvest numbers make it difficult to estimate population trends using harvest data and raise concerns that the harvest may be negatively impacting the bobcat population in these areas. There is a need for harvest-independent indices to better evaluate the bobcat population and impacts of the limited harvest season and make appropriate management recommendations. The collection of observation data from the general public has proven useful in monitoring changes in distribution of bobcat at little cost to the agency, but these data alone provide limited information on bobcat abundance needed to make refined management decisions. This project will develop a protocol for long-term surveys to provide robust, harvest-independent metrics such as occurrence and density of bobcats in central and western New York. These metrics will be used to inform decisions on additional harvest opportunities in areas with closed seasons and modification of existing seasons to maximize opportunity while ensuring a sustainable harvest.
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Modeling and conserving Streaked Horned Larks in Washington
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December 2023
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Streaked Horned Larks are a federally threatened and Washington state-endangered subspecies found only in Washington and Oregon. In Washington, the species relies on heavily fragmented grassland habitat in the South Puget Sound region. A better understanding of the dynamics of species that exist in highly fragmented habitats is a challenge in population ecology. For Streaked Horned Larks, this understanding could also help to inform reintroductions of the species. We are working with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ecostudies Institute, and other partners to develop an integrated population model for this species, which will allow for movement between habitat islands in the South Puget Sound region. We will then couple model output with expert judgments to evaluate a suite of proposed strategies for Streaked Horned Lark reintroductions. Reintroduction has the potential to be a valuable management strategy for Streaked Horned Larks, and information that will allow decision makers to choose amongst proposed reintroduction strategies can accelerate recovery of this species.
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Streaked Horned Larks are a federally threatened and Washington state-endangered subspecies found only in Washington and Oregon. In Washington, the species relies on heavily fragmented grassland habitat in the South Puget Sound region. A better understanding of the dynamics of species that exist in highly fragmented habitats is a challenge in population ecology. For Streaked Horned Larks, this understanding could also help to inform reintroductions of the species. We are working with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ecostudies Institute, and other partners to develop an integrated population model for this species, which will allow for movement between habitat islands in the South Puget Sound region. We will then couple model output with expert judgments to evaluate a suite of proposed strategies for Streaked Horned Lark reintroductions. Reintroduction has the potential to be a valuable management strategy for Streaked Horned Larks, and information that will allow decision makers to choose amongst proposed reintroduction strategies can accelerate recovery of this species.
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Conservation of Northwestern pond turtles in Washington
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September 2029
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Northwestern pond turtles are a state-endangered species in Washington and the US Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed the species for federal listing. In Washington, the species' decline has been sharp, but there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the relative importance of the factors that are putatively driving this decline. Having a better understanding of the threats and an approach for rigorously evaluating management actions will help to inform conservation of the species. We are working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to undertake a Structured Decision Making process. Through this process, we will develop a framework to inform conservation of the species in Washington and to identify the most important uncertainties that are restricting management. These uncertainties will be the focus of a graduate research project. The framework we develop, and the new research that will be designed to fill knowledge gaps in that framework, will help state and federal agencies to plan conservation for this species.
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Northwestern pond turtles are a state-endangered species in Washington and the US Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed the species for federal listing. In Washington, the species' decline has been sharp, but there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the relative importance of the factors that are putatively driving this decline. Having a better understanding of the threats and an approach for rigorously evaluating management actions will help to inform conservation of the species. We are working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to undertake a Structured Decision Making process. Through this process, we will develop a framework to inform conservation of the species in Washington and to identify the most important uncertainties that are restricting management. These uncertainties will be the focus of a graduate research project. The framework we develop, and the new research that will be designed to fill knowledge gaps in that framework, will help state and federal agencies to plan conservation for this species.
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An evaluation of the effectiveness of restoration spending in the Columbia River Basin
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August 2023
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The decline in salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin has been well documented, as have the decades-long, $9 billion restoration spending efforts by federal and state agencies. These efforts are mainly tied to Endangered Species Act (ESA) mandates for recovery of wild, naturally-spawning threatened or endangered fish species. The impact of these efforts remains poorly understood; many observers, including the federal courts, have long been concerned by the lack of evidence of recovery. Most studies evaluating restoration efforts have examined individual projects for specific species, reaches, or life stages, which limits the ability to make broad inferences at the basin level. This project involves researchers from Oregon State University. We are using historical information on fish abundance and associated restoration spending to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration activities in restoring ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. This information will be useful to regional management agencies in determining how best to spend limited recovery resources.
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The decline in salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River Basin has been well documented, as have the decades-long, $9 billion restoration spending efforts by federal and state agencies. These efforts are mainly tied to Endangered Species Act (ESA) mandates for recovery of wild, naturally-spawning threatened or endangered fish species. The impact of these efforts remains poorly understood; many observers, including the federal courts, have long been concerned by the lack of evidence of recovery. Most studies evaluating restoration efforts have examined individual projects for specific species, reaches, or life stages, which limits the ability to make broad inferences at the basin level. This project involves researchers from Oregon State University. We are using historical information on fish abundance and associated restoration spending to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration activities in restoring ESA-listed salmon and steelhead. This information will be useful to regional management agencies in determining how best to spend limited recovery resources.
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Predicting the future of aquatic species in Minnesota
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June 2026
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Native aquatic species have had their ranges impacted by habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species, harvest, and other anthropogenic impacts. Each year the state of Minnesota spends millions of dollars on the conservation of aquatic native species. A booming economy relies on the state’s natural resources, with the outdoor recreation economy alone valued at $16.7 billion in 2022. The climate in Minnesota is predicted to continue changing substantially throughout this century, average annual temperature across the state has already increased nearly 3℉ since the late 1800s. To support the goal of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources, that ‘the benefits of all Minnesota’s natural resources are enjoyed by all Minnesotans’, it is important to anticipate and plan for likely future scenarios. By identifying native aquatic species most likely to be impacted by future climate change, and geographic areas with high levels of species change, management agencies can better focus their resources to protect and conserve these aquatic species in areas that will be most suited to them, for the benefit of Minnesota’s future. We will predict the ranges of native aquatic species in Minnesota using recently available high quality datasets and information on past and present ranges coupled with powerful statistical techniques.
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Native aquatic species have had their ranges impacted by habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species, harvest, and other anthropogenic impacts. Each year the state of Minnesota spends millions of dollars on the conservation of aquatic native species. A booming economy relies on the state’s natural resources, with the outdoor recreation economy alone valued at $16.7 billion in 2022. The climate in Minnesota is predicted to continue changing substantially throughout this century, average annual temperature across the state has already increased nearly 3℉ since the late 1800s. To support the goal of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources, that ‘the benefits of all Minnesota’s natural resources are enjoyed by all Minnesotans’, it is important to anticipate and plan for likely future scenarios. By identifying native aquatic species most likely to be impacted by future climate change, and geographic areas with high levels of species change, management agencies can better focus their resources to protect and conserve these aquatic species in areas that will be most suited to them, for the benefit of Minnesota’s future. We will predict the ranges of native aquatic species in Minnesota using recently available high quality datasets and information on past and present ranges coupled with powerful statistical techniques.
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Improving stock assessment of Walleye for Mille Lacs Lake.
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June 2026
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The Walleye fishery in Mille Lacs Lake has declined since the 1990s. The decline coincides with a variety of changesincluding: warming temperatures, increases in smallmouth bass, invasion of zebra mussels in 2005, invasion of spiny waterflea in 2009, changes to northern pike abundance, along with changes to the fishery (both in gear types and management).The fishery (along with northern pike, yellow perch, cisco and burbot) is co‐managed by tribes signatory to the 1837 Treatyand the state (through Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or MNDNR), based on legal agreements. The walleyefishery has consisted of a recreational and joint tribal fishery since 1998. The population of walleye is estimated annuallythrough a statistical catch at age (SCAA) model (previously a Virtual Population Analysis or VPA). The assessment modelswere reviewed in 2001 (VPA) by James R. Bence and Terrance J. Quinn II and again in 2014 (SCAA) by a blue ribbon panel(Paul Venturelli, James Bence, Travis Brenden, Nigel Lester, and Lars Rudstam). A variety of recommendations were madein those reviews for future data collection and future research to ensure the stock assessment model is as accurate aspossible, and this project will focus on improving some aspect of the stock assessment.
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The Walleye fishery in Mille Lacs Lake has declined since the 1990s. The decline coincides with a variety of changesincluding: warming temperatures, increases in smallmouth bass, invasion of zebra mussels in 2005, invasion of spiny waterflea in 2009, changes to northern pike abundance, along with changes to the fishery (both in gear types and management).The fishery (along with northern pike, yellow perch, cisco and burbot) is co‐managed by tribes signatory to the 1837 Treatyand the state (through Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or MNDNR), based on legal agreements. The walleyefishery has consisted of a recreational and joint tribal fishery since 1998. The population of walleye is estimated annuallythrough a statistical catch at age (SCAA) model (previously a Virtual Population Analysis or VPA). The assessment modelswere reviewed in 2001 (VPA) by James R. Bence and Terrance J. Quinn II and again in 2014 (SCAA) by a blue ribbon panel(Paul Venturelli, James Bence, Travis Brenden, Nigel Lester, and Lars Rudstam). A variety of recommendations were madein those reviews for future data collection and future research to ensure the stock assessment model is as accurate aspossible, and this project will focus on improving some aspect of the stock assessment.
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Quantifying the response of in-stream habitat restoration in Gary Creek, South Dakota
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December 2027
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Gary Creek is a low discharge, groundwater dependent stream that originates along the eastern edge of the Coteau des Prairies in Deuel County, South Dakota. It is a unique stream for eastern South Dakota because it is characterized by cool water habitat with summer water temperatures that rarely exceed 18°C. However, increased siltation and loss of pool habitats have changed in-stream habitat availability for fishes. Prioritizing unique, aquatic habitats and fish communities for conservation management is an important step toward managing biodiversity through the systematic approach outlined by the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan (SDWAP). Habitat issues like those affecting Gary Creek can be remedied through prescribed habitat restoration techniques, many of which have been successfully implemented in the Black Hills and southeastern Minnesota. This project relates directly to the goals of SDWAP by providing a strategic framework for partner agencies in leveraging collective resources to restore and evaluate in-stream habitat in Gary Creek.
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Gary Creek is a low discharge, groundwater dependent stream that originates along the eastern edge of the Coteau des Prairies in Deuel County, South Dakota. It is a unique stream for eastern South Dakota because it is characterized by cool water habitat with summer water temperatures that rarely exceed 18°C. Historically, the native fish community in Gary Creek (upper Lac Qui Parle tributary) consisted of Blacknose Dace (<i>Rhinichthys atratulus</i>), Creek Chub (<i>Semotilus atromaculatus</i>), Northern Redbelly Dace (<i>Chrosomus eos</i>), Fathead Minnow (<i>Pimephales promelas</i>), Brassy Minnow (<i>Hybognathus hankinsoni</i>), Blackside Darter (<i>Percina maculata</i>, and Iowa Darter (<i>Etheostoma exile</i>). Northern Redbelly Dace, a state-listed, threatened species was present in recent collections by Krause (2013) who found that 60% of the native fish species in Gary Creek were lithophilic spawners, a presumed adaptation to coarse substrates. Status of the Blackside Darter, a species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), was documented from collections made in 1994, although their current status remains unknown. Prioritizing unique, aquatic habitats and fish communities for conservation management is an important step toward managing biodiversity through the systematic approach outlined by the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan (SDWAP). Habitat issues like those affecting Gary Creek can be remedied through prescribed habitat restoration techniques, many of which have been successfully implemented in the Black Hills and southeastern Minnesota. This project relates directly to the goals of SDWAP by providing a strategic framework for partner agencies in leveraging collective resources to restore and evaluate in-stream habitat in Gary Creek.
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Quantifying wetland change following small dam removal in Massachusetts
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September 2024
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Across the United States and within Massachusetts, the rate of dam removals pales in comparison to the number of dams aging across the landscape. Though intended to protect wetlands and waters, wetland regulations pose an obstacle to efficiently removing dams and restoring free-flowing waters. Because dam removal inherently alters the open water ecosystem as well as contiguous wetlands, those seeking to remove dams must address regulatory requirements under Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act as well as State and local wetland protection regulations. These regulatory protections do not adequately facilitate ecological restoration projects which may significantly alter existing wetland resources to improve the health of a system in the longer term. Specifically, the dearth of information on wetland response following dam removal has resulted in significant uncertainty for removal practitioners and regulators as they balance the potential ecological benefits and impacts related to dam removal. <br><br>To address this uncertainty, we aim to understand and model how wetland area changes upstream of the impoundment, within the impoundment area, and downstream of the former dam over short (0-2 years) and longer (4-6 years and 9-11 years) durations following dam removal by analyzing 26 small dam removal projects completed in Massachusetts between 2000 and 2012. Additionally, we will evaluate the effect of landscape characteristics and dam removal design on wetland change. We will achieve these objectives through aerial interpretation of aerial imagery and primary permitting data. Our results could describe and set expectations for future wetland change following dam removal, as well as identify dam removal project designs that minimize wetland conversion.
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Across the United States and within Massachusetts, the rate of dam removals pales in comparison to the number of dams aging across the landscape. Though intended to protect wetlands and waters, wetland regulations pose an obstacle to efficiently removing dams and restoring free-flowing waters. We aim to understand how wetland area changes following a dam removal and landscape and dam characteristics affecting that change. Our results could describe and set expectations for future wetland change following dam removal, as well as identify dam removal project designs that minimize wetland conversion.
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Fish habitat suitability and vulnerability to flow and temperature modification
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July 2028
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Refugia is important for the survival of coldwater fish species under a changing climate. Refugia provides a space species can inhabit during unfavorable habitat conditions in surrounding areas. Stream temperature and flow are important in defining refugia. Warming stream temperatures during the summer decrease suitable habitat for coldwater fish. Stream flooding and drying can also limit suitable habitat for coldwater fish. However, the potential locations of coldwater fish refuges and the strength of the refugia network (network strength defined by number of refugia and connectivity of refuges) has not been exclusively studied.<br><br>Temperature and flow models are currently being developed to predict how coldwater patches could change under future climate change projections in the Northeast. Our project aims to provide critical information on how biota use coldwater patches and the spatial and temporal extent of refugia needed for populations to persist. We will also examine the vulnerability of fish and mussel species to changes in temperature and flow to develop metrics that managers can use to understand potential climate impacts.
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Refugia is important for the survival of coldwater biota under a changing climate. Warming stream temperatures and extreme flows (flooding and drying) can limit suitable habitat, and connectivity barriers (dams, culverts) can prevent access to critical habtiat patches. We are collaborating with MassWildlife to develop projects to better understand how fishes and other biota use coldwater refugia. Increasing our understanding of coldwater refugia on the landscape will allow managers to strategically invest in management and conservation efforts to protect and restore critical habitats and biota.
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Innovative Control Techniques for Non-native Channel Catfish
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December 2026
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations across the United States. Channel Catfish <i>Ictalurus punctatus</i><i> </i>are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities.<br><br>So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Channel Catfish populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Channel Catfish populations.<br><br>Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.<br><br>Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on the development of optimal feminization strategies for Channel Catfish. This information is critical in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Channel Catfish populations.
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations across the United States. Channel Catfish <i>Ictalurus punctatus</i><i> </i>are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities.So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Channel Catfish populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Channel Catfish populations.Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on the development of optimal feminization strategies for Channel Catfish. This information is critical in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Channel Catfish populations.
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Carp Feminization Trials for Invasive Population Mitigation
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December 2025
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations across the United States. Common Carp <i>Cyprinus carpio </i>are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities and aquatic ecosystems.<br><br>So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Common Carp populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Common Carp populations.<br><br>Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple State natural resource agencies that comprise the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.<br><br>Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on the development of optimal feminization strategies for Common Carp. This information is critical in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Common Carp populations.
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations across the United States. Common Carp <i>Cyprinus carpio </i>are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities and aquatic ecosystems.So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Common Carp populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Common Carp populations.Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple State natural resource agencies that comprise the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on the development of optimal feminization strategies for Common Carp. This information is critical in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Common Carp populations.
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Population Genetics and Feminization Trials for Red Shiner
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December 2026
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations in the southwestern United States. Red Shiner <i>Cyprinella lutrensisare </i>are among the fastest expanding invaders in the Southwest and are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities.<br><br>So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Red Shiner populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Red Shiner populations.<br><br>Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and State and Federal natural resource managers in the Southwest.<br><br>Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on Red Shiner sex determination systems among various populations. This information, along with the development of optimal feminization strategies, are crucial in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Red Shiner populations.
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Problem statement: Competition and predation from nonnative fishes have substantially impacted native fish populations in the southwestern United States. Red Shiner <i>Cyprinella lutrensis </i>are among the fastest expanding invaders in the Southwest and are among the most invasive species due to their negative impacts on native fish communities.So What? Why this research matters: Traditional removal efforts to extirpate invasive Red Shiner populations are ineffective. Developing alternative population mitigation strategies, such as the Trojan Sex Chromosome strategy, need to be investigated for the potential control of invasive Red Shiner populations.Partners: The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and State and Federal natural resource managers in the Southwest.Research that informs decisions: Critical data will be collected on Red Shiner sex determination systems among various populations. This information, along with the development of optimal feminization strategies, are crucial in the implementation of a Trojan Sex Chromosome eradication strategy that may be able to extirpate invasive Red Shiner populations.
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Exploring the needs and opportunities around community-based CWD surveillance on Tribal Lands
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August 2023
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The purpose of this agreement is to provide funding to support collaborative research efforts to explore the needs and opportunities around community-based chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance on Tribal Lands. It outlines the goals, objectives, anticipated accomplishments, and the approach, including roles and responsibilities, for accomplishing the research. This study may include, among other things, interviews and workshops with hunters and other individuals on Tribal Lands.
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The purpose of this agreement is to provide funding to support collaborative research efforts to explore the needs and opportunities around community-based chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance on Tribal Lands. It outlines the goals, objectives, anticipated accomplishments, and the approach, including roles and responsibilities, for accomplishing the research. This study may include, among other things, interviews and workshops with hunters and other individuals on Tribal Lands.
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Linking human behavior and attitudes to spillover of SCV2 at the cervid-human interface
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February 2026
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<b>Project Purpose</b> – The purpose is to understand how human behaviors, human-white-tailed deer (WTD) interactions, land use, and ecological context contribute to SARS-CoV-2 (SCV2) infection dynamics in WTD populations.<br><b><i> </i></b><br><b>Project Objective</b> – There are 4 objectives: 1) Determine the predictive relationship between (a) human values, attitudes, and beliefs and (b) human behaviors at the human-WTD interface; 2) Identify human behaviors and land-use characteristics that may lead to spillover or spillback of SCV2 from humans to WTD; 3) Determine the likely response of individuals to different management interventions (e.g., provision of information about risk and prevention); and 4) Improve risk assessment and forecasting capabilities of SCV2 hotspots in WTD.
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<b>Project Purpose</b> – The purpose is to understand how human behaviors, human-white-tailed deer (WTD) interactions, land use, and ecological context contribute to SARS-CoV-2 (SCV2) infection dynamics in WTD populations.<b><i> </i></b><b>Project Objective</b> – There are 4 objectives: 1) Determine the predictive relationship between (a) human values, attitudes, and beliefs and (b) human behaviors at the human-WTD interface; 2) Identify human behaviors and land-use characteristics that may lead to spillover or spillback of SCV2 from humans to WTD; 3) Determine the likely response of individuals to different management interventions (e.g., provision of information about risk and prevention); and 4) Improve risk assessment and forecasting capabilities of SCV2 hotspots in WTD.
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Ectoparasites of salmon using eDNA
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August 2023
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Ectoparasites on fish are a source of stress for individuals and may become more prevalent with climate change and associated water warming. However, the distribution of these parasites, such as copepod "sea lice", are largely unknown. This is especially the case in Alaskan waters, despite the economic and cultural importance of Pacific salmon. In cooperation with fish pathologists, physiologists, and veterinarians with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North and the Colloredo State University Veterinary Science Summer Fellowship program, this project assesses the distribution of fish parasites and pathogens on museum reference specimens and seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of eDNA as a monitoring tool for these organisms.
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Ectoparasites on fish are a source of stress for individuals and may become more prevalent with climate change and associated water warming. However, the distribution of these parasites, such as copepod "sea lice", are largely unknown. This is especially the case in Alaskan waters, despite the economic and cultural importance of Pacific salmon. In cooperation with fish pathologists, physiologists, and veterinarians with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Museum of the North and the Colloredo State University Veterinary Science Summer Fellowship program, this project assesses the distribution of fish parasites and pathogens on museum reference specimens and seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of eDNA as a monitoring tool for these organisms.
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Maximizing returns on investing in barrier culvert removal in Washington State
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January 2024
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Across Western Washington, thousands of poorly-designed culverts at road crossings prevent migratory salmon from accessing potential habitat, hampering recovery efforts for declining populations. In 2013, a federal court found that barrier culverts in Washington violate tribal treaty rights and issued an injunction requiring their replacement. While the injunction only applies to state-owned culverts, thousands of additional barrier culverts are owned by local governments and private landowners, often within the same watersheds, generate inter-dependencies between barrier correction activities. The project is a collaboration of researchers from the University of Washington and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Our project will develop a consistent, data-driven framework for prioritizing fish passage barriers over multiple objectives, drawing from a rich literature on fish passage restoration plans that maximize return on investment. The decision support tool we develop will serve a coordinating function between barrier owners and managers by allowing the consistent comparison of alternative barrier correction, complementing ongoing efforts to restore fish passage in the state of Washington.
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Across Western Washington, thousands of poorly-designed culverts at road crossings prevent migratory salmon from accessing potential habitat, hampering recovery efforts for declining populations. In 2013, a federal court found that barrier culverts in Washington violate tribal treaty rights and issued an injunction requiring their replacement. While the injunction only applies to state-owned culverts, thousands of additional barrier culverts are owned by local governments and private landowners, often within the same watersheds, generate inter-dependencies between barrier correction activities. The project is a collaboration of researchers from the University of Washington and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Our project will develop a consistent, data-driven framework for prioritizing fish passage barriers over multiple objectives, drawing from a rich literature on fish passage restoration plans that maximize return on investment. The decision support tool we develop will serve a coordinating function between barrier owners and managers by allowing the consistent comparison of alternative barrier correction, complementing ongoing efforts to restore fish passage in the state of Washington.
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Assessing chronic wasting disease environmental prion reservoirs
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June 2025
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The prevalence of CWD continues to increase endemically and spread broadly over North America. However, transmission risks and CWD dynamics associated with environmental prion reservoirs remain poorly understood due to the lack of efficient diagnostic tools. With advances in prion assay technology (RT-QuIC), the proposed research can fill key gaps in knowledge about ecologically- and management-relevant environmental sources of CWD transmission. This project builds off previous work funded by the WI-DNR to leverage prion assay technology (real-time quaking-induced conversion; RT-QuIC) to detect chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions in deer tissues and environmental reservoirs. Our aim is to evaluate prion loads in tissues and biotic and abiotic environmental sources (e.g., soil, feces from scavenger species) that are ecologically relevant for CWD dynamics. To better understand environmental CWD dynamics, we aim to semi-quantitatively characterize CWD prion loads in a range of deer tissues, deer scent glands, soils at CWD-infected deer carcass sites, and scavenger scats. Outcomes will provide an understanding of the extent and significance of prion contamination in the environment, which can subsequently inform management actions and disease prediction models.
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The prevalence of CWD continues to increase endemically and spread broadly over North America. However, transmission risks and CWD dynamics associated with environmental prion reservoirs remain poorly understood due to the lack of efficient diagnostic tools. With advances in prion assay technology (RT-QuIC), the proposed research can fill key gaps in knowledge about ecologically- and management-relevant environmental sources of CWD transmission. This project builds off previous work funded by the WI-DNR to leverage prion assay technology (real-time quaking-induced conversion; RT-QuIC) to detect chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions in deer tissues and environmental reservoirs. Our aim is to evaluate prion loads in tissues and biotic and abiotic environmental sources (e.g., soil, feces from scavenger species) that are ecologically relevant for CWD dynamics. To better understand environmental CWD dynamics, we aim to semi-quantitatively characterize CWD prion loads in a range of deer tissues, deer scent glands, soils at CWD-infected deer carcass sites, and scavenger scats. Outcomes will provide an understanding of the extent and significance of prion contamination in the environment, which can subsequently inform management actions and disease prediction models.
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Testing an integrative model of the social-psychological drivers of participation in relational organizing
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August 2024
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Relational organizing is a promising approach for achieving rapid, widespread community action for environmental conservation and other pro-social causes. Scaling up the relational organizing approach requires understanding, synthesizing, and developing interventions to address the most salient factors driving people’s willingness to reach out to others. In this project, the researchers advance a theoretical model of the social-psychological drivers of participation in relational organizing. The model proposes that participation in relational organizing is influenced by: 1) personal norms about reaching out to others; 2) activist social identity; 3) attitudes towards and past engagement in the target behavior; 4) perceptions of others’ beliefs about the issue and about reaching out to others about the issue; and 5) beliefs about the efficacy of relational organizing. We test this model in the context of climate action. We will collaborate with nonprofit and government and private sector partners to implement a series of surveys and online and field experiments on this topic.
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Relational organizing is a promising approach for achieving rapid, widespread community action for environmental conservation and other pro-social causes. Scaling up the relational organizing approach requires understanding, synthesizing, and developing interventions to address the most salient factors driving people’s willingness to reach out to others. In this project, the researchers advance a theoretical model of the social-psychological drivers of participation in relational organizing. The model proposes that participation in relational organizing is influenced by: 1) personal norms about reaching out to others; 2) activist social identity; 3) attitudes towards and past engagement in the target behavior; 4) perceptions of others’ beliefs about the issue and about reaching out to others about the issue; and 5) beliefs about the efficacy of relational organizing. We test this model in the context of climate action. We will collaborate with nonprofit and government and private sector partners to implement a series of surveys and online and field experiments on this topic.
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Elucidating the practice of interdisciplinary and actionable science
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June 2025
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This project addresses three research questions: (1) What skills and abilities (including specific behaviors, cognitive habits and emotional approaches) are helpful and/or necessary to do user- focused applied science, particularly in collaborative and/or interdisciplinary settings? (2) How did scientists currently using user-focused applied science, transdisciplinary, and team science approaches develop the skills and abilities upon which they currently rely? (3) How can scientific organizations and teams build scientists’ capacity to do user-focused applied science, transdisciplinary research, and/or team science?
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This project addresses three research questions: (1) What skills and abilities (including specific behaviors, cognitive habits and emotional approaches) are helpful and/or necessary to do user- focused applied science, particularly in collaborative and/or interdisciplinary settings? (2) How did scientists currently using user-focused applied science, transdisciplinary, and team science approaches develop the skills and abilities upon which they currently rely? (3) How can scientific organizations and teams build scientists’ capacity to do user-focused applied science, transdisciplinary research, and/or team science?
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Institutionalizing inclusion in the USFWS: a research study
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June 2026
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As the federal agency responsible for fish and wildlife conservation in the United States, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is at the heart of this evolution of the conservation sector. In recent years, USFWS staff have engaged in a variety of internal efforts to prioritize supporting a diverse workforce. However, there has yet to be a concerted cross-program assessment that captures the voices of agency staff to understand their narratives on how the Service is reconceptualizing conservation, or how these efforts are—or are not—moving the needle towards the goal of a more inclusive agency who reflects the multiple values of the American public. To aid the agency in their assessment of these efforts, our main project objectives are to: (1) To conduct a discourse analysis of conservation narratives in the USFWS that might include or exclude conservationists from historically underrepresented and underserved groups. (2) To understand how efforts to recruit and retain staff from historically unrepresented groups can scale up across multiple initiatives and programs to create organizational change.
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As the federal agency responsible for fish and wildlife conservation in the United States, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is at the heart of this evolution of the conservation sector. In recent years, USFWS staff have engaged in a variety of internal efforts to prioritize supporting a diverse workforce. However, there has yet to be a concerted cross-program assessment that captures the voices of agency staff to understand their narratives on how the Service is reconceptualizing conservation, or how these efforts are—or are not—moving the needle towards the goal of a more inclusive agency who reflects the multiple values of the American public. To aid the agency in their assessment of these efforts, our main project objectives are to: (1) To conduct a discourse analysis of conservation narratives in the USFWS that might include or exclude conservationists from historically underrepresented and underserved groups. (2) To understand how efforts to recruit and retain staff from historically unrepresented groups can scale up across multiple initiatives and programs to create organizational change.
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Tribal and non-Tribal public perceptions of Oregon hatcheries for future hatcheries outreach and engagement
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June 2025
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This project comprises a rigorous human dimensions study of public perceptions of salmonid hatcheries, with a focus on two primary audiences: Tribal communities, including Tribal fishermen, and non-Tribal fishing communities, including anglers, guides, commercial fishermen, and their families. The primary research methods will be interviews, workshops, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge methods.
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This project comprises a rigorous human dimensions study of public perceptions of salmonid hatcheries, with a focus on two primary audiences: Tribal communities, including Tribal fishermen, and non-Tribal fishing communities, including anglers, guides, commercial fishermen, and their families. The primary research methods will be interviews, workshops, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge methods.
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Social-psychological drivers of relational organizing to reduce human-bear conflict
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June 2027
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This project involves a multi-phase research program to plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a relational organizing campaign focused on reducing bear attractants in residential settings in the western United States. Phase 1 will lay the foundations of community engagement to design this applied research collaboratively and considering local needs. Phase 2 will generate a more systematic understanding of the barriers, motivations, and opportunities influencing residents’ personal, political, and relational organizing action about reducing bear attractants. Phase 3 will implement a relational organizing campaign and evaluating the impacts of that campaign, both on the volunteers themselves and on the uptake of bear-resistant garbage storage across focal communities. This research project has two objectives:<br>1) Understand the barriers, motivations, and opportunities influencing whether residents in the western United States engage in relational organizing on the topic of securing attractants for bears through individual voluntary behavior change.<br>2) Design, implement, and evaluate a community leader program in collaboration with partners in one or two focal communities to train and encourage leaders to participate in relational organizing.
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This project involves a multi-phase research program to plan, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a relational organizing campaign focused on reducing bear attractants in residential settings in the western United States. Phase 1 will lay the foundations of community engagement to design this applied research collaboratively and considering local needs. Phase 2 will generate a more systematic understanding of the barriers, motivations, and opportunities influencing residents’ personal, political, and relational organizing action about reducing bear attractants. Phase 3 will implement a relational organizing campaign and evaluating the impacts of that campaign, both on the volunteers themselves and on the uptake of bear-resistant garbage storage across focal communities. This research project has two objectives:1) Understand the barriers, motivations, and opportunities influencing whether residents in the western United States engage in relational organizing on the topic of securing attractants for bears through individual voluntary behavior change.2) Design, implement, and evaluate a community leader program in collaboration with partners in one or two focal communities to train and encourage leaders to participate in relational organizing.
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Examining public perceptions of ocean acidification
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June 2025
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This project will explore the effect of ocean awareness on the climate actions and climate adaptation policy preferences of coastal visitors. We will use a two-pronged research approach combining 1) an online representative survey of Oregon residents and 2) visitor intercept surveys of visitors to the Oregon coast. In the first research phase we will identify the degree to which a) climate action behavior and behavioral intentions and b) climate adaptation policy support are related to beliefs about ocean acidification and feelings of connectedness to the Oregon coast and, more specifically, the Oregon Marine Reserves. We will use these results to inform the second research phase, in which we will assess the salience of ocean acidification and climate adaptation needs among coastal visitors, and test the impact of different climate nudges on coastal visitors’ future climate action. Results from this research will inform Oregon Marine Reserves Program and other ODFW communication strategies related to coastal and marine ecosystems, including climate adaptation.
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This project will explore the effect of ocean awareness on the climate actions and climate adaptation policy preferences of coastal visitors. We will use a two-pronged research approach combining 1) an online representative survey of Oregon residents and 2) visitor intercept surveys of visitors to the Oregon coast. In the first research phase we will identify the degree to which a) climate action behavior and behavioral intentions and b) climate adaptation policy support are related to beliefs about ocean acidification and feelings of connectedness to the Oregon coast and, more specifically, the Oregon Marine Reserves. We will use these results to inform the second research phase, in which we will assess the salience of ocean acidification and climate adaptation needs among coastal visitors, and test the impact of different climate nudges on coastal visitors’ future climate action. Results from this research will inform Oregon Marine Reserves Program and other ODFW communication strategies related to coastal and marine ecosystems, including climate adaptation.
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Modeling to support SSAs
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April 2025
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This research is expected to advance models used to forecast persistence probability of at-risk species under alternate future scenarios. Specific focal areas will be determined in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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This research is expected to advance models used to forecast persistence probability of at-risk species under alternate future scenarios. Specific focal areas will be determined in consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Juvenile salmon growth and heat stress
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September 2025
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The goal of this project is to understand how juvenile salmon growth in freshwater habitats is influenced by water temperatures and thermal stress. The sample collection for this project is on Chinook and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and O. kisutch, respectively) in and around the Deshka River, a culturally, ecologically, and economically important salmon fishery in south-central Alaska. This research will be the thesis project for a Masters student in Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We will estimate recent growth from juvenile salmon otoliths and feeding success from stomach fullness for analysis with existing water temperature and thermal stress data. Results are expected to be broadly applicable to the Deshka River and also to salmon management throughout the state. Project results will inform key land and fisheries management decisions.
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The goal of this project is to understand how juvenile salmon growth in freshwater habitats is influenced by water temperatures and thermal stress. The sample collection for this project is on Chinook and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and O. kisutch, respectively) in and around the Deshka River, a culturally, ecologically, and economically important salmon fishery in south-central Alaska. This research will be the thesis project for a Masters student in Fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We will estimate recent growth from juvenile salmon otoliths and feeding success from stomach fullness for analysis with existing water temperature and thermal stress data. Results are expected to be broadly applicable to the Deshka River and also to salmon management throughout the state. Project results will inform key land and fisheries management decisions.
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Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) decisionmaking
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September 2023
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As climate change alters ecosystems worldwide, managers are faced increasingly with challenges in how to manage for its impacts. The Resist-Accept-Direct framework provides a guide for decisionmaking about how, when, and where to choose to implement actions for climate resiliency in ecosystems. This project seeks to apply the RAD framework to river ecosystems worldwide, specifically including the Mississippi River. It is carried out in collaboration with partners across USGS, other Bureaus in the Department of the Interior, and elsewhere in Federal, State and Tribal governance, in addition with non-profit groups. The research helps inform decisions about river management in the face of ongoing climate change.
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As climate change alters ecosystems worldwide, managers are faced increasingly with challenges in how to manage for its impacts. The Resist-Accept-Direct framework provides a guide for decisionmaking about how, when, and where to choose to implement actions for climate resiliency in ecosystems. This project seeks to apply the RAD framework to river ecosystems worldwide, specifically including the Mississippi River. It is carried out in collaboration with partners across USGS, other Bureaus in the Department of the Interior, and elsewhere in Federal, State and Tribal governance, in addition with non-profit groups. The research helps inform decisions about river management in the face of ongoing climate change.
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Aquatic food webs in Grand Canyon
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September 2024
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The Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam in Grand Canyon supports a Federally-listed fish species, the Humpback Chub, and its ecosystem is further protected by the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The aquatic food resources in this river are therefore important to the continued conservation and management of this fish and the ecosystem. In cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and a suite of Federal, State, and Tribal partners, this research is carried out as part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. It seeks to provide research in support of effective management of the Colorado Rive in Grand Canyon.
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The Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam in Grand Canyon supports a Federally-listed fish species, the Humpback Chub, and its ecosystem is further protected by the Grand Canyon Protection Act. The aquatic food resources in this river are therefore important to the continued conservation and management of this fish and the ecosystem. In cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and a suite of Federal, State, and Tribal partners, this research is carried out as part of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program. It seeks to provide research in support of effective management of the Colorado Rive in Grand Canyon.
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Exploring the early life history and habitat connectivity of paku‘iku‘i (Acanthurus achilles) around Hawai‘i Island
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September 2024
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This project will provide crucial insight into the basic biology of a culturally important food fish in Hawai‘i, the paku‘iku‘i or Achilles tang (<i>Acanthurus achilles</i>), whose numbers have recently and mysteriously declined in west Hawai‘i Island. Project scientists will work directly with State resource managers to plan and implement monitoring of fish larvae, recruits, and juveniles, which are critical stages that may contribute to the decline and rebound of this fish’s population. The proposed work will thus inform the State’s adaptive management plan for this species in west Hawai‘i within the first two years of the fishery’s closure.
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In Hawai‘i, hundreds of species are caught in commercial and non-commercial reef fisheries, but we know relatively little about the biology of most of these species and their responses to exploitation. One such species is paku‘iku‘i, also known as the Achilles tang (<i>Acanthurus achilles</i>), whose numbers have recently and mysteriously declined in west Hawai‘i Island. The state resource management agency exercised its adaptive management rulemaking authority in December 2022 to place a 2-year moratorium on all commercial and non-commercial take of paku‘iku‘i in west Hawai‘i Island so that the basic biology and cause of the collapse of this fish’s population can be explored. One significant knowledge gap in this species’ biology that may play an important role in shaping the past and future trajectory of its population is its early life history. Therefore, the funded work will investigate the larval distribution, recruitment dynamics, and relative connectivity of juvenile and adult habitats of paku‘iku‘i. SCUBA surveys in east Hawai‘i Island – where paku‘iku‘i are more abundant than west Hawai‘i Island – will explore habitat requirements and behaviors of new recruits and juveniles across a depth gradient and adjacent to shallow, adult habitat. In addition, targeted light traps and plankton tows will be used to understand the distribution of larval surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) and paku‘iku‘i. This study’s results will directly inform the State’s adaptive management plan for this species, which will need to be reviewed in two years, and will support a structural decision-making model that is in development by Cooperative Research Units staff and State resource managers.
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Analysis and Review of Fishery-Dependent Data for Hawaiian Nearshore Noncommercial Fisheries
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December 2023
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The State of Hawai‘i’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) routinely collects survey data to monitor both the catch and effort of nearshore noncommercial fisheries. These data serve as the basis for justifying management actions and regulatory decisions taken by the agency and by the State government, yet the data from island/county-based monitoring datasets have not yet been collated, analyzed, or put to effective use. The HCFRU was asked by DAR to assemble a Statewide Creel Survey Dataset, and then to 1) assess whether the new dataset can provide inputs for length-based stock assessments, 2) analyze the dataset for spatial and temporal patterns in fishing effort, 3) quantify potential bias in survey methods by experimentally deriving fisher detection probabilities of shore-based and drone-based surveys, and 4) review the potential for incorporating emerging technologies that will improve, augment, and evolve creel survey data collection, especially for spearfishing. In so doing, we synthesize the most detailed information to-date about noncommercial shore-based fisheries of Hawai‘i. The unprecedented coverage of DAR’s dataset reveals the value of their survey efforts over the last decade to address fishery management needs. We also highlight areas that could be improved to make these efforts a more effective tool for future decision-making processes in resource management and conservation in Hawai'i.
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The State of Hawai‘i’s Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) routinely collects survey data to monitor both the catch and effort of nearshore non-commercial fisheries. These data serve as the basis for justifying management actions and regulatory decisions taken by the agency and by the State government, but the data are plagued by an optimization problem of maximizing the ability to detect meaningful changes while minimizing the financial and opportunity costs of collecting sufficient data to do so. The HCFRU was asked by DAR to assess their non-commercial, creel survey dataset to determine 1) whether catch and effort can be estimated from the existing data, 2) whether data were of sufficient quality to be used in data-limited stock assessments or other alternative approaches, 3) if correction factors could be developed to account for sources of bias, and 4) to review new approaches or technologies that could be deployed to more efficiently collect the data necessary to generate fishing catch and effort estimates. The results of this project will inform the State's ability to use the data as it presently exists, and make recommendations about ways to improve the collection and analysis of these data in the future, thus improving the State's ability to more effectively manage non-commercial fisheries.
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Water Quality Thresholds to Improve Coral Restoration Outcomes and Ridge-to-Reef Management at Olowalu Reef, Maui
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January 2026
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Successful reef restoration requires detailed, site-specific information on the tolerances of local reef builders to prevailing environmental threats. Across Hawai‘i – and especially in southwest Maui – sedimentation is a major threat to coral-reef health. Proposed and ongoing watershed management projects focus on erosion reduction, but lack thresholds for sediment pollution and specific, measurable targets for upland sediment reduction. To address this need, the project PIs will work with local organizations and agencies to develop place- and species-specific thresholds of sediment stress to inform both makai (coral outplanting) and mauka (land-management) restoration efforts at Olowalu Reef, a critically important site in the region that is poised to receive millions of dollars for restoration and infrastructure improvements. The PIs and their partners are co-developing the project, the results of which will directly contribute to reef conservation and restoration success. Specifically, the proposed work will produce a map of the predicted success of coral restoration outplants across a sedimentation gradient at Olowalu and generate detailed sediment thresholds for local reef builders that can serve as targets for sediment reduction efforts. Importantly, the proposed approach can be replicated in other locations where establishing water quality targets for coral restoration is a critical management need.
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Successful reef restoration requires detailed, site-specific information on the tolerances of local reef builders to prevailing environmental threats. Across Hawai‘i – and especially in southwest Maui – sedimentation is a major threat to coral-reef health. Proposed and ongoing watershed management projects focus on erosion reduction, but lack thresholds for sediment pollution and specific, measurable targets for upland sediment reduction. To address this need, the project PIs will work with local organizations and agencies to develop place- and species-specific thresholds of sediment stress to inform both makai (coral outplanting) and mauka (land-management) restoration efforts at Olowalu Reef, a critically important site in the region that is poised to receive millions of dollars for restoration and infrastructure improvements. The PIs and their partners are co-developing the project, the results of which will directly contribute to reef conservation and restoration success. Specifically, the proposed work will produce a map of the predicted success of coral restoration outplants across a sedimentation gradient at Olowalu and generate detailed sediment thresholds for local reef builders that can serve as targets for sediment reduction efforts. Importantly, the proposed approach can be replicated in other locations where establishing water quality targets for coral restoration is a critical management need.
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Minnesota Angler Study
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December 2024
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The goal of fisheries management is to provide for long term conservation of fisheries resources while at the same time optimizing the benefits that people obtain from the resources. For this reason, fisheries management involves the management of biological resources and of people. Understanding the concerns and desired experiences of anglers is an important aspect of maintaining satisfying fishing experiences for anglers and a successful fishery. In 1998, the Minnesota DNR conducted a statewide assessment of resident angler satisfaction with fishing experiences and attitudes and beliefs concerning fisheries management issues in the state (Minnesota Center for Survey Research 1998). In 2005 and 2011, 2018 follow-up statewide surveys were completed for the Minnesota DNR by the Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. This proposal is to complete a fifth cross-sectional statewide resident angler assessment that will allow exploration of changes, trends and new conditions. In the current research cycle, understanding anglers preferences concerning trade-offs in management foci and strategies under increasing conditions of budget constraints is again of particular interest to the Minnesota DNR. Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide a current update of angler attitudes and behaviors that can be compared with existing information over the past 24 years. The specific objectives of this study are to: 1. Determine anglers’ values, attitudes, norms and behaviors concerning fishing experiences, issues, and management. 2. Develop and refine a battery of items based on research studies in Minnesota and other states that will be used to track trends in angler’s preferences and attitudes on key issues and perceptions including satisfaction with the general fishing experience, satisfaction with the number and size of fish caught, perceptions of crowding, and other key indicators of the quality of fishing experiences. 3. Continue baseline data for tracking trends in angler perceptions and attitudes on various fisheries issues in Minnesota. 4. Determine differences between resident male and female anglers concerning values, attitudes, and behaviors. 5. Understand anglers’ preferences for trade-offs in management foci under constrained budget scenario
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The goal of fisheries management is to provide for long term conservation of fisheries resources while at the same time optimizing the benefits that people obtain from the resources. For this reason, fisheries management involves the management of biological resources and of people. Understanding the concerns and desired experiences of anglers is an important aspect of maintaining satisfying fishing experiences for anglers and a successful fishery. In 1998, the Minnesota DNR conducted a statewide assessment of resident angler satisfaction with fishing experiences and attitudes and beliefs concerning fisheries management issues in the state (Minnesota Center for Survey Research 1998). In 2005 and 2011, 2018 follow-up statewide surveys were completed for the Minnesota DNR by the Minnesota Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit. This proposal is to complete a fifth cross-sectional statewide resident angler assessment that will allow exploration of changes, trends and new conditions. In the current research cycle, understanding anglers preferences concerning trade-offs in management foci and strategies under increasing conditions of budget constraints is again of particular interest to the Minnesota DNR. Purpose and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide a current update of angler attitudes and behaviors that can be compared with existing information over the past 24 years. The specific objectives of this study are to: 1. Determine anglers’ values, attitudes, norms and behaviors concerning fishing experiences, issues, and management. 2. Develop and refine a battery of items based on research studies in Minnesota and other states that will be used to track trends in angler’s preferences and attitudes on key issues and perceptions including satisfaction with the general fishing experience, satisfaction with the number and size of fish caught, perceptions of crowding, and other key indicators of the quality of fishing experiences. 3. Continue baseline data for tracking trends in angler perceptions and attitudes on various fisheries issues in Minnesota. 4. Determine differences between resident male and female anglers concerning values, attitudes, and behaviors. 5. Understand anglers’ preferences for trade-offs in management foci under constrained budget scenario
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Investigating practitioner organization communication with landowners about human-beaver coexistence
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June 2025
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Beavers are landscape engineers. They create habitat for other species, and change the landscape in ways that often help buffer ecosystems and people from the damaging effects of climate change, including drought, flood, and wildfire risks. In part because of these benefits, there is a movement to restore beaver and beaver-modified habitat on the landscape in Oregon. However, beavers can also be controversial because of the damage they can cause to human structures and crops. As such, beavers are a useful case study for how to equitably engage Oregonians in wildlife habitat restoration efforts while simultaneously mitigating human-wildlife conflict and promoting coexistence. In situations like these, social science can support engagement programs that are a) tailored to key audiences’ needs, b) coordinated across organizations and agencies, and c) targeted at the specific moment when action is taken. However, this kind of participatory evidence-based approach to behavioral design has not yet been applied to human-beaver coexistence in Oregon. We propose to answer the question: How can private landowners be supported to take coexistence actions that are mutually beneficial for their needs and beaver populations in Oregon? We will assemble a community of practice comprising groups that work with private landowners on two dimensions of coexistence in Oregon: human-beaver conflict management and beaver-modified habitat restoration. Together, we will identify a) best practices for landowner engagement (both tried and true strategies and creative new approaches), b) pinch points limiting landowner engagement, and c) opportunities to coordinate future outreach and engagement campaigns. We will use social science methods to execute this project, combining baseline and follow-up interviews, facilitated workshops, and pre-post social network analysis. Results and lessons learned from this project will be shared with ODFW, the community of practice, other stakeholders and rightsholders, and the broader conservation science community to catalyze wider discussion and adoption of human-beaver coexistence strategies, and guide strategic implementation of ODFW’s Beaver Habitat Action Plan in the future.<br>
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Beavers are landscape engineers. They create habitat for other species, and change the landscape in ways that often help buffer ecosystems and people from the damaging effects of climate change, including drought, flood, and wildfire risks. In part because of these benefits, there is a movement to restore beaver and beaver-modified habitat on the landscape in Oregon. However, beavers can also be controversial because of the damage they can cause to human structures and crops. As such, beavers are a useful case study for how to equitably engage Oregonians in wildlife habitat restoration efforts while simultaneously mitigating human-wildlife conflict and promoting coexistence. In situations like these, social science can support engagement programs that are a) tailored to key audiences’ needs, b) coordinated across organizations and agencies, and c) targeted at the specific moment when action is taken. However, this kind of participatory evidence-based approach to behavioral design has not yet been applied to human-beaver coexistence in Oregon. We propose to answer the question: How can private landowners be supported to take coexistence actions that are mutually beneficial for their needs and beaver populations in Oregon? We will assemble a community of practice comprising groups that work with private landowners on two dimensions of coexistence in Oregon: human-beaver conflict management and beaver-modified habitat restoration. Together, we will identify a) best practices for landowner engagement (both tried and true strategies and creative new approaches), b) pinch points limiting landowner engagement, and c) opportunities to coordinate future outreach and engagement campaigns. We will use social science methods to execute this project, combining baseline and follow-up interviews, facilitated workshops, and pre-post social network analysis. Results and lessons learned from this project will be shared with ODFW, the community of practice, other stakeholders and rightsholders, and the broader conservation science community to catalyze wider discussion and adoption of human-beaver coexistence strategies, and guide strategic implementation of ODFW’s Beaver Habitat Action Plan in the future.
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Development of protective temperature criteria for Bluehead Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker and Roundtail Chub Larvae
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June 2026
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TBA
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TBA
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Stream restoration effectiveness assessment
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October 2024
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Stream restoration is a burgeoning industry in Alaska for restoring and remediating aquatic environmental degradation. However, assessment of the effectiveness of stream restoration techniques and the tools used to monitor streams is lacking. This project will work in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S., Bureau of Land Management, and university and non-profit groups to assess stream restorations in Interior Alaska using the novel Stream Quantification Tool. We will report on the functional lift, or suite of ecological services provided by restoration relative to unrestored conditions.
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Stream restoration is a burgeoning industry in Alaska for restoring and remediating aquatic environmental degradation. However, assessment of the effectiveness of stream restoration techniques and the tools used to monitor streams is lacking. This project will work in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S., Bureau of Land Management, and university and non-profit groups to assess stream restorations in Interior Alaska using the novel Stream Quantification Tool. We will report on the functional lift, or suite of ecological services provided by restoration relative to unrestored conditions.
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Wildfire effects on aquatic biodiversity measured using eDNA
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September 2023
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Boreal ecosystems in Alaska are at the forefront of global climate change, and one of the primary impacts of this changing climate is an increase in the prevalence, magnitude, and severity of wildfire. Although less headline-grabbing than stories of burned forests, freshwaters also experience wildfire effects through mudslides and other sedimentation increases, temperature changes due to lack of shading, nutrient and pH effects from ash inputs, and alterations to stream hydrology and geomorphology due to watershed change. Understanding the biodiversity of fish and macroinvertebrates is essential to a quantitative appraisal of freshwater conditions, including assessment of ecosystem impacts to disturbance such as wildfire. Nonetheless, such assessment is generally lacking in broad swaths of Alaska. The advent of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding using next-generation sequencing methods holds exciting potential for broad-scale assessments of freshwater biodiversity in such situations. In this study, I propose to use eDNA metabarcoding samples, including primers developed specifically for the quantification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish, to assess wildfire influence on freshwater biodiversity at a regional scale within Interior Alaska.
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Boreal ecosystems in Alaska are at the forefront of global climate change, and one of the primary impacts of this changing climate is an increase in the prevalence, magnitude, and severity of wildfire. Although less headline-grabbing than stories of burned forests, freshwaters also experience wildfire effects through mudslides and other sedimentation increases, temperature changes due to lack of shading, nutrient and pH effects from ash inputs, and alterations to stream hydrology and geomorphology due to watershed change. Understanding the biodiversity of fish and macroinvertebrates is essential to a quantitative appraisal of freshwater conditions, including assessment of ecosystem impacts to disturbance such as wildfire. Nonetheless, such assessment is generally lacking in broad swaths of Alaska. The advent of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding using next-generation sequencing methods holds exciting potential for broad-scale assessments of freshwater biodiversity in such situations. In this study, I propose to use eDNA metabarcoding samples, including primers developed specifically for the quantification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and fish, to assess wildfire influence on freshwater biodiversity at a regional scale within Interior Alaska.
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Analysis of lake water quality data in Southwest Alaska National Parks
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August 2024
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This project will assess the status and trends of water quality in lakes within the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SWAN). This will be a synthesis project, with little or no new data collection anticipated directly as part of this project. These data originate from within SWAN national parks managed by the U.S. National Park Service, with collection carried out by NPS staff and representing up to a 10-year dataset, with lakes re-sampled semi-regularly across years. Research under this award will be guided by the following questions: 1) To what extent do lakes, or samples within lakes, group along an identifiable gradient, and what environmental or other conditions drive these groupings? 2) Are there apparent intra- and interannual trends or trajectories of water quality change within and across lakes? 3) Can future trends be forecast across lakes and interpolated within lakes given predicted future environmental conditions, using the multi-lake network to infer conditions even in cases where data are sparse?
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This project will assess the status and trends of water quality in lakes within the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SWAN). This will be a synthesis project, with little or no new data collection anticipated directly as part of this project. These data originate from within SWAN national parks managed by the U.S. National Park Service, with collection carried out by NPS staff and representing up to a 10-year dataset, with lakes re-sampled semi-regularly across years. Research under this award will be guided by the following questions: 1) To what extent do lakes, or samples within lakes, group along an identifiable gradient, and what environmental or other conditions drive these groupings? 2) Are there apparent intra- and interannual trends or trajectories of water quality change within and across lakes? 3) Can future trends be forecast across lakes and interpolated within lakes given predicted future environmental conditions, using the multi-lake network to infer conditions even in cases where data are sparse?
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Assessment of Tombigbee Darter Status In Wadeable Streams Using Backpack Electrofishing
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June 2024
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The Tombigbee darter <i>Etheostoma lachneri </i>is a small benthic darter distributed throughout the Tombigbee drainage in Mississippi, including tributaries like the Noxubee River, Sucarnoochee River, Buttahatchee River, and Town Creek (Ross and Brenneman 2001). Complete 26 days of surveying to assess the presence/absence and relative abundance of Tombigbee darter (<i>Etheostoma lachneri</i>)<i> </i>in northeast Mississippi. This research is a collaborative effort among the USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and North Carolina State University, Mississippi State University, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The data generated by this project will be used to assess species status and current range in Mississippi.
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The Tombigbee darter <i>Etheostoma lachneri </i>is a small benthic darter distributed throughout the Tombigbee drainage in Mississippi, including tributaries like the Noxubee River, Sucarnoochee River, Buttahatchee River, and Town Creek (Ross and Brenneman 2001). Complete 26 days of surveying to assess the presence/absence and relative abundance of Tombigbee darter (<i>Etheostoma lachneri</i>)<i> </i>in northeast Mississippi. This research is a collaborative effort among the USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and North Carolina State University, Mississippi State University, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The data generated by this project will be used to assess species status and current range in Mississippi.
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Efficacy of population genetics as a tool to quantify resiliency, redundancy, and representation of burrowing crayfishes within the Species Status Assessment framework
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September 2024
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Burrowing crayfishes (including <i>Hobbseus</i> spp.) are among the most data- and knowledge-deficient aquatic taxonomic groups. Data-deficiency is problematic for structuring population units and Ecological Settings within SSAs, and knowledge gaps related to population connectivity undermine assumptions about population connectivity of burrowing crayfishes when estimating species Redundancy. Our goal is to examine population genetics of <i>H. orconectoides</i> and <i>H. cristatus</i> to provide a blueprint for structuring SSAs of burrowing crayfishes. This research is highly collaborative and involves the USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and North Carolina State University, USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Mississippi State University, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and University of Mississippi. Knowledge gained on spatial structuring of population units and population connectivity from this project will provide a citable blueprint for calculating Resiliency, Redundancy, and Representation for SSAs of at least 23 other crayfishes.
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Burrowing crayfishes (including <i>Hobbseus</i> spp.) are among the most data- and knowledge-deficient aquatic taxonomic groups. Data-deficiency is problematic for structuring population units and Ecological Settings within SSAs, and knowledge gaps related to population connectivity undermine assumptions about population connectivity of burrowing crayfishes when estimating species Redundancy. Our goal is to examine population genetics of <i>H. orconectoides</i> and <i>H. cristatus</i> to provide a blueprint for structuring SSAs of burrowing crayfishes. This research is highly collaborative and involves the USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and North Carolina State University, USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Mississippi State University, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and University of Mississippi. Knowledge gained on spatial structuring of population units and population connectivity from this project will provide a citable blueprint for calculating Resiliency, Redundancy, and Representation for SSAs of at least 23 other crayfishes.
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Lamprey recolonization of the Penobscot River.
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December 2024
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To assess the migratory patterns of lamprey in the Penobscot, we propose a radio telemetry assessment around Milford Dam, the first major impoundment on the Penobscot River. This builds on the work carried out in 2020 and 2021 to assess passage at the first main-stem dam in the system. We intend to use Lotek MST-820-T radio tags to determine movement patterns (e.g., rate of passage, duration of delays, etc.) of fish that have passed Milford Dam. These tags are similar in size to those used in other lamprey studies on the Penobscot.
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To assess the migratory patterns of lamprey in the Penobscot, we propose a radio telemetry assessment around Milford Dam, the first major impoundment on the Penobscot River.
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Alewife passage in the St Croix River.
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December 2023
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The St. Croix River herring populations are at a critical stage in their recovery. Tracking and recording this growth and the accompanying biological changes in the fish population are urgent priorities for the scientists and managers who need this information to develop a long-term fisheries management plan and be able to evaluate the effects of river herring recovery on the health of the watershed ecosystem.<br>Planned project work in will address this data gap in fish passage using radio telemetry to assess fish locations and routes moving both upstream and downstream. Current planned assessments with partners will meet identified needs in the IWI funded “Exploring Upstream and Downstream Fish Passage Improvements on the Lower St. Croix River” to help further fisheries restoration resources in the St. Croix River.
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The St. Croix River herring populations are at a critical stage in their recovery. Tracking and recording this growth and the accompanying biological changes in the fish population are urgent priorities for the scientists and managers who need this information to develop a long-term fisheries management plan and be able to evaluate the effects of river herring recovery on the health of the watershed ecosystem.
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Understanding Atlantic salmon kelt behavior and survival
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December 2024
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Repeat spawners are a biologically important part of an intact Atlantic salmon population, and these fish are almost completely missing in the Gulf of Maine DPS. The migration process of adult Atlantic salmon is energetically costly, so successful reproduction and survival is normally limited. Access to spawning habitat and post-spawn survival are further hampered by ineffective upstream and downstream passage at dams. Post-spawn behavior and passage success in the Gulf of Maine are poorly characterized and represent critical deficits for informed management. We intend to collaborate with the University of Maine to support a graduate student through the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology to study survival and passage of these post spawn adults. The work would leverage significant telemetry infrastructure and experience already dedicated to river studies in the region. Products will include a master’s thesis as well as a peer reviewed publication that will address several key recovery actions identified in the final recovery plan thereby informing recovery actions.
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Repeat spawners are a biologically important part of an intact Atlantic salmon population, and these fish are almost completely missing in the Gulf of Maine DPS. The migration process of adult Atlantic salmon is energetically costly, so successful reproduction and survival is normally limited.
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Wild Turkey Population and Harvest Management in Maine.
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December 2026
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Our proposed project will build upon previous turkey population assessments by MDIFW and the University of Maine (Gonnerman et al. 2021). Specifically, we will address issues of 1) quantifying and accounting for the inherent uncertainty in both future wild turkey data collection and the processes used to model these data, and 2) the need to make harvest management decisions while addressing competing stakeholder interests, given the presence of inherent uncertainties.
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Quantify uncertainty in turkey abundance estimates originating from data collection using a simulation approach, and identify the most efficient sampling framework moving forward for robust population inference.
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Beyond Recovery: Enhancing Agency Preparedness for Ecological and Societal Challenges with Increasing Protected Species Populations.
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December 2025
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Marine mammal populations have begun to recover after centuries of human caused declines. The Endangered Species (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Acts (MMPA) have been instrumental to shepherding the rebound in many populations. In some cases, this biological management success has led to unforeseen increases in human-wildlife conflicts. Many solutions seem to be incongruent with the apparent constraints imposed by these tools. Managers, therefore, are moved to engage stakeholders and problems solve conflicts. We propose to assess the range of marine mammal conflicts encountered by the five National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regions of the United States. This information will inform active facilitated discussions with managers and stakeholders to develop solutions for addressing these clashes.
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Marine mammal populations have begun to recover after centuries of human caused declines. The Endangered Species (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Acts (MMPA) have been instrumental to shepherding the rebound in many populations. In some cases, this biological management success has led to unforeseen increases in human-wildlife conflicts.
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Range wide, river-specific dam impacts on Blueback Herring, Alewife and American Eel.
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December 2025
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We propose to develop and parameterize Alewife, Blueback Herring and American Eel river-specific models across their entire ranges. These models will be populated with estimates of region-specific life-history parameters, estimates of habitat (e.g., acres) and the dam landscape. Once developed, these models will be freely available to hydro practitioners for the use in planning for species conservation and recovery relative to hydropower at both local and regional scales. The challenges for developing the habitat and population model components vary greatly among these three species. <br><br>Alewife and blueback herring (collectively “river herring”) range from South Carolina to Newfoundland . These two species are anadromous – growing in the marine environment and returning to fresh water as presumptive spawners (alewife returning first in the spring, blueback herring timing overlaps, but is later). The two species are similar in appearance and life history, but critical distinctions (from each other and from American shad) prevent a direct reapplication of the GIS work used to model American shad. Blueback herring do not usually swim far upstream to spawn (historic runs in the Connecticut River not withstanding). Blueback Herring prefer to spawn in fast currents or over hard substrate .<br><br>In contrast, adult alewife prefer to spawn in slow moving water such as lakes or flowages. In the northern part of their range, they are iteroparous, meaning that adults return to the ocean after spawning. Both species’ juveniles spend 2-7 months in freshwater, and at 23-100 mm total length they migrate to the ocean. As anadromous species, blueback herring and alewife spawning is contained in isolated freshwater systems. These species are, therefore, amenable to river specific population modeling.<br><br>A similar approach with the catadromous American Eel represents a fundamental challenge as the growth phase of this species is in fresh water, and spawning occurs in the ocean. The population is believed to be panmictic, a single population across the entire range of the species. After beginning life in the Sargasso Sea, American Eel larvae are dispersed by ocean currents across the eastern coast of North America . They eventually transition to a translucent “glass” stage near coastal waters and begin actively swimming upriver, when many encounter dams in pursuit of freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. Because these barriers delay movement and limit American Eel establishment in headwater reaches , many dam structures have been retrofitted with juvenile eel ladders to offer upstream passage opportunities . Once in fresh water, eels may reside in these systems for more than 20 years before beginning a transoceanic spawning migration to return to the Sargasso Sea, during which they must pass the same dams they ascended as juveniles. These fish represent a challenge in the variety of habitats they can inhabit during their growth phase, as well as the integrated nature of range-wide river contributions to a single population.
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We propose to develop and parameterize Alewife, Blueback Herring and American Eel river-specific models across their entire ranges. These models will be populated with estimates of region-specific life-history parameters, estimates of habitat (e.g., acres) and the dam landscape. Once developed, these models will be freely available to hydro practitioners for the use in planning for species conservation and recovery relative to hydropower at both local and regional scales.
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Understanding the perceptions and potential of aquaculture as a tool for Atlantic salmon restoration in Maine.
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December 2025
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The Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Atlantic Salmon is federally endangered and the current conservation program relies primarily on juvenile stocking to maintain broodstock. Despite decades of hatchery supplementation, extirpation remains a threat and natural reproduction is extremely limited. The Collaborative Management Strategy (CMS), the governance structure for Atlantic salmon management in Maine, is collaborating with Cooke Aquaculture to implement a novel rearing program to increase natural spawning. Native smolts will be transferred to coastal net pens and reared to maturation. Pre-spawn adults will then be released into high-quality spawning habitats. This effort is a major shift in management and has garnered mixed public reactions. Working with the CMS and other stakeholders, a questionnaire was administered to 900 households in Downeast, Maine via Drop-off and Pick-up methodology. Through this exploratory study of attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and agency trust we found positive attitudes toward Atlantic salmon, endangered species conservation, and conservation aquaculture. Attitudes toward commercial aquaculture and hatcheries were neutral to weakly positive. Participants reported low trust in the collaborating agencies and industry partners with regard to providing relevant information to the protection human and environmental safety. We compared the beliefs of residents who are geographically closest to the proposed net pen site and those in surrounding communities to disentangle issues of proximity to the project from other concerns. We found minimal evidence of local opposition, but there was also low public knowledge regarding Atlantic salmon in general. Coupled with high uncertainty in stakeholder values and generally neutral belief responses, the data suggest the community is uninformed and under engaged. As a result, the community may have a heightened susceptibility to influence, either from managers or special interest groups, that engage the community.
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The Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Atlantic Salmon is federally endangered and the current conservation program relies primarily on juvenile stocking to maintain broodstock. Working with the CMS and other stakeholders, a questionnaire was administered to 900 households in Downeast, Maine via Drop-off and Pick-up methodology. Through this exploratory study of attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and agency trust we found positive attitudes toward Atlantic salmon, endangered species conservation, and conservation aquaculture.
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Examining deterrence potential of existing water infrastructure for limiting invasive carps movements while promoting population connectivity of native fishes
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September 2028
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There is an inherent tradeoff between limiting movements of carps with deterrents (barriers) and minimizing impacts to native fishes unless barriers are operated to allow passage of native fishes. Mismatches in the timing of large-scale movements between native fishes and carps might provide such opportunities to operate deterrents in a manner that limits carps while minimally interfering with population connectivity needed to sustain native fish populations. This work is a collaboration among Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Mississippi State University and USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U.S Geological Service’s Columbia Environmental Research Center, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information gained from this project could help operationalize numerous semi-passable barriers within the Lower Mississippi River region to maintain barrier functionality while allowing native fish passage and limiting expansion of invasive fishes.
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There is an inherent tradeoff between limiting movements of carps with deterrents (barriers) and minimizing impacts to native fishes unless barriers are operated to allow passage of native fishes. Mismatches in the timing of large-scale movements between native fishes and carps might provide such opportunities to operate deterrents in a manner that limits carps while minimally interfering with population connectivity needed to sustain native fish populations. This work is a collaboration among Auburn University and Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, North Carolina State University and North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Mississippi State University and USGS Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U.S Geological Service’s Columbia Environmental Research Center, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Information gained from this project could help operationalize numerous semi-passable barriers within the Lower Mississippi River region to maintain barrier functionality while allowing native fish passage and limiting expansion of invasive fishes.
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Clarifying the finer-scale landscape elements critical to support the breeding activities of non-game, sagebrush-associated birds
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December 2025
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The North American sagebrush steppe has been converted and altered extensively, with concomitant declines in sagebrush-associated wildlife. The recent Sagebrush Conservation Design (SCD) efforts provide valuable, broad-scale inference about core sagebrush areas (CSAs) and growth opportunity areas (GOAs). A key next step is to clarify the finer-scale, within-landscape habitat elements that are critical to support sagebrush species, particularly non-game species that have received less management attention. The main goal of the project is therefore to assess the habitat characteristics associated with consistent occupancy and nesting success of nesting sagebrush songbirds across multiple years and four unique study areas in Wyoming and Montana. Research and funding partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, USGS (WLCI). The identification of consistently important habitat features for breeding non-game birds within sagebrush landscapes will complement existing biome-wide habitat prioritization efforts.
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The North American sagebrush steppe has been converted and altered extensively, with concomitant declines in sagebrush-associated wildlife. The recent Sagebrush Conservation Design (SCD) efforts provide valuable, broad-scale inference about core sagebrush areas (CSAs) and growth opportunity areas (GOAs). A key next step is to clarify the finer-scale, within-landscape habitat elements that are critical to support sagebrush species, particularly non-game species that have received less management attention. The main goal of the project is therefore to assess the within-landscape habitat characteristics associated with consistent occupancy and nesting success of nesting sagebrush songbirds across multiple years and four unique study areas in Wyoming and Montana. Research and funding partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, USGS (WLCI). The identification of consistently important habitat features for breeding non-game birds within sagebrush landscapes will complement existing biome-wide habitat prioritization efforts.
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Whitetail deer foraging behavior
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June 2024
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We are running a pilot study to determine if whitetail deer giving up densities (GUDs) can be accurately measured. We are deploying 1 camera trap with cellular link capacity in front of each of 7 experimental feeding stations. Investigators visit the feeding station once a feeding event has been recorded by a camera. A forager's GUD is a function of perceived predation risk, missed opportunity costs, and metabolic state.
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We are running a pilot study to determine if whitetail deer giving up densities (GUDs) can be accurately measured. We are deploying 1 camera trap with cellular link capacity in front of each of 7 experimental feeding stations. Investigators visit the feeding station once a feeding event has been recorded by a camera. A forager's GUD is a function of perceived predation risk, missed opportunity costs, and metabolic state.
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Landscape ecology of human-wildlife interactions in Botswana
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December 2025
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Human-wildlife interactions can have negative consequences for both the people and the wildlife involved. However, we don't always have spatial context for these interactions. We can use landscape ecology to investigate the patterns and processes of human-wildlife interactions. In Botswana, this information can support conservation, management, and mitigation actions. This project builds off of research done in collaboration with Texas A&M, the Ecoexist Project, and Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
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Human-wildlife interactions can have negative consequences for both the people and the wildlife involved. However, we don't always have spatial context for these interactions. We can use landscape ecology to investigate the patterns and processes of human-wildlife interactions. In Botswana, this information can support conservation, management, and mitigation actions. This project builds off of research done in collaboration with Texas A&M, the Ecoexist Project, and Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
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Assessing virulence and distribution of Renibacterium salmoninarum found in Colorado
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January 2025
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TBA
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TBA
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Application of Artificial Learning Technology to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Camera Data
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June 2025
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Remote cameras, which can take photos on sequential or time-lapse schedules, or via activation of an infrared trigger, are now used in a wide array of research and monitoring programs and they generate vast volumes of data. In order to use animal data from these photos to estimate occupancy or abundance, an efficient process is needed that uses machine learning (ML) techniques to extract species identification and accounts for classification error. The project is a collaboration with mammal researchers of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The ML model and workflow developed will be used to build models to assess species distribution and population dynamics, by researchers as well as managers for different species.
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Remote cameras, which can take photos on sequential or time-lapse schedules, or via activation of an infrared trigger, are now used in a wide array of research and monitoring programs and they generate vast volumes of data. In order to use animal data from these photos to estimate occupancy or abundance, an efficient process is needed that uses machine learning (ML) techniques to extract species identification and accounts for classification error. The project is a collaboration with mammal researchers of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The ML model and workflow developed will be used to build models to assess species distribution and population dynamics, by researchers as well as managers for different species.
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Decision making under non-stationary system dynamics
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September 2024
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Our ability to effectively manage natural resources is founded in an understanding of how our actions and the environment influence ecological systems. Current practices use monitoring data from the past to determine key ecological relationships and make predictions about the future. In most cases, these forecasts assume that the environmental conditions observed in the past will remain the same in the future. However, climate change is influencing ecological systems in many dynamic and uncertain ways, leading to a situation in which our observations of the past are poor predictors of the future. If we continue to use the existing framework to manage natural resources without accounting for global change, our actions could have negative effects. This project investigates the theoretical frameworks for including time-varying system dynamics in decision models. We also apply those concepts to case studies involving waterfowl population management in the central U.S.
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Climate change and other anthropogenic stressors are causing shifts in ecological dynamics but most management decision processes assume system stationarity, i.e. that while there may be yearly variation, average conditions will remain constant. Failing to account for non-stationarity can result in management policies that are sub-optimal at best and detrimental at worst. This project is centered on the premise that predictions about future non-stationary dynamics can be incorporated within optimization algorithms to develop time-dependent policies that anticipate changing system dynamics rather than only reacting via monitoring and learning. This work includes theoretical work in optimal control theory as well as applications to waterfowl harvest management.
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Effects of Conifer Removal on Songbirds in Sage-Grouse Habitat
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September 2024
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Conifer removal is a core practice in sage-steppe restoration to benefit Elk (<i>Cervus </i>Canadensis) and Greater Sage-grouse (<i>Centrocercus urophasianus</i>) as well as other sagebrush species of management concern. Research to identify the demographic impacts on sagebrush obligate songbirds, as well as conifer-dependent songbird species, is lacking. Demographic impacts of habitat change are particularly poorly known in the sagebrush communities where conifer encroachment is occurring in Montana. Previous studies have focused on sagebrush habitats dominated by stands of Wyoming big sagebrush, and invaded by juniper (<i>Juniperus spp</i>.), while in Montana conifer encroachment is occurring at higher elevations in stands dominated by mountain big sagebrush invaded by Douglas fir (<i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>). The latter habitat includes bird species of management concern, including Brewer’s sparrow (<i>Spizella breweri</i>) and Sage Thrasher (<i>Oreoscoptes montanus</i>) in sage habitat, and Green-tailed Towhee (<i>Pipilo chlorurus</i>), Cassin’s Finch (<i>Haemorhous cassinii</i>), and Clark’s Nutcracker (<i>Nucifraga Columbiana</i>) in conifer habitat.
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Conifer removal is a core practice in sage-steppe restoration to benefit Elk (<i>Cervus </i>Canadensis) and Greater Sage-grouse (<i>Centrocercus urophasianus</i>) as well as other sagebrush species of management concern. Research to identify the demographic impacts on sagebrush obligate songbirds, as well as conifer-dependent songbird species, is lacking. Demographic impacts of habitat change are particularly poorly known in the sagebrush communities where conifer encroachment is occurring in Montana. Previous studies have focused on sagebrush habitats dominated by stands of Wyoming big sagebrush, and invaded by juniper (<i>Juniperus spp</i>.), while in Montana conifer encroachment is occurring at higher elevations in stands dominated by mountain big sagebrush invaded by Douglas fir (<i>Pseudotsuga menziesii</i>). The latter habitat includes bird species of management concern, including Brewer’s sparrow (<i>Spizella breweri</i>) and Sage Thrasher (<i>Oreoscoptes montanus</i>) in sage habitat, and Green-tailed Towhee (<i>Pipilo chlorurus</i>), Cassin’s Finch (<i>Haemorhous cassinii</i>), and Clark’s Nutcracker (<i>Nucifraga Columbiana</i>) in conifer habitat. Understanding the consequences of conifer removal for abundance and reproductive output of songbirds using both conifer and sagebrush habitats in high elevation Montana is needed to understand best practices for enhancing populations of all wildlife. Mountain sagebrush landscapes include other woody habitat like riparian stringers and denser conifer stands at the periphery of conifer removal areas. Conifer removal can create artificial ‘hard’ edges that might yield high predation near the edges both inside and outside the conifer. This could even create ecological traps, where abundances are high but breeding productivity creates population sinks that yield declining populations near the edges in both habitats. Collaborative projects spearheaded by Montana Conservation Corps, Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy of Montana, Bureau of Land Management-Dillon, Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation are underway to remove encroaching conifers from up to 10,000 acres of mountain big sagebrush habitat on state and federally-owned lands through 2019. We request research funds to evaluate effects of these removals on songbird populations. We will examine: 1) abundance and reproductive output of sagebrush-obligate songbirds in sagebrush habitat in Sage-grouse core areas and including some active leks without versus with conifer removal, 2) abundance and reproductive output of conifer-dependent songbirds in adjacent conifer stands, 3) the change in songbird species composition from conifer to sagebrush habitats, and 4) impacts of distance from woody vegetation on nesting success and population trajectories (i.e., lambda) of songbirds. This information will inform the management removal of conifer trees located in stands of mountain big sagebrush habitats, and provide specific recommendations on the landscape contexts and distances from woody cover that will benefit songbirds the most.
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OA 109: Distribution and Habitat Associations of the Federally Threatened Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) in Texas
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November 2025
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The Mexican spotted owl (Stix occidentalis lucida) is protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. In Texas it is listed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as threatened and considered as a S1B species, which indicates it is critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of other factors making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Listing of the Mexican spotted owl as threatened was based primarily on loss of habitat due to timber harvest practices. Currently, the primary threat to Mexican spotted owls is landscape-scale stand-replacing wildfires. The species is distributed Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and southward into northern states of Mexico. Across its distribution, Mexican spotted owls are distributed irregularly due to the patchy distribution of its habitat. Mexican spotted owls require mature pine forests or canyons with rocky cliffs for roosting and nesting habitat. Currently, the species’ distribution in Texas is based primarily on a very few documented observations at isolated locations in the Davis Mountains and the Guadalupe Mountains. However, the actual distribution and occurrence of Mexican spotted owls in Texas is, from a quantitative perspective, unknown. This is because no focused effort has been made to assess the true distribution and habitat associations of Mexican spotted owls in Texas. The landscapes and habitat used by this species, the fact that conventional surveys must be done at night and are time consuming (i.e., expensive), have rendered conventional surveys very challenging in the Trans Pecos region.<br><br>We propose to assess the distribution of Mexican spotted owls in Texas by taking advantage of 1) modern technology and 2) the increased number of private landowners in the Trans Pecos allowing wildlife researchers to access to their properties. Owls announce their presence and breeding territories by species-specific, identifiable, vocalizations at night. We will use passive audio monitors (PAMs) to sample the nocturnal hours for Mexican spotted owl vocalizations. Each PAM will be programmed to record during the Mexican spotted owl breeding season (~February – April). Each PAM will then be retrieved, data downloaded and analyzed for detections of Mexican spotted owls and other owl species. For example, Elf Owls (Micrathene whitneyi) and Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) are both Texas species of conservation concern and may be seasonally sympatric with Mexican spotted owls, and there is concern the Barred Owl (Strix varia) may be expanding its range and begin competing with Mexican spotted owls. Our final product will address knowledge gaps for the Mexican spotted owl distributions in Texas and serve to facilitate informed voluntary conservation planning; support science-based management decisions; provide useful information for ESA species status assessment, critical habitat designations, and recovery efforts; and provide accessible data and methodologies to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and other interested entities. Further it will guide future research on the species. For example, we will pursue other funding from other sources to support research visits to locations where Mexican spotted owls are detected for in-person surveys to locate nest sites and conduct nesting habitat descriptions and assessment.
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The Mexican spotted owl (Stix occidentalis lucida) is protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act. In Texas it is listed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as threatened and considered as a S1B species, which indicates it is critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often 5 or fewer occurrences) or because of other factors making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Listing of the Mexican spotted owl as threatened was based primarily on loss of habitat due to timber harvest practices. Currently, the primary threat to Mexican spotted owls is landscape-scale stand-replacing wildfires. The species is distributed Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, west Texas, and southward into northern states of Mexico. Across its distribution, Mexican spotted owls are distributed irregularly due to the patchy distribution of its habitat. Mexican spotted owls require mature pine forests or canyons with rocky cliffs for roosting and nesting habitat. Currently, the species’ distribution in Texas is based primarily on a very few documented observations at isolated locations in the Davis Mountains and the Guadalupe Mountains. However, the actual distribution and occurrence of Mexican spotted owls in Texas is, from a quantitative perspective, unknown. This is because no focused effort has been made to assess the true distribution and habitat associations of Mexican spotted owls in Texas. The landscapes and habitat used by this species, the fact that conventional surveys must be done at night and are time consuming (i.e., expensive), have rendered conventional surveys very challenging in the Trans Pecos region.We propose to assess the distribution of Mexican spotted owls in Texas by taking advantage of 1) modern technology and 2) the increased number of private landowners in the Trans Pecos allowing wildlife researchers to access to their properties. Owls announce their presence and breeding territories by species-specific, identifiable, vocalizations at night. We will use passive audio monitors (PAMs) to sample the nocturnal hours for Mexican spotted owl vocalizations. Each PAM will be programmed to record during the Mexican spotted owl breeding season (~February – April). Each PAM will then be retrieved, data downloaded and analyzed for detections of Mexican spotted owls and other owl species. For example, Elf Owls (Micrathene whitneyi) and Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) are both Texas species of conservation concern and may be seasonally sympatric with Mexican spotted owls, and there is concern the Barred Owl (Strix varia) may be expanding its range and begin competing with Mexican spotted owls. Our final product will address knowledge gaps for the Mexican spotted owl distributions in Texas and serve to facilitate informed voluntary conservation planning; support science-based management decisions; provide useful information for ESA species status assessment, critical habitat designations, and recovery efforts; and provide accessible data and methodologies to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and other interested entities. Further it will guide future research on the species. For example, we will pursue other funding from other sources to support research visits to locations where Mexican spotted owls are detected for in-person surveys to locate nest sites and conduct nesting habitat descriptions and assessment.
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Understanding the Effects of Bowfishing on Buffalo Population Structure in Wisconsin Watersheds
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December 2024
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TBD
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TBD
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Bird population and species distribution modeling to understand causes of population declines
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December 2025
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We use large datasets (Breeding Bird Atlases, eBird, Breeding Bird Survey) to estimate bird species' status and drivers of population decline. A current focal species is the Cerulean Warbler, and we are gathering existing datasets to build an integrated population model to understand demographic drivers of decline.
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We use large datasets (Breeding Bird Atlases, eBird, Breeding Bird Survey) to estimate bird species' status and drivers of population decline. A current focal species is the Cerulean Warbler, and we are gathering existing datasets to build an integrated population model to understand demographic drivers of decline.
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Advancing climate change adaptation strategies for high elevation and endangered lowland amphibian species in the US Caribbean.
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September 2025
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We propose to advance effective and efficient adaptation to climate change and recovery in the US Caribbean by addressing two objectives: 1) measuring key micro-climate variables along multiple habitat and climate gradients, allowing for identification of resilient climate habitats for at-risk and endangered amphibian species; and 2) expanding prior work to distinguish between the interactive effects of moisture and temperature on <i>Eleutherodactylus </i>occurrence and abundance. The expected results from this study include an island-wide evaluation of potential climate <i>refugia</i> sites for temperature and moisture sensitive <i>Eleutherodactylus</i> species, and criteria for decision makers to determine when and where they should engage in in-situ management or managed translocations.
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The well-known <i>coquí</i> frogs, represented by 17 species in the genus <i>Eleutherodactylus</i> in Puerto Rico, are threatened by extreme heat and drying, and coastal saltwater intrusion. Recent investigations have helped to determine how global climate change is likely to affect the local climate of the US Caribbean, and how sensitive different <i>coquí</i> species are to local climate and habitat conditions. We propose to advance effective and efficient adaptation to climate change and recovery in the US Caribbean by addressing two objectives: 1) measuring key micro-climate variables along multiple habitat and climate gradients, allowing for identification of resilient climate habitats for at-risk and endangered amphibian species; and 2) expanding prior work to distinguish between the interactive effects of moisture and temperature on <i>Eleutherodactylus </i>occurrence and abundance. The expected results from this study include an island-wide evaluation of potential climate <i>refugia</i> sites for temperature and moisture sensitive <i>Eleutherodactylus</i> species, and criteria for decision makers to determine when and where they should engage in in-situ management or managed translocations.
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Effects of reservoir operation on fish recruitment, movement, and survival in the Des Moines and associated rivers.
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December 2026
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This project contains two objectives that serve the common goal of understanding Shovelnose Sturgeon movement ecology to better manage flows downstream of Saylorville and Red Rock Dams in order to promote the survival and reproduction of these migratory river fishes and the overall ecosystem integrity in the lower Des Moines River.<br>The first objective will compare spring migration phenology of Shovelnose Sturgeon using acoustic telemetry in two Mississippi River tributary systems, one with and one without experimental flows. This design will examine how environmental flows influence species movement and may affect the location, timing, and reproduction. Previous research suggests that spring flow pulses facilitate Shovelnose Sturgeon spawning in the Missouri River basin. Research may also monitor the movement of previously tagged Lake Sturgeon, a state species of GCN in Iowa and has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The first objective (also Task 1, (b.)) will relate sturgeon movement and environmental conditions with timing of reproduction by capturing sturgeon eggs and larvae downstream of suspected spawning sites. Eggs and larvae will be identified and enumerated in the lab, including an estimate of stage or age. This data will be utilized in the continued development and refinement of the DSMR AMMP, facilitating achievement of the SRP goals for the DSMR.<br> <br>A second objective (Task 2) is to monitor behavioral movements and habitat selection in relation to flows and temperature during the summer period when water temperatures are the warmest (July-August). This task specifically aims to advance our understanding of Shovelnose Sturgeon summer movement ecology and spatial variation in water quality during the summer to aid in the implementation of “opportunistic heat wave pulses” (Table 1). This information is needed to adjust flows to reduce the risk of physiological stress that has led to mass mortality events of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Des Moines River. For example, in 2012 an estimated 37,159 Shovelnose Sturgeon died and it was presumed that the cause was related to low flows and elevated water temperatures >30°C (Hupfeld et al., 2015). An additional sturgeon kill occurred in the Des Moines River this year in early July 2023 when flows were <2,000 cfs. This information will also help more broadly to adapt reservoir management to increase downstream ecosystem resilience as water temperatures are predicted to increase in the future due to climate change. To accomplish these objectives in Phase 2, we will conduct a finer-scale telemetry on the previously tagged Shovelnose Sturgeon during the warmest portions of the year late June-August. While conducting objective 1, we will be able to identify areas of the Des Moines River that may be used by Shovelnose Sturgeon during the summer to avoid physiological stress.<br>
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We propose two objectives that serve the common goal of understanding Shovelnose Sturgeon movement ecology to better manage flows downstream of Saylorville and Red Rock Dams in order to promote the survival and reproduction of these migratory river fishes and the overall ecosystem integrity in the lower Des Moines River.The first objective will compare spring migration phenology of Shovelnose Sturgeon using acoustic telemetry in two Mississippi River tributary systems, one with and one without experimental flows. This design will examine how environmental flows influence species movement and may affect the location, timing, and reproduction. Previous research suggests that spring flow pulses facilitate Shovelnose Sturgeon spawning in the Missouri River basin. Research may also monitor the movement of previously tagged Lake Sturgeon, a state species of GCN in Iowa and has been petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act. The first objective (also Task 1, (b.)) will relate sturgeon movement and environmental conditions with timing of reproduction by capturing sturgeon eggs and larvae downstream of suspected spawning sites. Eggs and larvae will be identified and enumerated in the lab, including an estimate of stage or age. This data will be utilized in the continued development and refinement of the DSMR AMMP, facilitating achievement of the SRP goals for the DSMR. A second objective (Task 2) is to monitor behavioral movements and habitat selection in relation to flows and temperature during the summer period when water temperatures are the warmest (July-August). This task specifically aims to advance our understanding of Shovelnose Sturgeon summer movement ecology and spatial variation in water quality during the summer to aid in the implementation of “opportunistic heat wave pulses” (Table 1). This information is needed to adjust flows to reduce the risk of physiological stress that has led to mass mortality events of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Des Moines River. For example, in 2012 an estimated 37,159 Shovelnose Sturgeon died and it was presumed that the cause was related to low flows and elevated water temperatures >30°C (Hupfeld et al., 2015). An additional sturgeon kill occurred in the Des Moines River this year in early July 2023 when flows were <2,000 cfs. This information will also help more broadly to adapt reservoir management to increase downstream ecosystem resilience as water temperatures are predicted to increase in the future due to climate change. To accomplish these objectives in Phase 2, we will conduct a finer-scale telemetry on the previously tagged Shovelnose Sturgeon during the warmest portions of the year late June-August. While conducting objective 1, we will be able to identify areas of the Des Moines River that may be used by Shovelnose Sturgeon during the summer to avoid physiological stress.
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Effects of reservoir operation on fish recruitment, movement, and survival in the Des Moines and associated rivers. Funding source: US Army Corps of Engineers Sustainable Rivers Program.
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December 2026
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Invasive species and hydrologic alterations from navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric dams are among the most serious stressors present in the Upper Mississippi River basin. Both stressors can inflict ecosystem-level effects including the restructuring of food webs through increased competition, predation, habitat alteration, water quality degradation, and fragmentation. Bigheaded carp (<i>Hypophthalmichthys molitrix </i>and <i>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</i>) are high-profile invasive species in North America that are continuing to expand upstream in the Mississippi River basin. In response, many state and federal agencies partner to reduce the undesirable effects of invasive carp through early detection, barrier management, and removal. Despite these programs, our understanding of the full consequences of bigheaded carp invasions is incomplete hampering our ability to enact scientifically led decision making to control their spread as well as understanding the ecosystem impacts they can have at different densities.<br><br>We assess the effects of these invasive planktivores on a variety of trophic guilds using stable isotope analyses across a natural gradient of invasive carp density in Iowa.
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Invasive species and hydrologic alterations from navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric dams are among the most serious stressors present in the Upper Mississippi River basin. Both stressors can inflict ecosystem-level effects including the restructuring of food webs through increased competition, predation, habitat alteration, water quality degradation, and fragmentation. Bigheaded carp (<i>Hypophthalmichthys molitrix </i>and <i>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</i>) are high-profile invasive species in North America that are continuing to expand upstream in the Mississippi River basin. In response, many state and federal agencies partner to reduce the undesirable effects of invasive carp through early detection, barrier management, and removal. Despite these programs, our understanding of the full consequences of bigheaded carp invasions is incomplete hampering our ability to enact scientifically led decision making to control their spread as well as understanding the ecosystem impacts they can have at different densities. Previous research has focused mainly on trophic competition between bigheaded carp and three native planktivores: Bigmouth Buffalo (<i>Ictiobus cyprinellus</i>), Paddlefish (<i>Polyodon spathula</i>), and Gizzard Shad (<i>Dorosoma cepedianum</i>). These studies identified substantial dietary overlap between bigheaded carp and native planktivores (Harris et al., 2022), further implicating bigheaded carp in the declines in large crustacean zooplankton and native planktivores (Irons et al., 2007; Pyron et al., 2017; Sass et al., 2014; Tillotson et al., 2022). However, pilot data from the Des Moines and Iowa rivers suggest that trophodynamics of predatory fishes such as the Flathead Catfish (<i>Pylodictus olivaris</i>) may also be affected by carp abundances as well as impoundment (Weber, unpublished). Currently, bigheaded carp populations exist in all three stages of biological invasion, namely, arrival, establishment, and integration (Moyle & Light, 1996) across the upper Mississippi River basin pools and large tributaries. Gradients of bigheaded carp relative abundance exist, ranging from absent upstream of tributary dams to dominant in downstream reaches of southern tributaries such as the Lower Des Moines River. This establishes a spatially replicated natural gradient of relative carp abundance across the region and presents a unique and timely opportunity to acquire information about how serial disruptions to river continuity due to impoundment may interact with invasive species abundance to influence food webs dynamics for multiple native trophic guilds. This information is needed to adjust target density levels of bigheaded carp that can be attained through population suppression efforts. Therefore, we propose the following project.<b> </b>This is a multi-year project, but in year one will be primarily focused on working with the master’s student beginning in January 2024 to develop a research proposal and study design. The student will then scout field sites in the spring and subsequently use boat electrofishing and other sampling gears to capture fish for stable isotope analyses. Toward the end of the year in September and October 2024, the student will begin to process tissue samples to be run for stable isotope analysis at labs on the Iowa State University campus.
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Examining drivers of temporal variation in hybridization outcomes in bigheaded carp in the UMR.
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October 2024
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Invasive Bighead and Silver Carp have been known to hybridize in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This research will use genomic analysis of tissue samples to infer prevalence of hybrids in the Upper Mississippi River basin, their natal origins, and the potential effects on condition.
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Invasive Bighead and Silver Carp have been known to hybridize in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This research will use genomic analysis of tissue samples to infer prevalence of hybrids in the Upper Mississippi River basin, their natal origins, and the potential effects on condition.
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Habitat associations and biotic interactions of invasive Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) to inform risk assessment and management of shallow glacial lakes at the invasion front.
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August 2025
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The invasive Rusty Crayfish has caused tremendous ecological and economic damage in glacial lakes in the Upper Midwest. Its range has recently expanded south to shallow-eutrophic lakes of the Upper Mississippi Basin. The first lake-dwelling population in Iowa was recently discovered in Storm Lake, Iowa, but little is known about the relative abundance, distribution of Rusty Crayfish within Storm Lake or surrounding natural lakes, or how its introduction will affect water quality populations of aquatic flora and fauna. Therefore, we propose a project to assess the distribution and habitat and biotic associations of Rusty Crayfish within Storm Lake and other shallow eutrophic lakes within southern portions of the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This research will inform vulnerability assessments for early detection and management of the species.
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The invasive Rusty Crayfish has caused tremendous ecological and economic damage in glacial lakes in the Upper Midwest. Following its introduction into Wisconsin in the 1960s, it has decimated aquatic vegetation, predated on fish eggs and larvae, restructured food webs, forced the extirpation of native species, and potentially reduced water quality through the resuspension of nutrients and sediment from the benthos. Its range has recently expanded south to shallow-eutrophic lakes of the Upper Mississippi Basin. The first lake-dwelling population in Iowa was recently discovered in Storm Lake, Iowa in 2018, but little is known about the relative abundance, distribution of Rusty Crayfish within Storm Lake or surrounding natural lakes, or how its introduction will interact with native and invasive species already present. Therefore, we propose to assess the distribution and habitat and biotic associations of Rusty Crayfish with both intensive within Storm Lake and extensive among lake minnow trapping surveys within the Upper Mississippi River Basin. We will use this data to analyze how lake habitat, species community interactions, human socioeconomic factors, and active habitat management and restoration practices may regulate the spread of this species. This research will inform vulnerability assessments for early detection and management of the species.
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Estimating age, growth, and mortality in a tributary-spawning population of Shovelnose Sturgeon using a long-term mark-recapture dataset.
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December 2025
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This project seeks to utilize an 18 year mark-recapture dataset to overcome challenges with estimating important population parameters for making management decisions for the Shovelnose Sturgeon population that is harvested for caviar and meat in the Mississippi River.
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<b>Task 1</b>: Develop incremental growth models using mark-recapture data for Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Cedar River.<b>Description:</b> The graduate student will answer the question: <i>How does Shovelnose Sturgeon growth vary by size, age, and sex in the Cedar River?</i> By analyzing the mark-recapture datasets using adaptations to the Von Bertalanffy growth model that are applicable to mark-recapture data of unknown age fish such as the Wang (Wang et al., 1995) and Fabens models (Fabens et al., 1996) to estimate age-specific growth rates and asymptotic lengths for the Shovelnose Sturgeon population. The student will compare models developed with known male and female individuals to assess how growth rates and asymptotic lengths differ by sex. The student will calculate parameterized age and growth models that can be utilized in future decision making related to harvest regulations for the population. Length at age data available from an ongoing study of bomb radiocarbon aging of Shovelnose Sturgeon for a small subset of individuals will be used to validate growth models.Age- or size-specific growth rates are one of the key vital rates in forecasting fish population response to harvest. These models will provide the Iowa DNR with important information for continued management of harvest of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Other methods of parameterizing growth models such as otolith or fin ray annuli counts are unreliable for older individuals and bomb-radiocarbon dating will become a less useful tool for estimating age and growth as ambient C14 levels recede to baseline following the nuclear testing in the 1960’s.<b>Task 2:</b> Develop mark-recapture models to estimate annual survival rates of Shovelnose Sturgeon in the Cedar River<b>Description</b>: The graduate student under the supervision of the project leaders will investigate mark-recapture models that best fit these data to answer the question: <i>Based on mark-recapture surveys what is the annual survival rate in Cedar River Shovelnose Sturgeon population<b>? </b></i><b> </b>The Cormack-Jolly-Seber model will serve as a starting point that provides annual survival estimates in a population independent of age. This model has been generalized to account for various complexities in datasets. Information that may need to be considered when selecting the appropriate model include: 1.) imperfect tag retention, 2.) lack of any observed hatch or death dates, 3.) low recapture rates, 4.) migration periodicity, and/or 5) slow growth rates after maturity. The student will provide parameterized survival models that provide survival estimates to inform management of the population.
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Small Mammal Disease Dynamics in Interior Alaska
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December 2025
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Disease prevalence in small mammals is largely unknown in Alaska, with little monitoring occurring throughout the state. The potential for disease transmission between small mammals and domestic animals is high, and the subsequent potential for transmission to humans poses a legitimate health concern in Alaska. We are surveying small mammal populations near concentrations of domestic animals (sled dogs and livestock) to determine if disease prevalence in small mammals is affected by proximity and exposure to domestic animals. This will be the first coordinate survey effort for small mammal disease exposure in Alaska.
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Disease prevalence in small mammals is largely unknown in Alaska, with little monitoring occurring throughout the state. The potential for disease transmission between small mammals and domestic animals is high, and the subsequent potential for transmission to humans poses a legitimate health concern in Alaska. We are surveying small mammal populations near concentrations of domestic animals (sled dogs and livestock) to determine if disease prevalence in small mammals is affected by proximity and exposure to domestic animals. This will be the first coordinate survey effort for small mammal disease exposure in Alaska.
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American Alligator Ecology in North Carolina
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December 2024
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The goal is to analyze and evaluate currently available alligator data to estimate occupancy and relative abundance via spotlight surveys, evaluate the ability of spotlight surveys to provide adequate information for monitoring programs, and investigate approaches to estimate demographic rates and abundance using a case study of an intensively studied alligator population at Lake Waccamaw. Results of this work provide direct evaluations of current alligator monitoring efforts in North Carolina (spotlight surveys, mark-recapture methods) and the development of approaches that can extend to regional- and statewide alligator research and management programs in North Carolina.
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The goal is to analyze and evaluate currently available alligator data to estimate occupancy and relative abundance via spotlight surveys, evaluate the ability of spotlight surveys to provide adequate information for monitoring programs, and investigate approaches to estimate demographic rates and abundance using a case study of an intensively studied alligator population at Lake Waccamaw. Results of this work provide direct evaluations of current alligator monitoring efforts in North Carolina (spotlight surveys, mark-recapture methods) and the development of approaches that can extend to regional- and statewide alligator research and management programs in North Carolina. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes North Carolina State University, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Black bear abundance and density in the North Carolina Coastal Bear Management Unit
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December 2026
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Black bear populations in the North Carolina Coastal Bear Management Unit (CBMU) have increased over the past 50 years, and now occur at high densities in multiple regions. The project herein aims to produce unbiased population density and abundance estimates for the CBMU, assess the population structure of current CBMU zones using local density and population genetics, and evaluate the potential of less intensive alternative protocols for long-term monitoring objective. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes North Carolina State University, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Mississippi State University, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Black bear populations in the North Carolina Coastal Bear Management Unit (CBMU) have increased over the past 50 years, and now occur at high densities in multiple regions. The project herein aims to produce unbiased population density and abundance estimates for the CBMU, assess the population structure of current CBMU zones using local density and population genetics, and evaluate the potential of less intensive alternative protocols for long-term monitoring objective. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes North Carolina State University, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Mississippi State University, and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Connectivity for a Complex Life Cycle: Conserving the Crystal Skipper Butterfly in a Coastal Urban Environment
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April 2026
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Understanding of how organisms with complex life cycles interact with fragmented habitats and changing environments has important climate mitigation implications. The Crystal skipper (<i>Atrytonopsis quinteri</i> Burns) is a small butterfly that was described as a new species in 2015 and occurs only on a 50 km stretch of barrier islands on the North Carolina coast that is subject to numerous risks from climate change and urbanization. Our project will: (1) Develop a rigorous, sustainable, and unbiased survey methodology to document skipper population sizes and monitor trends, (2) Evaluate the role of landscape-scale nectar connectivity in limiting skipper populations, (3) Assess whether management can increase Crystal skipper populations and offset effects of climate change, and (4) Implement adaptive, robust, and strategic improvements to the existing conservation plan. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes North Carolina State University, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the North Carolina Aquarium.
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Understanding of how organisms with complex life cycles interact with fragmented habitats and changing environments has important climate mitigation implications. The Crystal skipper (<i>Atrytonopsis quinteri</i> Burns) is a small butterfly that was described as a new species in 2015 and occurs only on a 50 km stretch of barrier islands on the North Carolina coast that is subject to numerous risks from climate change and urbanization. Our project will: (1) Develop a rigorous, sustainable, and unbiased survey methodology to document skipper population sizes and monitor trends, (2) Evaluate the role of landscape-scale nectar connectivity in limiting skipper populations, (3) Assess whether management can increase Crystal skipper populations and offset effects of climate change, and (4) Implement adaptive, robust, and strategic improvements to the existing conservation plan. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes North Carolina State University, USGS North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and the North Carolina Aquarium.
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Using restoration monitoring data to inform an H-integrated Chinook salmon recovery strategy
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June 2026
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Estuarine habitat restoration plays a crucial role in providing quality nursery habitat for out-migrating juvenile salmon; however, habitat loss is just one of many cumulative stressors that are contributing to salmon decline (often referred to as the “four Hs”). Habitat managers can maximize restoration efficiency and effectiveness if they account for how restoration actions will interact with other factors, for example: How will hydropower-related modifications in sediment regimes impact the restoration area’s functional value as salmon habitat? Will the restoration area play a role in mitigating potentially negative effects of hatchery salmon? What effect could the restoration have on the number of returning adult salmon and commercial, recreational, and tribal harvest rates? Put simply, H-Integration is a concerted effort to account for all H-factors when pursuing the goal of a self-sustaining, harvestable salmon run. This goal of this project is to demonstrate how managers can use an H-integrated approach to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of restoration. We believe that an H-Integrated approach can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing and future restoration projects. This is because it allows managers to identify restoration actions that are most likely to mitigate negative interactions between different species and stocks of salmon, bolster harvest rates, and maintain habitat function in the face of climate change and shifts in hydropower-mediated sediment delivery regimes.
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Estuarine habitat restoration plays a crucial role in providing quality nursery habitat for out-migrating juvenile salmon; however, habitat loss is just one of many cumulative stressors that are contributing to salmon decline (often referred to as the “four Hs”). Habitat managers can maximize restoration efficiency and effectiveness if they account for how restoration actions will interact with other factors, for example: How will hydropower-related modifications in sediment regimes impact the restoration area’s functional value as salmon habitat? Will the restoration area play a role in mitigating potentially negative effects of hatchery salmon? What effect could the restoration have on the number of returning adult salmon and commercial, recreational, and tribal harvest rates? Put simply, H-Integration is a concerted effort to account for all H-factors when pursuing the goal of a self-sustaining, harvestable salmon run. This goal of this project is to demonstrate how managers can use an H-integrated approach to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of restoration. We believe that an H-Integrated approach can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of ongoing and future restoration projects. This is because it allows managers to identify restoration actions that are most likely to mitigate negative interactions between different species and stocks of salmon, bolster harvest rates, and maintain habitat function in the face of climate change and shifts in hydropower-mediated sediment delivery regimes.
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Evaluating the carrying capacity of pink salmon in Sitka National Historical Park
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December 2025
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Freshwater ecosystems supporting Pacific salmon exhibit natural and wide-ranging variability in the number of salmon they can support. In some areas, the carrying capacity is affected by hatchery-origin adults that stray from hatchery and instead return to nearby rivers and streams. The Indian River within Sitka National Historical Park once had returns of pink salmon numbering in the thousands. Following the construction of a nearby instructional hatchery that draws its water for egg incubation and juvenile rearing, many adults now "escape" the fishery and stray into the river, such that recent returns are two orders of magnitude higher. This project is a collaboration with scientists from the National Park Service (NPS), the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, the Sitka Sound Science Center, and Trout Unlimited. We will develop a model for evaluating a reasonable escapement goal for the river that also considers the effects of water withdrawals, which will help the NPS better manage pink salmon.
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Freshwater ecosystems supporting Pacific salmon exhibit natural and wide-ranging variability in the number of salmon they can support. In some areas, the carrying capacity is affected by hatchery-origin adults that stray from hatchery and instead return to nearby rivers and streams. The Indian River within Sitka National Historical Park once had returns of pink salmon numbering in the thousands. Following the construction of a nearby instructional hatchery that draws its water for egg incubation and juvenile rearing, many adults now "escape" the fishery and stray into the river, such that recent returns are two orders of magnitude higher. This project is a collaboration with scientists from the National Park Service (NPS), the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, the Sitka Sound Science Center, and Trout Unlimited. We will develop a model for evaluating a reasonable escapement goal for the river that also considers the effects of water withdrawals, which will help the NPS better manage pink salmon.
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Improved monitoring of toxics in nearshore environments in Puget Sound, Washington
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May 2023
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Monitoring toxics in nearshore marine environments is important because this habitat is the interface between land and water. The Puget Sound Partnership’s (PSP) Leadership Council recently identified this as priority information need by authorizing the addition of nearshore toxics monitoring (using mussels) to the PSP’s Toxics in Aquatic Life Vital Sign indicators. Toxic contaminants have been monitored for almost 30 years in other Puget Sound species (flatfish, herring and salmon) in other habitats, but monitoring for toxics in the nearshore has only recently begun. Recovery goals for toxics typically mean reductions in contamination to levels that make the organisms safe for people to consume, or to levels that will not harm the animals. The design of this monitoring program will consider recovery goals specifically tailored to communities impacted by contaminants in the nearshore. The project is a collaboration of researchers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USGS Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This project is intended to cut across otherwise disparate monitoring and recovery efforts, by joining ecological ideas with the social sciences to bring a more meaningful and environmentally just approach to ecosystem recovery. It will specifically seek out affected communities typically excluded from such decision-making, consider non-traditional concepts of health and vitality, and honor the full diversity of cultures using these resources.
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Monitoring toxics in nearshore marine environments is important because this habitat is the interface between land and water. The Puget Sound Partnership’s (PSP) Leadership Council recently identified this as priority information need by authorizing the addition of nearshore toxics monitoring (using mussels) to the PSP’s Toxics in Aquatic Life Vital Sign indicators. Toxic contaminants have been monitored for almost 30 years in other Puget Sound species (flatfish, herring and salmon) in other habitats, but monitoring for toxics in the nearshore has only recently begun. Recovery goals for toxics typically mean reductions in contamination to levels that make the organisms safe for people to consume, or to levels that will not harm the animals. The design of this monitoring program will consider recovery goals specifically tailored to communities impacted by contaminants in the nearshore. The project is a collaboration of researchers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USGS Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This project is intended to cut across otherwise disparate monitoring and recovery efforts, by joining ecological ideas with the social sciences to bring a more meaningful and environmentally just approach to ecosystem recovery. It will specifically seek out affected communities typically excluded from such decision-making, consider non-traditional concepts of health and vitality, and honor the full diversity of cultures using these resources.
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Designing Optimal Landscapes for Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation
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December 2026
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Lesser prairie-chickens are listed as threatened or endangered in portions of their occupied range. The largest population is in Kansas. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and landscape connectivity are important factors in the viability of lesser prairie-chickens. The role of CRP in lesser prairie-chicken ecology and connectivity of landscapes to facilitate movements are being assessed.
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Lesser prairie-chickens are listed as threatened or endangered in portions of their occupied range. The largest population is in Kansas. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and landscape connectivity are important factors in the viability of lesser prairie-chickens. The role of CRP in lesser prairie-chicken ecology and connectivity of landscapes to facilitate movements are being assessed.
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Status of Native Bumble Bees (Bombus spp.) at Fort Riley Military Reservation, Kansas
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July 2025
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Bumblebees are of conservation concern. Diversity, occupancy, abundance, and habitat use are being assessed on Fort Riley, Kansas. Response to grassland management by bumblebees is being measured. Partners include Fort Riley, Department of Defense, and Kansas State University.
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Bumblebees are of conservation concern. Diversity, occupancy, abundance, and habitat use are being assessed on Fort Riley, Kansas. Response to grassland management by bumblebees is being measured. Partners include Fort Riley, Department of Defense, and Kansas State University.
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Evaluating impacts of the U.S.A.-Mexico border wall on mammal communities of the Sonoran Desert
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May 2026
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The border wall between the U.S.A. and Mexico represents a novel human-made feature in the Sonoran Desert whose impacts of wildlife remain poorly understood. These impacts could include disrupted movement patterns across multiple spatiotemporal scales through the physical presence of the wall and/or behavioral avoidance due to human activity, roads, or lighting. Disruption of movement patterns can not only affect large-scale migratory movements but also movements within an individual’s home range which may prevent individuals from accessing important resources. Many mammal species, including mammalian carnivores, have relatively large home ranges making them increasingly susceptible to negative border wall impacts. Finally, the border wall runs between two large networks of protected lands known for their rich desert biodiversity and diverse mammal communities. These networks are the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe National Monument in the U.S.A. and the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. The goals of this study are to understand the impacts of the border wall on mammalian communities within these protected networks and provide suggestions for actions to mitigate negative border wall impacts on these wildlife communities. We will accomplish this using camera traps placed at varying distances from the border and in different landscape contexts. We will use detection/non-detection data of different mammals to estimate species-specific and community-level relationships between occupancy and border wall proximity. This study will be led by a graduate student from the University of Arizona in collaboration with the Pinacate Reserve and National Park Service.
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The border wall between the U.S.A. and Mexico represents a novel human-made feature in the Sonoran Desert whose impacts of wildlife remain poorly understood. These impacts could include disrupted movement patterns across multiple spatiotemporal scales through the physical presence of the wall and/or behavioral avoidance due to human activity, roads, or lighting. Disruption of movement patterns can not only affect large-scale migratory movements but also movements within an individual’s home range which may prevent individuals from accessing important resources. Many mammal species, including mammalian carnivores, have relatively large home ranges making them increasingly susceptible to negative border wall impacts. Finally, the border wall runs between two large networks of protected lands known for their rich desert biodiversity and diverse mammal communities. These networks are the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe National Monument in the U.S.A. and the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. The goals of this study are to understand the impacts of the border wall on mammalian communities within these protected networks and provide suggestions for actions to mitigate negative border wall impacts on these wildlife communities. We will accomplish this using camera traps placed at varying distances from the border and in different landscape contexts. We will use detection/non-detection data of different mammals to estimate species-specific and community-level relationships between occupancy and border wall proximity. This study will be led by a graduate student from the University of Arizona in collaboration with the Pinacate Reserve and National Park Service.
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Bat Distribution and Population Trends prior to WNS in Utah
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December 2023
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Bats in Utah are facing multiple emerging threats to their persistence, the greatest of which is the disease white-nose syndrome (WNS). As WNS spreads across the continent, data on species impact is needed to guide conservation efforts and respond to USFWS data requests. Current WNS treatment/control efforts are focused on integrated approaches that combat the causative fungus directly or reduce infection and mortality in bats, as well as promoting overall health of bat populations to support resistance to and recovery from WNS. UDWR has a WNS response protocol which outlines goals, objectives, and strategies first designed to prevent the disease from establishing in Utah and secondly to provide management and surveillance strategies should WNS be detected in the state (Roug et al. 2017). To date, WNS has not been documented in Utah, but given past rates of spread, is expected to be confirmed in the coming years.<br><br>Goals of the project include defining the range of Utah bat species in the state based on historical data and calculating occupancy, detection probability, and trend within the defined ranges for each species from Utah monitoring protocol data.
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Bats in Utah are facing multiple emerging threats to their persistence, the greatest of which is the disease white-nose syndrome (WNS). As WNS spreads across the continent, data on species impact is needed to guide conservation efforts and respond to USFWS data requests. Current WNS treatment/control efforts are focused on integrated approaches that combat the causative fungus directly or reduce infection and mortality in bats, as well as promoting overall health of bat populations to support resistance to and recovery from WNS. UDWR has a WNS response protocol which outlines goals, objectives, and strategies first designed to prevent the disease from establishing in Utah and secondly to provide management and surveillance strategies should WNS be detected in the state (Roug et al. 2017). To date, WNS has not been documented in Utah, but given past rates of spread, is expected to be confirmed in the coming years.Goals of the project include defining the range of Utah bat species in the state based on historical data and calculating occupancy, detection probability, and trend within the defined ranges for each species from Utah monitoring protocol data.
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Herpetofauna communities within historic rice fields in South Carolina
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December 2025
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The southeastern United States is a biodiversity hotspot, and South Carolina has a broad diversity of species. However, many species of herpetofauna are overlooked, despite their ecological importance. This research project aims to address what we know and can learn about herpetofauna from a spatial ecology perspective. This will fill in gaps in knowledge about how land use affects herpetofaunal species, and what we can learn about their resource use and movement across the landscape in the face of changing land use. This research is a collaboration including USGS SC CFWRU, South Carolina DNR, and potentially the Nemours Foundation. Findings from this research will help support conservation actions by characterizing spatial patterns of species and their correlation with diverse land uses.
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The southeastern United States is a biodiversity hotspot, and South Carolina has a broad diversity of species. However, many species of herpetofauna are overlooked, despite their ecological importance. This research project aims to address what we know and can learn about herpetofauna from a spatial ecology perspective. This will fill in gaps in knowledge about how land use affects herpetofaunal species, and what we can learn about their resource use and movement across the landscape in the face of changing land use. This research is a collaboration including USGS SC CFWRU, South Carolina DNR, and potentially the Nemours Foundation. Findings from this research will help support conservation actions by characterizing spatial patterns of species and their correlation with diverse land uses.
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Assessing the proliferation, connectivity, and consequences of invasive fine fuels
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May 2024
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Invasive annual grasses are a growing threat to ecosystems in the western United States. They outcompete native species, influence wildlife habitat, and provide flammable fuels that intensify the wildfire regime. Landscape disturbances and management activities may lead to further spread of invasive annual grasses, and so it is important to characterize the proliferation, connectivity, and consequences of invasive grasses. Moreover, these grasses could impact habitats for species of interest such as the sage grouse. The project is a collaboration of researchers including the USGS FORT Science Center, USGS SC CFWRU, USGS PIERC, the Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado State University. the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center and State and Federal natural resource managers in the Pacific Northwest. This project can help develop strategies for managing annual invasive grasses, identifying characteristics and areas to target for appropriate management actions given the patterns and consequences of invasion.
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Invasive annual grasses are a growing threat to ecosystems in the western United States. They outcompete native species, influence wildlife habitat, and provide flammable fuels that intensify the wildfire regime. Landscape disturbances and management activities may lead to further spread of invasive annual grasses, and so it is important to characterize the proliferation, connectivity, and consequences of invasive grasses. Moreover, these grasses could impact habitats for species of interest such as the sage grouse. The project is a collaboration of researchers including the USGS FORT Science Center, USGS SC CFWRU, USGS PIERC, the Bureau of Land Management, and Colorado State University. the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center and State and Federal natural resource managers in the Pacific Northwest. This project can help develop strategies for managing annual invasive grasses, identifying characteristics and areas to target for appropriate management actions given the patterns and consequences of invasion.
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Understanding connectivity patterns for sagebrush habitat and associated wildlife
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December 2024
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Disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions have reshaped the sagebrush biome within the western United States. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing ecological processes and species' use of the landscape. Characterizing changes in sagebrush ecosystem connectivity over time will help us understand the effects of those changes on habitat fragmentation and wildlife population isolation, where actions can be taken to monitor and restore the important habitat connections.<br><br>For more information, see: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/fort-collins-science-center/science/changes-sagebrush-ecosystem-connectivity#overview
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The sagebrush biome within the western United States has been reshaped by disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing processes and species that rely on contiguous, connected sagebrush. We know little about how the connectivity of sagebrush has changed over time and across the sagebrush biome, and how that may influence wildlife movement and species persistence. The project is a collaboration of researchers that includes the USGS SC CFWRU, Colorado State University, Bureau of Land Management, and the USGS FORT Science Center. Connectivity models will provide ecological information across spatial and temporal scales that can support targeted actions to address changing structural connectivity and to maintain functioning, connected ecosystems.
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Toxicity of different life stages of Cahaba River mudsnails to potassium, chloride, and nickel
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September 2026
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Snails are a diverse and important group of species that contribute to the proper functioning of rivers and streams in Alabama. They are presumably sensitive to water quality changes, but there is a tremendous gap in the understanding of sensitivity within taxa collectively referenced as mudsnails. This project’s goal is to better understand the differences in toxicity of species and life stages within mudsnails.
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Snails are a diverse and important group of species that contribute to the proper functioning of rivers and streams in Alabama. They are presumably sensitive to water quality changes, but there is a tremendous gap in the understanding of sensitivity within taxa collectively referenced as mudsnails. This project’s goal is to better understand the differences in toxicity of species and life stages within mudsnails. Study objectives are to first establish a protocol for testing mudsnail toxicity. Thereafter, to determine toxicity of three different life stages (i.e., time since hatching) of Elimia annettae, Leptoxis ampla, and Somatogyrus sp. to different concentrations of potassium, chloride, and nickel. All species are 100% water obligate species and endemic to the Cahaba River basin. Recipient will obtain snails from the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center where they will be cultured. The project is a collaboration among the Biodiversity Center, USFWS, and Auburn University. This project will allow a better evaluation of the threats these species face given they are endemic to areas near Birmingham, a growing metropolitan area. Moreover, these data will be useful for completing SSAs on these and similar species.
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BCG Model for Upper Tana Watershed Kenya
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December 2026
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Despite relatively wide adoption, developing and monitoring indices from commonly used aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, and algae to assess watershed integrity may be expensive and time-consuming. The popularity and relative ease of birding, and the recent increases in community surveys associated with birds, suggest that they may provide a promising alternative. However, additional research is needed to assess the application of community survey data on birds to inform watershed bioassessments. This novel project seeks to explore the potential of using community bird surveys to assess watershed condition for a watershed in Kenya.
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Despite relatively wide adoption, developing and monitoring indices from commonly used aquatic macroinvertebrates, fish, and algae to assess watershed integrity may be expensive and time-consuming. The popularity and relative ease of birding, and the recent increases in community surveys associated with birds, suggest that they may provide a promising alternative. However, additional research is needed to assess the application of community survey data on birds to inform watershed bioassessments. This novel project seeks to explore the potential of using community bird surveys to assess watershed condition for a watershed in Kenya.
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Evaluating the Effects of Increased Predator and Competitor Abundances on Slimy Sculpin Populations in the Great Lakes
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December 2024
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Native sculpin species, including slimy sculpin, have been declining in abundance in the Great Lakes. At the same time, ecosystem changes have occurred in the lakes that may have influenced slimy sculpin population dynamics, including invasion of the Great Lakes by round goby and dreissenid mussels, declines in abundance of prey items, and increases in the natural reproduction of native lake trout. Slimy sculpin are an important prey fish in the Great Lakes, and their decline could lead to effects at higher trophic levels. We are partnering with scientists from the USGS Great Lakes Science Centers (Michigan, New York, Wisconsin), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michigan State University to evaluate potential drivers of slimy sculpin decline. This investigation includes laboratory experiments, environmental DNA analysis in Lake Michigan, and modeling of sculpin and lake trout dynamics. The results of this research can reduce key uncertainties around the effects of ecosystem change on trophic dynamics in the Great Lakes.
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Native sculpin species, including slimy sculpin, have been declining in abundance in the Great Lakes. At the same time, ecosystem changes have occurred in the lakes that may have influenced slimy sculpin population dynamics, including invasion of the Great Lakes by round goby and dreissenid mussels, declines in abundance of prey items, and increases in the natural reproduction of native lake trout. Slimy sculpin are an important prey fish in the Great Lakes, and their decline could lead to effects at higher trophic levels. We are partnering with scientists from the USGS Great Lakes Science Centers (Michigan, New York, Wisconsin), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michigan State University to evaluate potential drivers of slimy sculpin decline. This investigation includes laboratory experiments, environmental DNA analysis in Lake Michigan, and modeling of sculpin and lake trout dynamics. The results of this research can reduce key uncertainties around the effects of ecosystem change on trophic dynamics in the Great Lakes.
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Consequences of connectivity
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December 2024
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Migratory fish are disconnected from riverine systems throughout the world by barriers (e.g., dams and culverts). Removal of these structures would enhance passage for native fishes, but could also allow for introduction of non-native invasive species. In the Great Lakes, there is ongoing work to develop facilities for selective fish passage to allow passage of desirable fish while blocking undesirable fish, like the invasive sea lamprey. As part of this process, decision makers need to understand which species are desirable in particular rivers, as well as the predicted increase in production of these desired and undesired species upon passage. We are conducting a structured decision making process, in which we determine stakeholders' objectives for the fish community on the Boardman River, MI, and model the potential production of these desired species. This project is in collaboration with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and includes input from decision makers (i.e., Michigan DNR and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) as well as stakeholders from the region. This decision framework will inform fish passage on the Boardman, and will serve as a framework for other fish passage decisions in the Great Lakes and beyond.
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Migratory fish are disconnected from riverine systems throughout the world by barriers (e.g., dams and culverts). Removal of these structures would enhance passage for native fishes, but could also allow for introduction of non-native invasive species. In the Great Lakes, there is ongoing work to develop facilities for selective fish passage to allow passage of desirable fish while blocking undesirable fish, like the invasive sea lamprey. As part of this process, decision makers need to understand which species are desirable in particular rivers, as well as the predicted increase in production of these desired and undesired species upon passage. We are conducting a structured decision making process, in which we determine stakeholders' objectives for the fish community on the Boardman River, MI, and model the potential production of these desired species. This project is in collaboration with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and includes input from decision makers (i.e., Michigan DNR and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) as well as stakeholders from the region. This decision framework will inform fish passage on the Boardman, and will serve as a framework for other fish passage decisions in the Great Lakes and beyond.
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Socially mediated avian habitat selection
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December 2025
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Habitat selection is a fundamental process influencing individual fitness, and understanding how animals select habitat is thus critical for developing effective conservation and management strategies. Recent evidence suggests that many wildlife species, and birds in particular, use social information as a cue in habitat selection, yet the mechanistic underpinnings of this behavior remain ambiguous. Our work focuses on developing sampling tools and using them to test hypotheses related to when, where, and why social information is important for habitat selection. This work is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from Auburn University, Oregon State University, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our findings will help improve use of artificial social cues as a management tool to manipulate distributions of target species and improve conservation outcomes.
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Habitat selection is a fundamental process influencing individual fitness, and understanding how animals select habitat is thus critical for developing effective conservation and management strategies. Recent evidence suggests that many wildlife species, and birds in particular, use social information as a cue in habitat selection, yet the mechanistic underpinnings of this behavior remain ambiguous. Our work focuses on developing sampling tools and using them to test hypotheses related to when, where, and why social information is important for habitat selection. This work is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from Auburn University, Oregon State University, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our findings will help improve use of artificial social cues as a management tool to manipulate distributions of target species and improve conservation outcomes.
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Oregon Marbled Murrelet Project
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December 2024
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The Marbled Murrelet (<i>Brachyramphus marmoratus</i>) is an endangered seabird that forages on the ocean and nests in old trees up to 80 km inland. Despite 20 years of protection, populations have failed to recover in the Pacific Northwest, and our research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying the population's dynamics. This work is being conducted in collaboration with many partners including the Oregon State University College of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. Our work will help understand the factors limiting murrelet population growth to improve conservation and management efforts for this iconic and imperiled species.
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The Marbled Murrelet (<i>Brachyramphus marmoratus</i>) is an endangered seabird that forages on the ocean and nests in old trees up to 80 km inland. Despite 20 years of protection, populations have failed to recover in the Pacific Northwest, and our research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying the population's dynamics. This work is being conducted in collaboration with many partners including the Oregon State University College of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Forestry, and Washington Department of Natural Resources. Our work will help understand the factors limiting murrelet population growth to improve conservation and management efforts for this iconic and imperiled species.
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Designing surveys for estimating biological truth.
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September 2024
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Surveys of unmarked animals can be used to answer many ecological research questions. Hierarchical abundance and occurrence models are frequently used to analyze such data when species are detected imperfectly, but assumptions are frequently violated when surveying mobile animals. We are working to develop sampling protocols that lead to unbiased estimates of occupancy and abundance to improve estimation of the true patterns and processes underlying the observed data. This work is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from numerous organizations including the Integral Ecology Research Center, College of William and Mary, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, University of St. Andrews, Michigan State University, California State Polytechnic University, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Georgia, and University of California, Los Angeles. We expect our findings to be used by researchers and managers around the globe to improve occupancy estimation.
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Surveys of unmarked animals can be used to answer many ecological research questions. Hierarchical abundance and occurrence models are frequently used to analyze such data when species are detected imperfectly, but assumptions are frequently violated when surveying mobile animals. We are working to develop sampling protocols that lead to unbiased estimates of occupancy and abundance to improve estimation of the true patterns and processes underlying the observed data. This work is being conducted in collaboration with researchers from numerous organizations including the Integral Ecology Research Center, College of William and Mary, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, University of St. Andrews, Michigan State University, California State Polytechnic University, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Georgia, and University of California, Los Angeles. We expect our findings to be used by researchers and managers around the globe to improve occupancy estimation.
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Conciliation in the habitat fragmentation and biodiversity debate
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September 2023
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Landscape-scale conservation planning is urgent given the extent of anthropogenic land-use change and its pervasive impacts on Earth’s biodiversity. However, such efforts are hindered by disagreements over the effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity that have persisted since the mid-1970s. We contend that nearly 50 years later, these disagreements have become a locked-in debate characterized by polarized, unproductive discourse and a lack of consistent guidance for landscape managers and policy makers. Our work is highlighting the need for a unified set of principles regarding conservation in fragmented landscapes, identifying potential reasons for disparate conclusions in fragmentation research, and developing ways for the ecological community to advance research that leads to consensus rather than the perpetuation of disagreement. This research will help reconcile different views and advance conservation planning within a landscape ecology framework.
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Landscape-scale conservation planning is urgent given the extent of anthropogenic land-use change and its pervasive impacts on Earth’s biodiversity. However, such efforts are hindered by disagreements over the effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity that have persisted since the mid-1970s. We contend that nearly 50 years later, these disagreements have become a locked-in debate characterized by polarized, unproductive discourse and a lack of consistent guidance for landscape managers and policy makers. Our work is highlighting the need for a unified set of principles regarding conservation in fragmented landscapes, identifying potential reasons for disparate conclusions in fragmentation research, and developing ways for the ecological community to advance research that leads to consensus rather than the perpetuation of disagreement. This research will help reconcile different views and advance conservation planning within a landscape ecology framework.
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Tricolored bat surveys
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December 2023
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Bats are the second most diverse group of mammals in the world, after only rodents, and are vital to the health of ecosystems. Unfortunately, they are declining at an alarming rate and large-scale monitoring is needed to track population trends and intervene as necessary to conserve these species. While the importance of tricolored and other bats species is evident in the Southeast, Fort Moore currently lacks an understanding of their status on the installation. We are working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense to gather data on the presence and relative abundance of bat communities utilizing this base. Our findings will help Fort Moore prepare their programmatic biological opinion and inform resource managers on how and where to best manage tricolored and other bats within installation boundaries.
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Bats are the second most diverse group of mammals in the world, after only rodents, and are vital to the health of ecosystems. Unfortunately, they are declining at an alarming rate and large-scale monitoring is needed to track population trends and intervene as necessary to conserve these species. While the importance of tricolored and other bats species is evident in the Southeast, Fort Moore currently lacks an understanding of their status on the installation. We are working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense to gather data on the presence and relative abundance of bat communities utilizing this base. Our findings will help Fort Moore prepare their programmatic biological opinion and inform resource managers on how and where to best manage tricolored and other bats within installation boundaries.
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ADCNR Inventory and Conservation Planning
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September 2028
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Alabama ranks fifth among U.S. states in biodiversity of plants and animals, yet only 4% of the state is sheltered from development. Support of Alabama's extraordinary biodiversity thus depends on fastidious management of these limited protected areas. We are evaluating the effects of historical land management on wildlife communities within state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These data are critical for understanding how historical management has affected target species, assessing the accuracy of predicted management outcomes, and improving management plans within an adaptive framework. This work is being conducted in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Results will be used by the agency to improve habitat management for game and non-game species on their WMAs and to tease out the relative importance of local management vs. landscape changes on shaping wildlife communities.
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Alabama ranks fifth among U.S. states in biodiversity of plants and animals, yet only 4% of the state is sheltered from development. Support of Alabama's extraordinary biodiversity thus depends on fastidious management of these limited protected areas. We are evaluating the effects of historical land management on wildlife communities within state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These data are critical for understanding how historical management has affected target species, assessing the accuracy of predicted management outcomes, and improving management plans within an adaptive framework. This work is being conducted in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Results will be used by the agency to improve habitat management for game and non-game species on their WMAs and to tease out the relative importance of local management vs. landscape changes on shaping wildlife communities.
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Demonstrating technologies to monitor sublethal responses of eagles to military activities on Department of Defense Installations
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December 2027
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Eagles are exposed to multiple stressors on DOD installations from training activities, recreational hunting and legacy landuse. We seek to use examination of corticoid steroid levels matched with stressor to better understand stressors and potential mitigations thereof on DOD lands.
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Our objective is to demonstrate and validate an approach to assess the role of lead and disturbance as stressors on bald (<i>Haliaeetus leucocephalus</i>) and golden eagles (<i>Aquila chrysaetos</i>) on military installations. Our approach uses feathers and blood collected at nests, assays to screen those tissues for lead, stress hormones, and enzymes related to lead contamination, all evaluated relative to military training and testing activities, recreational hunting, and landscape characteristics. This research will allow DoD managers to assess sublethal “take” of these protected species and to provide mitigative strategies to minimize impacts thereof. We will evaluate these factors singularly and in combination using informative models to show how they contribute to potential deleterious stress to raptors, thus allowing installations to assess risk and develop appropriate mitigation strategies. Our goals are to 1) demonstrate tools and approaches to evaluate toxicant exposure, stress levels, and stress response of raptors at and near military installations throughout the United States; 2) identify linkages among stressors (military activity, recreational hunting as a toxicant exposure source) and indicators of physiological stress hormones and enzymatic stress response; 3) provide guidance documents for DoD natural resources staff and environmental chemistry laboratories to collect and analyze data to evaluate indirect and sublethal effects of activities on military installations to wildlife; and 4) demonstrate the use of a predictive tool to identify installations with potential for raptors to be negatively impacted by sub-lethal stressors..
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Using the Sentinel Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel to Guide Red Spruce Restoration for Climate Resiliency in the Central Appalachians
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December 2026
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As a high-elevation keystone species, using the northern flying squirrel to guide red spruce restoration in the Central Appalachians will be an efficient and meaningful approach to promote forest recovery and climate-resistance in the region.
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This study will examine high elevation (770-1450 m) forests that connect known or predicted Virginia northern flying squirrel habitat patches using 1) an expanded least-cost path analyses that incorporates numerous environmental and physical parameters that will then be used to: 2) assess forest composition, structure/age-class, understory dynamics, and site productivity using field survey approaches (inventory plots, dendrochronology and soil surveys) and remote sensing (high resolution imagery and LIDAR) to identify where red spruce enhancement or restoration could occur from derived least-cost path and distribution models for the flying squirrel; 3) match appropriate and viable commercial and non-commercial silvicultural management approaches for improving current stand conditions; 4) relate overstory/understory composition metrics to future desired conditions through dynamic vegetation modeling under a range of possible climate change scenarios; and finally 5) provide optimized decision-support framework to promote red spruce forest system resistance and long-term resiliency.
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Assessing Population Viability and WNS-exposure of Northern Long-eared Bats along the I-95 Corridor
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June 2026
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The Virginia Unit is investigating the habitat associations and viability, post-WNS of northern long-eared bats in summer and winter in New Jersey.
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Because of White-nose Syndrome, northern long-eared bat populations are largely extirpated in interior East (Reynolds et al. 2016). Some low-density northern long-eared bat populations persist along the Atlantic Coast in coastal Massachusetts, Long Island, southern New Jersey, the DC-metro area and southeastern Virginia into North Carolina. Working hypotheses for persistence suggest shorter hibernation periods relative to interior populations and less exposure to <i>Pseudogymnoascus destructans</i> (Pd) from using aberrant hibernacula such as anthropogenic structures and forested wetlands. That said, populations north of southeastern Virginia are exposed to Pd, and multi-year evidence from Long Island and the DC-metro area suggest maternity colony collapse with fewer returning adults and low rates of juvenile recruitment mirroring processes observed in the interior. Genetic analyses show a connected clade along the I-95 corridor from coastal North Carolina to southern New Jersey distinct from interior populations. It is plausible a source-sink dynamic occurs whereby bats in coastal Virginia and North Carolina or southern New Jersey where suitable summer maternity habitat and forested wetland overwinter habitat exists periodically “supply” bats to the DC-metro area that are reproductively successive in some years. Long-term acoustic research previously supported by this USGS program does show winter presence in the DC-area, but more of a strong pulse of southward activity suggestive of fall migration. Summer maternity habitat for northern long-eared bats from the stand to landscape level has been described for southern coastal areas and the DC-metro area but these data do not exist for southern New Jersey, nor does overwintering habitat anywhere from New Jersey to North Carolina other than anecdotal accounts. The data gaps relative to either summer day-roost use and overwintering hibernacula use mid-Atlantic wide are problematic for state and federal land managers tasked with conserving northern long-eared bats. Similarly, additional data are needed to more conclusively determine the location and spatial extent of viable populations versus those either in decline or that result from a temporally and latitudinally variable source-sink dynamic for which data from New Jersey is essential.
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Oyster Metapopulation Models
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December 2025
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Aligning agency effort and expenditure with conservation goals
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September 2024
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We are working to develop methods for aligning migratory birds and science applications effort and investments with conservation objectives.
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We are working to develop methods for aligning migratory birds and science applications effort and investments with conservation objectives.
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Expert elicitation methodologies and evaluation
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January 2027
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We are working with the USFWS to develop and assess methods for expert elicitation used in PAV models to support species status assessments and management decisions.
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We are working with the USFWS to develop and assess methods for expert elicitation used in PAV models to support species status assessments and management decisions.
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Mexican wolf habitat modeling
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September 2024
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Mexican wolves occupy large territories in remote terrain making population monitoring difficult. We propose to build a predictive pup-rearing habitat model that can be used to guide future survey efforts and assist in population monitoring of Mexican wolves.
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Mexican wolves occupy large territories in remote terrain making population monitoring difficult. We propose to build a predictive pup-rearing habitat model that can be used to guide future survey efforts and assist in population monitoring of Mexican wolves.
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Evaluation of Myxobolus Cerebralis Distribution and Infection Severity in Labarge Creek
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June 2026
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The overall goal of our project is to provide an evaluation of the current distribution and infection severity of MC in the LaBarge watershed above the fish migration barrier. Understanding the distribution of the parasite and disease severity will be essential to formulating future management options. <br>In year 1, we will address disease levels in wild fish and use eDNA sampling to identify the distribution of MC and the density of TAM production. These data are an essential first step in evaluating the spatial distribution and disease severity in LaBarge Creek and will help guide future sampling and research efforts. The use of eDNA could reduce sampling effort and cost in the future and reduce the need to sample rare or sensitive fish populations. They will also be immediately useful to managers for decisions relative to the stocking of CRC.<br>In year 2, we will evaluate the spatial distribution and relative disease risk, using caged sentinel CRC. We will collect data on the prevalence of infection, disease severity, and TAM production during the experiment. These data will compliment the field data from the first season and provide a more nuanced examination of MC disease severity and risk. The spatial component will be especially useful in future decisions about CRC reintroduction. <br>Finally, we propose to conduct a laboratory study to correlate disease severity to TAM exposure and compare these results to disease severity and TAM production estimates from LaBarge Creek. Laboratory exposures will allow a more controlled initial exposure and we can compare these data to the field observations and caging, allowing for more precise inferences on MC disease risk in LaBarge Creek. <br>Our proposed study will be useful in management decision making, especially in identifying areas that may be more suitable for reintroduction or mitigation to allow reintroduction.
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Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRC) occupy about 550 miles of stream habitat in Wyoming, which entails about 13% of the historical distribution; however, only 3.7% of the current distribution is considered core conservation populations.One major conservation effort is in LaBarge Creek and it is thought that the reintroduction effort may be threatened by the presence of <i>Myxobolus cerebralis</i> (MC), the parasite that causes whirling disease. We will assess the distribution of MC infection throughout the LaBarge watershed, which is necessary for understanding future management options to reestablish and increase recruitment for CRC.The research is in collaboration and funded by Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The overall goal of our project is to provide an evaluation of the current distribution and infection severity of MC in the LaBarge watershed above the fish migration barrier. Understanding the distribution of the parasite and disease severity will be essential to formulating future management options.
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Assesing the role of Whirling Disease in Causing Trout Declines in the North Tongue River
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June 2025
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Identifying whether whirling disease is contributing to trout population declines is essential to formulating management strategies that will maintain viable trout populations on the North Tongue. Using the approaches outlined in the proposal, we will be able to better understand natural disease levels in wild fish and exposure risk to fish over the controlled caging study duration. The expected results will include MC infection prevalence and infection intensity information across species and life stages of the five trout species present. We will also have a clearer understanding of spatial variation in disease risk across the six stations. In general, this information will determine whether MC is contributing significantly to trout population declines or whether more studies are needed to evaluate other possible causal factors of population declines. These results will collectively be useful in management decision making, including possible adjustments to the number and strains of trout that are stocked to better sustain fish populations for angling in the presence of MC. For instance, it may be desirable to shift the fishery towards more resistant strains, but detailed information on MC status is needed beforehand.
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Identifying whether whirling disease is contributing to trout population declines is essential to formulating management strategies that will maintain viable trout populations on the North Tongue River, Wyoming.Using the approaches outlined in the proposal, we will be able to better understand natural disease levels in wild fish. The expected results will include <i>Myxobolus cerebralis</i> (the parasite that causes the disease) infection prevalence and infection intensity information across species and life stages in five trout species. We will also have a clearer understanding of spatial variation in disease risk.The project is being done in collaboration with and funded by Wyoming Game and Fish Department.These results will collectively be useful in management decision making, including possible adjustments to the number and strains of trout that are stocked to better sustain fish populations for angling in the presence of MC. For instance, it may be desirable to shift the fishery towards more resistant strains, but detailed information on MC status is needed beforehand.
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TCU 444: Food habits of SGCN fishes to inform habitat assessment and restoration in the Red River basin
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August 2025
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The ecology of many prairie stream fishes is not well understood, despite long recognition that these fishes are negatively affected by stream flow alterations, habitat degradation, fragmentation, and invasive species. River regulation and degraded riparian habitat due to salinization and invasive species have the potential to diminish resource heterogeneity that supports riverine food-webs of prairie fishes. The primary objectives of our study are to (1) characterize spatial and temporal variation of Red River Shiner, Red River Pupfish, Plains Minnow, and Prairie Chub food habits, (2) determine the degree to which aquatic (autochthonous) and terrestrial (allochthonous) resources are utilized, and (3) describe age and growth of selected Red River fish populations. This research is a collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Information from this project will aid conservation efforts by identifying broad habitat types (instream, riparian) that support Red River Shiner and other prairie fish growth and production in the Upper Red River. This fundamental ecological information will describe baseline conditions and identify species-specific traits that can be used to evaluate consequences of habitat change and for predictive modeling.
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The ecology of many prairie stream fishes is not well understood, despite long recognition that these fishes are negatively affected by stream flow alterations, habitat degradation, fragmentation, and invasive species. River regulation and degraded riparian habitat due to salinization and invasive species have the potential to diminish resource heterogeneity that supports riverine food-webs of prairie fishes. The primary objectives of our study are to (1) characterize spatial and temporal variation of Red River Shiner, Red River Pupfish, Plains Minnow, and Prairie Chub food habits, (2) determine the degree to which aquatic (autochthonous) and terrestrial (allochthonous) resources are utilized, and (3) describe age and growth of selected Red River fish populations. This research is a collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Information from this project will aid conservation efforts by identifying broad habitat types (instream, riparian) that support Red River Shiner and other prairie fish growth and production in the Upper Red River. This fundamental ecological information will describe baseline conditions and identify species-specific traits that can be used to evaluate consequences of habitat change and for predictive modeling.
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TCU 443: Assessment of Gila pandora in Little Aguja Creek (Davis Mountains), Texas
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August 2025
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Rio Grande Chub (Gila pandora; RGC) have experienced considerable range reductions (~75%) over the past century due to habitat degradation, invasive species, and reduced streamflow. Notably, a single (state threatened) population of RGC inhabits Little Aguja Creek in the Davis Mountains, Texas. Because the Little Aguja population is isolated, recolonization from other populations is not possible. Thus, RGC in Texas may be highly susceptible to catastrophic events (e.g., wildfire, severe drought) as the Chihuahuan Desert region becomes hotter and drier. As part of a range-wide status assessment, Texas has committed to assess and monitor the status of known populations of RGC and their habitats to track changes over time. A primary goal of the agreement is to maintain the long-term viability (i.e., self-sustaining wild populations) of RGC within their historical range. Additionally, surveys are needed to identify other streams that could support RGC as part of future efforts to establish new populations. Such proactive measures may improve long-term viability and preclude the listing of RGC under the ESA. The primary objectives of our study are to (1) assess the status (e.g., presence/absence, abundance) and habitat associations (e.g., depth, sediments, riparian cover) of the RGC population in Little Aguja Creek, (2) deploy environmental sensors (temperature, pressure transducers) to establish baselines with respect to water quality and quantity, and (3) engage private landowners and solicit permission to assess streams for RGC and identify areas where managed translocations or reintroduction may be suitable. This project is in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy. Information from this project will help aid conservation actions for the long-term viability of Rio Grande Chub in Texas.
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Rio Grande Chub (Gila pandora; RGC) have experienced considerable range reductions (~75%) over the past century due to habitat degradation, invasive species, and reduced streamflow. Notably, a single (state threatened) population of RGC inhabits Little Aguja Creek in the Davis Mountains, Texas. Because the Little Aguja population is isolated, recolonization from other populations is not possible. Thus, RGC in Texas may be highly susceptible to catastrophic events (e.g., wildfire, severe drought) as the Chihuahuan Desert region becomes hotter and drier. As part of a range-wide status assessment, Texas has committed to assess and monitor the status of known populations of RGC and their habitats to track changes over time. A primary goal of the agreement is to maintain the long-term viability (i.e., self-sustaining wild populations) of RGC within their historical range. Additionally, surveys are needed to identify other streams that could support RGC as part of future efforts to establish new populations. Such proactive measures may improve long-term viability and preclude the listing of RGC under the ESA. The primary objectives of our study are to (1) assess the status (e.g., presence/absence, abundance) and habitat associations (e.g., depth, sediments, riparian cover) of the RGC population in Little Aguja Creek, (2) deploy environmental sensors (temperature, pressure transducers) to establish baselines with respect to water quality and quantity, and (3) engage private landowners and solicit permission to assess streams for RGC and identify areas where managed translocations or reintroduction may be suitable. This project is in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy. Information from this project will help aid conservation actions for the long-term viability of Rio Grande Chub in Texas.
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OA 104: Intermittent River Research Coordination Network (IRRCN): Integrating Intermittent River Ecology and Hydrology
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June 2024
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The purpose of this NSF Research Coordination Network (RCN) is to organize a series of expert workgroups to synthesize the growing body of research on intermittent river hydrology and ecology. Intermittent rivers, those that cease to flow each year make up more than half of the Earth’s river channels. Yet, intermittent rivers are often overlooked or excluded from water management plans due to uncertainty about their hydrologic and ecological importance. Workgroups formed by this RCN will create products that explain how intermittent river hydrologic and ecologic systems work, including characterization of flow-regimes, synthesis of biodiversity and ecosystem datasets, and integrated conceptual and process-based statistical ecohydrology models. This research will improve the management of intermittent rivers by enhancing communication and networking among academic researchers and nonacademic stakeholders and providing open access datasets, methods, and materials to the broader scientific community. This RCN award is funded by the National Science Foundation to Daniel Allen at Pennsylvania State University. The RCN is made up of primarily academic and federal scientists in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
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The purpose of this NSF Research Coordination Network (RCN) is to organize a series of expert workgroups to synthesize the growing body of research on intermittent river hydrology and ecology. Intermittent rivers, those that cease to flow each year make up more than half of the Earth’s river channels. Yet, intermittent rivers are often overlooked or excluded from water management plans due to uncertainty about their hydrologic and ecological importance. Workgroups formed by this RCN will create products that explain how intermittent river hydrologic and ecologic systems work, including characterization of flow-regimes, synthesis of biodiversity and ecosystem datasets, and integrated conceptual and process-based statistical ecohydrology models. This research will improve the management of intermittent rivers by enhancing communication and networking among academic researchers and nonacademic stakeholders and providing open access datasets, methods, and materials to the broader scientific community. This RCN award is funded by the National Science Foundation to Daniel Allen at Pennsylvania State University. The RCN is made up of primarily academic and federal scientists in the United States, Europe, and Australia.
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Bracing for the long term: a conceptual framework to facilitate coexistence with invasive carps
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July 2025
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The goal of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that represents our current understanding of bigheaded carp impacts in aquatic systems; identifies deficiencies in knowledge and pinpoint system drivers; and suggests solutions to coexist with possible carp impacts in a model system (i.e., Tennessee and Cumberland rivers – TNCR). Specifically, the conceptual framework highlights potential impacts in TNCR, single out mechanisms, reveal management actions for coping with the impacts, and exposes research needs relevant to refining the framework. We developed the framework in five separate stages: (i) map and review literature regarding bigheaded carp; (ii) evaluate competition probability and the main limiting variables that could influence bigheaded carp establishment in TNCR; (iii) categorize current and potential management strategies applicable to brace bigheaded carp impacts; (iv) organize relevant information into a conceptual framework to represent our understanding of bigheaded carp establishment, impacts, management actions, and gaps in knowledge.
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The goal of this study is to develop a conceptual framework that represents our current understanding of bigheaded carp impacts in aquatic systems; identifies deficiencies in knowledge and pinpoint system drivers; and suggests solutions to coexist with possible carp impacts in a model system (i.e., Tennessee and Cumberland rivers – TNCR). Specifically, the conceptual framework highlights potential impacts in TNCR, single out mechanisms, reveal management actions for coping with the impacts, and exposes research needs relevant to refining the framework. We developed the framework in five separate stages: (i) map and review literature regarding bigheaded carp; (ii) evaluate competition probability and the main limiting variables that could influence bigheaded carp establishment in TNCR; (iii) categorize current and potential management strategies applicable to brace bigheaded carp impacts; (iv) organize relevant information into a conceptual framework to represent our understanding of bigheaded carp establishment, impacts, management actions, and gaps in knowledge.
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Yellow Lampmussel Range-Wide Assessment and Conservation
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April 2026
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As with many freshwater mussels species, Yellow Lampmussel (YLM) monitoring, assessment, and conservation planning occurs primarily within states and provinces, with little interaction outside geographic boundaries. Informal comparisons across boundaries have revealed that YLM populations occur in a variety of habitats throughout its range. In some portions of their range they are found only in medium and large rivers; in others, they more commonly occur in lakes and ponds. YLM has been described as inhabiting a variety of substrates and flow conditions, with some studies suggesting a preference for riffles and strong currents and others locating YLM in slow currents around sandbars. The presence of YLM in varied habitat types across its range suggests that populations may be impacted by different stressors and different approaches may be needed for conservation. Although recent YLM surveys are limited and not standardized, making it difficult to assess range-wide status, a comprehensive assessment is critical for understanding species’ habitat and vulnerabilities and facilitating coordinated and resource-efficient conservation and restoration efforts. One of the primary goals of this project is to assess landscape-scale threats and identify potential restoration sites for YLM across its range using multi-species distribution modelling.
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As with many freshwater mussels species, Yellow Lampmussel (YLM) monitoring, assessment, and conservation planning occurs primarily within states and provinces, with little interaction outside geographic boundaries. Informal comparisons across boundaries have revealed that YLM populations occur in a variety of habitats throughout its range. In some portions of their range they are found only in medium and large rivers; in others, they more commonly occur in lakes and ponds. YLM has been described as inhabiting a variety of substrates and flow conditions, with some studies suggesting a preference for riffles and strong currents and others locating YLM in slow currents around sandbars. The presence of YLM in varied habitat types across its range suggests that populations may be impacted by different stressors and different approaches may be needed for conservation. Although recent YLM surveys are limited and not standardized, making it difficult to assess range-wide status, a comprehensive assessment is critical for understanding species’ habitat and vulnerabilities and facilitating coordinated and resource-efficient conservation and restoration efforts. One of the primary goals of this project is to assess landscape-scale threats and identify potential restoration sites for YLM across its range using multi-species distribution modelling.
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Patterns of bat activity along seasonal, environmental and disease gradients in western Washington: Monitoring populations along the front line of WNS
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September 2024
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The expansion of the bat fungal disease White-Nose Syndrome to the Pacific Northwest is centered in western Washington. However, we do not know much about bat distribution and activity in and around Washington’s National Parks and how it might change with the spread of the disease. We designed and implemented a study to understand how bats are using three large, mountainous National Parks (Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades) and surrounding areas in Washington in order to help parks prepare for and respond to the spread of white-nose syndrome in the region. We have collected two years of seasonal bat acoustic data along elevational transects throughout each park and continue to maintain year-round acoustic monitoring stations at several locations. This project represents the first detailed bat status and activity study to be conducted in these parks in nearly 20 years. The proposed research will provide a baseline for understanding bat distribution and seasonal activity across key ecological gradients within each park. WNS is currently at the doorstep of these National Parks, allowing us to potentially detect changes if it moves into the park. Our efforts will also contribute to regional and national NABat goals, and will demonstrate how local targeted monitoring programs can inform large-scale monitoring schemes. The primary beneficiary of the work will be park stakeholders at the North Coast and Cascade Network of National Parks, which includes Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks. Results will also inform concomitant research and monitoring activities being conducted in the Washington by state biologists, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribes, and the Northwestern BatHub.
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The expansion of the bat fungal disease White-Nose Syndrome to the Pacific Northwest is centered in western Washington. However, we do not know much about bat distribution and activity in and around Washington’s National Parks and how it might change with the spread of the disease. We designed and implemented a study to understand how bats are using three large, mountainous National Parks (Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades) and surrounding areas in Washington in order to help parks prepare for and respond to the spread of white-nose syndrome in the region. We have collected two years of seasonal bat acoustic data along elevational transects throughout each park and continue to maintain year-round acoustic monitoring stations at several locations. This project represents the first detailed bat status and activity study to be conducted in these parks in nearly 20 years. The proposed research will provide a baseline for understanding bat distribution and seasonal activity across key ecological gradients within each park. WNS is currently at the doorstep of these National Parks, allowing us to potentially detect changes if it moves into the park. Our efforts will also contribute to regional and national NABat goals, and will demonstrate how local targeted monitoring programs can inform large-scale monitoring schemes. The primary beneficiary of the work will be park stakeholders at the North Coast and Cascade Network of National Parks, which includes Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks. Results will also inform concomitant research and monitoring activities being conducted in the Washington by state biologists, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribes, and the Northwestern BatHub.
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Characterize aquatic biota and habitat for cold and cool water stream systems to enhance resource management and protection across thermal gradients
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June 2026
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Characterizing fish assemblages and other aquatic biota into thermal classes (i.e., cold, cool, and warm water) would support management-relevant water temperature criteria that could be linked to water quality habitat designations within state regulatory programs. Our ability to accurately define stream habitats based on their thermal regime (i.e., cold, cool, and warm) and identify unique aquatic communities with species assemblages that are distinct from one another is limited by the availability of data across the diversity of Missouri stream habitat types. The purpose of this project is to estimate the distribution and extent of significant cold water stream habitats, including describing associated aquatic species communities within those habitats and in transition zones, for use in making recommendations to assist development of thermal criteria for Missouri streams. Data from this project will improve our understanding on the extent of cold and cool water species, longitudinal changes in thermal habitats, and the abiotic conditions that help define the boundaries. This information could contribute to conservation strategies for species of conservation concern, especially those species with a limited distribution and associated with spring-fed streams. Initial discussions with MDC have indicated the results of this study could be used to identify thermal refugia, extent of cold-water trout habitat to adjust stocking densities, and adapt management strategies in the face of climate change.
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Stream thermal regimes vary based on geography, geomorphology, and hydrology, and are usually defined as <i>cold, cool, and warm</i> depending on what temperature metrics are used (i.e., daily mean temperature, monthly mean, maximum daily mean, or range of variability). Characterizing fish assemblages and other aquatic biota into thermal classes (i.e., cold, cool, and warm water) would support management-relevant water temperature criteria that could be linked to water quality habitat designations within state regulatory programs. Our ability to accurately define stream habitats based on their thermal regime (i.e., cold, cool, and warm) and identify unique aquatic communities with species assemblages that are distinct from one another is limited by the availability of data across the diversity of Missouri stream habitat types. The purpose of this project is to estimate the distribution and extent of significant cold water stream habitats, including describing associated aquatic species communities within those habitats and in transition zones, for use in making recommendations to assist development of thermal criteria for Missouri streams. We will conduct field sampling of cold and cool water systems and couple the resulting data with analyses of existing data to evaluate and better define the cold-cool warm water paradigm. Ultimately, a better definition of these important terms and the communities associated with them will guide MDC management decisions.
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Application of Structured Decision Making and Adaptive Management for the Prevention and Control of Invasive Species
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August 2028
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Invasive Carps such as Silver Carp, Bighead Carp,<i> </i>Black Carp, and Prussian Carp are classified as harmful species due to their expected negative effects to native aquatic species and systems. Preventing Invasive Carps from entering or expanding in US waters and developing rapid response strategies before an invasion can save US taxpayers millions of dollars and years of management and research. However, prevention or control strategies depend on the effectiveness, cost, and the risk of invasive carp invasion into new areas. This project will work with stakeholders to inform state and federal agencies Invasive Carp prevention strategies.
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Preventing Invasive Carps from entering or expanding in US waters and developing rapid response strategies before an invasion can save US taxpayers millions of dollars and years of management and research. However, prevention or control strategies depend on the effectiveness, cost, and the risk of invasive carp invasion into new areas. This project will work with collaboratively develop an adaptive framework with stakeholders and partners to prevent Prussian Carp invasion from Canada into US waters. We will also evaluate the potential outcomes of varying management actions to control Invasive Carps populations in the Illinois River and expansion into Lake Michigan, and the likelihood of invasive carp control and deterrent efforts at varying sites in the Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
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Identifying the genetic marker for Diamond Darter eDNA applications and conducting an evaluation of its effectiveness
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December 2025
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The Diamond Darter is an endangered species that has experienced a dramatic reduction in its geographic distribution range. To improve our understanding of the Diamond Darter's distribution range, we are Identifying the genetic marker for Diamond Darter eDNA applications and conducting an evaluation of its effectiveness. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our results provide USFWS with distribution data on the Diamond Darter, which will inform conservation efforts for this species.
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The Diamond Darter is an endangered species that has experienced a dramatic reduction in its geographic distribution range. To improve our understanding of the Diamond Darter's distribution range, we are Identifying the genetic marker for Diamond Darter eDNA applications and conducting an evaluation of its effectiveness. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our results provide USFWS with distribution data on the Diamond Darter, which will inform conservation efforts for this species.
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Oklahoma Mule Deer Population Evaluation
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June 2027
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Recent apparent population declines across mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>) range in the American West are of interest to biologists and managers. Mule deer in Oklahoma are near the southeastern extent of the species’ range; thus, their distribution is limited and densities are presumably low. Mule deer populations in Oklahoma are restricted currently to areas that are typically characterized by extreme weather events, high variability in resource availability, and an increasing influence of anthropogenic activities associated with agricultural operations and energy infrastructure. In Oklahoma, data are limited to annual harvest numbers, and mule deer are hunted and managed under white-tailed deer (<i>O. virginianus</i>) regulations. To better understand the distribution, abundance, and population ecology of mule deer and to inform harvest management in western Oklahoma, we are proposing a comprehensive research project. We will assess methods for investigating and monitoring mule deer distribution and spatial variation in abundance. We will estimate survival and factors influencing mortality in adult females and fawns, and we will obtain estimates of fecundity and recruitment. We will investigate movements and habitat selection in the context of the potential effects of anthropogenic pressures (including agriculture and energy infrastructure) and environmental variability. Additionally, we will leverage mule deer data in the Texas Panhandle to evaluate movement ecology and population dynamics at an interstate scale. This research will assist Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) in managing mule deer by providing data to support decision-making on monitoring, harvest, and habitat management.
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Recent apparent population declines across mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>) range in the American West are of interest to biologists and managers. Mule deer in Oklahoma are near the southeastern extent of the species’ range; thus, their distribution is limited and densities are presumably low. Mule deer populations in Oklahoma are restricted currently to areas that are typically characterized by extreme weather events, high variability in resource availability, and an increasing influence of anthropogenic activities associated with agricultural operations and energy infrastructure. In Oklahoma, data are limited to annual harvest numbers, and mule deer are hunted and managed under white-tailed deer (<i>O. virginianus</i>) regulations. To better understand the distribution, abundance, and population ecology of mule deer and to inform harvest management in western Oklahoma, we are proposing a comprehensive research project. We will assess methods for investigating and monitoring mule deer distribution and spatial variation in abundance. We will estimate survival and factors influencing mortality in adult females and fawns, and we will obtain estimates of fecundity and recruitment. We will investigate movements and habitat selection in the context of the potential effects of anthropogenic pressures (including agriculture and energy infrastructure) and environmental variability. Additionally, we will leverage mule deer data in the Texas Panhandle to evaluate movement ecology and population dynamics at an interstate scale. This research will assist Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) in managing mule deer by providing data to support decision-making on monitoring, harvest, and habitat management.
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Candy Darter status assessment of the lower Gauley River
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December 2025
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Biological monitoring of the Gauley River National Recreation Area (GRNRA) is of importance to the National Park Service relative to the federally endangered Candy Darter. This study involves a population assessment of the Candy Darter and water temperature monitoring. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and the National Park Service (NPS). Our results provide NPS with population information and habitat data relative to the conservation and management of the Candy Darter.
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Biological monitoring of the Gauley River National Recreation Area (GRNRA) is of importance to the National Park Service relative to the federally endangered Candy Darter. This study involves a population assessment of the Candy Darter and water temperature monitoring. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and the National Park Service (NPS). Our results provide NPS with population information and habitat data relative to the conservation and management of the Candy Darter.
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Corridor H stream monitoring project
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May 2025
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An environmental impact assessment is required for the construction of Corridor H, a four lane highway under construction in eastern West Virginia. Specifically, the West Virginia Division of Transportation (WVDOT) was required to establish a long-term investigation focused on providing community level information on stream ecosystems. This study is a long-term monitoring effort with analyses of macroinvertebrate communities in streams affected by Corridor H road construction, including assessments before, during, and after road construction efforts. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and WVDOT. Our results provide WVDOT with biological impact information relative to the road construction project, and are specifically used by WVDOT to meet their federal permit requirements for continued advancement toward completion of the project.
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An environmental impact assessment is required for the construction of Corridor H, a four lane highway under construction in eastern West Virginia. Specifically, the West Virginia Division of Transportation (WVDOT) was required to establish a long-term investigation focused on providing community level information on stream ecosystems. This study is a long-term monitoring effort with analyses of macroinvertebrate communities in streams affected by Corridor H road construction, including assessments before, during, and after road construction efforts. The project is a collaborative effort of the USGS West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, West Virginia University, and WVDOT. Our results provide WVDOT with biological impact information relative to the road construction project, and are specifically used by WVDOT to meet their federal permit requirements for continued advancement toward completion of the project.
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Ontogenetic and spatiotemporal distribution of stable isotopes and gut content for pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River above Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana
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December 2025
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<br><b>Project Summary: </b>This project will evaluate the diets of pallid sturgeon (<i>Scaphirhynchus albus</i>) in the Missouri River above Fort Peck Reservoir using stable isotopes (i.e., longer-term integration of food habits) and real-time gut contents (i.e., short-term integration of food habits). Diet data will be evaluated by year-class (age), size (length, weight), river location (longitudinally), seasons, and with historical data from Gerrity et al. (2006). These data will be paired with contemporary and historical (Grisak 1996) catch-per-unit effort data for sicklefin chub (<i>Macrhybopsis meeki</i>) and sturgeon chub (<i>Macrhybopsis gelida</i>). The information from this study will provide insight into the contemporary importance of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub in the diets of pallid sturgeon and whether the conclusions determined by Gerrity (2006) are still relevant for this reach of the Missouri River. These results will also be compared to diet data for pallid sturgeon sampled below Fort Peck Reservoir (see Dutton 2018) to make larger inferences about pallid sturgeon feeding ecology. Furthermore, these data will provide information on the relationship between diet and variability in growth. That is, are slow growing pallid sturgeon within a year-class primarily feeding on macroinvertebrates? Conversely, are fast growing pallid sturgeon within a year-class primarily feeding on fish? The need for this information is timely given the proposed listing of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub and the continued questions surrounding variation in growth and carrying capacity of hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon.<br> <br><b>Objectives: </b>The objective of this project is to describe the diets of pallid sturgeon using stable isotopes and gut-content analysis and relate those data to year-class, size, river location, season, contemporary and historical catch-per-unit effort data for sicklefin and sturgeon chub, and with historical data from Gerrity et al. (2006).<br> <br>Reference to 10-year Strategy and Recovery Plan:By understanding the diets of pallid sturgeon and the contemporary importance of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub for the species, we will address three of the five primary strategies for recovery of pallid sturgeon listed in the Revised Recovery Plan (USFWS, 2014), specifically 2) fully quantify population demographics and status within each management unit; 3) improve population size and viability within each management unit; and 4) reduce threats having the greatest impact on the species within each management unit. The results will also address all three of the main goals of the Upper Basin Pallid Sturgeon Workgroup 10-year Strategy, specifically 1) documentation of natural reproduction and survival of wild produced pallid sturgeon in each RPMA at sufficient levels to sustain the population, 2) promote and initiate conservation, restoration, or management actions that improve habitat conditions for pallid sturgeon to complete their entire life cycle as well as targeted research to address impediments and knowledge gaps to the ultimate recovery of the species, and 3) promote collaboration, cooperation, and communication of pallid sturgeon recovery needs and proposed actions amongst resource agencies, universities, and affected stakeholders.<br> <br><b>Approach: </b>Pallid sturgeon will be sampled throughout the Missouri River from the confluence of the Marias River to the transition zone with Fort Peck Reservoir using a systematic sampling design. Pallid Sturgeon will be sampled with drifted trammel nets (45.72-m long, 1.8-m high, and 25.4-mm or 50.8-mm inner mesh) or benthic beam trawls (1.8-m x 0.46-m frame with 3.2- mm inner mesh cod end). A systematic sampling design will be implemented that focuses effort<br>in reaches where pallid sturgeon catch rates have been high in previous years and benthic trawling can be used (i.e., lack of boulders and large cobble). Sampling reaches of interest include the 97-km reach immediately upstream of Fort Peck Reservoir, the Missouri River near Judith Landing, and the Missouri River and lower Marias River near Loma, Montana. In addition, sampling locations will be paired with contemporary and historical sampling locations for sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub. All sampled pallid sturgeon will be handled in accordance with the current handling protocols for pallid sturgeon (USFWS 2014). Pallid sturgeon will be removed from the sampling gear immediately and placed in a tank filled with river water. Fish will be measured, weighed, checked for marks (elastomer or missing scutes), and scanned for an existing PIT tag. If no PIT tag is found, a new tag will be installed and a genetics sample will be collected in accordance with the handling protocols. Pallid sturgeon will be sampled for stable isotopes with either an epidermal mucous sample, muscle plug (~ 10 g), or fin clip (Andvik et al. 2010) and gut contents (identified to lowest taxon) will be removed using a gastric lavage (see Dutton 2018). Stable isotopes will be analyzed at the University of Wyoming Isotope Facility.<br>Nitrogen isotope ratios accumulate about 3.4% per trophic level and carbon isotope ratios indicate the location from which consumers obtain energy. We will use stable isotope analyses (i.e., δ<sup>13</sup><i>C </i>and δ<sup>15</sup><i>N</i>) and gut-content analyses to describe trophic position and diet data (long term and short term). These data will be analyzed by year-class, size, and river location to build an ontogenetic-spatiotemporal model of how pallid sturgeon use food resources throughout the upper Missouri River. Furthermore, we will use gut-content analysis to estimate the importance (e.g., percent composition) of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub in the diet of pallid sturgeon and relate those results to historical diet data and samples of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub.<br>
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<b>Project Summary: </b>This project will evaluate the diets of pallid sturgeon (<i>Scaphirhynchus albus</i>) in the Missouri River above Fort Peck Reservoir using stable isotopes (i.e., longer-term integration of food habits) and real-time gut contents (i.e., short-term integration of food habits). Diet data will be evaluated by year-class (age), size (length, weight), river location (longitudinally), seasons, and with historical data from Gerrity et al. (2006). These data will be paired with contemporary and historical (Grisak 1996) catch-per-unit effort data for sicklefin chub (<i>Macrhybopsis meeki</i>) and sturgeon chub (<i>Macrhybopsis gelida</i>). The information from this study will provide insight into the contemporary importance of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub in the diets of pallid sturgeon and whether the conclusions determined by Gerrity (2006) are still relevant for this reach of the Missouri River. These results will also be compared to diet data for pallid sturgeon sampled below Fort Peck Reservoir (see Dutton 2018) to make larger inferences about pallid sturgeon feeding ecology. Furthermore, these data will provide information on the relationship between diet and variability in growth. That is, are slow growing pallid sturgeon within a year-class primarily feeding on macroinvertebrates? Conversely, are fast growing pallid sturgeon within a year-class primarily feeding on fish? The need for this information is timely given the proposed listing of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub and the continued questions surrounding variation in growth and carrying capacity of hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon. <b>Objectives: </b>The objective of this project is to describe the diets of pallid sturgeon using stable isotopes and gut-content analysis and relate those data to year-class, size, river location, season, contemporary and historical catch-per-unit effort data for sicklefin and sturgeon chub, and with historical data from Gerrity et al. (2006). Reference to 10-year Strategy and Recovery Plan:By understanding the diets of pallid sturgeon and the contemporary importance of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub for the species, we will address three of the five primary strategies for recovery of pallid sturgeon listed in the Revised Recovery Plan (USFWS, 2014), specifically 2) fully quantify population demographics and status within each management unit; 3) improve population size and viability within each management unit; and 4) reduce threats having the greatest impact on the species within each management unit. The results will also address all three of the main goals of the Upper Basin Pallid Sturgeon Workgroup 10-year Strategy, specifically 1) documentation of natural reproduction and survival of wild produced pallid sturgeon in each RPMA at sufficient levels to sustain the population, 2) promote and initiate conservation, restoration, or management actions that improve habitat conditions for pallid sturgeon to complete their entire life cycle as well as targeted research to address impediments and knowledge gaps to the ultimate recovery of the species, and 3) promote collaboration, cooperation, and communication of pallid sturgeon recovery needs and proposed actions amongst resource agencies, universities, and affected stakeholders. <b>Approach: </b>Pallid sturgeon will be sampled throughout the Missouri River from the confluence of the Marias River to the transition zone with Fort Peck Reservoir using a systematic sampling design. Pallid Sturgeon will be sampled with drifted trammel nets (45.72-m long, 1.8-m high, and 25.4-mm or 50.8-mm inner mesh) or benthic beam trawls (1.8-m x 0.46-m frame with 3.2- mm inner mesh cod end). A systematic sampling design will be implemented that focuses effortin reaches where pallid sturgeon catch rates have been high in previous years and benthic trawling can be used (i.e., lack of boulders and large cobble). Sampling reaches of interest include the 97-km reach immediately upstream of Fort Peck Reservoir, the Missouri River near Judith Landing, and the Missouri River and lower Marias River near Loma, Montana. In addition, sampling locations will be paired with contemporary and historical sampling locations for sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub. All sampled pallid sturgeon will be handled in accordance with the current handling protocols for pallid sturgeon (USFWS 2014). Pallid sturgeon will be removed from the sampling gear immediately and placed in a tank filled with river water. Fish will be measured, weighed, checked for marks (elastomer or missing scutes), and scanned for an existing PIT tag. If no PIT tag is found, a new tag will be installed and a genetics sample will be collected in accordance with the handling protocols. Pallid sturgeon will be sampled for stable isotopes with either an epidermal mucous sample, muscle plug (~ 10 g), or fin clip (Andvik et al. 2010) and gut contents (identified to lowest taxon) will be removed using a gastric lavage (see Dutton 2018). Stable isotopes will be analyzed at the University of Wyoming Isotope Facility.Nitrogen isotope ratios accumulate about 3.4% per trophic level and carbon isotope ratios indicate the location from which consumers obtain energy. We will use stable isotope analyses (i.e., δ<sup>13</sup><i>C </i>and δ<sup>15</sup><i>N</i>) and gut-content analyses to describe trophic position and diet data (long term and short term). These data will be analyzed by year-class, size, and river location to build an ontogenetic-spatiotemporal model of how pallid sturgeon use food resources throughout the upper Missouri River. Furthermore, we will use gut-content analysis to estimate the importance (e.g., percent composition) of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub in the diet of pallid sturgeon and relate those results to historical diet data and samples of sicklefin chub and sturgeon chub.
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Black-tailed deer use of winter range in southern Oregon
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June 2025
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) manages Black-tailed Deer (BTD) populations through evaluation of trend indices, primarily spotlight route and hunter harvest data. In recent years, BTD spotlight survey data suggest populations are declining across the state, but numbers are generally higher near residential/urban locations than beyond the urban growth boundary. When survey data from residential/urban areas is combined with data from public land, deer density estimates (deer/mile) are often inflated. Thus, deer populations from urban areas are impacting overall population counts on which hunting tag allocations are based, yet most residential/urban deer are likely not available for harvest. In collaboration with ODFW, this project was designed to address several questions of management concern for BTD in southern Oregon, including an increased understanding of habitat use, spatial and temporal migration behavior, habitat characteristics of migration corridors and winter range areas, and seasonal and annual survival rates. These data will aid in the development of hunting regulations, management of migrating BTD and their habitat, and provide resources for management biologists faced with urban development of BTD winter ranges in Oregon.
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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) manages Black-tailed Deer (BTD) populations through evaluation of trend indices, primarily spotlight route and hunter harvest data. In recent years BTD appear to be declining across the state, but population numbers are higher near residential/urban locations than beyond the urban growth boundary. When survey data from residential/urban areas is combined with data from public land, deer density estimates are often inflated. Thus, deer populations from urban areas are impacting overall population counts on which hunting tag allocations are based, yet most residential/urban deer are likely not available for harvest. In collaboration with ODFW, this project was designed to address several questions of management concern for BTD in southern Oregon, including an increased understanding of habitat use, spatial and temporal migration behavior, habitat characteristics of migration corridors and winter range areas, and seasonal and annual survival rates. These data will aid in the development of hunting regulations, management of migrating BTD and their habitat, and provide resources for management biologists faced with urban development of BTD winter ranges in Oregon.
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Mapping ungulate migration corridors in Oregon
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June 2024
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Understanding the costs and benefits of migration, and the location of areas in the landscape where important migration behaviors occur, is critical to sustainable management of ungulate populations that are of high economic value and cultural importance in western states like Oregon. This is particularly important as habitat loss and fragmentation continue to increase in association with human activities and development across ungulate ranges in the west. These landscape changes can disrupt ecosystem function and increase the cost of migration for target populations. The identification and prioritization of migration corridors throughout Oregon would address a critical data gap for the state and facilitate conservation and management of these populations. In collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the USGS, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the following objectives were developed to address these needs for mule deer and pronghorn antelope in Oregon:<br><br>1). Compile all available GPS collar data on migratory and non-migratory mule deer and pronghorn antelope in Oregon and conduct an analysis using Brownian Bridge Movement Models. <br>2). Create cartographic map products of migration corridors, and seasonal ranges for mule deer and pronghorn in Oregon, making associated corridor polygon data available to land and resource managers via a Migration Route Viewer.<br>3). To assist ODFW with the development of cartographic and infographic products to communicate key migration issues, threats, and conservation opportunities within the state.
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Understanding the costs and benefits of migration, and the location of areas in the landscape where important migration behaviors occur, is critical to sustainable management of ungulate populations that are of high economic value and cultural importance in western states like Oregon. This is particularly important as habitat loss and fragmentation continue to increase in association with human activities and development across ungulate ranges in the west. In collaboration with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and a USGS team at the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit a general framework to map ungulate migration routes and identify portions of routes to prioritize for conservation has been developed to use GPS location data in a standardized framework. Landscape changes can disrupt ecosystem function and increase the cost of migration for target ungulate populations. The identification and prioritization of migration corridors throughout Oregon would address a critical data gap for the state and facilitate conservation and management of important mule deer and pronghorn antelope populations across the West.
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Jackson Moose Calf Survival and Development of Migration Patterns
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December 2025
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Long-distance wildlife migrations have been declining globally due to factors such as anthropogenic disturbances and environmental change. Understanding how migration strategies are learned can help us evaluate the capacity migratory taxa have to respond to a changing world. The first goal of this project is evaluating how moose learn to migrate and develop their own migrations after separating from their mother. The second is to evaluate survival and causes of mortality for moose in the Jackson Herd in their early years of life (9 months – 3½ years). This is the first time these questions have been explored in Jackson moose. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Teton Conservation District. This work will further our scientific understanding of migratory taxa by evaluating how moose learn to migrate. This will not only benefit the migratory moose of Jackson but could help the management of migratory populations across the globe.
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Long-distance wildlife migrations have been declining globally due to factors such as anthropogenic disturbances and environmental change. Understanding how migration strategies are learned can help us evaluate the capacity migratory taxa have to respond to a changing world. The first goal of this project is evaluating how moose learn to migrate and develop their own migrations after separating from their mother. The second is to evaluate survival and causes of mortality for moose in the Jackson Herd in their early years of life (9 months – 3½ years). This is the first time these questions have been explored in Jackson moose. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Teton Conservation District. This work will further our scientific understanding of migratory taxa by evaluating how moose learn to migrate. This will not only benefit the migratory moose of Jackson but could help the management of migratory populations across the globe.
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Use of Beaver Dam Analogues to Enhance Stream and Wetland Habitat in North Missouri Prairies
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December 2027
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Reconnecting streams to their floodplains improves water quality and quantity, supports biodiversity and sensitive species conservation, increases flood and drought resiliency, and bolsters carbon sequestration to help address climate change. Stream restoration that incorporates beaver dams or analogues (BDA) those structures to promote floodplain connectivity can assist in reconnecting streams to their floodplains. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This project will determine if BDAs and similar low-tech process-based structures are effective, resilient, and cost-effective approaches to enhance and sustain populations of Topeka Shiners and other aquatic species, meet stream restoration goals, and initiate wetland community development along headwaters and small streams.
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Reconnecting streams to their floodplains improves water quality and quantity, supports biodiversity and sensitive species conservation, increases flood and drought resiliency, and bolsters carbon sequestration to help address climate change. Stream restoration that incorporates beaver dams or analogues (BDA) those structures to promote floodplain connectivity can assist in reconnecting streams to their floodplains. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. This project will determine if BDAs and similar low-tech process-based structures are effective, resilient, and cost-effective approaches to enhance and sustain populations of Topeka Shiners and other aquatic species, meet stream restoration goals, and initiate wetland community development along headwaters and small streams.
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Development of a flexible mid-sized river mussel sampling protocol and investigation of statewide multi-scale mussel habitat relationships
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May 2027
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A long-term goal for mussel conservation and management in Missouri is implementation of a standardized sampling program at priority locations allowing inference regarding changes in status of mussel populations over time. Before a standardized mussel sampling program can be effectively implemented, we require additional information on mussel sampling methodology, mussel distributions, and conservation priorities. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. The proposed project will advance our knowledge to the point where we can develop regional or statewide predictive models of mussel distribution and create a long-term standardized sampling program capable of tracking the status of mussel communities at priority locations.
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A long-term goal for mussel conservation and management in Missouri is implementation of a standardized sampling program at priority locations allowing inference regarding changes in status of mussel populations over time. Before a standardized mussel sampling program can be effectively implemented, we require additional information on mussel sampling methodology, mussel distributions, and conservation priorities. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. The proposed project will advance our knowledge to the point where we can develop regional or statewide predictive models of mussel distribution and create a long-term standardized sampling program capable of tracking the status of mussel communities at priority locations.
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Understanding and conserving gravel-bar fish assemblages in the Escambia River, Florida
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December 2025
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Gravel bars are dynamic riverine habitats important for the life-history processes of aquatic and terrestrial species. Relatively uncommon in the subtropical rivers of Florida, gravel bars have received little research attention in the Sunshine State from the perspective of fisheries research and management. What are the primary abiotic and biotic factors influencing gravel-obligate fish species and fish assemblages? How do these factors—and their effects on gravel-bar fishes—change over space and time? The importance of answering these questions is amplified by the fact that gravel bars support several Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Florida. The objectives of this project are to (1) evaluate fish assemblages in gravel bars within the Escambia River, with a special focus on fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need; and (2) assess the degree to which observed changes in gravel-bar fish assemblages are related to time of day, depth, season, and environmental factors.
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Gravel bars are dynamic riverine habitats important for the life-history processes of aquatic and terrestrial species. Relatively uncommon in the subtropical rivers of Florida, gravel bars have received little research attention in the Sunshine State from the perspective of fisheries research and management. What are the primary abiotic and biotic factors influencing gravel-obligate fish species and fish assemblages? How do these factors—and their effects on gravel-bar fishes—change over space and time? The importance of answering these questions is amplified by the fact that gravel bars support several Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Florida. The objectives of this project are to (1) evaluate fish assemblages in gravel bars within the Escambia River, with a special focus on fish Species of Greatest Conservation Need; and (2) assess the degree to which observed changes in gravel-bar fish assemblages are related to time of day, depth, season, and environmental factors.
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Environmental and temporal patterns of larval fish communities and American Shad spawning in the lower Broad River
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July 2025
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Anadromous species, such as American Shad (<i>Alosa sapidissima</i>), are ecologically and economically important species in SC that migrate from the ocean to spawn in rivers. Accordingly, American Shad are particularly sensitive habitat fragmentation resulting from dam construction that block migratory pathways and are also being threatened by overfishing, flow alteration, and habitat loss. Due to these threats, the American Shad has been listed as a species of high conservation need on SCDNR’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Historically, anadromous species used much of the Broad River, but dams have since blocked upstream migration, resulting in the loss of spawning habitat for many species. In 2007, the construction of fish ladder at the Columbia Diversion Dam open access to 24 miles of potential spawning habitat for anadromous species, and species like the American Shad are passing through the fish ladder in increasing numbers. However, it is still unknown if or where spawning occurs between Columbia Diversion Dam and Parr Hydroelectric Dam (SCDNR personal communication). Therefore, this project aims to determine whether American Shad are spawning in this river section as well as identify potential spawning habitat sites. Site-specific information on spawning sites and larval fish habitat requirements are needed to better understand how larval and adult fish American Shad will respond to habitat alteration and provide manager with information needed to protect key spawning and nursery habitats. Additionally, environmental cues driving migration and spawning of shad are not well understood. Temperature and instream flow variation are thought to be the main factors driving American Shad spawning, migration, and recruitment. This project will also explore the effects of variation in temperature and river discharge on recruitment spawning and adult migration upstream.
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The objectives of this project are to: 1) identify the temporal patterns of egg and larval fish abundance of the fish community to better understand when fish populations may be most sensitive to environmental disturbance such as large water releases; 2) determine if American Shad are spawning between the Columbia Canal Diversion Dam and Parr Reservoir; 3) identify potential spawning and nursery habitats for American Shad; 4) quantify the temporal pattern of the larval fish community in the lower Broad River. This project will deliver crucial information on spawning and migration activity of American Shad in the lower Broad River. Additionally, this project will provide managers with a better understand of temporal patterns of larval fish and the environmental variables driving these patterns in the lower Broad River. The results of this project will also allow managers to more effectively evaluate the potential benefits of the Columbia Fishway for American Shad and the impacts of different discharge regimes and environmental alteration on fish populations.
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Mapping wildlife road crossing hotspots
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August 2025
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Wildlife presents a significant and grave safety hazard on roadways. Each year collisions with wildlife cause numerous accidents resulting in harm to drivers and vehicles. Roadways are detrimental to wildlife both as a source of mortality and as a barrier to movement. MASSDOT is a leader in designing mitigation strategies that protect public safety and connect populations. Despite this, collisions of moose, deer, and bear remain common. This problem is only expected to get worse, and bear population expand towards the Boston metropolitan area, and deer population continue to grow throughout the state. It is therefore imperative that Mass Wildlife and MASSDOT to continue to work together to design mitigation strategies that maintain human health and safety as well as preserve healthy wildlife populations for the sustained use and enjoyment of the people of Massachusetts. We will use and build upon a camera array established in western MA by the Massachusetts Cooperative Research Units and existing telemetry data to map potential wildlife crossing hot spots on roadways in W. Massachusetts that are particularly dangerous for both motorists and wildlife (e.g., I-90, I-91, Rt. 2). This information can then be monitored and used to plan mitigation measures needed make the roadways safer for wildlife and people.
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Wildlife presents a significant and grave safety hazard on roadways. Each year collisions with wildlife cause numerous accidents resulting in harm to drivers and vehicles. Roadways are detrimental to wildlife both as a source of mortality and as a barrier to movement. MASSDOT is a leader in designing mitigation strategies that protect public safety and connect populations. Despite this, collisions of moose, deer, and bear remain common. This problem is only expected to get worse, and bear population expand towards the Boston metropolitan area, and deer population continue to grow throughout the state. It is therefore imperative that Mass Wildlife and MASSDOT to continue to work together to design mitigation strategies that maintain human health and safety as well as preserve healthy wildlife populations for the sustained use and enjoyment of the people of Massachusetts. We will use and build upon a camera array established in western MA by the Massachusetts Cooperative Research Units and existing telemetry data to map potential wildlife crossing hot spots on roadways in W. Massachusetts that are particularly dangerous for both motorists and wildlife (e.g., I-90, I-91, Rt. 2). This information can then be monitored and used to plan mitigation measures needed make the roadways safer for wildlife and people.
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Wild Turkey Ecology and Management in West Virginia
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December 2028
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Wild turkeys are an important game species in West Virginia; therefore ensuring their persistence in the state is critical. Although previous research has been conducted on wild turkey hens in the state in the 1980's and 1990's, new tracking and monitoring technologies offer the opportunity to obtain high-accuracy spatial data and investigate fine-scale movements of turkeys, as well as turkey population dynamics. Additionally, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is interested in obtaining more information on turkey hunter effort and satisfaction, which will be combined with biological data to ensure that management decisions continue to reflect the needs of the state. This project is a collaboration between the WV Coop Unit and the WV Division of Natural Resources.
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Wild turkeys are an important game species in West Virginia; therefore ensuring their persistence in the state is critical. Although previous research has been conducted on wild turkey hens in the state in the 1980's and 1990's, new tracking and monitoring technologies offer the opportunity to obtain high-accuracy spatial data and investigate fine-scale movements of turkeys, as well as turkey population dynamics. Additionally, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) is interested in obtaining more information on turkey hunter effort and satisfaction, which will be combined with biological data to ensure that management decisions continue to reflect the needs of the state. This project is a collaboration between the WV Coop Unit and the WV Division of Natural Resources.
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The role of risk perception and social trust on coyote-sheep predation in California
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December 2023
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This research focuses on understanding how human risk perceptions and social trust influence human-wildlife conflict. In empirical studies, I combine techniques in wildlife ecology with the social sciences. In this series of projects funded by California DFW investigating the socio-ecology of coyote-sheep conflict, I showed that participatory maps improved ecological models of risk and addressed previously unreported issues of selection bias. In a subsequent study I co-led, we combined rancher interviews with an ecological experiment to show that the level of trust ranchers have for managers and scientists plays an important role in their interpretation of scientific data. In both of these studies, I shared findings in stakeholder workshops and through popular media. When this research was put into practice by ranchers, they witnessed dramatic declines in livestock predation. Simultaneously, California DFW has used our research to guide stakeholder engagement and conflict mitigation efforts. Stakeholder workshops provided novel insights into the ecological drivers of conflict, and, in research I co-led, these insights led to a novel framework and a highly cited publication that has improved conflict prediction and mitigation.<b><br></b>
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This research focuses on understanding how human risk perceptions and social trust influence human-wildlife conflict. In empirical studies, I combine techniques in wildlife ecology with the social sciences. In this series of projects funded by California DFW investigating the socio-ecology of coyote-sheep conflict, I showed that participatory maps improved ecological models of risk and addressed previously unreported issues of selection bias. In a subsequent study I co-led, we combined rancher interviews with an ecological experiment to show that the level of trust ranchers have for managers and scientists plays an important role in their interpretation of scientific data. In both of these studies, I shared findings in stakeholder workshops and through popular media. When this research was put into practice by ranchers, they witnessed dramatic declines in livestock predation. Simultaneously, California DFW has used our research to guide stakeholder engagement and conflict mitigation efforts. Stakeholder workshops provided novel insights into the ecological drivers of conflict, and, in research I co-led, these insights led to a novel framework and a highly cited publication that has improved conflict prediction and mitigation.<b></b>
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The role of local ecological knowledge and perceptions in southern resident killer whale policy
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June 2028
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Southern resident killer whales are a major conservation concern in Washington. They evoke strong public opinions, but policy decisions are not always consistent with killer whale ecology. In this project we will use social science methods to improve our understanding of the relationship between killer whale ecology, policy, and decision-making, and inform state and federal managers to help improve outcomes for both people and killer whales.
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Southern resident killer whales are a major conservation concern in Washington. They evoke strong public opinions, but policy decisions are not always consistent with killer whale ecology. In this project we will use social science methods to improve our understanding of the relationship between killer whale ecology, policy, and decision-making, and inform state and federal managers to help improve outcomes for both people and killer whales.
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Linking deer behavior to forest health on Tribal lands
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September 2025
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In this proposal, we braid together two important threads of forest management, one ecological and one social. First, we propose cutting-edge research linking deer behavior to forest health using an existing dataset collected in collaboration with the <i>Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation </i>(hereafter CCT). Second, we describe an approach for incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, building tribal capacity, and fostering intergovernmental relations through this research.
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In this proposal, we braid together two important threads of forest management, one ecological and one social. First, we propose cutting-edge research linking deer behavior to forest health using an existing dataset collected in collaboration with the <i>Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation </i>(hereafter CCT). Second, we describe an approach for incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, building tribal capacity, and fostering intergovernmental relations through this research.
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Understanding drought effects on Gambel's quail
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June 2025
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Gambel's quail are an ecologically and economically important species in southeast Arizona. Quail populations are sensitive to the effects of drought and projected increases in warm, dry weather conditions may negatively impact populations.<br>Many population demographic parameters, including survival, nest success, and nest-site selection, remain poorly described for Gambel's quail in southeast Arizona. These parameters are important to estimate in order to develop population models that can be used to project future population trends and evaluate the impacts of changing climate, habitat management, and harvest on those trends. This project is a collaboration between Arizona Game and Fish, the University of Arizona, and the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. We will collect information on Gambel's quail population demographics to help inform the development of management actions for enhancing Gambel's quail survival and reproduction's to augment struggling quail populations under continued drought pressure.
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Gambel's quail are an ecologically and economically important species in southeast Arizona. Quail populations are sensitive to the effects of drought and projected increases in warm, dry weather conditions may negatively impact populations. Many population demographic parameters, including survival, nest success, and nest-site selection, remain poorly described for Gambel's quail in southeast Arizona. These parameters are important to estimate in order to develop population models that can be used to project future population trends and evaluate the impacts of changing climate, habitat management, and harvest on those trends. This project is a collaboration between Arizona Game and Fish, the University of Arizona, and the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. We will collect information on Gambel's quail population demographics to help inform the development of management actions for enhancing Gambel's quail survival and reproduction's to augment struggling quail populations under continued drought pressure.
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Wild pig spatial ecology in mixed-use landscapes of South Carolina
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September 2024
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Wild hogs are an invasive species found widely across North America, and the proliferation of wild hogs has increased the damage these animals cause to natural, agricultural, and developed landscapes. South Carolina has seen a recent and dramatic increase in the distribution and abundance of wild hogs. We do not know how they are using mixed-use landscapes in the upstate region. We will develop a habitat use model to investigate how wild hogs are moving through the landscape and using different areas. The model will integrate wild hog GPS tracking and demographic data with environmental and habitat data. The results will inform management actions for targeted wild hog mitigation in this region. The project is a collaboration and includes Clemson University and the Clemson University Experimental Forest, the SC USGS CFWRU, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and a team of undergraduate and graduate students with the Creative Inquiries program at Clemson.
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TBD
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A National-Scale Early Detection And Ecosystem Service Impact Assessment Tool For Invasive Terrestrial Plants
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August 2027
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Globally, invasive species cause trillions of dollars in damages to ecosystem services, including agricultural production and biodiversity, and these damages will only increase as climate change progresses. The U.S. has adopted early detection and rapid response (EDRR) policies to prevent spread and establishment of invasive species, but implementing a consistent, national-scale EDRR approach has been stymied due to difficulties in (i) accurately predicting where and when invasive species will spread and (ii) consistently estimating invasive species’ impacts on ecosystem services. To overcome these difficulties, our project’s overall goal is to develop and implement a consistent, national-scale EDRR tool that can be adapted to most terrestrial invasive plants. To achieve this goal, we will 1) develop novel early detection methods that predict invasive species’ spread and overcome key modeling limitations, 2) implement our early detection methods on the model system of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), one of the “world’s worst weeds” and current invader in the U.S., 3) estimate cogongrass impacts on ecosystem services across a gradient of invasion, and 4) use early detection model predictions to map losses in ecosystem services driven by cogongrass invasion under different climate change scenarios, and 5) publish computer code and instructional vignettes to facilitate our EDRR tool’s application for other terrestrial invasive plant species. By synergizing early detection models and ecosystem service impacts, our products will empower stakeholders and private landowners to prioritize proactive management actions at local, regional, and national scales and maximally conserve ecosystem services like biodiversity, timber, and livestock production.
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Globally, invasive species cause trillions of dollars in damages to ecosystem services, including agricultural production and biodiversity, and these damages will only increase as climate change progresses. The U.S. has adopted early detection and rapid response (EDRR) policies to prevent spread and establishment of invasive species, but implementing a consistent, national-scale EDRR approach has been stymied due to difficulties in (i) accurately predicting where and when invasive species will spread and (ii) consistently estimating invasive species’ impacts on ecosystem services. To overcome these difficulties, our project’s overall goal is to develop and implement a consistent, national-scale EDRR tool that can be adapted to most terrestrial invasive plants. To achieve this goal, we will 1) develop novel early detection methods that predict invasive species’ spread and overcome key modeling limitations, 2) implement our early detection methods on the model system of cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), one of the “world’s worst weeds” and current invader in the U.S., 3) estimate cogongrass impacts on ecosystem services across a gradient of invasion, and 4) use early detection model predictions to map losses in ecosystem services driven by cogongrass invasion under different climate change scenarios, and 5) publish computer code and instructional vignettes to facilitate our EDRR tool’s application for other terrestrial invasive plant species. By synergizing early detection models and ecosystem service impacts, our products will empower stakeholders and private landowners to prioritize proactive management actions at local, regional, and national scales and maximally conserve ecosystem services like biodiversity, timber, and livestock production.
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A statewide decision support tool for turkey conservation in Arkansas: mapping habitat suitability, population growth rates, and where management will be most impactful
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December 2027
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The apparent declines in wild turkey (<i>Meleagris gallopavo</i>) populations has led to growing concern in multiple states, and Arkansas is no exception. This has spurred the development of statewide decision support tools, such as habitat suitability models and population density maps, to assist in strategizing large-scale turkey conservation. However, these tools can run afoul of multiple complications: traditional habitat suitability models can oversimplify the diversity of turkey-habitat associations; density maps often provide little new information relative to habitat suitability maps; and neither of these tools account for the reality that conservation decisions are made in the face of complex socio-ecological landscapes, diverse and sometimes competing stakeholders, and limited funds. Therefore, there is a <i><u>critical need</u></i> to develop a decision support tool for Arkansas that 1) incorporates spatial non-stationarity into turkey habitat suitability analyses, 2) provides independent, spatially explicit information on turkey population growth rates, and 3) synthesizes turkey habitat suitability, turkey population growth rates, and relevant external socio-ecological information to identify areas where management actions will be most impactful and cost-efficient. Here, our overall goal is to develop and implement a decision support tool that informs wild turkey conservation and management strategies across Arkansas. Specifically, our objectives are: 1) Identify and map important turkey habitat across Arkansas using models that incorporate spatially non-stationary habitat relationships; 2) Estimate and map population growth rates of turkeys across Arkansas; 3) Using information from objectives 1 – 2, identify areas with the greatest potential to positively impact turkey populations through management; 4) Provide technical assistance for development of public-facing data products. The models, data products, and technical assistance we provide will put Arkansas Game & Fish Commission in an ideal position to prevent, halt, or potentially reverse turkey declines in Arkansas.
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The apparent declines in wild turkey (<i>Meleagris gallopavo</i>) populations has led to growing concern in multiple states, and Arkansas is no exception. This has spurred the development of statewide decision support tools, such as habitat suitability models and population density maps, to assist in strategizing large-scale turkey conservation. However, these tools can run afoul of multiple complications: traditional habitat suitability models can oversimplify the diversity of turkey-habitat associations; density maps often provide little new information relative to habitat suitability maps; and neither of these tools account for the reality that conservation decisions are made in the face of complex socio-ecological landscapes, diverse and sometimes competing stakeholders, and limited funds. Therefore, there is a <i><u>critical need</u></i> to develop a decision support tool for Arkansas that 1) incorporates spatial non-stationarity into turkey habitat suitability analyses, 2) provides independent, spatially explicit information on turkey population growth rates, and 3) synthesizes turkey habitat suitability, turkey population growth rates, and relevant external socio-ecological information to identify areas where management actions will be most impactful and cost-efficient. Here, our overall goal is to develop and implement a decision support tool that informs wild turkey conservation and management strategies across Arkansas. Specifically, our objectives are: 1) Identify and map important turkey habitat across Arkansas using models that incorporate spatially non-stationary habitat relationships; 2) Estimate and map population growth rates of turkeys across Arkansas; 3) Using information from objectives 1 – 2, identify areas with the greatest potential to positively impact turkey populations through management; 4) Provide technical assistance for development of public-facing data products. The models, data products, and technical assistance we provide will put Arkansas Game & Fish Commission in an ideal position to prevent, halt, or potentially reverse turkey declines in Arkansas.
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Grizzly bear habitat modeling in the Bitterroot Mountains
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May 2026
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Grizzly bears from the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Ecosystems are repopulating the Bitterroot area south of the Clark Fork River in Idaho and Montana with several confirmed sightings in recent years. We currently have no models of habitat quality for the area that could support land management and conservation decisions. Grizzly bear habitat modeling would provide important data in landscape connectivity of a threatened species and support ESA consultations on projects within the Bitterroot area of Idaho and Montana south of the Clark Fork River to the Salmon River. Our proposed project would model grizzly bear habitat in Idaho and Montana across sovereign Tribal Nations, portions of 6 National Forests, and about 10,000 mi2 of public land.
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<b>Background</b>: Grizzly bears from the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Ecosystems are repopulating the Bitterroot area south of the Clark Fork River in Idaho and Montana with several confirmed sightings in recent years. We currently have no models of habitat quality for the area that could support land management and conservation decisions. Grizzly bear habitat modeling would provide important data in landscape connectivity of a threatened species and support ESA consultations on projects within the Bitterroot area of Idaho and Montana south of the Clark Fork River to the Salmon River. Our proposed project would model grizzly bear habitat in Idaho and Montana across sovereign Tribal Nations, portions of 6 National Forests, and about 10,000 mi2 of public land. <b>Objectives</b>: The goal of our proposal is to create a habitat model that identifies high-quality grizzly bear habitat within the Bitterroot Mountains and the areas between the Bitterroot Mountains and the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem and Selkirk Ecosystem (Figure 1). Additionally, we will analyze landscape connectivity through high-probability grizzly bear linkage areas that connect blocks of high-quality habitat between the Bitterroot Mountains and the Cabinet-Yaak, Selkirk Ecosystems. This model will be a reliable science based decision support tool for managers and our Tribal partners. Objective 1: Create (2) Resource Selection Functions (RSF) based on male and female grizzly bears in the 1) Cabinet Mountains and 2) Selkirk Mountains. Objective 2: Apply these RSFs to create a grizzly bear habitat model in the Bitterroot Mountains and the areas between the Bitterroot Mountains and Cabinet-Yaak, Selkirk Ecosystems, identifying high-quality male and female grizzly bear habitat. Objective 3: Identify linkage areas between the Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Ecosystems to the Bitterroot Recovery Area for male and female grizzly bears.
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Evaluating outcomes of oak forest management on Southern Michigan State Game Areas.
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December 2028
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Upland oak ecosystems in the Eastern United States are critically important habitats for a wide diversity of game and nongame wildlife species. However, these ecosystems are threatened by "mesophication", a process in which mesic-adapted tree species such as maples invade and displace oak. Oak displacement can cause a regime shift which can only be reversed with extremely intensive management intervention. In order to protect intact upland oak ecosystems, it is imperative that we understand the efficacy of oak habitat management techniques (prescribed fire, mechanical disturbance, herbicide application). Working with partners from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory, we are evaluating the outcomes of oak management at a large number of oak stands (~75 units) and implementing a Before-After Control-Impact study. Results from this study will assist our partners at DNR in understanding which tools and the frequency of implementation required to combat mesophication and ensure the long-term persistence of valuable oak woodlands.
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Upland oak ecosystems in the eastern United States are generally characterized by open understories with a range of canopy cover, ranging from nearly closed-canopy forests to savannas of scattered open-grown trees. However, without frequent and proper management, mesic forest communities dominated by maples can cause a state shift in oak ecosystems. Reversing these state changes can be extremely difficult and costly. Here, we are working with cooperators at Michigan DNR to evaluate the outcomes of oak woodland management under a range of scenarios to evaluate management success and the wildlife community response to different management tactics. Our results should inform future habitat management for upload oak ecosystems.
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Beaver response to non-lethal water control structures
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December 2026
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American beavers <i>(Castor canadensis) </i>are broadly distributed throughout the Great Lakes region, and their tendency to alter water flow through dam building has positive and negative consequences (Taylor and Singleton 2014). Lethal control is often used to regulate beaver activity in areas experiencing negative impacts (e.g., to private property, infrastructure; Parker and Rosell 2003) but public interests in non-lethal approaches is growing. Recent literature suggests that water control structures, if installed and managed correctly, can reduce damage while keeping beavers resident. In areas heavily populated by humans, controlling water flow while keeping beavers resident (as opposed to exporting the flooding problem to another locale) is a desirable management outcome. In collaboration with partners from USDA Wildlife Services, we are radio-tracking beavers at locations where water-control structures are being installed to evaluate how to most effectively install and maintain flow structures while keeping beavers resident.
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American beavers <i>(Castor canadensis) </i>are broadly distributed throughout the Great Lakes region, and their tendency to alter water flow through dam building has positive and negative consequences (Taylor and Singleton 2014). Lethal control is often used to regulate beaver activity in areas experiencing negative impacts (e.g., to private property, infrastructure; Parker and Rosell 2003) but public interests in non-lethal approaches is growing. Recent literature suggests that water control structures, if installed and managed correctly, can reduce damage while keeping beavers resident. In areas heavily populated by humans, controlling water flow while keeping beavers resident (as opposed to exporting the flooding problem to another locale) is a desirable management outcome. In collaboration with partners from USDA Wildlife Services, we are radio-tracking beavers at locations where water-control structures are being installed to evaluate how to most effectively install and maintain flow structures while keeping beavers resident.
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Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance of the federally threatened Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) in the Clinch River and Powell River
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July 2023
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Whether or not the native minnow Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) still exist in the Clinch and Powell rivers is unknown. We sampled the rivers by collecting water samples and evaluating them for the presence of DNA, which could be evidence of their continued existence
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The federally endangered Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) has not been observed in eastern Tennessee rivers in decades. We used molecular techniques to sample water from two rivers where they historically occurred but were never abundant. Environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a new tool relative to traditional sampling gears where you are trying to capture shed DNA from the species within the water. Results from the study will help inform the USFWS of the presence and status of Slender Chub for their Species Status Assessment.
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Population Ecology of Introduced Bullfrogs in Southeast Arizona
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August 2026
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Introduced American bullfrogs are an important threat to native aquatic and semi-aquatic species, including federally threatened reptiles and amphibians, in southeast Arizona. Bullfrogs have high dispersal and reproductive potential which greatly complicates landscape-scale eradication efforts. Moreover, because of an emphasis on bullfrog eradication in southeast Arizona, several knowledge gaps exist in their ecology and filling these knowledge gaps could help refine and enhance ongoing eradication efforts.<br><br>This study will fill existing knowledge gaps in our understanding of bullfrog ecology in southeast Arizona by studying their dispersal and reproductive ecology. We will use previously collected data from ongoing eradication efforts combined with field-based mark-recapture surveys.<br><br>This project is in collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and is part of a larger regional effort at bullfrog eradication involving AGFD, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.<br><br>The information gained from this project will provide a more accurate understanding of how far and in what manner bullfrogs disperse across the landscape and of their reproductive ecology including the timing, duration, and frequency of breeding. This information will help more accurately target bullfrog populations for eradication, identify at-risk areas for bullfrog recolonization, and optimize the timing of eradication efforts.
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Introduced American bullfrogs are an important threat to native aquatic and semi-aquatic species, including federally threatened reptiles and amphibians, in southeast Arizona. Bullfrogs have high dispersal and reproductive potential which greatly complicates landscape-scale eradication efforts. Moreover, because of an emphasis on bullfrog eradication in southeast Arizona, several knowledge gaps exist in their ecology and filling these knowledge gaps could help refine and enhance ongoing eradication efforts.This study will fill existing knowledge gaps in our understanding of bullfrog ecology in southeast Arizona by studying their dispersal and reproductive ecology. We will use previously collected data from ongoing eradication efforts combined with field-based mark-recapture surveys. This project is in collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) and is part of a larger regional effort at bullfrog eradication involving AGFD, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The information gained from this project will provide a more accurate understanding of how far and in what manner bullfrogs disperse across the landscape and of their reproductive ecology including the timing, duration, and frequency of breeding. This information will help more accurately target bullfrog populations for eradication, identify at-risk areas for bullfrog recolonization, and optimize the timing of eradication efforts.
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Wisconsin's wildlife and a changing climate
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September 2023
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Grassland ecosystems originally dominated central North America, but now, prairies in general, and tall-grass prairies in particular, are one of the most extensively human-altered ecosystems and one of the most vulnerable to changing climate. Grassland bird conservation focuses on habitat restoration, but there is little understanding of how effects of changing climate on grassland birds might be mitigated by management actions. Understanding if habitat microclimates might help nesting grassland birds avoid some of the impacts from events such as drought and heat waves will help inform the development of new habitat management strategies for grassland birds. This project is a collaboration across multiple organizations and includes the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, non-governmental organizations, and State natural resource managers in Wisconsin. A report documenting the importance of habitat microclimates for grassland bird productivity will be developed to inform natural resource managers in Wisconsin.
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Grassland ecosystems originally dominated central North America, but now, prairies in general, and tall-grass prairies in particular, are one of the most extensively human-altered ecosystems and one of the most vulnerable to changing climate. Grassland bird conservation focuses on habitat restoration, but there is little understanding of how effects of changing climate on grassland birds might be mitigated by management actions. Understanding if habitat microclimates might help nesting grassland birds avoid some of the impacts from events such as drought and heat waves will help inform the development of new habitat management strategies for grassland birds. This project is a collaboration across multiple organizations and includes the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, US Fish and Wildlife Service, non-governmental organizations, and State natural resource managers in Wisconsin. A report documenting the importance of habitat microclimates for grassland bird productivity will be developed to inform natural resource managers in Wisconsin.
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Identifying factors influencing nocturnal foraging site selection by adult female mallards and northern pintails in south Louisiana
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June 2027
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The Chenier Plain and coastal marsh system of southwest Louisiana has historically been a significant overwintering and spring migratory staging landscape for multiple waterfowl species and other migratory wetland dependent birds using the Mississippi Flyway and has provided critical ecological functions. Yet, the southwest Louisiana landscape has experienced tremendous anthropogenic changes dating back to the early 1800s that have set a course for altered system function, which continues to this day. Wintering waterfowl currently experience a highly altered landscape that likely exacerbates energetic demands resulting from changing food availability and high disturbance regimes (i.e. hunting pressure and frequent industrial disturbances [aviation traffic / hazing]). No longer a coastal prairie, the Chenier Plain is dominated by agricultural production. Predominantly rice – crawfish rotational production, hydrology across the prairie soils is intensively managed and compartmentalized within leveed units and determined by agricultural economic decisions rather than natural hydroperiods. This results in a “postage stamp” mosaic of “working wetlands” each with unique hydroperiods that vary from one another spatially and temporally. This project is a collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and seeks to evaluate factors that influence habitat use, movement, and behavior of individual ducks marked with satellite telemetry devices in south Louisiana. Data from this research will be used to further inform how waterfowl use habitat within an agricultural system, particularly diversely managed rice and crawfish fields.
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The Chenier Plain and coastal marsh system of southwest Louisiana has historically been a significant overwintering and spring migratory staging landscape for multiple waterfowl species and other migratory wetland dependent birds using the Mississippi Flyway and has provided critical ecological functions. Yet, the southwest Louisiana landscape has experienced tremendous anthropogenic changes dating back to the early 1800s that have set a course for altered system function, which continues to this day. Wintering waterfowl currently experience a highly altered landscape that likely exacerbates energetic demands resulting from changing food availability and high disturbance regimes (i.e. hunting pressure and frequent industrial disturbances [aviation traffic / hazing]). No longer a coastal prairie, the Chenier Plain is dominated by agricultural production. Predominantly rice – crawfish rotational production, hydrology across the prairie soils is intensively managed and compartmentalized within leveed units and determined by agricultural economic decisions rather than natural hydroperiods. This results in a “postage stamp” mosaic of “working wetlands” each with unique hydroperiods that vary from one another spatially and temporally. This project is a collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and seeks to evaluate factors that influence habitat use, movement, and behavior of individual ducks marked with satellite telemetry devices in south Louisiana. Data from this research will be used to further inform how waterfowl use habitat within an agricultural system, particularly diversely managed rice and crawfish fields.
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OA 104: The Significance of Green Plant Material in the Nesting Ecology of Birds of Prey
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December 2023
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Many raptor species (i.e., hawks, eagles) will place green plant material on their nests, not as part of the nest structure, but added to the top perimeter of the nest. The sprigs of greenery are often replenished or replaced daily during incubation and nestling rearing periods. The potential implications of this behavior are not trivial, as the behavior would not have developed if it did not serve an important ecological function. I propose that the addition of greenery to nests has a combined function of 1) increasing humidity and 2) decreasing temperature within the immediate environment of the nest. High temperature and low humidity have been demonstrated to negatively influence nesting success of raptors, and raptors have few mechanisms to cool eggs or nestlings. Further, nestling raptors thermoregulate by gular flutter, which is functionally evaporative cooling; this behavior, however, is conducted at the expense of losing body moisture which can only be replaced via food while in the nestling stage. In a pilot test with replica nests, the effect of adding greenery was rapid and dramatic, influencing the nest humidity for 13 hrs and temperature for 9 hrs, with maximum treatment differences of 64% increased humidity and 7% decreased temperature. In this study, an undergraduate fellow will 1) validate preliminary findings through replication and increase in sample size; 2) test leaf material from multiple tree species to assess species-specific differences in effect on humidity and temperature; 3) conduct observations of Mississippi kites to determine what tree species they select for green material and if, based on our tests, they select those species that provide the greatest influence on humidity and temperature.
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Many raptor species (i.e., hawks, eagles) will place green plant material on their nests, not as part of the nest structure, but added to the top perimeter of the nest. The sprigs of greenery are often replenished or replaced daily during incubation and nestling rearing periods. The potential implications of this behavior are not trivial, as the behavior would not have developed if it did not serve an important ecological function. I propose that the addition of greenery to nests has a combined function of 1) increasing humidity and 2) decreasing temperature within the immediate environment of the nest. High temperature and low humidity have been demonstrated to negatively influence nesting success of raptors, and raptors have few mechanisms to cool eggs or nestlings. Further, nestling raptors thermoregulate by gular flutter, which is functionally evaporative cooling; this behavior, however, is conducted at the expense of losing body moisture which can only be replaced via food while in the nestling stage. In a pilot test with replica nests, the effect of adding greenery was rapid and dramatic, influencing the nest humidity for 13 hrs and temperature for 9 hrs, with maximum treatment differences of 64% increased humidity and 7% decreased temperature. In this study, an undergraduate fellow will 1) validate preliminary findings through replication and increase in sample size; 2) test leaf material from multiple tree species to assess species-specific differences in effect on humidity and temperature; 3) conduct observations of Mississippi kites to determine what tree species they select for green material and if, based on our tests, they select those species that provide the greatest influence on humidity and temperature.
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OA 102: Owl community structure and resource parititioning on the Welder Wildlife Refugeies
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May 2026
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As a taxonomic group, owls are some of the poorest understood avian species in North America due to their nocturnal behavior. This is especially the case for woodland owls for which it is challenging to inventory and difficult to document nest site and habitat use. Ecological information on multi-species owl community structure in terms of species overlap, exclusion, or resource partitioning is especially lacking. This hampers identification of population trends or addressing questions of fluctuations in distribution or phenology associated with a changing climate. This graduate fellowship will support a student at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge in San Patricio County, Texas 1) determine owl species-specific densities the refuge, 2) locate nest sites to assess nesting habitat associations, spatial distributions, and extent of overlap of owl species, 3) monitor productivity and nesting success of each species, and 4) determine and compare prey use and partitioning among species.
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As a taxonomic group, owls are some of the poorest understood avian species in North America due to their nocturnal behavior. This is especially the case for woodland owls for which it is challenging to inventory and difficult to document nest site and habitat use. Ecological information on multi-species owl community structure in terms of species overlap, exclusion, or resource partitioning is especially lacking. This hampers identification of population trends or addressing questions of fluctuations in distribution or phenology associated with a changing climate. This graduate fellowship will support a student at the Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge in San Patricio County, Texas 1) determine owl species-specific densities the refuge, 2) locate nest sites to assess nesting habitat associations, spatial distributions, and extent of overlap of owl species, 3) monitor productivity and nesting success of each species, and 4) determine and compare prey use and partitioning among species.
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OA 101: Distribution and Habitat Associations of the Federally Threatened Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) in Texas
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August 2025
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The Mexican spotted owl (<i>Stix occidentalis lucida</i>) is protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and the species is distributed irregularly due to the patchy distribution of its habitat. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists the owls as threatened and a S1B species, indicating it is critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity or other factors. Currently, the species’ known distribution in Texas is based primarily on a few documented observations at isolated locations in the Davis Mountains and the Guadalupe Mountains. No focused effort has been made to assess the true distribution and habitat associations of Mexican spotted owls in Texas. The primarily privately owned and rugged landscapes with habitat suitable for the species, and the fact that conventional surveys must be done at night and are time consuming (i.e., expensive), have rendered conventional surveys very challenging in the Trans Pecos region. We are initiating a study to assess the distribution of Mexican spotted owls in Texas by using passive audio monitors (PAMs) to sample the nocturnal hours for Mexican spotted owl vocalizations on public and private properties in the Trans Pecos allowing wildlife researchers to access to their properties. Owls announce their presence and breeding territories by species-specific, identifiable, vocalizations at night. Each PAM will be programmed to record during the Mexican spotted owl breeding season (~February – April). Each PAM will then be retrieved, data downloaded and analyzed for detections of Mexican spotted owls. Our final product will help address knowledge gaps for the Mexican spotted owl distributions in Texas and serve to facilitate informed listing, conservation, and management planning, and serve to guide future research on the species.
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The Mexican spotted owl (<i>Stix occidentalis lucida</i>) is protected as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and the species is distributed irregularly due to the patchy distribution of its habitat. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department lists the owls as threatened and a S1B species, indicating it is critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity or other factors. Currently, the species’ known distribution in Texas is based primarily on a few documented observations at isolated locations in the Davis Mountains and the Guadalupe Mountains. No focused effort has been made to assess the true distribution and habitat associations of Mexican spotted owls in Texas. The primarily privately owned and rugged landscapes with habitat suitable for the species, and the fact that conventional surveys must be done at night and are time consuming (i.e., expensive), have rendered conventional surveys very challenging in the Trans Pecos region. We are initiating a study to assess the distribution of Mexican spotted owls in Texas by using passive audio monitors (PAMs) to sample the nocturnal hours for Mexican spotted owl vocalizations on public and private properties in the Trans Pecos allowing wildlife researchers to access to their properties. Owls announce their presence and breeding territories by species-specific, identifiable, vocalizations at night. Each PAM will be programmed to record during the Mexican spotted owl breeding season (~February – April). Each PAM will then be retrieved, data downloaded and analyzed for detections of Mexican spotted owls. Our final product will help address knowledge gaps for the Mexican spotted owl distributions in Texas and serve to facilitate informed listing, conservation, and management planning, and serve to guide future research on the species.
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OA 103: Book. Birds of Prey: Conservation and Management
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August 2024
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This book will address the history and contemporary management issues associated with birds of prey. It is under contract with Johns Hopkins University Press and will be co-edited by Clint Boal (USGS-TCFWRU) and Brent Bibles (Unity Environmental University).
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This book will address the history and contemporary management issues associated with birds of prey. It is under contract with Johns Hopkins University Press and will be co-edited by Clint Boal (USGS-TCFWRU) and Brent Bibles (Unity Environmental University).
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OA 98: Pilot Project – Home Range and Habitat Use of Zone-tailed Hawks
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December 2024
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The zone-tailed hawk <i>(Buteo albonotatus) </i>is a medium sized bird of prey with a broad yet patchy distribution across the southwestern United States, where it is purported (but not confirmed) to be migratory. Ecologically, they are one of the least understood and studied raptor species occurring in North American. In Texas they are protected as a threatened species, but this listing is largely based on a lack of quantitative data, perceptions of small populations, and risk of habitat loss due to degradation and loss of riparian woodlands. However, no quantitative data are available regarding the species home range size, habitat use, or migration ecology in the southwestern United States. In this pilot study we are attempting to capture and deploy GPS transmitters on zone-tailed hawks in the Trans Pecos region of Texas. This project is determining the difficulty in capturing the species and if the data obtained from a small sample of GPS transmitters will justify expansion of the project into a full study.
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The zone-tailed hawk <i>(Buteo albonotatus) </i>is a medium sized bird of prey with a broad yet patchy distribution across the southwestern United States, where it is purported (but not confirmed) to be migratory. Ecologically, they are one of the least understood and studied raptor species occurring in North American. In Texas they are protected as a threatened species, but this listing is largely based on a lack of quantitative data, perceptions of small populations, and risk of habitat loss due to degradation and loss of riparian woodlands. However, no quantitative data are available regarding the species home range size, habitat use, or migration ecology in the southwestern United States. In this pilot study we are attempting to capture and deploy GPS transmitters on zone-tailed hawks in the Trans Pecos region of Texas. This project is determining the difficulty in capturing the species and if the data obtained from a small sample of GPS transmitters will justify expansion of the project into a full study.
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TPW 47: Assessing Texas Kangaroo Rat Habitat Connectivity, Management, and Monitoring Protocols
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August 2024
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The Texas kangaroo rat (<i>Dipodomys elator</i>) is a rare species endemic to the Central Great Plains and Southwest Tablelands ecoregions in north-central Texas. Due to substantial reduction in distribution and suspected population declines, the species has been petitioned for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and is ranked as a G2 - imperiled (global ranking) and S1 – critically imperiled (state ranking) species. We propose a study addressing three important steps in the effort to conserve the species. First is to conduct experimental vegetation manipulations to determine feasibility and effectiveness of restoring, enhancing, or creating usable habitat for Texas kangaroo rats. Second is to assess movement patterns and dispersal of Texas kangaroo rats, especially the success of getting dispersal of individuals into restored areas from proximal occupied areas. Third is to model connectivity and environmental resistance to dispersal of Texas kangaroo rats within and among the known occupied clusters; such a model would allow targeted application of habitat restoration or creation. This project has been in a ‘pilot status’ due to delays in funding and obtaining access to private lands. We have been working on 1) identifying landowners who will allow access and habitat manipulations for this study and 2) a means to track movements of tagged animals to assess their response to habitat restoration efforts. We have contacted landowners that may allow us to start field work this fall. We are also working on a grid system to use pit tags for tracking movements of kangaroo rats rather than much heavier and larger radio/GPS collars.
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The Texas kangaroo rat (<i>Dipodomys elator</i>) is a rare species endemic to the Central Great Plains and Southwest Tablelands ecoregions in north-central Texas. Due to substantial reduction in distribution and suspected population declines, the species has been petitioned for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and is ranked as a G2 - imperiled (global ranking) and S1 – critically imperiled (state ranking) species. We propose a study addressing three important steps in the effort to conserve the species. First is to conduct experimental vegetation manipulations to determine feasibility and effectiveness of restoring, enhancing, or creating usable habitat for Texas kangaroo rats. Second is to assess movement patterns and dispersal of Texas kangaroo rats, especially the success of getting dispersal of individuals into restored areas from proximal occupied areas. Third is to model connectivity and environmental resistance to dispersal of Texas kangaroo rats within and among the known occupied clusters; such a model would allow targeted application of habitat restoration or creation. This project has been in a ‘pilot status’ due to delays in funding and obtaining access to private lands. We have been working on 1) identifying landowners who will allow access and habitat manipulations for this study and 2) a means to track movements of tagged animals to assess their response to habitat restoration efforts. We have contacted landowners that may allow us to start field work this fall. We are also working on a grid system to use pit tags for tracking movements of kangaroo rats rather than much heavier and larger radio/GPS collars.
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Grizzly Bear Space Use in the US Northern Rocky Mountains
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January 2030
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Over the past two centuries, persecution and habitat loss caused grizzly bears (<i>Ursus arctos</i>) to decline from a population of approximately 50,000 individuals to only 4 fragmented populations within the continental United States. In recent decades, these populations have increased and expanded in size and range due to collaborative conservation efforts and protections under the Endangered Species Act. Today, population estimates exceed 1000 animals each in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). The Selkirk Ecosystem (SE) has approximately 50 grizzly bears, and augmentations into the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (CYE) helped boost the population to an estimated 50 – 60 animals. To date, the Bitterroot (BE) and North Cascades Ecosystems (NCE) lack any known permanent residents.<br><br>Eventual connectivity between populations is a conservation goal, as is establishment of populations in currently unoccupied recovery areas. An understanding of habitat selection by grizzly bears within existing populations is crucial for predicting potential linkage zones and suitable habitat. A second urgent conservation challenge is identification of areas where grizzly bears are likely to disperse among recovery ecosystems, and proactive efforts to reduce human-grizzly bear conflicts. Our overall objective in this study was therefore to model grizzly bear movement, habitat use, and population connectivity to identify specific areas that are important for habitat use and natural connectivity among recovery ecosystems. We developed a multi-phase approach to accomplish these goals.<br><br>In phase 1, we aimed to increase understanding of how males and females use habitat within the NCDE. We employed multiple stages to test hypotheses of behavior, use newly gained knowledge to mechanistically simulate individual movements, translate results to predictive habitat maps, and test their predictive power across a large scale. Mechanistically modeling grizzly bear movements using integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) for GPS-collared grizzly bears (F = 46, M = 19) demonstrated that grizzly bears have highly individualistic spatial behaviors. Some individuals avoided whereas others preferred areas of vegetation green-up, terrain ruggedness, forest edge, riparian areas, building densities, and secure habitat. Such individualism supported the need for an individual-based modeling approach to understand and predict grizzly bear behavior. External validation demonstrated high predictive accuracy with mean Spearman rank scores of >0.90 across seasons and years, and overall scores of 1.0. The top 5 classes of our predictive habitat maps contained 73.5% of female fixes and 83.6% of male fixes, and the top class (comprising 10% of the mapped area) contained 25.6% and 41.7% of female and male fixes, respectively. Results of this phase of our research provide tools for conservation planning and served as the basis for sequential phases of our research.<br><br>In phase 2, we tested whether our iSSFs developed for NCDE bears in phase 1 were transferable to the SE, CYE, and GYE. We simulated 100 replicates of 5,000 steps for each iSSF in each ecosystem, summarized relative use into 10 equal-area classes for each sex, and overlaid GPS locations from bears in the SE, CYE, and GYE on resulting maps. Spearman rank correlations between numbers of locations and class rank were ≥0.96 within each study area, indicating models were highly predictive of grizzly bear space use in these nearby populations. Assessment of models using smaller subsets of data in space and time demonstrated generally high predictive accuracy for females. Although mostly high across space and time, predictive accuracy for males was low within some watersheds and in summer within the SE and CYE, potentially due to seasonal effects, vegetation, and food assemblage differences. Altogether, these phase 2 results demonstrated high transferability of our models to landscapes in the Northern Rocky Mountains, suggesting they may be used to evaluate habitat suitability and connectivity throughout the region to benefit conservation planning.<br><br>In phase 3, we simulated connectivity pathways for grizzly bears between recovery ecosystems in the Northern Rockies. Building on phases 1 and 2, we modeled movements to identify potential pathways for dispersal, using the iSSFs developed in phase 1. We applied the models in a >300,000 km2 area including the NCDE, CYE, GYE, and BE. First, we simulated directed movements (randomized shortest paths with 3 levels of exploration) between start and end nodes for routes between populations. Second, we simulated undirected movements from start nodes in the NCDE, CYE, or GYE (no predetermined end nodes). We summarized and binned results as classes 1 (lowest relative predicted use) - 10 (highest relative predicted use) and evaluated predictions using 127 outlier grizzly bear locations. Values at outlier locations indicated good model fit and mean classes at outlier locations (≥7.4) and Spearman rank correlations (≥0.87) were highest for undirected simulations and directed simulations with the highest level of exploration. Our resulting predictive maps will facilitate on-the-ground application of this research for prioritizing habitat conservation, human-bear conflict mitigation, and transportation planning. Additionally, our overall modeling approach has direct utility for myriad species and conservation applications.<br><br>Additional phases of this work are ongoing.
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Over the past two centuries, persecution and habitat loss caused grizzly bears (<i>Ursus arctos</i>) to decline from a population of approximately 50,000 individuals to only 4 fragmented populations within the continental United States. An understanding of habitat selection by grizzly bears within existing populations is crucial for predicting potential linkage zones and suitable habitat. A second urgent conservation challenge is identification of areas where grizzly bears are likely to disperse among recovery ecosystems, and proactive efforts to reduce human-grizzly bear conflicts. The project is a close collaboration across multiple partners, including the University of Montana, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center. Results will include models of grizzly bear movement, habitat use, and population connectivity. These results will directly inform conservation by identifying specific areas that are important for habitat use and natural connectivity among recovery ecosystems, which will help identify where to prioritize habitat conservation, human-bear conflict mitigation, and transportation planning.
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Ecology of American black bear on the Navajo Nation
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May 2026
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Little is known about the ecology of American black bear (Ursus americanus) on the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona or about the nature of human-bear interactions in this region. Black bear have a semi-deity status in the Dine culture which makes it very important to understand current societal and cultural views on black bear on the Navajo Nation, particularly given the potential for human-bear conflict. This project is being led by Deandra Jones, a PhD student at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with co-advisors Drs. Michael Bogan and Javan Bauder and the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. This study will use non-invasive genetic sampling to estimate black bear population size across the Chuska Mountains and will use social surveys and traditional ecological knowledge to understand current views of black bear on the Navajo Nation and the nature and extent of human-bear conflict. This study will provide important information to manage black bear populations on the Navajo Nation and develop guidelines to manage human-bear conflict.
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Little is known about the ecology of American black bear (Ursus americanus) on the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona or about the nature of human-bear interactions in this region. Black bear have a semi-deity status in the Dine culture which makes it very important to understand current societal and cultural views on black bear on the Navajo Nation, particularly given the potential for human-bear conflict. This project is being led by Deandra Jones, a PhD student at the University of Arizona, in collaboration with co-advisors Drs. Michael Bogan and Javan Bauder and the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. This study will use non-invasive genetic sampling to estimate black bear population size across the Chuska Mountains and will use social surveys and traditional ecological knowledge to understand current views of black bear on the Navajo Nation and the nature and extent of human-bear conflict. This study will provide important information to manage black bear populations on the Navajo Nation and develop guidelines to manage human-bear conflict.
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Working to conserve Nebraska's ESA species
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December 2032
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Nebraska is home to numerous federally threatened and endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 mandates protection of all individuals of these species, including the habitats on which they depend. The project is a collaboration of researchers and natural resource managers across multiple agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This project enables quick responses to local (within Nebraska) concerns that arise concerning federal threatened or endangered species.
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Nebraska is home to numerous federally threatened and endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 mandates protection of all individuals of these species, including the habitats on which they depend. The project is a collaboration of researchers and natural resource managers across multiple agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This project enables quick responses to local (within Nebraska) concerns that arise concerning federal threatened or endangered species.
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At-risk species monitoring
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December 2023
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Conservation decision-makers need the best and most current scientific data and information available. The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program, within the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, maintains the most comprehensive database in the state for at-risk species, natural communities, and Biologically Unique Landscapes, identified in the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project State Wildlife Action Plan. Organizations and agencies use this information to inform conservation planning and implementation and to facilitate the environmental review of projects to reduce the potential for negative impacts to Nebraska’s at-risk species and natural communities. This project provides personal assistance to the Nebraska Natural Heritage Program Zoologist on at-risk species field investigations and data compilations, ultimately helping to inform and advance conservation of at-risk species in Nebraska.
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The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program maintains the most comprehensive database within Nebraska for at-risk species, natural communities, and Biologically Unique Landscapes, which takes a great deal of effort. Organizations and agencies use this information to inform conservation planning and implementation and to facilitate the environmental review of projects to reduce the potential for negative impacts to Nebraska’s at-risk species and natural communities. The project is a collaboration of researchers and natural resource managers within the state, including the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. This project provides personal assistance to the Nebraska Natural Heritage Program Zoologist on at-risk species field investigations and data compilations, ultimately helping to inform and advance conservation of at-risk species in Nebraska.
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Quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in aquatic environments
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July 2023
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received national attention because of potential human-health concerns. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, having been observed in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water, with many having the potential to accumulate in aquatic organisms. In collaboration with state agencies this project seeks to understand the potential transfer and accumulation of PFAS within aquatic food webs, with the goal of informing risk to ecological systems and to human health through consumption of recreationally important sportfish.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received national attention because of potential human-health concerns. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, having been observed in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water, with many having the potential to accumulate in aquatic organisms. In collaboration with state agencies this project seeks to understand the potential transfer and accumulation of PFAS within aquatic food webs, with the goal of informing risk to ecological systems and to human health through consumption of recreationally important sportfish.
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Recruitment and growth dynamics of riverine sport, food, and forage fishes related to flow operations and temperature conditions of the lower Tallapoosa River
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May 2026
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Natural flow and thermal conditions are well recognized to support a diverse and natural assemblage structure. However, a complete reinstatement of natural flows is often not realistic when balancing water needs for ecosystems with human demands including energy production via hydropower. Thus, identifying a set of flow patterns that meets some ecological needs considering realistic constraints is often needed. Our project goal is to better understand the relationship between flow and temperature dynamics and riverine sport, food, and forage fishes of the lower Tallapoosa River. Our study objectives are to estimate seasonal relative abundance of fishes in the lower Tallapoosa River, determine how recruitment and growth are related to flow and temperature conditions of the Tallapoosa River, and assess reproduction by several stream fishes as related to discharge, water temperature, and photoperiod.
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Natural flow and thermal conditions are well recognized to support a diverse and natural assemblage structure. However, a complete reinstatement of natural flows is often not realistic when balancing water needs for ecosystems with human demands including energy production via hydropower. Thus, identifying a set of flow patterns that meets some ecological needs considering realistic constraints is often needed. The project is a collaboration with the AL Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Our study objectives are to estimate seasonal relative abundance of fishes in the lower Tallapoosa River, determine how recruitment and growth are related to flow and temperature conditions of the Tallapoosa River, and assess reproduction by several stream fishes as related to discharge, water temperature, and photoperiod. Collectively, these data should provide helpful insight into how dam operations affect recruitment and reproduction by several sport, food, and forage fishes including Alabama Bass.
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INVITED PROPOSAL SUBMITTED - Identifying relevant decision support tools that will achieve actionable science for the conservation of prairie stream ecosystems challenged by climate change.
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December 2027
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<b><i>Specific Planning, Management, and Decision-Making Information Gaps or Needs. </i></b>The literature shows that site- and taxa-specific <i>climate stressors</i> affect native aquatic prairie biota. Information gaps include policy reviews, literature syntheses that link specific <i>climate </i>impacts to specific taxa, and a co-produced (researcher and manager) list of priorities that will address the adverse impacts of <i>climate change </i>on prairie stream biota.<b><i> </i></b>We address these gaps.<br><br><b><i>Actionable Science Outcomes. </i></b>All proposed <u>activities</u> (listed below) include <i>researchers and managers (state and federal agencies) </i>who address prairie stream conservation.<br><br>(1) Using a broadly targeted <u>webinar</u>, followed by <u>focus groups</u>, <i>project personnel</i> and <i>federal and state agency stakeholders </i>will create a co-produced agenda, then identify agency constraints and needs related to <i>climate impacts on aquatic biota.</i><br><br>(2)<i> Social science researchers </i>will summarize<i> </i>what <i>climate</i> related policies exist for native prairie fish management, through a university-based research <u>policy gap analysis</u> (i.e., what policy options exist now and related policy strengths and weaknesses).<br><br>(3) <i>Ecological researchers</i> will synthesize connections between <u>specific <i>climate</i> impacts and fish</u> <u>taxa</u> to prioritize across-state biotic vulnerabilities using a university-based <u>literature review.</u><br><br>(4) With the <i>ecological researcher community</i>, we will create “scenarios” that visualize climate-related outcomes [e.g., resist, adapt, direct (RAD)] for prairie stream biota through <u>workshops.</u><br><br>(5) With <i>researchers and managers, </i>we will<i> </i>use multiple <u>structured engagement processes </u>(facilitation, Delphi method, expert imputation<u>)</u> to synthesize options and needs for prairie biota conservation given a suite of specific <i>climate</i> impacts (e.g., altered flow, degraded water quality, fragmentation, response thresholds, habitat loss, restoration, public views of science).<br><br>(6) <i>Researchers and managers</i> will review and edit a written <u>actionable science plan</u>.
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<b><i>Overarching Issue. </i></b>Natural resource managers need decision support tools to address climate change. A decision support tool is a set of ideas, maps, concepts, data, or computer programs that managers and other practitioners can use to make decisions within their agencies. However, existing decision support tools may not be relevant or effective if they are misaligned with agency priorities, if they conflict with operational constraints, or if they do not mesh with actions that managers have available. The overarching question we address here is “<i>What decision support tools (characteristics, examples) will narrow the existing knowledge-action gap and create effective and relevant actionable science for the state and federal fisheries managers who are charged with conserving prairie stream biota in the face of climate change impacts?</i>”<b><i> Closing “Knowledge-Action” Gaps to Implement Actionable Science.</i></b><b> </b>The project we propose here merges the expertise of researchers (ecological and social science) and state and federal fisheries managers (practical experience with day-to-day realities) to close the “knowledge-action” gap for conservation of native prairie stream biota. Researchers and managers think differently about actionable science because they have different job responsibilities, work within institutions that have different missions, and may experience different “work cultures.” Managers do an excellent job on their day-to-day tasks, but with their ever expanding job responsibilities, they don’t always have time to strategically think about what is needed to successfully navigate the future. Researchers have excellent ideas, but their substantial expertise does not always mesh with management priorities at the appropriate scale for decision making. In the academic literature, this challenge is referred to as the “knowledge-action” or “know-do” gap.<b><i> Prairie Stream Biota are National Conservation Priorities in the Face of Climate Change. </i></b>Prairie streams occur across 15 US states and three CASC regions. Prairie stream fish and associated biota are priority resources to conserve because prairie stream ecosystems are geographically extensive, native prairie stream fish communities are diverse, and native prairie stream biota are very vulnerable to climate stressors (e.g., flow alteration, increased temperatures, degraded water quality, fragmentation, habitat loss, invasive threats). <b> </b><b><i> Project Objectives that Match Activities Described on the Previous Page</i></b><b> </b>(for prairie stream fish and associated biota faced with climate change):1. Assess the current priorities, constraints, decision options, gaps in knowledge, and tool and information needs of state and federal fisheries management stakeholders.2. Identify existing policies and decision support tools available from the literature.3. Link individual climate change impacts to specific native prairie aquatic taxa (as identified in State Wildlife Action Plans) to prioritize within- and across-state vulnerabilities.4. Create realistic ecological scenarios that depict outcomes for specific prairie stream biota based on decisions and/or specific climate change impacts.5. Identify knowledge gaps and relevant science-based decision support tools needed to address climate change by merging Objectives 1-4 through extensive researcher-manager participant engagement.6. Provide a co-produced action plan (synthesis & a proactive agenda to guide future activities).In summary, an urgent priority for 21<sup>st</sup> century conservation professionals is to manage native biota before they decline to a level where biota are candidates for listing. Our actionable science addresses this need and can be adapted for other researcher-manager partnerships related to a range of activities (e.g., possible RAWA funded expansion for agencies).
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PREPROPOSAL SUBMITTED BUT DECLINED “Strategic planning for science-based management of federal reservoir fish populations and associated water supplies to address emerging 21st century threats: A collaborative approach.”
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December 2027
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Reservoirs, common aquatic ecosystems that occur throughout the US, provide substantial benefits for society (e.g., water, flood control, recreation). Over 700 federal reservoirs are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, making them critically important landscapes for the Department of Defense. Managing reservoir fish for recreational angling is a primary responsibility for state agencies. In addition, the connection between the lacustrine component of reservoirs and associated inflow-outflow rivers can have positive and negative effects on fish communities, including at risk species. At present, reservoir ecosystems are difficult to understand and manage because of their size, heterogeneity, ecological complexity, land-water link and multiple use objectives. Reservoirs also face increasing threats from aging, invasives, climate change, fish habitat loss, sediment accumulation, adjacent land use, eutrophication, harmful algae, and other adverse impacts. Although reservoirs have many disciplinary and policy components, their role in recreational fishing, swimming, and recreational boating are major foci for local partnerships of state and federal agency professionals and the general public. Identifying ways to address future change is daunting, but strategic rethinking about managing present and future threats can yield substantial benefits. <br> <br>Much literature and many datasets exist that describe reservoir fish populations, water quality/quantity, watershed land use, habitat, and stream fish communities. However, this literature and these datasets often are not integrated. Consequently, much useful information that could help manage reservoirs is underused because of this lack of synthesis. A guide for quantitative synthesis would benefit all fisheries professionals interested in managing reservoir fish and the associated angling communities. Most state agency employees, charged with managing reservoir fish and reservoir fish habitat, have a full plate of responsibilities. Thus, asking agencies alone to take on new challenges is not realistic. However, a number of university researchers have a strong interest in helping to provide science that guides management. Together, university researchers and agency scientists can advance future strategic planning that will benefit popular sportfish, associated anglers, state management plans, at risk species, ecological connections that promote resilience, and reservoir readiness to respond to threats and change.
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This grant will <u>enhance readiness to respond to ecological threats to the over 700 reservoirs operated by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)</u>. Our think-tank approach will advance reservoir water and reservoir fish management, benefit at-risk fish and water resources, address positive and negative connections across aquatic habitats, enhance ecosystem services (e.g., healthy fish populations and ecological flows), strengthen resilience in the face of future threats, and improve reservoir-related research and management partnerships in ACOE reservoirs.<b> </b>Our community-of expert-practice project with multiple partners has <u>seven outcomes</u> (listed below) that link directly to our objectives. <b> </b>A comprehensive, literature-based perspective that summarizes threats (existing and future) to reservoirs and reservoir-river connections for fish and water supplies. A set of functional models that summarize how reservoirs and reservoir-river connections respond to common threats (e.g., climate change, aging, sedimentation, habitat loss, invasive fish, fragmentation). A list of levers through which management can be implemented, future management scenarios, and related potential outcomes associated with these scenarios (e.g., safe operating space concept, Resist-Accept-Direct) A step by step, example-based guide for quantitative data syntheses focused on (a) sport fish, (b) at risk taxa, (c) associated habitat data across systems (and states), and (d) ecological flows. Guidelines for development and maintenance of a <i>community-of-expert practice</i> that facilitates regular communication and discussions among fisheries and water researchers, managers, policy makers, administrators, and stakeholder groups that span employers and interest groups (state, federal, university, NGO).Progress towards adaptive management plans including data needs, useful syntheses, testable predictions of potential outcomes, deliberate learning experiments, and identification of urgent decision needs. A living document that summarizes and continually updates plans, projects, and tools to (a) benefit species of recreational interest to anglers and fisheries management agencies, (b) protect at-risk fish species, (c) address connections among habitats within reservoirs and between reservoirs and adjacent inflow and outflow rivers, (d) link research and management communities nationwide, and (e) advance existing state and federal state action and management plans
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Northern Pearl Dace population demographics in Sandhills Ecoregion streams
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December 2023
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Quantified evidence of changes to population demographics of small-bodied stream fishes stemming from habitat modification is limited. In order to sustain populations of at risk species through habitat rehabilitation, information is needed regarding demographic responses including survival and movement among the mosaic of habitat patches present in stream systems. A collaborative study with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was initiated to assess population demographic response of Northern Pearl Dace to stream channelization in the Nebraska Sandhills Ecoregion. This work may benefit decisions regarding needs for habitat rehabilitation within agriculture-dominated landscapes as well as inform species status assessments within State Wildlife Action Plans.
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Quantified evidence of changes to population demographics of small-bodied stream fishes stemming from habitat modification is limited. In order to sustain populations of at risk species through habitat rehabilitation, information is needed regarding demographic responses including survival and movement among the mosaic of habitat patches present in stream systems. A collaborative study with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission was initiated to assess population demographic response of Northern Pearl Dace to stream channelization in the Nebraska Sandhills Ecoregion. This work may benefit decisions regarding needs for habitat rehabilitation within agriculture-dominated landscapes as well as inform species status assessments within State Wildlife Action Plans.
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Sampling efficiency assessment for Silver Carp and Bighead Carp in Nebraska mid-order streams and rivers
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March 2025
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Currently, eDNA is being used to investigate the distribution of invasive carp among lotic systems in Nebraska. However, attempts to verify eDNA results via live-fish collection have seen limited success due in part to limited understanding life-stage specific habitat use within prairie systems and the sampling methods to collect individuals effectively among different habitat types. Therefore, the study objectives of this project are to: (1) investigate sampling methods (i.e., towed trawls, various net configurations, and different electrofishing methods, etc.) that can effectively sample the invasive carp population, and (2) devise a sampling protocol for use in prairie systems that can target different life-stages of invasive carp populations. Such a protocol can be used to inform information gaps based on desired management objectives including documenting presence, assessing demographic rates, and/or eradication efforts. We will employ multiple gear-types including trawls, nets, and tow-barge electrofishing. Sampling efforts will occur spring, summer, and fall starting in 2023 and continuing into 2024. We will focus sampling efforts in mid-order prairie streams and rivers that are tributaries to the Missouri River and the Platte River in Nebraska. Streams and systems may include the Blue River, Nemaha Rivers, and Papillion Creek, along the Missouri River. Streams and systems may include the Salt Creek, Elkhorn River, Shell Creek, and Loup River along the Platte River. We will use information from eDNA results to direct sampling to locations with both positive and negative results for presence of invasive carp. Lower reaches of these systems may be accessible by boats using traditional sampling gears. We will sample river and stream reaches higher in the watersheds where traditional methods are not easily employed.
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Currently, eDNA is being used to investigate the distribution of invasive carp among lotic systems in Nebraska. However, attempts to verify eDNA results via live-fish collection have seen limited success due in part to limited understanding life-stage specific habitat use within prairie systems and the sampling methods to collect individuals effectively among different habitat types. Therefore, the study objectives of this project are to: (1) investigate sampling methods (i.e., towed trawls, various net configurations, and different electrofishing methods, etc.) that can effectively sample the invasive carp population, and (2) devise a sampling protocol for use in prairie systems that can target different life-stages of invasive carp populations. Such a protocol can be used to inform information gaps based on desired management objectives including documenting presence, assessing demographic rates, and/or eradication efforts. We will employ multiple gear-types including trawls, nets, and tow-barge electrofishing. Sampling efforts will occur spring, summer, and fall starting in 2023 and continuing into 2024. We will focus sampling efforts in mid-order prairie streams and rivers that are tributaries to the Missouri River and the Platte River in Nebraska. Streams and systems may include the Blue River, Nemaha Rivers, and Papillion Creek, along the Missouri River. Streams and systems may include the Salt Creek, Elkhorn River, Shell Creek, and Loup River along the Platte River. We will use information from eDNA results to direct sampling to locations with both positive and negative results for presence of invasive carp. Lower reaches of these systems may be accessible by boats using traditional sampling gears. We will sample river and stream reaches higher in the watersheds where traditional methods are not easily employed.
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Effects of woody encroachment and management on grassland birds in Nebraska’s Sandhills
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July 2028
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Loss of grassland habitat to woody encroachment is widespread and ongoing in Nebraska’s Sandhills. Woody encroachment has been identified as the most severe threat affecting grassland-obligate breeding birds, as these species do not appear to use encroached areas. As grassland bird species are experiencing the sharpest declines of avifauna guilds, evaluations of tolerance levels to woody encroachment of grasslands will provide valuable information to guide conservation and restoration efforts.<br> <br>Through our research we aim to (1) evaluate the response of grassland birds to eastern red cedar removal, (2) evaluate changes in grassland bird communities and abundance among grassland patches at different stages of successional change, (3) inform best management practices to provide guidance on eastern red cedar removal and management, and (4) develop a monitoring protype to evaluate grassland bird response to woody cover management. We are parting with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Loss of grassland habitat to woody encroachment is widespread and ongoing in Nebraska’s Sandhills. Woody encroachment has been identified as the most severe threat affecting grassland-obligate breeding birds, as these species do not appear to use encroached areas. As grassland bird species are experiencing the sharpest declines of avifauna guilds, evaluations of tolerance levels to woody encroachment of grasslands will provide valuable information to guide conservation and restoration efforts. Through our research we aim to (1) evaluate the response of grassland birds to eastern red cedar removal, (2) evaluate changes in grassland bird communities and abundance among grassland patches at different stages of successional change, (3) inform best management practices to provide guidance on eastern red cedar removal and management, and (4) develop a monitoring protype to evaluate grassland bird response to woody cover management. We are parting with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Leveraging local efforts to solve regional-scale ecological questions: using multiple sources of data and a multi-species occupancy model to explore bee-plant interactions
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August 2023
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In this project, we demonstrate the utility of our multi-species occupancy modeling approach on an example bee-plant dataset from Santa Cruz Island using the GloBI (Global Biotic Interactions) database.
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In this project, we demonstrate the utility of our multi-species occupancy modeling approach on an example bee-plant dataset from Santa Cruz Island using the GloBI (Global Biotic Interactions) database.
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Synthesizing the contributions of the Northeast to the North American Bat (NABat) Monitoring Program and developing a regional communication plan to facilitate future research
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August 2024
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In collaboration with the USFWS, in this project, we will synthesize Northeast partner data contributions within priority grid cells and National Wildlife Refuges to gain a better understanding of the information currently available within the NABat database.
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In collaboration with the USFWS, in this project, we will synthesize Northeast partner data contributions within priority grid cells and National Wildlife Refuges to gain a better understanding of the information currently available within the NABat database.
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River Otter Population Dynamics and Spatial Ecology in West Virginia
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December 2025
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River otters (<i>Lontra canadensis</i>) are native to West Virginia, but experienced population declines in the 19<sup>th </sup>and 20<sup>th </sup>centuries because of habitat fragmentation, water pollution, and unregulated trapping. Following reintroduction efforts in the 1980's and 1990's otter populations in the state are now considered to be stable or increasing. To best inform future otter management plans in West Virginia, accurate estimates of otter survival and harvest rates are needed. Additionally, the diet of river otters is primarily comprised of various fish species. To better determine the potential effects of river otters on fishing opportunities in the state provided by fish stocking, more information is needed on the fine-scale movements of river otters during fish stocking periods. This project is a collaboration between the WV Coop Unit and the WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). This research will provide the WVDNR with information on river otter populations in the state, which will help inform future management decisions.
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River otters (<i>Lontra canadensis</i>) are native to West Virginia, but experienced population declines in the 19<sup>th </sup>and 20<sup>th </sup>centuries because of habitat fragmentation, water pollution, and unregulated trapping. Following reintroduction efforts in the 1980's and 1990's otter populations in the state are now considered to be stable or increasing. To best inform future otter management plans in West Virginia, accurate estimates of otter survival and harvest rates are needed. Additionally, the diet of river otters is primarily comprised of various fish species. To better determine the potential effects of river otters on fishing opportunities in the state provided by fish stocking, more information is needed on the fine-scale movements of river otters during fish stocking periods. This project is a collaboration between the WV Coop Unit and the WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). This research will provide the WVDNR with information on river otter populations in the state, which will help inform future management decisions.
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OA 107: Improving institutional diversity in professional society participation through virtual and hybrid conferencing
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June 2025
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For decades, professional scientific societies and individual scientists have relied on in-person conferences to share cutting edge research and build collaborative research networks: conferences are instrumental for developing individual careers and scientific progress. However, in-person conferences have significant barriers to access and inclusion, often excluding scientists and organizations with less financial resources and individuals for whom long-distance travel is difficult. The shift to virtual conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated these historical barriers, as conferences were attended by more diverse groups of scientists. This research investigates how and whether virtual and hybrid conferences in ecology, environmental science, and allied fields have increased participation by individuals from a diverse set of organizations, including academic organizations like universities and those outside of academia like government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and environmental consulting firms. By focusing on increasing the diversity of organizations represented at conferences, scientific conferences can improve collaboration and knowledge exchange between scientists affiliated with academic organizations and scientists affiliated with organizations beyond academia. This, in turn, can facilitate evidence-based environmental management. The project will also assess whether virtual and hybrid conferences are more inclusive of a diverse set of backgrounds and career stages and assess barriers, attitudes, and preferences related to conference access, attendance, and participation. Lastly, researchers will identify future and alternative virtual and hybrid formats and features likely to best support members from diverse organizations and backgrounds. Short-term outcomes will include guidance for professional societies to develop equitable and inclusive conferences and overcome barriers to access; long-term outcomes will be increased visibility and awareness of a diversity of types of organizations in ecology and conservation communities.
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In-person conference formats can exclude many scientists and environmental practitioners who can contribute to and benefit from the exchange of ideas and research that takes place at these events, including those from low-to-middle income countries, early career-researchers, student trainees, caregivers, and those from non-research-intensive institutions. In particular, limited knowledge sharing and exchange between academic and extra-academic audiences have stymied integration of research into management and environmental policies. This project will provide professional societies and individual scientists with evidence-based guidance to evaluate tradeoffs in access, participation, and conference experience, to design more equitable conferences that can increase knowledge exchange across institutional boundaries. Through a focus on integration of academic and extra-academic scientists from a diverse range of institutions, this work will also support student and early-career researchers in their need and desire for development toward extra-academic career paths. This project applies quantitative and semi-quantitative approaches to assess if virtual conferences facilitate access for individuals from more diverse institutions, logistical and cultural factors that can expand access, and conference features and formats that are most likely to support inclusion of student and early-career researchers from those institutions. We will accomplish this through analysis of conference attendance prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys of current and prospective members of participating professional societies, and focus groups that iteratively identify approaches for testing as part of a future project. This project will produce multiple peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and an educational webinar.
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Development of new eDNA tools to detect aquatic invasive plants in Upper Mississippi River Basin
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December 2026
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We will develop portable and rapid environmental DNA multispecies sequencing protocols (using the Nanopore MinION device) for detecting invasive aquatic plants through water samples. These tools will then be validated within the Upper Mississippi River Basin through comparison with ongoing, traditional aquatic plant field collections through the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program and Minnesota’s Shallow Lakes Program. The results of this project provide guidance for new eDNA-based monitoring programs, including assessing the feasibility of these surveillance tools being used by future citizen science monitoring programs.
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We will develop portable and rapid environmental DNA multispecies sequencing protocols (using the Nanopore MinION device) for detecting invasive aquatic plants through water samples. These tools will then be validated within the Upper Mississippi River Basin through comparison with ongoing, traditional aquatic plant field collections through the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program and Minnesota’s Shallow Lakes Program. The results of this project provide guidance for new eDNA-based monitoring programs, including assessing the feasibility of these surveillance tools being used by future citizen science monitoring programs.
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Modeling raptor population status, trends, and take rates
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December 2026
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Evaluating sustainable take rates for raptor species, primarily bald and golden eagles, is necessary to inform incidental take permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to proposed and existing wind-energy facilities. The take rates are informed by predictive models that incorporate species vital rates (e.g., survival), environmental effects, and anthropogenic hazards (e.g., wind turbines). The project focuses on developing models that inform incidental take permits, and also improve the models themselves to better reflect predicted changes in climate.
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Evaluating sustainable take rates for raptor species, primarily bald and golden eagles, is necessary to inform incidental take permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to proposed and existing wind-energy facilities. The take rates are informed by predictive models that incorporate species vital rates (e.g., survival), environmental effects, and anthropogenic hazards (e.g., wind turbines). The project focuses on developing models that inform incidental take permits, and also improve the models themselves to better reflect predicted changes in climate.
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Developing an evaluation framework to inform NPS coastal infrastructure investment decisions
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August 2023
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Ongoing climate change, sea level rise, and more powerful storm systems will cause increasing damage and loss of facilities in coastal units of the National Park Service over the coming decades. Over time, sea level rise, storms, and funding limits will defy the National Park Service’s ability to maintain all existing coastal park infrastructure in suitable conditions in all locations. This project developed a transparent analytical framework and process that identified and incorporated comprehensive evaluation criteria that can be used across all National Park Service coastal park units to support decisions for capital investments in infrastructure of coastal national park units considering the projections of sea level rise and associated hazards (e.g. storms, erosion).
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Ongoing climate change, sea level rise, and more powerful storm systems will cause increasing damage and loss of facilities in coastal units of the National Park Service over the coming decades. Over time, sea level rise, storms, and funding limits will defy the National Park Service’s ability to maintain all existing coastal park infrastructure in suitable conditions in all locations. This project developed a transparent analytical framework and process that identified and incorporated comprehensive evaluation criteria that can be used across all National Park Service coastal park units to support decisions for capital investments in infrastructure of coastal national park units considering the projections of sea level rise and associated hazards (e.g. storms, erosion).
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Decision support for sustainable raptor take limits in a changing climate
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March 2026
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Climate change already affects raptor populations, through impacts on migration biology and vital rates. However, the decision framework in use by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) to estimate population trends and set allowable take limits from anthropogenic activities is static with respect to climate. Given that climate change is already impacting raptors, assumptions of stationarity for vital rates are increasingly unrealistic and cast doubt on predictions of flyway-scale allowable take derived from existing frameworks. We are developing a new decision support tool that explicitly includes climate variables as inputs to population dynamic models to allow the Service to set allowable take limits that are more biologically realistic over the timeframe of interest. In addition to benefiting the Service, establishing take limits based on a more comprehensive set of climatic conditions will guide other stakeholders (e.g., state natural resource agencies and tribal leadership) in making more informed decisions regarding allowable take and mitigation measures to offset anthropogenic take within their jurisdictions. To ensure transferability of decision tools, we have invited representatives from relevant stakeholder groups to participate in framing the decision problem, parameterizing models, and evaluating alternative management strategies.
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Climate change already affects raptor populations, through impacts on migration biology and vital rates. However, the decision framework in use by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) to estimate population trends and set allowable take limits from anthropogenic activities is static with respect to climate. Given that climate change is already impacting raptors, assumptions of stationarity for vital rates are increasingly unrealistic and cast doubt on predictions of flyway-scale allowable take derived from existing frameworks. We are developing a new decision support tool that explicitly includes climate variables as inputs to population dynamic models to allow the Service to set allowable take limits that are more biologically realistic over the timeframe of interest. In addition to benefiting the Service, establishing take limits based on a more comprehensive set of climatic conditions will guide other stakeholders (e.g., state natural resource agencies and tribal leadership) in making more informed decisions regarding allowable take and mitigation measures to offset anthropogenic take within their jurisdictions. To ensure transferability of decision tools, we have invited representatives from relevant stakeholder groups to participate in framing the decision problem, parameterizing models, and evaluating alternative management strategies.
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Mapping and characterizing bighorn sheep seasonal ranges and migration routes
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December 2024
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Wyoming contains some of the largest and most robust bighorn sheep herds throughout their broad distribution in western North America. In an effort to further bolster bighorn sheep across the state, the WGFD and partners have conducted numerous large-scale research and survey projects occurring both statewide and across broad regions. For example, since 2011 the WGFD and its Wildlife Health Laboratory have been conducting statewide bighorn sheep herd health surveillance and have sampled over 1,500 bighorn sheep across the state, many of which were also equipped with GPS collars. Additionally, collaborative efforts within the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) involving the WGFD, Montana State University, the University of Wyoming, the National Park Service, and the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes have worked to conduct an integrated research program focused on bighorn sheep pathogen communities, habitat selection, seasonal migration, competition with introduced mountain goats, and genetics. Collaborators involved in this work have aggregated upwards of two million dollars for research that has compiled one of the largest integrated datasets ever collected for bighorn sheep. The research efforts have helped to directly inform bighorn sheep management and conservation, have been presented at local and national conferences, and produced nearly 20 peer-reviewed journal articles covering a broad range of topics. While past efforts have greatly helped to further our understanding of bighorn sheep across the state, there are a host of additional research projects that can use the existing datasets to generate new insights and further advance bighorn sheep management and conservation. In particular, the spatial dataset of GPS locations provides an opportunity to characterize and document bighorn sheep migration patterns, seasonal ranges, and habitat characteristics in a level of detail not previously conducted in prior research.
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Wyoming contains some of the largest and most robust bighorn sheep herds throughout their broad distribution in western North America. In an effort to further bolster bighorn sheep across the state, the WGFD and partners have conducted numerous large-scale research and survey projects occurring both statewide and across broad regions. For example, since 2011 the WGFD and its Wildlife Health Laboratory have been conducting statewide bighorn sheep herd health surveillance and have sampled over 1,500 bighorn sheep across the state, many of which were also equipped with GPS collars. Additionally, collaborative efforts within the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA) involving the WGFD, Montana State University, the University of Wyoming, the National Park Service, and the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes have worked to conduct an integrated research program focused on bighorn sheep pathogen communities, habitat selection, seasonal migration, competition with introduced mountain goats, and genetics. Collaborators involved in this work have aggregated upwards of two million dollars for research that has compiled one of the largest integrated datasets ever collected for bighorn sheep. The research efforts have helped to directly inform bighorn sheep management and conservation, have been presented at local and national conferences, and produced nearly 20 peer-reviewed journal articles covering a broad range of topics. While past efforts have greatly helped to further our understanding of bighorn sheep across the state, there are a host of additional research projects that can use the existing datasets to generate new insights and further advance bighorn sheep management and conservation. In particular, the spatial dataset of GPS locations provides an opportunity to characterize and document bighorn sheep migration patterns, seasonal ranges, and habitat characteristics in a level of detail not previously conducted in prior research.
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National Pollinator-Solar Energy Monitoring and Research Network
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December 2027
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Pollinators are declining globally, and land-use change from solar energy development may lead to reduction of pollinator habitat. On the other hand, pollinator habitat may be maintained and created as part of the process of solar energy development. While pollinator-friendly solar presents potential for co-location of pollinator habitat and solar production, our understanding of its ecological definition and operational applications is severely limited. Research is needed to provide the theoretical underpinnings and ecological applications of pollinator-friendly solar for meaningful uptake to occur at large-scale, operational solar facilities globally. Further, there is a need to increase the speed at which understanding of pollinator-solar interactions is generated, given the taxonomic bottleneck through which species identifications are derived. With funding from the Department of Energy, I am leading a large research team (USGS, Cornell University, USDA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Oregon State University, Argonne National Laboratory, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, GRID Alternatives, multiple energy companies, and others) to elucidate pollinator-solar interactions from local to landscape levels, using both pollinator eDNA and conventional sampling methods at solar facilities across the country. Our research will define what pollinator friendly solar is, how to do it, and how to monitor it in the United States, with an eye towards promoting pollinator conservation broadly.
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Pollinators are declining globally, and land-use change from solar energy development may lead to reduction of pollinator habitat. On the other hand, pollinator habitat may be maintained and created as part of the process of solar energy development. While pollinator-friendly solar presents potential for co-location of pollinator habitat and solar production, our understanding of its ecological definition and operational applications is severely limited. Research is needed to provide the theoretical underpinnings and ecological applications of pollinator-friendly solar for meaningful uptake to occur at large-scale, operational solar facilities globally. Further, there is a need to increase the speed at which understanding of pollinator-solar interactions is generated, given the taxonomic bottleneck through which species identifications are derived. With funding from the Department of Energy, I am leading a large research team (USGS, Cornell University, USDA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Oregon State University, Argonne National Laboratory, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, GRID Alternatives, multiple energy companies, and others) to elucidate pollinator-solar interactions from local to landscape levels, using both pollinator eDNA and conventional sampling methods at solar facilities across the country. Our research will define what pollinator friendly solar is, how to do it, and how to monitor it in the United States, with an eye towards promoting pollinator conservation broadly.
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Factors Limiting Population Growth of Unhunted Dall’s Sheep
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December 2025
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Despite nearly a decade free of harvest pressure, sheep populations in northwest Alaska have not rebounded as anticipated. Identifying the factors that continue to repress these populations will aid in the general understanding of Dall sheep ecology and help inform how sheep populations, at the margins of their range, can be sustainably managed in the future. Determining the relative effects of these factors can assist managers in determining appropriate harvest seasons and bag limits and identifying critical landscape features and areas requisite to sheep’s continued presence in GMUs 23 and 26.<br><br>We will radio-collar approximately 20 sheep in each of two herds (De Long, Baird) in the fall/winter of 2023 and 2024. Mortality will be monitored via movement data and mortality sites will be visited as soon as possible to attempt to determine mortality cause. If possible, tissue samples will be collected for additional analysis. Health assessment will be conducted during capture and biological samples collect to analysis for disease, genetics, pregnancy, and nutritional limitation. Collared ewes will be radiotracked with fixed-wing aircraft weekly between May and June to determine lambing rates using the presence of a lamb at heel.<br><br>This study will be the first to quantify habitat use patterns, survival rates, and health of sheep in these herds. This project will provide ADFG with the information needed in order to manage both of these sheep herds in order to improve population trajectory.
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Despite nearly a decade free of harvest pressure, sheep populations in northwest Alaska have not rebounded as anticipated. Identifying the factors that continue to repress these populations will aid in the general understanding of Dall sheep ecology and help inform how sheep populations, at the margins of their range, can be sustainably managed in the future. Determining the relative effects of these factors can assist managers in determining appropriate harvest seasons and bag limits and identifying critical landscape features and areas requisite to sheep’s continued presence in GMUs 23 and 26.We will radio-collar approximately 20 sheep in each of two herds (De Long, Baird) in the fall/winter of 2023 and 2024. Mortality will be monitored via movement data and mortality sites will be visited as soon as possible to attempt to determine mortality cause. If possible, tissue samples will be collected for additional analysis. Health assessment will be conducted during capture and biological samples collect to analysis for disease, genetics, pregnancy, and nutritional limitation. Collared ewes will be radiotracked with fixed-wing aircraft weekly between May and June to determine lambing rates using the presence of a lamb at heel.This study will be the first to quantify habitat use patterns, survival rates, and health of sheep in these herds. This project will provide ADFG with the information needed in order to manage both of these sheep herds in order to improve population trajectory.
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Synthesizing Ungulate Movement and Migrations Across Alaska
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December 2025
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Ungulate movements and migrations are crucial behavioral processes that have a direct impact on harvest and habitat management programs. The availability of migratory ungulates to harvest has large implications for subsistence harvest programs, and the identification of migration corridors and habitat factors associated with movements and movement barriers is a challenging but critical question in the face of changing environmental systems.<br><br>Using monitoring data from caribou and moose populations from throughout Alaska, this project will identify unifying factors related to ungulate migrations while simultaneously providing individual herd managers with the information and tools needed to appropriately manage ungulates. Existing GPS and satellite telemetry data from multiple caribou herds throughout Alaska (Western Arctic, Teshekpuk, Mulchatna, Nelchina, Fortymile) will be used to parameterize movement models that will provide a mechanistic understanding of migration paths and cues, while existing telemetry data from moose in multiple Game Management Units will be used to parameterize models to help identify seasonal movements and corridors.<br><br>Aside from improving our understanding of ungulate migrations across Alaska, this project will develop a unified data flow and analytical framework for the various collaring efforts that are ongoing throughout Alaska. The wide variety of collar manufacturers, data streams, fix rates, and data quality have thus made it challenging to develop unified analyses or data management protocols, and doing so will help improve the inference gained from myriad telemetry efforts but also decrease the turnaround time required to use these data to provide useful information to wildlife managers.
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Ungulate movements and migrations are crucial behavioral processes that have a direct impact on harvest and habitat management programs. The availability of migratory ungulates to harvest has large implications for subsistence harvest programs, and the identification of migration corridors and habitat factors associated with movements and movement barriers is a challenging but critical question in the face of changing environmental systems.Using monitoring data from caribou and moose populations from throughout Alaska, this project will identify unifying factors related to ungulate migrations while simultaneously providing individual herd managers with the information and tools needed to appropriately manage ungulates. Existing GPS and satellite telemetry data from multiple caribou herds throughout Alaska (Western Arctic, Teshekpuk, Mulchatna, Nelchina, Fortymile) will be used to parameterize movement models that will provide a mechanistic understanding of migration paths and cues, while existing telemetry data from moose in multiple Game Management Units will be used to parameterize models to help identify seasonal movements and corridors. Aside from improving our understanding of ungulate migrations across Alaska, this project will develop a unified data flow and analytical framework for the various collaring efforts that are ongoing throughout Alaska. The wide variety of collar manufacturers, data streams, fix rates, and data quality have thus made it challenging to develop unified analyses or data management protocols, and doing so will help improve the inference gained from myriad telemetry efforts but also decrease the turnaround time required to use these data to provide useful information to wildlife managers.
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Deer Density Estimation and Habitat Use in Southeast Alaska
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December 2024
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Sitka black-tailed deer are an important game species in southeast Alaska, and are a critical driver of predator population dynamics in the region. On Prince of Wales Island, where habitat management for deer is a major land use, it is critical to understand where deer occur on the landscape and how they respond to timber harvest. Moreover, our understanding of how predators (e.g. wolves) shape deer distribution on the landscape could have important implications for harvest and habitat management. <br><br>By utilizing an existing/ongoing deployment of remote cameras across Prince of Wales Island for wolf monitoring, we will develop single-season and multi-species occupancy models for black-tailed deer that quantify occupancy rates across the landscape and how these rates are affected by both habitat conditions and by the presence of predators. Additionally, we hope to be able to relate deer distribution and occupancy to in-situ estimates of snow depth calculated from remote camera images. Lastly, we will evaluate the utility of this sampling framework for estimating deer density across the entire island.<br><br>Monitoring of game species is exceptionally challenging in southeast Alaska, and the potential for multi-species monitoring frameworks could provide a cost-effective mechanism for assisting with harvest and/or habitat management decisions. This study will build upon previous research that has demonstrated that deer respond to habitat management in terms of browsing pressure by also linking overall occupancy rates and interactions with predators to habitat conditions.
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Sitka black-tailed deer are an important game species in southeast Alaska, and are a critical driver of predator population dynamics in the region. On Prince of Wales Island, where habitat management for deer is a major land use, it is critical to understand where deer occur on the landscape and how they respond to timber harvest. Moreover, our understanding of how predators (e.g. wolves) shape deer distribution on the landscape could have important implications for harvest and habitat management. By utilizing an existing/ongoing deployment of remote cameras across Prince of Wales Island for wolf monitoring, we will develop single-season and multi-species occupancy models for black-tailed deer that quantify occupancy rates across the landscape and how these rates are affected by both habitat conditions and by the presence of predators. Additionally, we hope to be able to relate deer distribution and occupancy to in-situ estimates of snow depth calculated from remote camera images. Lastly, we will evaluate the utility of this sampling framework for estimating deer density across the entire island.Monitoring of game species is exceptionally challenging in southeast Alaska, and the potential for multi-species monitoring frameworks could provide a cost-effective mechanism for assisting with harvest and/or habitat management decisions. This study will build upon previous research that has demonstrated that deer respond to habitat management in terms of browsing pressure by also linking overall occupancy rates and interactions with predators to habitat conditions.
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Effects of Human Visitation on Bear Activity
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December 2024
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The impacts of recreational activity on wildlife can be substantial. In areas with high concentrations of humans and wildlife, there may be high potential for human activity to negatively affect wildlife. At the Anan Observatory, near Wrangell, Alaska, the USDA Forest Service recently renovated their viewing platform at a substantial cost to the ranger district. The Anan Observatory is a highly regulated bear viewing site in the Tongass National Forest, with visitation controlled through a permit system, however the construction of a larger viewing platform has led to calls for increasing the number of permits, and thus the human visitation rates.<br><br>We will use remote cameras deployed at the observatory and at the upper falls, an area off limits to recreational visitation approximately 0.5-km upstream, to quantify bear activity patterns during the tourist season during the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024. We will use a combination of occupancy modeling and activity patterns analysis to determine if activity levels differ between the control area (upper falls) and the observatory, and if bear activity is related to hourly human visitation rates. We will also use long-term monitoring data from the observatory to determine if chronic human visitation has affected bear feeding activity.<br> <br>The results of this study will provide the USDA Forest Service with important information that they can use to determine if increased permitting will have deleterious effects on bears at Anan Observatory. There is substantial financial pressure surrounding the management of the observatory, with a number of guiding services operating out of the town of Wrangell, and their financial security is contingent on a long-term management plan that maximizes the number of visitors without having any adverse effects on wildlife.
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The impacts of recreational activity on wildlife can be substantial. In areas with high concentrations of humans and wildlife, there may be high potential for human activity to negatively affect wildlife. At the Anan Observatory, near Wrangell, Alaska, the USDA Forest Service recently renovated their viewing platform at a substantial cost to the ranger district. The Anan Observatory is a highly regulated bear viewing site in the Tongass National Forest, with visitation controlled through a permit system, however the construction of a larger viewing platform has led to calls for increasing the number of permits, and thus the human visitation rates.We will use remote cameras deployed at the observatory and at the upper falls, an area off limits to recreational visitation approximately 0.5-km upstream, to quantify bear activity patterns during the tourist season during the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024. We will use a combination of occupancy modeling and activity patterns analysis to determine if activity levels differ between the control area (upper falls) and the observatory, and if bear activity is related to hourly human visitation rates. We will also use long-term monitoring data from the observatory to determine if chronic human visitation has affected bear feeding activity. The results of this study will provide the USDA Forest Service with important information that they can use to determine if increased permitting will have deleterious effects on bears at Anan Observatory. There is substantial financial pressure surrounding the management of the observatory, with a number of guiding services operating out of the town of Wrangell, and their financial security is contingent on a long-term management plan that maximizes the number of visitors without having any adverse effects on wildlife.
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Feeding the world in 2050: Building resilience in global fisheries and food systems
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December 2024
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Fisheries are coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) important for human health and well-being. However, research approaches that consider human-nature interactions within as well as between adjacent and distant fisheries are scarce. As such, I am developing next-generation CHANS frameworks for understanding how fisheries – freshwater and marine – are locally, regionally, and globally connected with implications for food, nutrition, and livelihood security.
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Fisheries are coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) important for human health and well-being. However, research approaches that consider human-nature interactions within as well as between adjacent and distant fisheries are scarce. As such, I am developing next-generation CHANS frameworks for understanding how fisheries – freshwater and marine – are locally, regionally, and globally connected with implications for food, nutrition, and livelihood security.
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Diverse portfolios: investing in tributaries for restoration of large river fishes in the 1 Anthropocene
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December 2023
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Human-induced changes to large Anthropocene rivers requires engagement of diverse stakeholders across a broad range of sociopolitical boundaries and balancing multiple objectives. Competing objectives often constrain options for ecological restoration of large rivers and subsequent conservation of native fishes. Fewer competing objectives may exist in a subset of tributaries than in large mainstem rivers. Further, tributaries contribute toward building a “portfolio” of river ecosystem assets through physical and biological processes that may present opportunities to enhance the resilience of large river fishes. Our goal is to review roles of tributaries in enhancing mainstem large river fish populations. We present case histories from two greatly altered and distinct large-river tributary systems that highlight how tributaries contribute four portfolio assets to support large-river fish populations: 1) habitat diversity, 2) connectivity, 3) ecological asynchrony, and 4) density-dependent processes. Finally, we identify future research directions to advance our understanding of tributary roles and inform conservation actions.
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Human-induced changes to large Anthropocene rivers requires engagement of diverse stakeholders across a broad range of sociopolitical boundaries and balancing multiple objectives. Competing objectives often constrain options for ecological restoration of large rivers and subsequent conservation of native fishes. Fewer competing objectives may exist in a subset of tributaries than in large mainstem rivers. Further, tributaries contribute toward building a “portfolio” of river ecosystem assets through physical and biological processes that may present opportunities to enhance the resilience of large river fishes. Our goal is to review roles of tributaries in enhancing mainstem large river fish populations. We present case histories from two greatly altered and distinct large-river tributary systems that highlight how tributaries contribute four portfolio assets to support large-river fish populations: 1) habitat diversity, 2) connectivity, 3) ecological asynchrony, and 4) density-dependent processes. Finally, we identify future research directions to advance our understanding of tributary roles and inform conservation actions.
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Creation of statewide framework for ecological limits of hydrologic alteration based on aquatic community classification
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June 2023
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In Missouri, development of flow-ecology relationships has been an iterative process, whereby workshops, discussions and exploratory analysis have directed the process for developing flow ecology relationships. We conducted a variety of analyses to characterize individual indicator datasets, evaluate potential relationships between flows and fish responses, identify data gaps, and prioritize field sampling. This work identified lack of stream flow data as a limitation to developing quantitative relationships. Flow estimates for individual stream segments are derived from drainage-area based regression equations for the group and adjusted for the effects of springflow and losing streams (a stream or stream reach that water flows from the streambed into the ground-water system). Our proposed flow-based classification is designed to be integrated into an ELOHA framework (Figure 1) for Missouri streams that provides a scientific foundation for informed water-use decisions specific to species or guilds and the entire fish community. Our model will leverage ongoing and recent efforts including the RAM program data to characterize the structure of fish assemblages in different types of Missouri streams based on catchment size, predicted flow, and temperature. Our flow-based classification is an important step that addresses a MDC strategic action: Support the creation of a statewide framework for ecological limits of hydrologic alteration based on aquatic community classification by the end of FY23. The goal of this project is to provide the scientific foundation for ecological flow assessments to inform internal decision making and enhance the Department’s ability to advocate for water resources within the context of interagency efforts on site-specific projects or any future partner initiated effort to establish environmental flow standards.
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In Missouri, development of flow-ecology relationships has been an iterative process, whereby workshops, discussions and exploratory analysis have directed the process for developing flow ecology relationships. We conducted a variety of analyses to characterize individual indicator datasets, evaluate potential relationships between flows and fish responses, identify data gaps, and prioritize field sampling. This work identified lack of stream flow data as a limitation to developing quantitative relationships. Flow estimates for individual stream segments are derived from drainage-area based regression equations for the group and adjusted for the effects of springflow and losing streams (a stream or stream reach that water flows from the streambed into the ground-water system). Our proposed flow-based classification is designed to be integrated into an ELOHA framework (Figure 1) for Missouri streams that provides a scientific foundation for informed water-use decisions specific to species or guilds and the entire fish community. Our model will leverage ongoing and recent efforts including the RAM program data to characterize the structure of fish assemblages in different types of Missouri streams based on catchment size, predicted flow, and temperature. Our flow-based classification is an important step that addresses a MDC strategic action: Support the creation of a statewide framework for ecological limits of hydrologic alteration based on aquatic community classification by the end of FY23. The goal of this project is to provide the scientific foundation for ecological flow assessments to inform internal decision making and enhance the Department’s ability to advocate for water resources within the context of interagency efforts on site-specific projects or any future partner initiated effort to establish environmental flow standards.
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Quantifying the impacts of climate change on fish growth and production to enable sustainable management of diverse inland fisheries
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December 2023
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Climate change is altering all aspects of freshwaters, with important implications for managed fisheries. Both individual growth and population production are fundamental metrics for designing and evaluating effective regulations. We propose to quantify changes in fish thermal habitat conditions, growth, and production for multiple managed species encompassing a range of thermal preferences in Midwestern lentic systems ranging from the Laurentian Great Lakes to inland glacial lakes (e.g., MI, MN, WI) to large reservoirs (e.g., MO, AR). Focal species will include coolwater walleye, warmwater largemouth bass, and 2-4 additional species identified based on agency priorities and data availability. We will quantify the relationship between temperature and growth using statistical models of length and will use bioenergetics models to estimate whether growth and consumption will change under future temperature conditions. Results of this analysis will be used to inform managers about the effectiveness of length-based regulations under changing climates. The data, tools, and results of this project will be co-produced with state agency personnel and disseminated via several mechanisms, including state-specific webinars, extension of an existing data visualization tool, and direct liaison with management agencies through our project team. Our project team consists of leading fisheries scientists, including representatives from fisheries management agencies throughout the Midwest. We will engage additional partners in the state fisheries management agencies of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, to identify relevant metrics related to thermal habitat, growth and production; co-produce communication tools; and to obtain necessary data and incorporate input into final products
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Climate change is altering all aspects of freshwaters, with important implications for managed fisheries. Both individual growth and population production are fundamental metrics for designing and evaluating effective regulations. We propose to quantify changes in fish thermal habitat conditions, growth, and production for multiple managed species encompassing a range of thermal preferences in Midwestern lentic systems ranging from the Laurentian Great Lakes to inland glacial lakes (e.g., MI, MN, WI) to large reservoirs (e.g., MO, AR). Focal species will include coolwater walleye, warmwater largemouth bass, and 2-4 additional species identified based on agency priorities and data availability. We will quantify the relationship between temperature and growth using statistical models of length and will use bioenergetics models to estimate whether growth and consumption will change under future temperature conditions. Results of this analysis will be used to inform managers about the effectiveness of length-based regulations under changing climates. The data, tools, and results of this project will be co-produced with state agency personnel and disseminated via several mechanisms, including state-specific webinars, extension of an existing data visualization tool, and direct liaison with management agencies through our project team. Our project team consists of leading fisheries scientists, including representatives from fisheries management agencies throughout the Midwest. We will engage additional partners in the state fisheries management agencies of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin, to identify relevant metrics related to thermal habitat, growth and production; co-produce communication tools; and to obtain necessary data and incorporate input into final products
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Development of a flexible mid-sized river habitat sampling protocol to complement fish protocols
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June 2027
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Standardized sampling protocols for fish and aquatic habitat is essential for long term monitoring and assessment of management actions and exist for small (wadable) streams (Resource Assessment and Monitoring; RAM), and Great Rivers (e.g., Mississippi River Long Term Resource Monitoring). Habitat assessments are crucial to monitor habitat changes over time, understand biological responses to changes, and overcome habitat deficits through restoration. Recently the MDC invested in the development of a flexible, standardized fish sampling protocol for mid-sized rivers (Dunn 2019; MDC CA 359 with MU). <i>However, there is no complementary aquatic habitat sampling protocol for these rivers. </i>Current wadable stream habitat protocols (e.g., RAM) are not feasible for mid-sized rivers. MDC managers have indicated the protocol can be used to help regional staff understand if the stream is healthy to explain why native fishes that were historically found at a site are now absent, or to interpret why catch rates for target species have changed over time to identify disturbances such as pollution, mining or lack of a riparian buffer. Therefore, there is a need to develop a habitat sampling protocol that is efficient, at a relevant spatial scale to aquatic biota, spatially referenced, and scalable to address multiple Resource Management and Science Branch objectives. Once developed, the mid-sized rivers habitat sampling protocol could be immediately implemented by MDC in conjunction with the mid-sized rivers sampling protocol.<br> <br>
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Standardized sampling protocols for fish and aquatic habitat is essential for long term monitoring and assessment of management actions and exist for small (wadable) streams (Resource Assessment and Monitoring; RAM), and Great Rivers (e.g., Mississippi River Long Term Resource Monitoring). Habitat assessments are crucial to monitor habitat changes over time, understand biological responses to changes, and overcome habitat deficits through restoration. Recently the MDC invested in the development of a flexible, standardized fish sampling protocol for mid-sized rivers (Dunn 2019; MDC CA 359 with MU). <i>However, there is no complementary aquatic habitat sampling protocol for these rivers. </i>Current wadable stream habitat protocols (e.g., RAM) are not feasible for mid-sized rivers. MDC managers have indicated the protocol can be used to help regional staff understand if the stream is healthy to explain why native fishes that were historically found at a site are now absent, or to interpret why catch rates for target species have changed over time to identify disturbances such as pollution, mining or lack of a riparian buffer. Therefore, there is a need to develop a habitat sampling protocol that is efficient, at a relevant spatial scale to aquatic biota, spatially referenced, and scalable to address multiple Resource Management and Science Branch objectives. Once developed, the mid-sized rivers habitat sampling protocol could be immediately implemented by MDC in conjunction with the mid-sized rivers sampling protocol.
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Factors affecting Lake Sturgeon reproduction: the next step in recovery and management
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June 2027
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Identifying and documenting spawning by Lake Sturgeon is critical to achieve recovery and is central to many of the objectives in the 2021 draft revised recovery plan. Therefore, the recovery of Lake Sturgeon cannot be achieved without the documentation of spawning and natural recruitment to a sustainable level. The proposed project would address this critical need and help inform the recovery and potential for a future recreational fishery of Lake Sturgeon. Nearly all decisions related to Lake Sturgeon recovery (e.g., should we stock Lake Sturgeon? Where are critical habitats we need to protect? Can we eventually open a limited recreational fishery?) are linked to identifying if Lake Sturgeon spawn, where that is located, and if the progeny recruit to the population.
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Identifying and documenting spawning by Lake Sturgeon is critical to achieve recovery and is central to many of the objectives in the 2021 draft revised recovery plan. Therefore, the recovery of Lake Sturgeon cannot be achieved without the documentation of spawning and natural recruitment to a sustainable level. The proposed project would address this critical need and help inform the recovery and potential for a future recreational fishery of Lake Sturgeon. Nearly all decisions related to Lake Sturgeon recovery (e.g., should we stock Lake Sturgeon? Where are critical habitats we need to protect? Can we eventually open a limited recreational fishery?) are linked to identifying if Lake Sturgeon spawn, where that is located, and if the progeny recruit to the population.
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Integrating multiple data sources to develop climate adaptation strategies for inland fish and recreational fishing
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September 2028
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Existing data sets are valuable because they can have a broad geographic footprint and/or long-term data that cannot be collected in a short duration research or monitoring effort. Many agencies compile data from recreational anglers because recreational fishing has great social and ecological importance in the U.S. In 2020 alone, more than 42 million people participated in freshwater fishing. However, climate change may affect the numbers, sizes, and species of fish available to anglers. Agencies tasked with managing fisheries often keep records of angler catch and harvest to better manage fisheries. Existing tools can be used to determine how fish species important to anglers may change in growth or abundance, which may dictate if anglers even pursue these species in the future. Our proposed work will use existing data in the “CreelCat” and “FiCli” databases coupled with ongoing studies to relate regionwide trends in angler effort, catch, and harvest to environmental metrics. This work can help inform management strategies for predicted fish and angler behavior in a changing climate.
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Existing data sets are valuable because they typically encompass more data (spatially and temporally) that can be collected by a specific research/monitoring effort. For fish and recreational fisheries data, efforts to integrate across datasets to inform management are limited. Despite the implementation of angler and fish surveys and their importance to fisheries management at state scales, regional, and national coordination among these activities is minimal, limiting data applicability to larger-scale management practices and research, particularly as fish and anglers adapt to a changing climate. We will maintain and further develop the U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat) and the Fish and Climate Change database (FiCli) to highlight applications of using both databases to inform management, particularly climate adaptation. CreelCat and FiCli are publicly available databases that establish a baseline of national inland recreational fishing metrics and provide summary information on climate effect on fish and management actions, respectively. We will use these databases to ask how catch and harvest vary regionally, how angler social dynamics may be linked to fish population information (e.g., growth rates) as some anglers may target larger fish found in systems with fast growth rates, and how climate change may affect he social and ecological dynamics of recreational fisheries. Although these tools are useful individually, integrating them with ongoing CASC-funded research of fish growth and consumption, will drive a suite of modeling efforts to predict inland recreational anglers’ responses to global environmental change.
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Identifying effects of weather and land use on autumn and winter waterfowl distribution dynamics in the 21st century
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June 2023
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Waterfowl are of substantial economic and cultural importance, with over 1 million hunters contributing approximately $700 million in total expenditures to local and regional economies annually. However recent concern over potential shifts in autumn and winter waterfowl distributions in response to changes in weather and land use patterns and the subsequent effects on recreational opportunities (e.g., harvest) have conservation and management implications at the continental level. Understanding if autumn and winter waterfowl distributions are changing and the relative role of weather and land use in influencing distributions will provide information for managers to communicate with stakeholders and could allow for more strategic conservation and management of habitat resources to accommodate potentially shifting waterfowl populations. We will quantify within season and across year shifts in waterfowl distribution in the Mississippi and Central flyways based on band recovery, parts collection survey and long-term waterfowl count data. We will also analyze the relative importance of weather and land use in explaining autumn and winter waterfowl distribution. This approach will allow us to map species-specific shifts in waterfowl distribution during autumn and winter, project future distributions and identify adaptive capacities required to provide sufficient habitat and food energy for shifting waterfowl distributions<br>
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Waterfowl are of substantial economic and cultural importance, with over 1 million hunters contributing approximately $700 million in total expenditures to local and regional economies annually. However recent concern over potential shifts in autumn and winter waterfowl distributions in response to changes in weather and land use patterns and the subsequent effects on recreational opportunities (e.g., harvest) have conservation and management implications at the continental level. Understanding if autumn and winter waterfowl distributions are changing and the relative role of weather and land use in influencing distributions will provide information for managers to communicate with stakeholders and could allow for more strategic conservation and management of habitat resources to accommodate potentially shifting waterfowl populations. We will quantify within season and across year shifts in waterfowl distribution in the Mississippi and Central flyways based on band recovery, parts collection survey and long-term waterfowl count data. We will also analyze the relative importance of weather and land use in explaining autumn and winter waterfowl distribution. This approach will allow us to map species-specific shifts in waterfowl distribution during autumn and winter, project future distributions and identify adaptive capacities required to provide sufficient habitat and food energy for shifting waterfowl distributions
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Quantifying King Rail habitat suitability in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley
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December 2025
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King Rails (<i>Rallus elegans</i>) are a migratory species of secretive marsh bird (rails, bitterns, grebes, gallinules) and are listed as endangered or threatened in 12 U.S. states as well as Canada and basic information on King Rail ecology is limited, including knowledge of their habitat requirements throughout the full annual life cycle. The objective of this project is to we identify suitable King Rail habitat distribution throughout the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which can assist resource managers in identifying critical areas for management actions or restoration that could benefit King Rails populations
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King Rails (<i>Rallus elegans</i>) are a migratory species of secretive marsh bird (rails, bitterns, grebes, gallinules) and are listed as endangered or threatened in 12 U.S. states as well as Canada and basic information on King Rail ecology is limited, including knowledge of their habitat requirements throughout the full annual life cycle. The objective of this project is to we identify suitable King Rail habitat distribution throughout the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which can assist resource managers in identifying critical areas for management actions or restoration that could benefit King Rails populations
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Evaluating toxicity implications of wetland sediment insecticide concentrations on benthic aquatic insects and temporal changes in aquatic invertebrate communities in Missouri wetland ecosystems
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September 2026
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Widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America has led to frequent detection of neonicotinoids in surface waters, although few studies have evaluated underlying sediments for presence of neonicotinoids. Recent research found neonicotinoid concentrations in Missouri wetland sediments were consistently an order of magnitude greater than water concentrations. The overall goals of the study are to derive benthic invertebrate toxicity thresholds for clothianidin in sediment that can be used to support risk management decisions on public lands and evaluate the relative role of agrochemicals in contributing to potential long-term changes in aquatic invertebrate communities
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Widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America has led to frequent detection of neonicotinoids in surface waters, although few studies have evaluated underlying sediments for presence of neonicotinoids. Recent research found neonicotinoid concentrations in Missouri wetland sediments were consistently an order of magnitude greater than water concentrations. The overall goals of the study are to derive benthic invertebrate toxicity thresholds for clothianidin in sediment that can be used to support risk management decisions on public lands and evaluate the relative role of agrochemicals in contributing to potential long-term changes in aquatic invertebrate communities
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Assessment of native bee responses to Farm Bill pollinator plantings in Missouri.
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September 2026
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Native bees have declined markedly in recent decades with habitat loss and land use intensification highlighted as leading factors. The US Farm Bill has invested in a range of incentive-based conservation programs on agricultural land to mitigate recent bee declines while providing multiple other benefits for agriculture and surrounding environments. However, documentation that these programs have achieved their desired outcome of increasing wild native bees in the landscape is needed. Our goal is to monitor wild native bees (both bumble bees and solitary bees) in Farm Bill conservation plantings in Missouri to demonstrate the efficacy of existing Farm Bill practices and inform recommendations for adaptations to improve the program.
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Native bees have declined markedly in recent decades with habitat loss and land use intensification highlighted as leading factors. The US Farm Bill has invested in a range of incentive-based conservation programs on agricultural land to mitigate recent bee declines while providing multiple other benefits for agriculture and surrounding environments. However, documentation that these programs have achieved their desired outcome of increasing wild native bees in the landscape is needed. Our goal is to monitor wild native bees (both bumble bees and solitary bees) in Farm Bill conservation plantings in Missouri to demonstrate the efficacy of existing Farm Bill practices and inform recommendations for adaptations to improve the program.
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Linking wetland inundation and habitat selection to Blue-winged teal survival throughout the full annual cycle
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June 2025
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Compared with other dabbling ducks, blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>, BWTE) migrate earlier in autumn, migrate later in spring, and winter at more southern latitudes with a broader distribution. Thus, the extent to which management decisions, particularly wetland inundation that allow other dabbling species to access food resources, benefit BWTE remains unclear. We propose to use data from BWTE marked with GPS-GSM transmitters and satellite imagery, to better understand the role of environmental variability (e.g., water availability) and land ownership on BWTE resource selection, movement, and survival during the annual cycle.
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Compared with other dabbling ducks, blue-winged teal (<i>Spatula discors</i>, BWTE) migrate earlier in autumn, migrate later in spring, and winter at more southern latitudes with a broader distribution. Thus, the extent to which management decisions, particularly wetland inundation that allow other dabbling species to access food resources, benefit BWTE remains unclear. We propose to use data from BWTE marked with GPS-GSM transmitters and satellite imagery, to better understand the role of environmental variability (e.g., water availability) and land ownership on BWTE resource selection, movement, and survival during the annual cycle.
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Development of a nationally scalable monitoring and assessment protocol for ACEP-WRE wetland program
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December 2026
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The proposed goal of this project is to develop such a national-scale ecological monitoring and assessment framework to support the NRCS wetland easement program. This research also will provide quantitative evidence on cost-quality trade-offs in monitoring and assessment activities that will facilitate management decisions for enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and impacts of NRCS’s wetland easements. The above goal will be accomplished by completion of the following objectives:<br>1) To develop a national-scale ecological monitoring framework for wetland easements that encompasses their structure and function and can facilitate easement assessment,<br>2) To identify a framework and determine costs for conducting regular ecological monitoring and executing management practices on ACEP-WRE easements.
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The proposed goal of this project is to develop such a national-scale ecological monitoring and assessment framework to support the NRCS wetland easement program. This research also will provide quantitative evidence on cost-quality trade-offs in monitoring and assessment activities that will facilitate management decisions for enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and impacts of NRCS’s wetland easements. The above goal will be accomplished by completion of the following objectives:1) To develop a national-scale ecological monitoring framework for wetland easements that encompasses their structure and function and can facilitate easement assessment,2) To identify a framework and determine costs for conducting regular ecological monitoring and executing management practices on ACEP-WRE easements.
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Effects of Spotted Bass on Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass in the Flint River
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December 2025
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Shoal Bass are endemic to the Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint (ACF) River basin in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and support a socioeconomically important fishery in the ACF basin. Introduction of nonnative Spotted Bass into this system is cause for concern due to potential negative interactions with native Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass. We will assess how Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass have responded to the introduction of Spotted Bass in the Flint River, evaluate how quickly Spotted Bass have spread throughout the system, and identify the environmental conditions associated with preferred sites. This project will provide new insights for managing native bass species and associated fisheries in the ACF basin.
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Shoal Bass are endemic to the Apalachicola–Chattahoochee–Flint (ACF) River basin in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and support a socioeconomically important fishery in the ACF basin. Introduction of nonnative Spotted Bass into this system is cause for concern due to potential negative interactions with native Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass. We will assess how Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass have responded to the introduction of Spotted Bass in the Flint River, evaluate how quickly Spotted Bass have spread throughout the system, and identify the environmental conditions associated with preferred sites. This project will provide new insights for managing native bass species and associated fisheries in the ACF basin.
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Habitat Modeling and Disease Risk Assessment for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep on the Jicarilla Apache Nation
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May 2025
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Bighorn sheep are culturally significant to the Jicarilla Apache people. Through history, bighorn sheep were found and hunted throughout the higher elevations of the Jicarilla Apache’s ancestral range. An opportunity to consider the potential of introducing bighorn sheep to Jicarilla Apache Nation lands has seemingly been created by a series of wildfires. The NM CRU is assisting with modeling potential habitat and evaluating risk of contact with domestic sheep and goats to assess disease risk potential for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
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Bighorn sheep are culturally significant to the Jicarilla Apache people. Through history, bighorn sheep were found and hunted throughout the higher elevations of the Jicarilla Apache’s ancestral range. An opportunity to consider the potential of introducing bighorn sheep to Jicarilla Apache Nation lands has seemingly been created by a series of wildfires. The NM CRU is assisting with modeling potential habitat and evaluating risk of contact with domestic sheep and goats to assess disease risk potential for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
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Quantifying freshwater mussel abundance and composition in two prairie rivers of northern Oklahoma with the aid of side scan sonar to identify novel habitat patches
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June 2025
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Prairie rivers of northern Oklahoma such as the Verdigris and Caney rivers harbor a diverse assemblage of freshwater mussels, but drivers of their abundance and composition are not well known. Previous research focused on proportional abundance using timed searches, which impedes inferences about temporal trends. Moreover, recent studies nearby have documented increases in rare species, suggesting some species may be more prevalent than previously documented or locally abundant in certain locations. This project partners with biologists from Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and US Fish and Wildlife Service to identify freshwater mussel habitat within the Verdigris and Caney rivers of northern Oklahoma and use quantitative sampling in identified mesohabitats to estimate density and community composition. Calculation of detection and occupancy estimates among mesohabitat types will aid development of future monitoring efforts.
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Prairie rivers of northern Oklahoma such as the Verdigris and Caney rivers harbor a diverse assemblage of freshwater mussels, but drivers of their abundance and composition are not well known. Previous research focused on proportional abundance using timed searches, which impedes inferences about temporal trends. Moreover, recent studies nearby have documented increases in rare species, suggesting some species may be more prevalent than previously documented or locally abundant in certain locations. This project partners with biologists from Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and US Fish and Wildlife Service to identify freshwater mussel habitat within the Verdigris and Caney rivers of northern Oklahoma and use quantitative sampling in identified mesohabitats to estimate density and community composition. Calculation of detection and occupancy estimates among mesohabitat types will aid development of future monitoring efforts.
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Evaluating landscape permeability and connectivity for pronghorn in southwestern New Mexico
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December 2025
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The landscapes necessary to maintain large mammal movements are becoming increasingly fragmented across the western United States due to anthropogenic factors. These conditions in the broader landscape may influence the functional connectivity and impede the ability of wild ungulates to cope with changes in habitat and forage conditions associated with changing climatic conditions, and anthropogenic activities, which may ultimately compromise sustainability of many big game populations. Adaptive movements by non-migratory populations allow animals to efficiently exploit dynamic nutritional landscape. These movements are critical for migratory and non-migratory populations alike as they allow them to maximize nutritional gain, enhance survival and recruitment, and increase probability of population persistence. This will be especially important for populations in arid and semi-arid regions that are predicted to become hotter and drier under various climate change models. Pronghorn in the arid Southwest are generally nomadic rather than seasonal migrants. However, impediments to movements that allow pronghorn to track changing forage conditions in an arid landscape are equally important for population persistence as migration routes are to truly migratory populations in more north temperate regions. This project will monitor pronghorn movements in southwestern New Mexico for a period of 2-3 years. The goals are to monitor space use and movements, identify impediments or barriers to movement that can be targeted by management agencies for remediation, and assess habitat use patterns to determine habitat utilization, with a particular emphasis on vegetation restoration treatments implemented by BLM.
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The landscapes necessary to maintain large mammal movements are becoming increasingly fragmented across the western United States due to anthropogenic factors. These conditions in the broader landscape may influence the functional connectivity and impede the ability of wild ungulates to cope with changes in habitat and forage conditions associated with changing climatic conditions, and anthropogenic activities, which may ultimately compromise sustainability of many big game populations. Funding provided to state and federal agencies from Secretarial Order 3362 (Improving Habitat Quality in Western Big Game Winter Range and Migration Corridors) has contributed to substantial efforts to identify, map and monitor big game migration routes across the western United States. Yet many big game populations are non-migratory, characterized by resident or nomadic movement strategies. These resident and nomadic populations characterize the majority of mule deer and pronghorn populations across the lower elevation and more arid portions of the southwestern U.S. Mapping efforts for these populations are largely not covered by funding from Secretarial Order 3362, resulting in a gap in the knowledge of animal movements and distribution needed to make informed land management decisions. This project will monitor pronghorn movements in southwestern New Mexico for a period of 2-3 years. The goals are to monitor space use and movements, identify impediments or barriers to movement that can be targeted by management agencies for remediation, and assess habitat use patterns to determine habitat utilization, with a particular emphasis on vegetation restoration treatments implemented by BLM.
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Targeted surveillance for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wildlife
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October 2025
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This study will be coordinated with targeted surveillance studies led by partner institutions so that similar designs are used and the data can be analyzed as one large dataset. The targeted surveillance data for SARS-CoV-2 will be analyzed at USDA/APHIS/WS-National Wildlife Research Center in risk assessment analyses.
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The project was initiated to conduct collaborative, targeted surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in white-tailed deer (WTD) populations. Targeted surveillance will involve placing GPS tracking devices on deer in the Established Area of Disease Management Area 2 from the same population chronic wasting disease has been detected, and sampling the same deer multiple times where possible. We will also leverage additional ongoing studies by the state where deer are being tracked with GPS collars to collect samples from those populations as well. Targeted surveillance data will complement opportunistic surveillance data that are being collected by state agencies and Wildlife Services management through hunter and agency harvest. While harvest data serve to determine the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in deer, the data collected here will allow for: (1) Recording sample locations, (2) determining infection status over time in nature for the same individual (when possible) and within the same population, (3) identifying how deer movement determines infection status, (4) understanding the relative role of human-deer spillover versus deer-to-deer transmission, (5) estimating epidemiological parameters (i.e., force of infection), (6) identifying and understanding factors that lead to persistence and reservoir status of SARS-CoV-2 in deer, and (7) understanding the potential impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on deer populations.
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Waterfowl Habitat Selection in Arid Landscapes
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December 2025
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Wetlands and riparian areas represent less than 2% of land cover in the southwestern United States and are expected to decline with the onset of climate change. Wetlands in this region are therefore exceptionally important to resident and migratory waterfowl and in turn, recreational hunters and ecotourism. The Mexican duck was only recently recognized as a separate species from the Mallard, and has been sparsely studied. Mallards are known to readily hybridize with closely-related species, therefore our study will identify habitat selection patterns in each species that may facilitate or discourage contact. The project is a collaboration of researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico State University, and the University of Texas at El Paso, in coordination with Ducks Unlimited. Our project will identify habitat features and management practices that are important for supporting waterfowl populations, to provide guidance on water management and support recreational opportunities for hunters.
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Wetlands and riparian areas represent less than 2% of land cover in the southwestern United States; of this historic 2% more than 1/3 has been lost to agriculture and urbanization. Numerous migratory waterbirds use southwestern wetlands as energetic linkages between wetland habitats during migration and as important staging and wintering areas. However, the ephemeral nature and annual variability in timing and location limit the value of these resources to most species across the entirety of all life history events. The Mexican duck (<i>Anas platyrhynchos diazi</i>) has unique life history adaptations that allow the species to take advantage of these variable wetland conditions throughout their entire cycle. Our study will evaluate and habitat use patterns of Mexican ducks and other southwestern dabbling duck species to better understand habitat needs for waterfowl in a changing climate. This study is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Texas at El Paso.
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Assessing angler opinions and perceptions about non-native freshwater fishes in Florida
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June 2024
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More non-native freshwater fish species have been found in Florida than any other state. These introductions often present major challenges to resource management agencies, although some non-native fishes support socioeconomically valuable fisheries that benefit anglers and fisheries managers alike. For instance, in south Florida, popular fisheries have developed for species such as Peacock Bass, Clown Knifefish, Oscar, and Mayan Cichlid. However, in other parts of the state, non-native fishes such as Pterygoplichthys spp. cause bank erosion and destabilization and associated economic and aesthetic costs. Overall, human perceptions of non-native fishes in Florida are likely to be highly variable, yet this subject has scarcely been investigated, much less used to inform fisheries management in the state. The purpose of this project is to develop and disseminate survey instruments to gauge opinions of anglers and the general public about non-native freshwater fishes throughout the state of Florida.
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More non-native freshwater fish species have been found in Florida than any other state. These introductions often present major challenges to resource management agencies, although some non-native fishes support socioeconomically valuable fisheries that benefit anglers and fisheries managers alike. For instance, in south Florida, popular fisheries have developed for species such as Peacock Bass, Clown Knifefish, Oscar, and Mayan Cichlid. However, in other parts of the state, non-native fishes such as Pterygoplichthys spp. cause bank erosion and destabilization and associated economic and aesthetic costs. Overall, human perceptions of non-native fishes in Florida are likely to be highly variable, yet this subject has scarcely been investigated, much less used to inform fisheries management in the state. The purpose of this project is to develop and disseminate survey instruments to gauge opinions of anglers and the general public about non-native freshwater fishes throughout the state of Florida.
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Near Real Time Acoustic Monitoring of Imperiled Birds on DoD Installations
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December 2026
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The presence of threatened and endangered species (TES) on military installations often leads to training conflicts and economic costs for the Department of Defense (DoD). The presence of TES necessitates surveying and monitoring to ensure that TES are not harmed or harassed by training. Approaches that streamline and reduce costs of monitoring will be extremely beneficial to installations. Near-time-continuous (NRT) acoustic monitoring could be an effective and cost-efficient method to detect TES occurring on installations. Although promising, NRT acoustic monitoring requires demonstration and validation to understand the limits of its effectiveness and to improve deployment capabilities. Here, we propose to run a series of validation experiments to better understand how the environment and acoustic interference (e.g., from wind or heterospecific birds) influences the ability of NRT acoustic recorders to detect the vocalizations of two TES bird species present on Pōhakuloa Training Area, HI (PTA). Results from this demonstration will improve the ability to use NRT acoustic recorders and inform our understanding of their limitations and approaches to circumvent those limitations.
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The presence of threatened and endangered species (TES) on military installations often leads to training conflicts and economic costs for the Department of Defense (DoD). The presence of TES necessitates surveying and monitoring to ensure that TES are not harmed or harassed by training. Approaches that streamline and reduce costs of monitoring will be extremely beneficial to installations. Near-time-continuous (NRT) acoustic monitoring could be an effective and cost-efficient method to detect TES occurring on installations. Although promising, NRT acoustic monitoring requires demonstration and validation to understand the limits of its effectiveness and to improve deployment capabilities. Here, we propose to run a series of validation experiments to better understand how the environment and acoustic interference (e.g., from wind or heterospecific birds) influences the ability of NRT acoustic recorders to detect the vocalizations of two TES bird species present on Pōhakuloa Training Area, HI (PTA). Results from this demonstration will improve the ability to use NRT acoustic recorders and inform our understanding of their limitations and approaches to circumvent those limitations.
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WildSNaP: Biodiversity in Solar through Native Planting
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July 2026
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Renewable energy production is exponentially increasing worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Solar energy has rapidly expanded across the US landscape to meet the population’s growing energy needs, with a projected increase of solar energy contribution from 3% of total electricity generation in 2020 to 20% in 2050. Solar production in the US is estimated to have increased by 33.2% just in the last year. Production of small-scale residential and commercial solar arrays has increased, but the largest contribution of solar energy growth now comes from utility-scale solar arrays. These arrays are frequently built in agricultural fields or croplands, because the flat open landscape maximizes efficiency of solar power generation and minimizes site preparation activities. There has been a recent movement to plant low-growing native plant communities under solar arrays to reduce the costs associated with turf grass mowing. We are evaluating how the bird, amphibian, pollinator, bat, and mammal communities use solar arrays with an understory of native grasses and forbs compared to sites with turf grass as well as reference sites.
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Renewable energy production is exponentially increasing worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Solar energy has rapidly expanded across the US landscape to meet the population’s growing energy needs, with a projected increase of solar energy contribution from 3% of total electricity generation in 2020 to 20% in 2050. Solar production in the US is estimated to have increased by 33.2% just in the last year. Production of small-scale residential and commercial solar arrays has increased, but the largest contribution of solar energy growth now comes from utility-scale solar arrays. These arrays are frequently built in agricultural fields or croplands, because the flat open landscape maximizes efficiency of solar power generation and minimizes site preparation activities. There has been a recent movement to plant low-growing native plant communities under solar arrays to reduce the costs associated with turf grass mowing. We are evaluating how the bird, amphibian, pollinator, bat, and mammal communities use solar arrays with an understory of native grasses and forbs compared to sites with turf grass as well as reference sites.
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FLAKES: A multi-organization dataset to investigate invasive plant management impacts in Florida lakes
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December 2024
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Aquatic plant management is critical for maintaining open waterways for navigation and recreation, reducing mosquito-borne diseases, and protecting freshwater ecosystems. Florida invests heavily in aquatic plant control, with state and federal agencies spending over $20 million annually on management. Most aquatic plant management efforts in the state involve herbicide application, with a primary focus on hydrilla, water hyacinth, and water lettuce. Although these three species are classified as invasive and have been present in Florida for decades, research on their impacts has yielded inconsistent results. There is a critical need to better characterize effects of invasive plants and their management on aquatic ecosystems in Florida. To this end, our objectives are to evaluate (1) the direct impacts of invasive plant management on plant species abundances and (2) the indirect impacts of invasive plant management on Largemouth Bass populations through changes in plant abundances after curating a master dataset composed of long-term data collected by various agencies across Florida.
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Aquatic plant management is critical for maintaining open waterways for navigation and recreation, reducing mosquito-borne diseases, and protecting freshwater ecosystems. Florida invests heavily in aquatic plant control, with state and federal agencies spending over $20 million annually on management. Most aquatic plant management efforts in the state involve herbicide application, with a primary focus on hydrilla, water hyacinth, and water lettuce. Although these three species are classified as invasive and have been present in Florida for decades, research on their impacts has yielded inconsistent results. There is a critical need to better characterize effects of invasive plants and their management on aquatic ecosystems in Florida. To this end, our objectives are to evaluate (1) the direct impacts of invasive plant management on plant species abundances and (2) the indirect impacts of invasive plant management on Largemouth Bass populations through changes in plant abundances after curating a master dataset composed of long-term data collected by various agencies across Florida.
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The effects of harvest on wolf dispersal
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July 2026
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Gray wolves are a managed big game species in Idaho. Hunting and trapping as well as control for livestock depredations can influence wolf pack structure and the dispersal decisions made by individuals. We currently do not know how do groups backfill after harvest or targeted removal or what impact harvest has on dispersal. We propose to combine data from IDFGs annual wolf monitoring program with genetic samples from harvested wolves as well as those from a 16 year study collecting genetic samples in Idaho to answer questions about the effects of harvest on wolf dispersal.<br>We propose generating population-level genetic metrics (e.g., private alleles, Fst, r) for harvested wolves in three IDFG wolf density strata to test whether there is genetic evidence for nearby vs far away immigrants as a function of wolf density and harvest rate. We will also use data from long-term study areas where we have observed full pack turnover. Lastly, we propose to build a predictive model using prey data, IDFG wolf density strata, and relatedness to identify dispersers from harvest data and estimate dispersal rates as a function of harvest rate, prey abundance, wolf density, and other relevant covariates.
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Gray wolves are a managed big game species in Idaho. Hunting and trapping as well as control for livestock depredations can influence wolf pack structure and the dispersal decisions made by individuals. We currently do not know how do groups backfill after harvest or targeted removal or what impact harvest has on dispersal. We propose to combine data from IDFGs annual wolf monitoring program with genetic samples from harvested wolves as well as those from a 16 year study collecting genetic samples in Idaho to answer questions about the effects of harvest on wolf dispersal.We propose generating population-level genetic metrics (e.g., private alleles, Fst, r) for harvested wolves in three IDFG wolf density strata to test whether there is genetic evidence for nearby vs far away immigrants as a function of wolf density and harvest rate. We will also use data from long-term study areas where we have observed full pack turnover. Lastly, we propose to build a predictive model using prey data, IDFG wolf density strata, and relatedness to identify dispersers from harvest data and estimate dispersal rates as a function of harvest rate, prey abundance, wolf density, and other relevant covariates.
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Occupancy status of Northern Spotted Owls in southern Oregon.
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December 2027
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The Northern Spotted Owl (<i>Strix occidentalis caurina</i>) is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, primarily because of the loss of old growth forest habitat due to timber harvest. The impact of management activities that may remove or modify spotted owl nesting, roosting or foraging habitat on federal lands is required because of the federally threatened status of the northern spotted owl. The purpose of this study is to conduct surveys to locate resident spotted owls and identify owl territories that might be affected by a proposed management activity in the Fremont-Winema and Rogue Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon. These data will continue to be used to understand trends in occupancy status of northern spotted owls and barred owls and increase our understanding of owl ecology and habitat use within the region.
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The purpose of this study is to conduct surveys to locate resident spotted owls and identify owl territories that might be affected by a proposed management activity in the Fremont-Winema and Rogue Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon. The impact of management activities that may remove or modify spotted owl nesting, roosting or foraging habitat on federal lands is required because of the federally threatened status of the northern spotted owl. This is a continuation of Northern spotted owl population monitoring that has been accomplished thru nearly 3 decades of collaborations and partnerships between the USDA Forest Service Region 6, Pacific Northwest Research Station, the Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and Oregon State University. These data will continue to be used to understand trends in occupancy status of northern spotted owls and barred owls and increase our understanding of owl ecology and habitat use within the region.
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Methods to evaluate and increase survival of razorback sucker stocking in the Verde River and Horseshoe Reservoir Arizona.
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January 2026
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Testing methods to evaluate and improve survival of stocked razorback sucker in the Verde River, Arizona
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Testing methods to evaluate and improve survival of stocked razorback sucker.
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Leveraging passive acoustics to improve aquatic species monitoring in the Hudson River estuary
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October 2024
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Here we leverage novel passive acoustics to monitor phenology and distribution of migratory fish in the Hudson River.
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Here we leverage novel passive acoustics to monitor phenology and distribution of migratory fish in the Hudson River.
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Desert birds and solar energy
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September 2027
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Study on interactions between solar energy development and desert birds in the Colorado Desert.
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Study on interactions between solar energy development and desert birds in the Colorado Desert.
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Caney Mountain Cave Crayfish Habitat
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August 2023
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The Caney Mountain Cave Crayfish occurs in only one cave system in the world. Given its rarity, understanding aspects of its environment are important to protect the population from human-induced changes that may be detrimental. This project, led by an undergraduate student, is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit and seeks to quantify aspects of the physical and chemical habitat in the cave. We are using monthly site visits and deployed sensors to monitor water depth, temperature, and various other parameters for a one-year period. Information gained from this project will provide a baseline of conditions for which managers can compare future conditions and may provide recommended target levels for managers to maintain.
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The Caney Mountain Cave Crayfish occurs in only one cave system in the world. Given its rarity, understanding aspects of its environment are important to protect the population from human-induced changes that may be detrimental. This project, led by an undergraduate student, is a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit and seeks to quantify aspects of the physical and chemical habitat in the cave. We are using monthly site visits and deployed sensors to monitor water depth, temperature, and various other parameters for a one-year period. Information gained from this project will provide a baseline of conditions for which managers can compare future conditions and may provide recommended target levels for managers to maintain.
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SARS-CoV-2 at the human–wildlife interface: Understanding wildlife as potential reservoirs for COVID-19 across urban-rural gradients
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February 2023
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SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines and drugs are reducing mortality rates, the impacts of the virus may persist long-term, especially if non-human reservoirs for the disease create permanent sources of human infection. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been documented in numerous wildlife species in North America (e.g., white-tailed deer, rabbits, ferrets); however, it is unclear how prevalent SARS-CoV-2 is across wildlife species and regions, and whether wildlife can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans and domestic species. Understanding the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife and how prevalence rates vary across the human-wildlife interface is critically important to evaluate the maintenance and transmission of COVID-19. We are capturing and testing white-tailed deer in North Carolina to investigate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 across an urban–rural continuum. White-tailed deer are a particularly relevant study species because they are abundant in landscapes as diverse as rural forests and suburban neighborhoods and high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (>30%) is documented in other regions of North America. Our proposed study will provide seed data for future proposals that expand these concepts to consider SARS-CoV-2 prevalence across multiple species (e.g., mice, raccoons, coyotes, pets), spatial scales (within and beyond North Carolina), and the socio-economic factors affecting transmission risk.
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SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccines and drugs are reducing mortality rates, the impacts of the virus may persist long-term, especially if non-human reservoirs for the disease create permanent sources of human infection. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been documented in numerous wildlife species in North America (e.g., white-tailed deer, rabbits, ferrets); however, it is unclear how prevalent SARS-CoV-2 is across wildlife species and regions, and whether wildlife can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to humans and domestic species. Understanding the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife and how prevalence rates vary across the human-wildlife interface is critically important to evaluate the maintenance and transmission of COVID-19. We are capturing and testing white-tailed deer in North Carolina to investigate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and the predictors of SARS-CoV-2 across an urban–rural continuum. White-tailed deer are a particularly relevant study species because they are abundant in landscapes as diverse as rural forests and suburban neighborhoods and high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (>30%) is documented in other regions of North America. Our proposed study will provide seed data for future proposals that expand these concepts to consider SARS-CoV-2 prevalence across multiple species (e.g., mice, raccoons, coyotes, pets), spatial scales (within and beyond North Carolina), and the socio-economic factors affecting transmission risk.
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Invasion ecology of Round Goby in the Hudson River
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December 2024
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We are investigating the invasion ecology of Hudson River round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) at the freshwater-saltwater invasion front of North America. Understanding the ability of round goby to adapt to brackish and saline environments in North America is needed to inform management responses for this rapidly expanding introduced fish.
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We are investigating the invasion ecology of Hudson River round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) at the freshwater-saltwater invasion front of North America. Understanding the ability of round goby to adapt to brackish and saline environments in North America is needed to inform management responses for this rapidly expanding introduced fish.
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PFAS Bioaccumulation in Coastal Seabirds
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December 2024
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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic pollutants that are ubiquitous in human and natural environments, highly persistent, and associated with impacts at low levels of exposure in humans. PFAS are released into the environment via a number of pathways, including use and disposal of consumer products, manufacturing activities, and application of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), particularly at DoD sites. , Limited information exists relating concentrations of multiple precursors or terminal PFAS in abiotic matrices impacted by AFFF (e.g. sediment, water) and prey items (e.g. fish, invertebrates) to observed residue levels in avifauna or other predators at or near AFFF-impacted sites. The poor understanding of these pathways and relationships is problematic considering avifauna, including seabirds, have been documented to contain elevated levels of PFOS and other PFAS, with limited data suggesting potential impacts on hormone disruption, lipid expression, and reproduction at current exposure levels. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizatios and includes The Universitty of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and SC DNR. We will measure the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of a wide range of PFAS in seabirds that rely on environments and food webs downstream from Joint Base Charleston within the Charleston, SC region, using a unique combination of a field sampling campaign paired with biologging efforts, coupled to analysis of targeted terminal PFAS, environmental precursors, EOF, and stable isotopes. This comprehensive field effort will leverage collaborative partnerships to sample environmental media (air, water, sediment) and prey food, and will be paired with spatial tracking efforts and biological sampling of adult seabirds, chicks, and eggs, to provide novel information about the bioaccumulation of PFAS in estuarine and marine avifauna.
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Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic pollutants that are ubiquitous in human and natural environments, highly persistent, and associated with impacts at low levels of exposure in humans. PFAS are released into the environment via a number of pathways, including use and disposal of consumer products, manufacturing activities, and application of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), particularly at DoD sites. , Limited information exists relating concentrations of multiple precursors or terminal PFAS in abiotic matrices impacted by AFFF (e.g. sediment, water) and prey items (e.g. fish, invertebrates) to observed residue levels in avifauna or other predators at or near AFFF-impacted sites. The poor understanding of these pathways and relationships is problematic considering avifauna, including seabirds, have been documented to contain elevated levels of PFOS and other PFAS, with limited data suggesting potential impacts on hormone disruption, lipid expression, and reproduction at current exposure levels. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizatios and includes The Universitty of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and SC DNR. We will measure the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of a wide range of PFAS in seabirds that rely on environments and food webs downstream from Joint Base Charleston within the Charleston, SC region, using a unique combination of a field sampling campaign paired with biologging efforts, coupled to analysis of targeted terminal PFAS, environmental precursors, EOF, and stable isotopes. This comprehensive field effort will leverage collaborative partnerships to sample environmental media (air, water, sediment) and prey food, and will be paired with spatial tracking efforts and biological sampling of adult seabirds, chicks, and eggs, to provide novel information about the bioaccumulation of PFAS in estuarine and marine avifauna.
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Taxonomy of Longnose Darter
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May 2023
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The petitioning of the Longnose Darter under the US Endangered Species Act triggered a need for further investigation of population genetics to inform the Species Status Assessment and listing decision. Part of this effort will identify if evolutionally significant units or potentially cryptic diversity (undescribed species) exist within populations of what is currently classified as Longnose Darter,<i> Percina nasuta</i>. Together with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Yale University, the USGS MO Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit has assisted to collect genetic samples from across the range of the species. The results of this study will be used to inform the listing decision for the species and help managers identify populations essential to the conservation of diversity within this species complex.
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The petitioning of the Longnose Darter under the US Endangered Species Act triggered a need for further investigation of population genetics to inform the Species Status Assessment and listing decision. Part of this effort will identify if evolutionally significant units or potentially cryptic diversity (undescribed species) exist within populations of what is currently classified as Longnose Darter,<i> Percina nasuta</i>. Together with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Yale University, the USGS MO Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit has assisted to collect genetic samples from across the range of the species. The results of this study will be used to inform the listing decision for the species and help managers identify populations essential to the conservation of diversity within this species complex.
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Identification of Landscape Thresholds and Patch Dynamics for Lesser Prairie-Chickens
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December 2025
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Lesser prairie-chickens exhibit sudden changes in occupancy. We are evaluating the potential of landscape thresholds in changes in occupancy.
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Lesser prairie-chickens exhibit sudden changes in occupancy. We are evaluating the potential of landscape thresholds in changes in occupancy.
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Movements, Space Use, and Vital Rates of Mourning Doves
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September 2025
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Assessment of mourning dove ecology in Kansas including vital rate estimation, movements, habitat selection, and assessment of harvest.
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Assessment of mourning dove ecology in Kansas including vital rate estimation, movements, habitat selection, and assessment of harvest.
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Thermal ecology of two imperiled crayfishes
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December 2022
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Lab-derived information on the thermal ecology of crayfishes exists for approximately 5% of species worldwide, leaving a gap in knowledge available for managers to address threats such as climate change or species invasions. This project, a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Auburn University, and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit seeks to estimate critical thermal maximum and electron transport system activity for to recently petitioned species of crayfish and one invasive crayfish in Missouri. Results will allow managers to better understand if species partition thermal habitats in such a way that could promote coexistence.
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Lab-derived information on the thermal ecology of crayfishes exists for approximately 5% of species worldwide, leaving a gap in knowledge available for managers to address threats such as climate change or species invasions. This project, a collaboration between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Auburn University, and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit seeks to estimate critical thermal maximum and electron transport system activity for to recently petitioned species of crayfish and one invasive crayfish in Missouri. Results will allow managers to better understand if species partition thermal habitats in such a way that could promote coexistence.
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A comprehensive understanding of mussel populations in the Duck River, Tennessee for their conservation and to establish ecological flows for ongoing water withdrawals and water management
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January 2030
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This is a comprehensive research program that is intended to provide guidance to natural resources agencies in TN tasked with the protection and use of its water resources, in particular, the Duck River, in response to increased demand for water withdrawal. It is intended as a multi-year, multi-step research program with individual research projects that, together, will provide this guidance. Our overarching goal is to provide an assessment of the ecological impacts of water quantity withdrawals on the Duck River that can inform a science-based policymaking on water management for this critically important watershed. If completed, this framework can be used elsewhere in Tennessee and the Southeastern United states to proactively manage water withdrawals in locations of high conservation priority and growing human populations.
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This is a comprehensive research program that is intended to provide guidance to natural resources agencies in TN tasked with the protection and use of its water resources, in particular, the Duck River, in response to increased demand for water withdrawal. It is intended as a multi-year, multi-step research program with individual research projects that, together, will provide this guidance.
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An analysis of habitat use and suitability of Abrams Creek for reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) to complement ongoing genetic studies
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January 2023
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The purpose of this proposed project is to provide guidance for the ongoing reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch into Abrams Creek. Although within the species’ former range, isolation due to the Chilhowee Reservoir from source populations make it highly improbable Blotchside would independently recolonize Abrams Creek. Further, changes in habitat configurations since the 1950s may have altered the suitability of this system for logperch, highlighting the need for an assessment to insure enough adequate habitat is in Abrams Creek to sustain a logperch population and make ongoing reintroduction efforts worthwhile.
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The purpose of this proposed project is to provide guidance for the ongoing reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch into Abrams Creek. Although within the species’ former range, isolation due to the Chilhowee Reservoir from source populations make it highly improbable Blotchside would independently recolonize Abrams Creek. Further, changes in habitat configurations since the 1950s may have altered the suitability of this system for logperch, highlighting the need for an assessment to insure enough adequate habitat is in Abrams Creek to sustain a logperch population and make ongoing reintroduction efforts worthwhile. This work complements ongoing work funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority investigating how to maintain genetically robust, viable, self-sustaining population.
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Creation of a Statewide Freshwater Mussel Database for the State of Tennessee
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January 2030
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This study represents the initiation project for the creation of a comprehensive freshwater mussel database for the state of Tennessee, which can not only serve the multiple agencies and stakeholders tasked with the management and conservation of the state’s biota, but also as the basis for multiple research and conservation initiatives (see attached). Our objective for this proposal is to compile freshwater mussel historic and current records from the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee and organize them into a concise, spatially explicit, expandable, and method-specific database, specifically using the McClung Museum database as a model and starting point. We will also organize the data in an expandable, attributable, spatial, and open-source format to improve user capacity and speed for analyzing trends of species distribution, richness, and abundance. We will produce not only the data outcomes below, but also an underlying structure, location, curation, presentation, and long-term plan for a living, statewide database that will be the core foundation of a long-term research program proposed by the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, with the goal of a long-term interactive database housed and maintained within the TN Tech Water Center (see letter of support attached).
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This study represents the initiation project for the creation of a comprehensive freshwater mussel database for the state of Tennessee, which can not only serve the multiple agencies and stakeholders tasked with the management and conservation of the state’s biota, but also as the basis for multiple research and conservation initiatives (see attached). Our objective for this proposal is to compile freshwater mussel historic and current records from the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee and organize them into a concise, spatially explicit, expandable, and method-specific database, specifically using the McClung Museum database as a model and starting point. We will also organize the data in an expandable, attributable, spatial, and open-source format to improve user capacity and speed for analyzing trends of species distribution, richness, and abundance. We will produce not only the data outcomes below, but also an underlying structure, location, curation, presentation, and long-term plan for a living, statewide database that will be the core foundation of a long-term research program proposed by the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, with the goal of a long-term interactive database housed and maintained within the TN Tech Water Center (see letter of support attached).
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A re-survey of the mussel fauna and a habitat assessment of the Wolf River, Tennessee
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January 2024
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The overarching goal of the proposed research is to determine the status of mussel populations and suitable habitat in the Wolf River, Tennessee.
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The overarching goal of the proposed research is to determine the status of mussel populations and suitable habitat in the Wolf River, Tennessee. The project is broken into two primary phases: the first phase is focused on repeating the mussel assemblage surveys conducted in the Wolf River in 2005-06 (Moles et al. 2007) to determine changes to the status of these populations in the last 15-16 years (Phase 1, funded, Fast Track FWS). The second phase is focused on habitat surveys of the system to identify likely threats to remaining mussel populations and opportunities for restoration in the system (this proposal)<b> </b><b><i>Project Deliverables</i></b><i>:</i>Updated information on the distribution of the mussel fauna of the Wolf River, TN, including 4 species of particular concern for the Fish and Wildlife Service. (Phase 1, Year 1)Where possible, information on the abundance, size frequency, and/or presence of recruitment for core areas of mussel abundance for all species in the Wolf River. (year 1-2)Identification of likely limiting factors for mussel concentrations in the Wolf River system. (Year 2-3)Identification of location and potential impact of threats to mussel assemblages in the Wolf River system. (Year 2-3)
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Assessment and Modeling of the Freshwater Mussel Distributions and Habitat Preferences in the Hatchie River, Tennessee
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January 2026
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We propose a three-year project to update freshwater mussel distributions in the Hatchie River and measure and model the physical habitat of the river in regards to its suitability for freshwater mussels. The results of this project may guide ongoing and future restorative efforts in other watersheds in WT for freshwater mussel conservation and reintroductions.
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We propose a three-year project to update freshwater mussel distributions in the Hatchie River and measure and model the physical habitat of the river in regards to its suitability for freshwater mussels. The results of this project may guide ongoing and future restorative efforts in other watersheds in WT for freshwater mussel conservation and reintroductions. Our specific objectives are as follows:Update the distribution of freshwater mussels in the Hatchie River drainage through field survey or directing surveys for collaborating partners.Describe hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics associated with observed and known mussel concentrations through physical habitat measurements and modeling using aerial imagery and remote sensing data.Investigate relationships between mussel presence and metrics used to determine the successfulness of restoration activities in WT.
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Update to Tennessee Status Assessments and Recovery Plans for Listed Mussel Species
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January 2025
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Research is designed to assist the Fish and Wildlife Service with their backlog of Status Assessments, Recovery Plans, and baseline information for species listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act using the best available information, methodology, and scientific approaches.
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Research is designed to assist the Fish and Wildlife Service with their backlog of Status Assessments, Recovery Plans, and baseline information for species listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act using the best available information, methodology, and scientific approaches.
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Environmental DNA Surveillance of Rare species
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January 2025
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The aim of the proposed project is to use environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance to monitor Little Chucky Creek and associated tributaries with similar habitat features within its known and former range for the presence of chucky madtom (a federally endangered catfish) known from only two systems, Little Chucky Creek and Dunn Creek.<br><br>While likely extirpated (doesn't exist in the wild) from Dunn Creek, the chucky madtom may still exist in a small stretch (3 km) of the Little Chucky Creek. However, given the rarity and cryptic behavior of this fish, surveillance with traditional methods (e.g., snorkeling or kick-seining) is time consuming, may yield inaccurate detection, or harm the species. <br><br>Environmental DNA may offer an alternative surveillance option for this small, cryptic, and extremely rare fish species. Environmental DNA surveillance works by collecting a water sample from targeted sites with no harm or harassment to the animal or habitat, and offers a less time-consuming and more sensitive surveillance method for rare and cryptic species.
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The Chucky Madtom (<i>Noturus crypticus</i>) is a federally endangered catfish known from only two systems, Little Chucky Creek and Dunn Creek. While likely extirpated from Dunn Creek, the Chucky Madtom may still exist in a small stretch (3 km) of the Little Chucky Creek. However, given the rarity and cryptic behavior of this fish, surveillance with traditional methods (e.g., snorkeling or kick-seining) is time consuming, may yield inaccurate detection, or harm the species. Environmental DNA may offer an alternative surveillance option for this small, cryptic, and extremely rare fish species. Environmental DNA surveillance works by collecting a water sample from targeted sites with no harm or harassment to the animal or habitat, and offers a less time-consuming and more sensitive surveillance method for rare and cryptic species.This method can be paired with targeted sampling in likely habitats based on historical information and habitat modeling intended to highlight similar habitats that may also contain the species to confirm its known distribution and discover other, undocumented populations. aim of the proposed project is to use environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance to monitor Little Chucky Creek and associated tributaries with similar habitat features within its known and former range for the presence of <i>Noturus crypticus</i>.Objectives:Develop a quantitative PCR assay(s) for use of eDNA surveillance on <i>N. crypticus. </i>Create sampling design aimed at surveying sites in the extant and historic distributionsCreate sampling design aimed at surveying sites along a seasonal gradient to determine optimized eDNA sampling windowCollect water and sediment/benthic samples to increase eDNA detection probabilityOur objectives aim to create an eDNA assay, sampling design, and sampling methods that allow resource agencies to rapidly and effectively survey for <i>N. crypticus</i> for current and future surveillance efforts. Sediment/benthic samples would allow us to determine a range of historic distributions given that benthic substrate can protect eDNA for months or years, which could help guide contemporary survey efforts. Water samples provide more contemporary signals of living or recently living individuals. Furthermore, collecting samples over a wide seasonal range will help encompass potential spawning season. Spawning events can greatly increase detection probability and conversely, eDNA surveillance may help determine important spawning timing and locations.
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Space Allocation in State Conservation Magazines
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August 2023
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State conservation agencies often publish magazines for the general public in which they discuss various topics and taxa important to hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and conservation. This project seeks to determine how much attention is given to specific topics and taxa in these magazines to see if certain topics or taxa receive greater attention than others. This collaborative undergraduate research project involving the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit will address this question and bring attention to topics or taxa that may be underrepresented to the public by state agencies.
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State conservation agencies often publish magazines for the general public in which they discuss various topics and taxa important to hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and conservation. This project seeks to determine how much attention is given to specific topics and taxa in these magazines to see if certain topics or taxa receive greater attention than others. This collaborative undergraduate research project involving the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit will address this question and bring attention to topics or taxa that may be underrepresented to the public by state agencies.
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Novel Sediment Compaction Sampling Methodology
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May 2023
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Compaction of bed sediments in streams can result in reduced habitat utility for benthic organisms such as fish, crayfish, and mussels. Currently, sediment compaction levels are often estimated using qualitative measures. A quantitative measurement method would allow researchers to more accurately assess bed compaction as an important component of benthic organism habitat. In this study we developed and tested a new method to reliably quantify sediment compaction. We anticipate that this new methodology will be adopted by scientists and managers to better understand aquatic habitats and benthic species. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit.
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Compaction of bed sediments in streams can result in reduced habitat utility for benthic organisms such as fish, crayfish, and mussels. Currently, sediment compaction levels are often estimated using qualitative measures. A quantitative measurement method would allow researchers to more accurately assess bed compaction as an important component of benthic organism habitat. In this study we developed and tested a new method to reliably quantify sediment compaction. We anticipate that this new methodology will be adopted by scientists and managers to better understand aquatic habitats and benthic species. This project is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit.
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Distribution of Threatened Endemic Crayfishes of the St. Francis River Drainage, MO and Spread of the Invasive Woodland Crayfish
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June 2024
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The St. Francis River Crayfish (<i>Faxonius quadruncus</i>) and the Big Creek Crayfish (<i>Faxonius peruncus</i>) have been proposed for listing as federally threatened and a final listing rule formalizing the proposed status is expected during 2022. Both species are stream-dwelling crayfish endemic to portions of the upper St. Francis River drainage in Missouri and their primary threat is displacement by the invasive Woodland Crayfish (<i>Faxonius hylas</i>). We plan to sample over 100 locations throughout the upper St. Francis River drainage to determine the current distribution of all three species. Using those data, we will create a species distribution model to predict the probability of species presence in un-sampled stream segments. We will also intensively sample the leading edges of the invasion to estimate the spread of the invasive. Study results will provide current and comprehensive distributional records for the invasive and two native crayfishes proposed for federal listing, define the leading edges of the invasion in all known invaded streams, and produce more accurate estimates of invasion rates and native declines. This information is essential to recovery planning to identify potential refugia where natives occur and the invasive has not yet reached. This is a cooperative project between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit.
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The St. Francis River Crayfish (<i>Faxonius quadruncus</i>) and the Big Creek Crayfish (<i>Faxonius peruncus</i>) have been proposed for listing as federally threatened and a final listing rule formalizing the proposed status is expected during 2022. Both species are stream-dwelling crayfish endemic to portions of the upper St. Francis River drainage in Missouri and their primary threat is displacement by the invasive Woodland Crayfish (<i>Faxonius hylas</i>). We plan to sample over 100 locations throughout the upper St. Francis River drainage to determine the current distribution of all three species. Using those data, we will create a species distribution model to predict the probability of species presence in un-sampled stream segments. We will also intensively sample the leading edges of the invasion to estimate the spread of the invasive. Study results will provide current and comprehensive distributional records for the invasive and two native crayfishes proposed for federal listing, define the leading edges of the invasion in all known invaded streams, and produce more accurate estimates of invasion rates and native declines. This information is essential to recovery planning to identify potential refugia where natives occur and the invasive has not yet reached. This is a cooperative project between the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit.
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Crayfish Movement Ecology
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December 2024
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Invasive crayfish are increasingly common around the world, including in Missouri where there are over 30 documented invasions. These invasions disrupt the functioning of native ecosystems, threaten native species, and have economic consequences. Despite their importance, we know little about how fast the invasions occur or about the movement ecology of crayfish. This project will use expertise from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit to investigate movement capacity for multiple invasive crayfishes. Results from the the study will inform managers of how long they have to enact conservation measures before invasive species spread to new areas.
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Invasive crayfish are increasingly common around the world, including in Missouri where there are over 30 documented invasions. These invasions disrupt the functioning of native ecosystems, threaten native species, and have economic consequences. Despite their importance, we know little about how fast the invasions occur or about the movement ecology of crayfish. This project will use expertise from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the USGS Missouri Coop Unit to investigate movement capacity for multiple invasive crayfishes. Results from the the study will inform managers of how long they have to enact conservation measures before invasive species spread to new areas.
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Inventory of Freshwater Mussels at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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December 2024
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Freshwater mussel populations have not been recently surveyed in the Current River and the National Park Service wishes to develop a standardized and repeatable survey methodology to assess species richness, habitat associations, and occupancy. This project will use spatially replicated sampling at numerous sites within the mainstem Current River to estimate the desired metrics. Results of the work will be used to inform park planning, assist with mussel recovery efforts, and will be employed in future surveys as a way to monitor the status of mussel populations through time.
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Freshwater mussel populations have not been recently surveyed in the Current River and the National Park Service wishes to develop a standardized and repeatable survey methodology to assess species richness, habitat associations, and occupancy. This project will use spatially replicated sampling at numerous sites within the mainstem Current River to estimate the desired metrics. Results of the work will be used to inform park planning, assist with mussel recovery efforts, and will be employed in future surveys as a way to monitor the status of mussel populations through time.
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Conservation and Management of At-Risk and Listed Species in Missouri
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December 2026
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is tasked with protecting Threatened, Endangered, or At-Risk species throughout the United States, which has over 1,600 plants and animal listed and another 500 that need protections. However, a challenge with managing these species is there is often limited information about their distribution and the biology, or the current and future threats are unknown. The primary objective of this project is to determine the life history and distribution of selected at-risk species, with additional emphasis on threats to their populations. Information from this study will be used to inform Species Status Assessments and recovery planning actions.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is tasked with protecting Threatened, Endangered, or At-Risk species throughout the United States, which has over 1,600 plants and animal listed and another 500 that need protections. However, a challenge with managing these species is there is often limited information about their distribution and the biology, or the current and future threats are unknown. The primary objective of this project is to determine the life history and distribution of selected at-risk species, with additional emphasis on threats to their populations. Information from this study will be used to inform Species Status Assessments and recovery planning actions.
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Big Piney River Aquatic Organism Passage Assessment
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September 2027
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This project will assess the ability of aquatic organisms, including fish hosts of rare freshwater mussels, to move through an engineered bypass reach in the Big Piney River of Missouri. There is currently a fish passage barrier at the site in the form a water intake weir. We will use stationary passive integrated transponder antenna arrays to determine if focal species of fish and amphibians are able to successfully use the bypass in both upstream and downstream directions. Results of this work will inform local managers of potential barriers to aquatic organism movement, thus allowing them to take alternate measures if organism passage is not feasible given the installed design
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This project will assess the ability of aquatic organisms, including fish hosts of rare freshwater mussels, to move through an engineered bypass reach in the Big Piney River of Missouri. There is currently a fish passage barrier at the site in the form a water intake weir. We will use stationary passive integrated transponder antenna arrays to determine if focal species of fish and amphibians are able to successfully use the bypass in both upstream and downstream directions. Results of this work will inform local managers of potential barriers to aquatic organism movement, thus allowing them to take alternate measures if organism passage is not feasible given the installed design.
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Mule deer in changing British Columbia forests
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August 2024
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We are developing structural equation models to understand complex effects of habitat and mammal communities on mule deer occurrence.
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Humans have direct and indirect effects on wildlife behavior, habitat, and communities. The complexity of causal mechanisms that link humans to wildlife make it difficult to understand and predict effects of management and conservation actions. To make progress, we will couple large data sets with sophisticated statistical models. Data come from motion-sensing trail cameras (n = 250 sites) deployed from 2019–2022 across gradients of human disturbance, including logging, fires, road density, and human presence. We will develop structural equation models, generalized additive models, and mixed effects models to link image data to objectives. Our first objective is to assess the effects of human disturbance on mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>)<i> </i>daily activity patterns and quantify whether the response alters mule deer exposure to predator and competitor species. Our second objective is to quantify the cumulative effects of landscape disturbance and human presence on the occurrence of mule deer, including both direct and indirect effects. Our third objective is to quantify the influence of human disturbance on species richness in the Southern Interior British Columbia mammal community. This novel work will provide new insight into long-standing concerns about wildlife conservation and management in Southern Interior British Columbia.
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Development of a basis for allocation of fish production between management needs and double-crested cormorant predation within their nesting range
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September 2022
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Double-crested cormorants (DCCO) are a native waterbird that consume fish species that anglers prefer to catch (e.g., yellow perch) or that are prey for preferred fish. As populations of DCCO grow around the country, anglers have voiced concerns about these birds consuming too many fish and removing angling opportunity. The goal of this project is to provide decision support to the USFWS for allocating fish production in lake systems in the US between stakeholders (e.g., recreational fishers) and predators (i.e., DCCO). In an this project we are conducting a series of structured decision making workshops with biologists and managers around the region to determine objectives for DCCO control, creating quantitative models of fish and DCCO to predict the outcomes of management actions on each objective, and making tradeoffs among objectives.
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Double-crested cormorants (DCCO) are a native waterbird that consume fish species that anglers prefer to catch (e.g., yellow perch) or that are prey for preferred fish. As populations of DCCO grow around the country, anglers have voiced concerns about these birds consuming too many fish and removing angling opportunity. The goal of this project is to provide decision support to the USFWS for allocating fish production in lake systems in the US between stakeholders (e.g., recreational fishers) and predators (i.e., DCCO). In an this project we are conducting a series of structured decision making workshops with biologists and managers around the region to determine objectives for DCCO control, creating quantitative models of fish and DCCO to predict the outcomes of management actions on each objective, and making tradeoffs among objectives.
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Using stock assessment information to inform harvest policy in data-limited fisheries
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April 2023
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We are developing and demonstrating the capacity to guide discussions about assessment and management of data-limited fisheries in the Great Lakes, based on a tool named FishPath that has been developed by a team of international fisheries experts. We will apply FishPath to 2 selected case study fisheries, and engage managers and stakeholders in the FishPath process at 2 workshops, one in Canada and one in the US. At the end of the project academics, managers, and Great Lakes Fishery Commission staff will have been trained and gained practical experience with FishPath, for potential future application in the Great Lakes and beyond, and a select group of managers and stakeholders will be in a position to assess the tool’s potential for future use.
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We are developing and demonstrating the capacity to guide discussions about assessment and management of data-limited fisheries in the Great Lakes, based on a tool named FishPath that has been developed by a team of international fisheries experts. We will apply FishPath to 2 selected case study fisheries, and engage managers and stakeholders in the FishPath process at 2 workshops, one in Canada and one in the US. At the end of the project academics, managers, and Great Lakes Fishery Commission staff will have been trained and gained practical experience with FishPath, for potential future application in the Great Lakes and beyond, and a select group of managers and stakeholders will be in a position to assess the tool’s potential for future use.
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Midwest Tribal Wild Rice Coordination and Planning in Partnership with the Center for Cooperative Ecological Resilience
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March 2024
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We are collaborating with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Wildlife Program and Michigan State University’s Center for Cooperative Ecological Resilience to provide coordination for the Midwest Tribal Wild Rice Collaborative, including hosting regular working group meetings, hosting annual in-person meetings, producing a regional wild rice stewardship plan, and providing training opportunities for the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System. The final product of this planning process will be a framework for adaptive management of manoomin, or wild rice, throughout the midwest.
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We are collaborating with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians' Wildlife Program and Michigan State University’s Center for Cooperative Ecological Resilience to provide coordination for the Midwest Tribal Wild Rice Collaborative, including hosting regular working group meetings, hosting annual in-person meetings, producing a regional wild rice stewardship plan, and providing training opportunities for the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System. The final product of this planning process will be a framework for adaptive management of manoomin, or wild rice, throughout the midwest.
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Inter-agency planning for St. Marys River (MI) coastal wetland resiliency
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May 2024
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This project is in collaboration with the Salt Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Over the course of the project, we will convene a group of governmental agencies, stakeholders, community members, and decision analysis and technical experts to participate in a structured, facilitated process focused on prioritization of coastal wetlands for protection and restoration in the St. Marys River, Michigan and development of a comprehensive inter-agency resilience plan. The St. Marys River is the major connecting channel between Lakes Superior and Huron and is a critical waterway for Tribal and non-Tribal communities, wildlife (e.g., threatened waterbirds, marshbirds, and waterfowl), fisheries, wetlands, and international commercial freighter traffic and is subject to water level fluctuations related to lake level changes and storm events as well as chronic stressors resulting from the impacts of wakes created by intensive freighter traffic.
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This project is in collaboration with the Salt Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Over the course of the project, we will convene a group of governmental agencies, stakeholders, community members, and decision analysis and technical experts to participate in a structured, facilitated process focused on prioritization of coastal wetlands for protection and restoration in the St. Marys River, Michigan and development of a comprehensive inter-agency resilience plan. The St. Marys River is the major connecting channel between Lakes Superior and Huron and is a critical waterway for Tribal and non-Tribal communities, wildlife (e.g., threatened waterbirds, marshbirds, and waterfowl), fisheries, wetlands, and international commercial freighter traffic and is subject to water level fluctuations related to lake level changes and storm events as well as chronic stressors resulting from the impacts of wakes created by intensive freighter traffic.
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Developing a holistic approach to evaluate and communicate natural resource assets and management actions for Michigan’s large rivers: Focus on the Au Sable River
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March 2025
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Michigan's cold-water streams support important fisheries, including native brook trout. These streams are threatened by climate change and land-use change, which has led to increased concern by managers and stakeholders. We are implementing a decision analysis framework to convene agency biologists and managers, as well as stakeholders, in determining how to enhance resilience of these systems in the face of uncertainty about climate and land-use change. We are focusing on the Au Sable River as our case study for this work, and we hope to take the knowledge gained from this system to apply it to other streams in Michigan and beyond.
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Michigan's cold-water streams support important fisheries, including native brook trout. These streams are threatened by climate change and land-use change, which has led to increased concern by managers and stakeholders. We are implementing a decision analysis framework to convene agency biologists and managers, as well as stakeholders, in determining how to enhance resilience of these systems in the face of uncertainty about climate and land-use change. We are focusing on the Au Sable River as our case study for this work, and we hope to take the knowledge gained from this system to apply it to other streams in Michigan and beyond.
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OA 99: Avian community response and focal species survival to treatment of pinyon-juniper woodlands.
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April 2024
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Pinyon-juniper woodlands are an extensive and biologically important vegetation community across the western United States. A history of overgrazing and fire suppression has resulted in pinyon-juniper woodlands expanding beyond its historical distribution and encroaching into predominantly grassland vegetation communities. This has led to efforts to reduce pinyon-juniper as part of grassland restoration, but it also has been documented that pinyon-juniper thinning and removal reduces avian diversity and abundance. This is of concern due to pinyon-juniper having the highest diversity of birds, highest density of nesting birds, and the highest number of bird species throughout the year compared to other upland habitats in the west. Of special concern is how thinning practices may influence pinyon-juniper obligate species of concern, especially the Juniper Titmouse and the Pinyon Jay. We are working with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address this issue in New Mexico. Specifically, we are assessing avian community structure in pinyon-juniper areas in thinned and un-thinned plots, and before and after thinning occurs, to acquire data that facilitates informed management decision analysis for landscape level management.
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Pinyon-juniper woodlands are an extensive and biologically important vegetation community across the western United States. A history of overgrazing and fire suppression has resulted in pinyon-juniper woodlands expanding beyond its historical distribution and encroaching into predominantly grassland vegetation communities. This has led to efforts to reduce pinyon-juniper as part of grassland restoration, but it also has been documented that pinyon-juniper thinning and removal reduces avian diversity and abundance. This is of concern due to pinyon-juniper having the highest diversity of birds, highest density of nesting birds, and the highest number of bird species throughout the year compared to other upland habitats in the west. Of special concern is how thinning practices may influence pinyon-juniper obligate species of concern, especially the Juniper Titmouse and the Pinyon Jay. We are working with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address this issue in New Mexico. Specifically, we are assessing avian community structure in pinyon-juniper areas in thinned and un-thinned plots, and before and after thinning occurs, to acquire data that facilitates informed management decision analysis for landscape level management.
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Using flow-ecology relationships to inform the state water planning in South Carolina
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July 2024
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Appropriation of water resources will continually increase with the rapidly growing human population in South Carolina, increasing 11.3% from 2010 to 2019. Protecting instream flows for ecosystem services will be one of society’s great challenges this century. South Carolina is a water-rich state that will face unique challenges and opportunities as demand increases. Protecting instream flow from anthropogenic alterations and maintaining ecosystem services of water resources first requires an understanding of the relationship between aquatic organisms and instream flow. Accordingly, the goal of the proposed project is to identify key relationships between flow metrics and biotic response (flow-ecology relationships) in the State’s eight, major river basins and to use these relationships to predict the response of aquatic organisms to changes in streamflow and water withdrawals to inform river basin planning across the State.
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Appropriation of water resources will continually increase with the rapidly growing human population in South Carolina, increasing 11.3% from 2010 to 2019. Protecting instream flows for ecosystem services will be one of society’s great challenges this century. South Carolina is a water-rich state that will face unique challenges and opportunities as demand increases. Protecting instream flow from anthropogenic alterations and maintaining ecosystem services of water resources first requires an understanding of the relationship between aquatic organisms and instream flow. Accordingly, the goal of the proposed project is to identify key relationships between flow metrics and biotic response (flow-ecology relationships) in the State’s eight, major river basins and to use these relationships to predict the response of aquatic organisms to changes in streamflow and water withdrawals to inform river basin planning across the State. We will provide technical assistance to, and work in cooperation with, Clemson University, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, River Basin Councils, the River Basin Council Facilitator, and the River Basin Council Surface Water Technical Support Contractor. The flow-ecology relationships identified by this work will be incorporated in the river basin planning process.
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An Atlas and Registry for Seabird Colonies and Associated Habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
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March 2024
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The coastal zone of the northern Gulf supports a diverse array of breeding nearshore seabirds most of which are colonial and nest on islands, marshes, mainland beaches, or human-made structures. Although nest-site fidelity is common among seabirds, the dynamic nature of the coastal zone in the northern Gulf can result in inter-annual shifts in the locations of colonies and in the existence, size, or stability of the islands or habitats that support them.<br><br>Overlaid on this dynamic system is a stakeholder network responsible for management of these species and their breeding habitats that includes natural resource agencies from five states, multiple federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, NPS, BLM, DOD, ACOE), and numerous private organizations (e.g., National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy).<br><br>In an effort to coordinate and facilitate the management and conservation of avian taxa throughout this wide range of habitats and across this complex network of stakeholders in the northern Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) recently released strategic monitoring guidelines that highlighted the need for a spatial inventory of breeding sites of seabirds in the region.<br><br>The development of this Atlas will build from efforts by the Gulf Coast Joint Venture’s Bird Nesting Island Cooperative, and it’s “Atlas” Team. Stakeholders from each Gulf state and from regional NGOs will also be participating.<br><br>The Atlas will support inventory, monitoring, management, disaster response, and research. The atlas and register also will be valuable for marine spatial planning issues, including but not limited to sighting wind turbines, scheduling and siting sand-dredging and beach nourishment operations, managing recreation and access, and land/marine conservation planning.
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The coastal zone of the northern Gulf also supports a diverse array of breeding nearshore seabirds most of which are colonial and nest on islands, marshes, mainland beaches, or human-made structures. Although nest-site fidelity is common among seabirds, the dynamic nature of the coastal zone in the northern Gulf can result in inter-annual shifts in the locations of colonies and in the existence, size, or stability of the islands or habitats that support them. Overlaid on this dynamic system is a stakeholder network responsible for management of these species and their breeding habitats that includes natural resource agencies from five states, multiple federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, NPS, BLM, DOD, ACOE), and numerous private organizations (e.g., National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy). In an effort to coordinate and facilitate the management and conservation of avian taxa throughout this wide range of habitats and across this complex network of stakeholders in the northern Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) recently released strategic monitoring guidelines that highlighted the need for a spatial inventory of breeding sites of seabirds in the region. The development of this Atlas will build from efforts by the Gulf Coast Joint Venture’s Bird Nesting Island Cooperative, and it’s “Atlas” Team. Stakeholders from each Gulf state and from regional NGOs will also be participating. The Atlas will support inventory, monitoring, management, disaster response, and research. The atlas and register also will be valuable for marine spatial planning issues, including but not limited to sighting wind turbines, scheduling and siting sand-dredging and beach nourishment operations, managing recreation and access, and land/marine conservation planning.
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Deer behavioral and population responses to fire, hunting, and predation
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December 2023
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As global changes continue to intensify in severity and frequency, it is essential to understand not just their effects on the environment, but also their broader effects on social-ecological systems. Using a range of tools from genetic analysis to stakeholder interviews, this project examines a diverse range of topics, from wildfire to human-wildlife conflict, from the lens of social-ecological change in the Anthropocene.
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As global changes continue to intensify in severity and frequency, it is essential to understand not just their effects on the environment, but also their broader effects on social-ecological systems. Using a range of tools from genetic analysis to stakeholder interviews, this project examines a diverse range of topics, from wildfire to human-wildlife conflict, from the lens of social-ecological change in the Anthropocene.
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Environmental Justice and Wildlife Conservation
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December 2028
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As global environmental changes continue to accelerate, research and practice in the field of <i>conservation biology</i> may be essential to help forestall precipitous declines in the earth’s ability to sustain a diversity of life. However, many conservation programs have faced scrutiny for the social injustices they create, especially within the paradigm of demarcating protected lands. Currently, a new conservation paradigm emphasizing landscapes shared by people and wildlife is emerging, and with it, an opportunity to ensure that justice for both human and beyond-human groups is given consideration. Here, we draw from theories in <i>environmental justice</i> to detail the many forms of justice at stake in these efforts. Our analysis shows that a pluralistic application of justice is required to ensure that new conservation practices do not produce and reproduce injustices for people. In addition, we show that the success of these emerging programs in meeting their conservation goals in fact depends on meaningfully addressing a range of justice concerns. By developing this framework, we also identify domains in which environmental justice scholarship can expand its scope. To this end, we introduce the novel concept of affective environmental justice, which describes the complex role of emotions as environmental harms, as disruptors of understanding other forms of justice, and as links between logics of oppression. Our framework offers a comprehensive resource to work through in planning and implementing wildlife management and recovery programs, and we conclude by describing the challenges and opportunities for further aligning conservation and environmental justice in research and practice.
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As global environmental changes continue to accelerate, research and practice in the field of <i>conservation biology</i> may be essential to help forestall precipitous declines in the earth’s ability to sustain a diversity of life. However, many conservation programs have faced scrutiny for the social injustices they create, especially within the paradigm of demarcating protected lands. Currently, a new conservation paradigm emphasizing landscapes shared by people and wildlife is emerging, and with it, an opportunity to ensure that justice for both human and beyond-human groups is given consideration. Here, we draw from theories in <i>environmental justice</i> to detail the many forms of justice at stake in these efforts. Our analysis shows that a pluralistic application of justice is required to ensure that new conservation practices do not produce and reproduce injustices for people. In addition, we show that the success of these emerging programs in meeting their conservation goals in fact depends on meaningfully addressing a range of justice concerns. By developing this framework, we also identify domains in which environmental justice scholarship can expand its scope. To this end, we introduce the novel concept of affective environmental justice, which describes the complex role of emotions as environmental harms, as disruptors of understanding other forms of justice, and as links between logics of oppression. Our framework offers a comprehensive resource to work through in planning and implementing wildlife management and recovery programs, and we conclude by describing the challenges and opportunities for further aligning conservation and environmental justice in research and practice.
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Interdisciplinary evaluation of grizzly bear reintroduction to California
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December 2024
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Large carnivore reintroductions play an increasingly large role in global conservation efforts, yet they have been at the center of social conflicts that remain poorly understand. Improving our understanding of public support and opposition for these programs, especially at the local scale, is essential to sound decision-making that supports long-term conservation successes. In this research, I employ multiple methods in a case study of brown bear ("grizzly bear") reintroductions under consideration in California. Using novel spatial methods, I reconsider notions of habitat suitability by incorporating multiple approaches for understanding human tolerance for reintroduction. Simultaneously, using social science methods, I am conducting a longitudinal study of local attitudes and values around reintroduction at sites throughout the state. The findings of this research will support a well informed public conversation and first-of-its-kind data on how attitudes evolve in time and space before - and potentially during and after - a reintroduction.
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Large carnivore reintroductions play an increasingly large role in global conservation efforts, yet they have been at the center of social conflicts that remain poorly understand. Improving our understanding of public support and opposition for these programs, especially at the local scale, is essential to sound decision-making that supports long-term conservation successes. In this research, I employ multiple methods in a case study of brown bear ("grizzly bear") reintroductions under consideration in California. Using novel spatial methods, I reconsider notions of habitat suitability by incorporating multiple approaches for understanding human tolerance for reintroduction. Simultaneously, using social science methods, I am conducting a longitudinal study of local attitudes and values around reintroduction at sites throughout the state. The findings of this research will support a well informed public conversation and first-of-its-kind data on how attitudes evolve in time and space before - and potentially during and after - a reintroduction.
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Integrating social tolerance into wolf habitat suitability models
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December 2024
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As gray wolves (<i>Canis lupus</i>) recolonize Washington state, they provoke strong, polarized responses among the state’s diverse human communities. While numerous studies have investigated the unique reaction of people to wolves and wolf management, managing wolves and human-wolf interactions remains challenging, and new methods in the environmental social sciences offer great promise in revealing patterns and supporting management. In this study, we will work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in three new methodological domains that have been urgently called for but rarely applied in the scientific literature. These domains are 1) longitudinal studies of attitudes and perspectives over time in an area experiencing recolonization; 2) mapping social phenomena to complement ecological understandings of habitat suitability and connectivity; and 3) including robust understandings of attitudes and values in science communication. Taken together, these methods can offer insights at local and broad scales and help identify systems under stress and prioritize management. The support provided by this funding will train a graduate student investigator in this important but understudied research domain and will directly lead to the production of a dissertation chapter.
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As gray wolves (<i>Canis lupus</i>) recolonize Washington state, they provoke strong, polarized responses among the state’s diverse human communities. While numerous studies have investigated the unique reaction of people to wolves and wolf management, managing wolves and human-wolf interactions remains challenging, and new methods in the environmental social sciences offer great promise in revealing patterns and supporting management. In this study, we will work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in three new methodological domains that have been urgently called for but rarely applied in the scientific literature. These domains are 1) longitudinal studies of attitudes and perspectives over time in an area experiencing recolonization; 2) mapping social phenomena to complement ecological understandings of habitat suitability and connectivity; and 3) including robust understandings of attitudes and values in science communication. Taken together, these methods can offer insights at local and broad scales and help identify systems under stress and prioritize management. The support provided by this funding will train a graduate student investigator in this important but understudied research domain and will directly lead to the production of a dissertation chapter.
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Proactive development of CWD outreach, education, and policy to guide disease management in Washington
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August 2026
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The mission of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. This mission represents the deeply held value of connection with the natural world that all Washingtonians share and forms the basis of the Department’s commitment to respond to significant risks to the health of the state’s native wildlife. In the case of disease risks to resident cervid species, the consequences of inaction could profoundly affect Washington’s vibrant hunting and outdoor recreation culture, as well as the economic benefits that support communities and conservation throughout the state.<br>Chronic wasting disease (CWD) represents a potentially significant long-term threat to Washington’s diverse native cervid species, one of which is federally protected (Columbian white-tailed deer), and to populations that are co-managed with Tribes (29 federally-recognized in Washington). Currently, the disease has been identified in 26 states and 4 Canadian provinces, with the closest positive 70 miles from Washington. A comprehensive CWD response must include biological and sociological components, ideally developed before the disease is detected. Proactive CWD management is paramount given the increasing evidence that long-term population declines are likely when outbreaks persist, further reducing hunting participation and diminishing public trust in management agencies. Unfortunately, Agency responses are almost always reactive, which further reduces support and subverts opportunities for disease elimination. Examples from other states indicate that a successful CWD response is predicated on stakeholder support for management actions. <b>Essentially, Agency success will increase if a strong human dimensions component is developed and incorporated <i>before </i>an outbreak</b>.<br>The WDFW developed a CWD management plan in 2021, and this proposed project will align with its first objective, “Proactively build trust with and support from the public and stakeholders regarding CWD management activities during each phase of the Plan.” Here, we will employ accepted social science methods to guide CWD-related decision-making, with an emphasis on education and outreach. We will conduct focus groups/interviews of key parties, including (but not limited to) Tribal representatives, agricultural producers, cervid hunting groups, agency personnel, and other influential individuals. Knowledge gained from focus groups/interviews will be used to develop a quantitative survey using a random sample of Washington hunters. The survey will address issues such as CWD knowledge, risk perceptions, behavior, support for regulatory alternatives (e.g., increased harvest, deer feeding bans, financial incentives), and agency trust. The survey items will provide information essential to selecting management actions that garner public support, as well as anticipating opposition.<br>Finally, and crucially, we will produce public-facing education and outreach materials based on the findings of our interviews and surveys. These brochures, videos, and presentations will reach a large portion of Washington’s cervid hunters and help WDFW effectively communicate about CWD and its management, minimizing opposition and building trust in the agency. Ultimately, this project outlines a cost-effective yet comprehensive approach to meeting Objective 5 of the USDA funding priorities, “Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to wild cervid stakeholders or Tribal entities.”
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The mission of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. This mission represents the deeply held value of connection with the natural world that all Washingtonians share and forms the basis of the Department’s commitment to respond to significant risks to the health of the state’s native wildlife. In the case of disease risks to resident cervid species, the consequences of inaction could profoundly affect Washington’s vibrant hunting and outdoor recreation culture, as well as the economic benefits that support communities and conservation throughout the state.Chronic wasting disease (CWD) represents a potentially significant long-term threat to Washington’s diverse native cervid species, one of which is federally protected (Columbian white-tailed deer), and to populations that are co-managed with Tribes (29 federally-recognized in Washington). Currently, the disease has been identified in 26 states and 4 Canadian provinces, with the closest positive 70 miles from Washington. A comprehensive CWD response must include biological and sociological components, ideally developed before the disease is detected. Proactive CWD management is paramount given the increasing evidence that long-term population declines are likely when outbreaks persist, further reducing hunting participation and diminishing public trust in management agencies. Unfortunately, Agency responses are almost always reactive, which further reduces support and subverts opportunities for disease elimination. Examples from other states indicate that a successful CWD response is predicated on stakeholder support for management actions. <b>Essentially, Agency success will increase if a strong human dimensions component is developed and incorporated <i>before </i>an outbreak</b>.The WDFW developed a CWD management plan in 2021, and this proposed project will align with its first objective, “Proactively build trust with and support from the public and stakeholders regarding CWD management activities during each phase of the Plan.” Here, we will employ accepted social science methods to guide CWD-related decision-making, with an emphasis on education and outreach. We will conduct focus groups/interviews of key parties, including (but not limited to) Tribal representatives, agricultural producers, cervid hunting groups, agency personnel, and other influential individuals. Knowledge gained from focus groups/interviews will be used to develop a quantitative survey using a random sample of Washington hunters. The survey will address issues such as CWD knowledge, risk perceptions, behavior, support for regulatory alternatives (e.g., increased harvest, deer feeding bans, financial incentives), and agency trust. The survey items will provide information essential to selecting management actions that garner public support, as well as anticipating opposition.Finally, and crucially, we will produce public-facing education and outreach materials based on the findings of our interviews and surveys. These brochures, videos, and presentations will reach a large portion of Washington’s cervid hunters and help WDFW effectively communicate about CWD and its management, minimizing opposition and building trust in the agency. Ultimately, this project outlines a cost-effective yet comprehensive approach to meeting Objective 5 of the USDA funding priorities, “Develop and/or deliver educational outreach materials or programs to wild cervid stakeholders or Tribal entities.”
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Assessing Perceptions of Risk and Uncertainty during Adaptive Management: A Case Study of the Washington State Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan
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June 2023
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The adaptive management program (AMP) of the Washington Forest Practices HCP (FPHCP) is perhaps the largest nonfederal adaptive management program in the United States. Its successes and failures during its 20-year term can inform both local policy in Washington state as well as broader discussions about science-driven environmental management. This project will strive to understand how AMP participants, composed of scientists and policy makers (hereafter program participants), perceive the AMP; how the AMP addresses key scientific uncertainties, risks, goals, and performance targets identified by the AMP; the role of science in reducing uncertainty and resolving policy issues; and the ways these issues affect policy discussions among the participants. Using social science methods, including but not limited to semi-structured interviews and Q-methodological approaches, this project’s objectives are to better understand latent perspectives, conflicts, and shared values that can help improve our understanding of the AMP as well as adaptive management programs more broadly. The project will involve close collaboration between the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, WDFW cooperators spearheading other aspects of the broader research program, and a postdoctoral researcher hired to achieve the objectives outlined below.<br><br>Work with the University of Washington (Dr. Alex McInturff, Assistant Unit Leader – Wildlife at the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit) is composed of five tasks. The collective goal of these tasks is to understand how program participant groups perceive the AMP’s scope, purpose, outcomes, and how these perceptions can affect policy decisions. The tasks described in more detail below include: i) Characterizing the program-participant groups’ satisfaction with ultimate policy outcomes based on new knowledge, i.e., were outcomes rationale, fair, transparent, decisive, true to Forests and Fish goals, and reasons for perceptions of these outcomes, ii) An exploration of hypotheses that could explain why program participants were unable to agree on rule change and dissatisfied with certain policy outcomes, and iii) How the AMP process could be improved to build common understanding and avoid future dissatisfaction. Ultimately, this research should improve the AMP, it will also serve as a major case study for understanding how participant perceptions influence environmental policy outcomes.<br><b><u> </u></b>
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The adaptive management program (AMP) of the Washington Forest Practices HCP (FPHCP) is perhaps the largest nonfederal adaptive management program in the United States. Its successes and failures during its 20-year term can inform both local policy in Washington state as well as broader discussions about science-driven environmental management. This project will strive to understand how AMP participants, composed of scientists and policy makers (hereafter program participants), perceive the AMP; how the AMP addresses key scientific uncertainties, risks, goals, and performance targets identified by the AMP; the role of science in reducing uncertainty and resolving policy issues; and the ways these issues affect policy discussions among the participants. Using social science methods, including but not limited to semi-structured interviews and Q-methodological approaches, this project’s objectives are to better understand latent perspectives, conflicts, and shared values that can help improve our understanding of the AMP as well as adaptive management programs more broadly. The project will involve close collaboration between the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, WDFW cooperators spearheading other aspects of the broader research program, and a postdoctoral researcher hired to achieve the objectives outlined below. Work with the University of Washington (Dr. Alex McInturff, Assistant Unit Leader – Wildlife at the Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit) is composed of five tasks. The collective goal of these tasks is to understand how program participant groups perceive the AMP’s scope, purpose, outcomes, and how these perceptions can affect policy decisions. The tasks described in more detail below include: i) Characterizing the program-participant groups’ satisfaction with ultimate policy outcomes based on new knowledge, i.e., were outcomes rationale, fair, transparent, decisive, true to Forests and Fish goals, and reasons for perceptions of these outcomes, ii) An exploration of hypotheses that could explain why program participants were unable to agree on rule change and dissatisfied with certain policy outcomes, and iii) How the AMP process could be improved to build common understanding and avoid future dissatisfaction. Ultimately, this research should improve the AMP, it will also serve as a major case study for understanding how participant perceptions influence environmental policy outcomes.<b><u> </u></b>
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Salmon habitat and shoreline vulnerability to recreational boat wakes in Big Lake, Alaska
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September 2024
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The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, in south-central Alaska, implements a successful cost share program to restore shorelines along freshwaters. However, landowners are concerned that an increase in recreational boating to create large wakes for jet skis and other watersports are undercutting these efforts, leading to increased erosion and potential sedimentation on vulnerable salmon habitat. This research aims to quantify the extent of this potential issue, both in terms of bank erosion and effects on salmon egg-laying habitat. It will inform potential future management decisions to limit ballast boat use for wake generation, and identify the shorelines and underwater habitats where implementing such actions might be most important for conservation. Key partners on the project include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and private landowners who implement the cost-share program. Results of this research will yield a model of shoreline and salmon egg-laying habitat vulnerability. Presentations to stakeholders are also anticipated as part of the management and decision-making process.
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The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, in south-central Alaska, implements a successful cost share program to restore shorelines along freshwaters. However, landowners are concerned that an increase in recreational boating to create large wakes for jet skis and other watersports are undercutting these efforts, leading to increased erosion and potential sedimentation on vulnerable salmon habitat. This research aims to quantify the extent of this potential issue, both in terms of bank erosion and effects on salmon egg-laying habitat. It will inform potential future management decisions to limit ballast boat use for wake generation, and identify the shorelines and underwater habitats where implementing such actions might be most important for conservation. Key partners on the project include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and private landowners who implement the cost-share program. Results of this research will yield a model of shoreline and salmon egg-laying habitat vulnerability. Presentations to stakeholders are also anticipated as part of the management and decision-making process.
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Development of an Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the ACEP-WRE Program
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February 2026
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This project is part of a national evaluation of the USDA NRCS ACEP Program, which enrolls wetlands in easements for conservation purposes.
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To be completed.
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Role of study length and life-history traits on the reliability of management recommendations
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September 2023
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A PhD student will maintain annual capture-mark-recapture study of Columbia spotted frongs and formulate research questions with broad research and management relevance, and identify other long-term, reliable data sets.
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<b>Background & Need: </b>Increasing variation in the frequency and magnitude of weather-related anomalies such as drought, hurricanes, and wildfires have direct relevance for managing wildlife populations. More than ever, we need to be confident that the science and recommendations that we deliver to resource managers are accurate and reliable. However, the increasingly-variable conditions under which data are collected makes it more difficult provide reliable information that is not highly dependent upon the time period in which it was collected. This issue is especially relevant for short-term studies and for species with highly variable vital rates.Resource managers and conservation biologists are often required to assess population status and trends from relatively short (e.g., 5-10 year) studies (Gerrodette 1987, Morris and Doak 2002). This general problem is illustrated by recent controversy over the nature, extent, and statistical support for amphibian population declines (Pechmann et al. 2991, Pechmann et al. 1994, Pounds et al. 1997, Alford and Richards 1999, Green 2003). For populations that can vary widely in abundance over time, it is unclear how to best assess trends or how many years of data are necessary to detect meaningful trends in populations (Pechmann et al. 1991, Pechmann et al. 1994). Short-term datasets may often be capturing short-term trends rather than long-term trajectories (Meyer et al. 1998, Bierzychudek 1999, Whitemand and Wissinger 2005), and these trends can depend on the particular sequence of years being examined (e.g., a series of “good” or “bad” years) rather than the number of years of data examined, particularly for species with high variation in population growth rates.We propose to use long-term datasets from a variety of species to investigate how (1) differing temporal scales that are common in wildlife studies affect conclusions made from those studies and (2) how the conclusions vary according to life-history traits such as mean adult survival. If conclusions drawn from studies that last only 2 to 5 years do not often differ from studies that last 10 years, then we can save significant time and resources by focusing on short studies. However, if conclusions often shift from short-term vs. long-term studies, then we risk providing unreliable information to managers. It is clear that longer-term studies encompass more annual variation, but it is not clear how our understanding of the key drivers of population dynamic shift across temporal scales or how it interacts with life-history traits.
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Structuring Governance to Achieve Landscape-scale Conservation Outcomes
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January 2024
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A PhD student will investigate the role of study length on the reliability of information provided to managers.
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<b>Problem statement</b>The challenges of conservation in the Southeast and across the country require collaborative approaches. The issues conservation-focused agencies and organizations work on transcend political and jurisdictional boundaries. Successful conservation therefore requires coordination, which in turn requires a governance structure or framework that partners can agree to and work within to accomplish shared goals. To date, SECAS has helped provide an overarching vision for landscape conservation in the Southeast. However, SECAS was organized around Landscape Conservation Collaboratives that are now disassembling or transitioning to new arrangements. As such, SECAS partners are interested in learning about governance structures being utilized by other efforts across the country to help inform future conversations about how to best facilitate meaningful interaction between state, federal, NGO, and private sector partners. This Scope of Work will begin to address that need by examining the characteristics and performance of existing landscape conservation initiative governance structures and providing recommendations for landscape conservation practitioners and the research community based on the results of that research and analysis. A core deliverable of the project will be a practitioner guide that can be used by agencies and decision-makers advancing the Southeast Conservation Adaptation Strategy (SECAS) vision to update their governance structure.This project will be utilized to provide experiential training to a cohort of graduate students enrolled in the Natural Resources Conflict Resolution Program at the University of Montana.Role of Study:<b>Background & Need: </b>Increasing variation in the frequency and magnitude of weather-related anomalies such as drought, hurricanes, and wildfires have direct relevance for managing wildlife populations. More than ever, we need to be confident that the science and recommendations that we deliver to resource managers are accurate and reliable. However, the increasingly-variable conditions under which data are collected makes it more difficult provide reliable information that is not highly dependent upon the time period in which it was collected. This issue is especially relevant for short-term studies and for species with highly variable vital rates.Resource managers and conservation biologists are often required to assess population status and trends from relatively short (e.g., 5-10 year) studies (Gerrodette 1987, Morris and Doak 2002). This general problem is illustrated by recent controversy over the nature, extent, and statistical support for amphibian population declines (Pechmann et al. 2991, Pechmann et al. 1994, Pounds et al. 1997, Alford and Richards 1999, Green 2003). For populations that can vary widely in abundance over time, it is unclear how to best assess trends or how many years of data are necessary to detect meaningful trends in populations (Pechmann et al. 1991, Pechmann et al. 1994). Short-term datasets may often be capturing short-term trends rather than long-term trajectories (Meyer et al. 1998, Bierzychudek 1999, Whitemand and Wissinger 2005), and these trends can depend on the particular sequence of years being examined (e.g., a series of “good” or “bad” years) rather than the number of years of data examined, particularly for species with high variation in population growth rates. We propose to use long-term datasets from a variety of species to investigate how (1) differing temporal scales that are common in wildlife studies affect conclusions made from those studies and (2) how the conclusions vary according to life-history traits such as mean adult survival. If conclusions drawn from studies that last only 2 to 5 years do not often differ from studies that last 10 years, then we can save significant time and resources by focusing on short studies. However, if conclusions often shift from short-term vs. long-term studies, then we risk providing unreliable information to managers. It is clear that longer-term studies encompass more annual variation, but it is not clear how our understanding of the key drivers of population dynamic shift across temporal scales or how it interacts with life-history traits.
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UM Pronghorn Movement and Population Study
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June 2024
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A graduate student will be trained and conduct a spatial analysis of pronghorn movements and assist with completion of the final report. A research associate will assist with all aspects of project logistics, data management and lead writing of the annual reports. A research associate will assist with development of a pronghorn population model.
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The purpose of this research project is to evaluate pronghorn movement and population ecology and Montana. Specific objectives of this project include: (1) Delineate seasonal range and movement corridors of pronghorn in the seven areas across Montana. (2) Distribute maps of seasonal range and movement areas for pronghorn widely to conservation partners and landowners via a web-based platform. (3) Use seasonal range and movement data to identify potential barriers to movements, inform habitat management decisions, and prioritize locations for habitat improvement projects. (4) Develop a population model to identify important vital rates affecting population growth rates and describe important demographic differences between pronghorn populations that are growing or stable, versus those that are limited in their population performance. A population model will be developed and a draft report explaining model development and results prepared by 2/28/22. A final report explaining the population modeling results and including all associated data and model code will be completed and delivered to the State by 6/30/22. A graduate student thesis will be completed by 12/31/23, and all associated writing and analysis code will be organized and delivered to the State by 12/31/23. An annual report will be completed each year by August 1, and a final report will be completed by 3/1/24.
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Sage-grouse Synergies: Community Responses to Wetland Restoration in the Northern Great Plans
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September 2024
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A PhD student who will use a before-after-control-impact (BACI) study design to compare and contrast responses on stream reaches where BDAs are installed vs. streams without BDAs to (1) determine how BDAs modify water storage and characteristics (e.g., flow, temperature) and (2) determine how aquatic communities respond to installation of replicated BDAs in several study areas.
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Restoration of mesic and wet meadow habitats is being used as a conservation tool to Restoration of mesic and wet meadow habitats is being used as a conservation tool to help recover and maintain viable populations of grassland and sagebrush-associated species, such as the greater sage-grouse (hereafter, ‘sage-grouse’). Based on evidence that riparian and wet meadow habitats are limiting resources for sage-grouse, the National Wildlife Federation is leading a 3-year project to install ≥20 beaver dam analogs (BDAs) (Pollock et al. 2014) and/or Zeedyk structures (Zeedyk and Clothier 2009) on headwater streams in prairie and sagebrush lands in north-central Montana. The BDAs will be installed on BLM, USFWS, and The Nature Conservancy lands in 3 to 4 counties.While the installation of BDAs is being done to help recover or maintain sage-grouse populations, the increase in stored water will also likely benefit many aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Small, ponded waterbodies are a limited resource in arid lands such as the northern Great Plains and can support many rare species and increase both terrestrial and aquatic connectivity (Anderson et al. 2014). Even in forested lands, the addition of beaver ponds or other ponded waters to stream networks tends to increase local and regional diversity, especially macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles (Russell et al. 1999, Wright et al. 2002, Hossack et al. 2015). We propose to build upon the management actions planned by the National Wildlife Federation and partners to assess how restoration of riparian and wet meadow habitats in the arid northern Great Plains benefits wetland-associated species. This collaborative project provides a rare opportunity to collect data on population and community structure before and after restoration actions, which will provide important and useful information to guide future management actions in different study areas.
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Fish Creek Recreation Planning
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June 2023
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The Plan will help tie together short- and intermediate-range planning opportunities for all FWP and DNRC sites in the area. Moreover, it will build upon previous planning efforts undertaken by FWP staff and will provide the agency with a holistic and well-integrated road map for managing current and future recreational use of an entire watershed. This includes recognizing the importance of maintaining a key wildlife migratory corridor intact and conserving Fish Creek and the splendid habitat it sustains.
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The Plan will help tie together short- and intermediate-range planning opportunities for all FWP and DNRC sites in the area. Moreover, it will build upon previous planning efforts undertaken by FWP staff and will provide the agency with a holistic and well-integrated road map for managing current and future recreational use of an entire watershed. This includes recognizing the importance of maintaining a key wildlife migratory corridor intact and conserving Fish Creek and the splendid habitat it sustains.
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Preventing Predation
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July 2024
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Preventing predation: mechanistic drivers of and deterrents in conflict with jaguars
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Preventing predation: mechanistic drivers of and deterrents in conflict with jaguars
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Elk Recreation Study
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June 2024
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A PhD student will investigate the role of study length on the reliability of information provided to managers.
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The State agrees to provide $346,000 to the Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, for Dr. Paul Lukacs to work closely with Dr. Kelly Proffitt and staff from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department (CPW) to conduct a research project evaluating the effects of trail-based recreation on elk habitat selection and distribution. This project is a collaborative effort between CPW, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the University of Montana. In 2019, CPW began an extensive study of the effects of outdoor recreation on elk recruitment, habitat selection, and distribution. This agreement will facilitate the addition of a largely-public-land Montana study area with less outdoor recreation than the existing Colorado study areas. The addition of this Montana study area will contribute information regarding elk movements and recreational use in a different setting that likely experience less recreational pressure than the Colorado sites. The collaborative analysis of recreational effects on elk distributions from the Colorado and Montana study areas will improve the overall inference of the study by capturing a diversity of recreation pressures and help to ensure relevance of the inferences to Montana elk herds. This grant will specifically cover the costs of implementing the field work in Montana and university costs related to producing analyses and inferences from Colorado and Montana study areas combined.A postdoctoral will conduct a research project evaluating the effects of trail-based recreation on elk habitat selection and distribution.A Role of Study length:<b>Background & Need: </b>Increasing variation in the frequency and magnitude of weather-related anomalies such as drought, hurricanes, and wildfires have direct relevance for managing wildlife populations. More than ever, we need to be confident that the science and recommendations that we deliver to resource managers are accurate and reliable. However, the increasingly-variable conditions under which data are collected makes it more difficult provide reliable information that is not highly dependent upon the time period in which it was collected. This issue is especially relevant for short-term studies and for species with highly variable vital rates.Resource managers and conservation biologists are often required to assess population status and trends from relatively short (e.g., 5-10 year) studies (Gerrodette 1987, Morris and Doak 2002). This general problem is illustrated by recent controversy over the nature, extent, and statistical support for amphibian population declines (Pechmann et al. 2991, Pechmann et al. 1994, Pounds et al. 1997, Alford and Richards 1999, Green 2003). For populations that can vary widely in abundance over time, it is unclear how to best assess trends or how many years of data are necessary to detect meaningful trends in populations (Pechmann et al. 1991, Pechmann et al. 1994). Short-term datasets may often be capturing short-term trends rather than long-term trajectories (Meyer et al. 1998, Bierzychudek 1999, Whitemand and Wissinger 2005), and these trends can depend on the particular sequence of years being examined (e.g., a series of “good” or “bad” years) rather than the number of years of data examined, particularly for species with high variation in population growth rates. We propose to use long-term datasets from a variety of species to investigate how (1) differing temporal scales that are common in wildlife studies affect conclusions made from those studies and (2) how the conclusions vary according to life-history traits such as mean adult survival. If conclusions drawn from studies that last only 2 to 5 years do not often differ from studies that last 10 years, then we can save significant time and resources by focusing on short studies. However, if conclusions often shift from short-term vs. long-term studies, then we risk providing unreliable information to managers. It is clear that longer-term studies encompass more annual variation, but it is not clear how our understanding of the key drivers of population dynamic shift across temporal scales or how it interacts with life-history traits.
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Predator use of Prey
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June 2024
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This project will fund a PhD student to use IDFG’s existing data to formulate and parameterize predator-prey models, with the goal to help manage the multiple predators (wolves, cougars, bears, and mountain lions) and multiple prey species (mule deer, elk, white-tailed deer) in a community context. Predator and prey population dynamics do not operate in isolation. For example, altering harvest of mule deer and elk are likely to affect predator populations that are dependent on them. Conversely, management of wolves is likely to have an effect on the wolves’ prey population dynamics. Most management strategies evaluate and manage populations independently. The goal of this project is to holistically model multiple predator populations and multiple prey populations incorporating how these populations affect each other. We will formulate mechanistic mathematical models that include species interactions and feedbacks, mainly using existing IDFG data on these populations, but also drawing from previous research in other areas. These models will allow us to explore various management strategies to optimize management across the entire predator-prey community.
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This project will fund a PhD student to use IDFG’s existing data to formulate and parameterize predator-prey models, with the goal to help manage the multiple predators (wolves, cougars, bears, and mountain lions) and multiple prey species (mule deer, elk, white-tailed deer) in a community context. Predator and prey population dynamics do not operate in isolation. For example, altering harvest of mule deer and elk are likely to affect predator populations that are dependent on them. Conversely, management of wolves is likely to have an effect on the wolves’ prey population dynamics. Most management strategies evaluate and manage populations independently. The goal of this project is to holistically model multiple predator populations and multiple prey populations incorporating how these populations affect each other. We will formulate mechanistic mathematical models that include species interactions and feedbacks, mainly using existing IDFG data on these populations, but also drawing from previous research in other areas. These models will allow us to explore various management strategies to optimize management across the entire predator-prey community.
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From Beavers to Bats: Assessing the Importance of Beaver and Beaver-based Restoration to Riparian Communities in Prairie Systems
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December 2027
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We plan to use standardized sampling methods (e.g., night-time sticky traps and acoustic monitoring) to estimate (1) insect production, (2) bat foraging activity, and (3) species richness of bats at beaver sites, BDA sites, other available water bodies (human-made ponds/reservoirs/wetlands), as well as corresponding control stream sites. There has been very little work done on the ecosystem effects of beaver in Northern Plains systems, and even less on their potential benefits to non-aquatic species. Because bats in our region forage on flying invertebrates, they are closely associated with water. Water is scarce in the Northern Plains. To help land managers make effective resource decisions and to better understand the role of beaver in prairie systems, we plan to measure the role of natural and artificial beaver ponds (e.g., beaver dam analogs) in insect product and local bat activity.
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We plan to use standardized sampling methods (e.g., night-time sticky traps and acoustic monitoring) to estimate (1) insect production, (2) bat foraging activity, and (3) species richness of bats at beaver sites, BDA sites, other available water bodies (human-made ponds/reservoirs/wetlands), as well as corresponding control stream sites. There has been very little work done on the ecosystem effects of beaver in Northern Plains systems, and even less on their potential benefits to non-aquatic species. Because bats in our region forage on flying invertebrates, they are closely associated with water. Water is scarce in the Northern Plains. To help land managers make effective resource decisions and to better understand the role of beaver in prairie systems, we plan to measure the role of natural and artificial beaver ponds (e.g., beaver dam analogs) in insect product and local bat activity.
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The Next Frontier: D&E Tools to estimate density via cameras to examine population impacts of CWD/Effects of Management
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June 2023
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We will jointly develop a novel Bayesian model-based estimator using a time-to-event framework based on the inter-arrival times of individuals in remote camera images (Kalbfleisch and Prentice, 1980). We will evaluate this model and compare it to the design-based models (Moeller et al. 2018) using computer simulations, and determine what method is superior. Next, we will examine how camera deployment affects the performance of the estimators (e.g., placement and spacing of cameras, time-lapse vs. motion-activated, number of cameras needed, etc.) also using computer simulation studies. From these results, we will develop guidelines for designing remote camera grids for estimating deer density. We will use machine-learning techniques (Tabak et al. 2020) to classify deer from camera imagery collected from the Midwest CWD-affected regions. Using this classified imagery, we will apply the appropriate statistical models, based on our simulation studies, to estimate deer density. We will work with managers to implement these statistical tools and survey design recommendations to estimate deer densities to assess risk of CWD growth and spread in new regions, and to measure the effectiveness of CWD control strategies based on reducing the density of deer (i.e., the most common recommended management response to CWD – AFWA BMPs [Gillin and Mawdsley 2018]).
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We will jointly develop a novel Bayesian model-based estimator using a time-to-event framework based on the inter-arrival times of individuals in remote camera images (Kalbfleisch and Prentice, 1980). We will evaluate this model and compare it to the design-based models (Moeller et al. 2018) using computer simulations, and determine what method is superior. Next, we will examine how camera deployment affects the performance of the estimators (e.g., placement and spacing of cameras, time-lapse vs. motion-activated, number of cameras needed, etc.) also using computer simulation studies. From these results, we will develop guidelines for designing remote camera grids for estimating deer density. We will use machine-learning techniques (Tabak et al. 2020) to classify deer from camera imagery collected from the Midwest CWD-affected regions. Using this classified imagery, we will apply the appropriate statistical models, based on our simulation studies, to estimate deer density. We will work with managers to implement these statistical tools and survey design recommendations to estimate deer densities to assess risk of CWD growth and spread in new regions, and to measure the effectiveness of CWD control strategies based on reducing the density of deer (i.e., the most common recommended management response to CWD – AFWA BMPs [Gillin and Mawdsley 2018]).
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A Framework for guiding management decisions for amphibians
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July 2023
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In this project, we will determine which amphibians in the North Central region of the United States are at the greatest risk from the anticipated effects of climate change, through the use of a climate change vulnerability analysis (CCVA). Our project collaborators will develop a decision framework for weighing tradeoffs among potential management actions and the anticipated effects of those actions. This funding will provide support for a year of graduate student funding for performing the CCVA and predicting which amphibian species in the region are most at risk from climate change.
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To make informed decisions, wildlife managers need to identify species facing the greatest threats and effective management actions to address those threats. Amphibians are a group of animals facing especially severe declines due to many factors including climate change. Although some amphibian species are relatively well-studied, most are not because suitable data are lacking; therefore, tools to assist management decisions must be applicable to species across a range of data availability and susceptibility to climate change.
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US FWS-UM Collaboration to Support Native American Graduate Students in Wildlife Biology
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July 2024
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We propose to admit and mentor three Native American graduate students at the M.S. level in our Wildlife Biology Program at UM. One student will be assigned to conduct work in each of the following US FWS Regions: Region 1 (Pacific), Region 2 (Southwest), and Region 6 (Mountain-Prairie). Each student will conduct graduate research on species of greatest conservation need or species at risk. Specific research projects will be identified in collaboration with the US FWS and potentially other partners (e.g., tribal and state fish and wildlife agencies) after the students have been admitted into UM’s graduate program.
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Following initial conversations with the US FWS, we propose to admit and mentor three Native American graduate students at the M.S. level in our Wildlife Biology Program at UM. One student will be assigned to conduct work in each of the following US FWS Regions: Region 1 (Pacific), Region 2 (Southwest), and Region 6 (Mountain-Prairie). Each student will conduct graduate research on species of greatest conservation need or species at risk. Specific research projects will be identified in collaboration with the US FWS and potentially other partners (e.g., tribal and state fish and wildlife agencies) after the students have been admitted into UM’s graduate program.
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Wolverine Survey Analysis
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June 2024
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Analysis and reporting efforts for the 2021-22 wolverine occupancy survey, working closely with the core project team consisting of representatives from the partnering agencies and other collaborators. This will involve analyzing wolverine camera trapping data to estimate occupancy and distribution as functions of environmental covariates and spatial autocorrelation within the pre-defined wolverine sampling frame.
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Analysis and reporting efforts for the 2021-22 wolverine occupancy survey, working closely with the core project team consisting of representatives from the partnering agencies and other collaborators. This will involve analyzing wolverine camera trapping data to estimate occupancy and distribution as functions of environmental covariates and spatial autocorrelation within the pre-defined wolverine sampling frame.
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Moose Population
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March 2024
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Moose populations have declined in many portions of their range within the conterminous US. In 2013, the State began a 10-year study designed to identify cost-effective means to monitor statewide moose populations, and to better understand the current trends and limiting factors of moose populations in Montana. Data collection during this ongoing work has yielded demographic and spatial data to address a number of important questions of relevance to moose management. More effort is needed to make best use of data and samples collected during this work.
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Moose populations have declined in many portions of their range within the conterminous US. In 2013, the State began a 10-year study designed to identify cost-effective means to monitor statewide moose populations, and to better understand the current trends and limiting factors of moose populations in Montana. Data collection during this ongoing work has yielded demographic and spatial data to address a number of important questions of relevance to moose management. More effort is needed to make best use of data and samples collected during this work.
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Sage Grouse-Songbird Bug Grazing
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June 2024
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Greater sage-grouse populations have been in decline in the western U.S. since the 1950s, and approximately 76% of sagebrush-associated bird species are declining nationally. Species within the sagebrush ecosystem are connected. For example, some species (e.g., insects) serve as food for other species (e.g., sage-grouse chicks and songbirds). Therefore, it is important to understand the status of the sagebrush ecosystem and the several species that rely on it, and how conservation efforts affect the ecosystem.
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The primary objectives are to 1) improve a predictive spatial model of invertebrate biomass, 2) link information from the invertebrate spatial layer to sage-grouse and songbird populations, and 3) develop population models for the sage-grouse and songbird grazing projects. The proposed project period is Jul 1, 2021-Jun 30, 2024 with results published in peer-reviewed journals as completed.
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Pollinator monitoring and research in the eastern United States
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May 2024
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We are studying phenological habitat associations of pollinators and effects of land-use and land-cover change from local to landscape scales on pollinator communities, with study sites in ten National Wildlife Refuges, spanning Maine to Virginia. Pollinators are declining globally due to climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss. Recent and rapid pollinator declines has generated conservation concerns resulting in petitions for listing of several pollinator species under the Endangered Species Act and identification of regional at-risk insect species throughout the United States.<br><br>The research objectives are to: (1) determine the distribution, status, life history, and ecology of regional priority at risk pollinators throughout U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 5, (2) test effects of habitat availability, land-use and land-cover change, and management actions on regional priority pollinator species and associated species, (3) attain more information on plant-pollinator networks priority pollinator species to guide vegetation restoration, and (4) help inform management for conservation of at-risk, priority pollinator species and pollinators broadly.<br><br>The USFWS requested information on priority, at-risk pollinator species to inform effective management. The goal of the project is to better understand the distribution and ecology of and anthropogenic threats to pollinators in the eastern United States to inform pollinator management by the USFWS.
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We are studying phenological habitat associations of pollinators and effects of land-use and land-cover change from local to landscape scales on pollinator communities, with study sites in ten National Wildlife Refuges, spanning Maine to Virginia. Pollinators are declining globally due to climate change, pesticide use, and habitat loss. Recent and rapid pollinator declines has generated conservation concerns resulting in petitions for listing of several pollinator species under the Endangered Species Act and identification of regional at-risk insect species throughout the United States.The research objectives are to: (1) determine the distribution, status, life history, and ecology of regional priority at risk pollinators throughout U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 5, (2) test effects of habitat availability, land-use and land-cover change, and management actions on regional priority pollinator species and associated species, (3) attain more information on plant-pollinator networks priority pollinator species to guide vegetation restoration, and (4) help inform management for conservation of at-risk, priority pollinator species and pollinators broadly.The USFWS requested information on priority, at-risk pollinator species to inform effective management. The goal of the project is to better understand the distribution and ecology of and anthropogenic threats to pollinators in the eastern United States to inform pollinator management by the USFWS.
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Techno-ecological impacts and synergies of floating solar
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July 2024
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The study is aimed at elucidating ecological interactions with and mechanisms driving ecological responses to floating solar.
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The study is aimed at elucidating ecological interactions with and mechanisms driving ecological responses to floating solar.
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At-Risk Species Conservation in the Connecticut River
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August 2024
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We are investigating ecology and conservation of anadromous river herring and freshwater mussels in the Connecticut River. There are two main components of the project:<br>1) Determine which species of freshwater mussels are using migratory fishes (blueback herring, alewife, American shad, striped bass) as hosts in the Connecticut River. Approaches will include examining temporal and spatial patterns in mussel glochidia infestation, using genetic or morphologic techniques to identify mussel species and develop an identification key, assessing ecological and anthropogenic (e.g. fish passage) ramifications of results, evaluating results in light of emerging benthic habitat and species distribution information, and determining conservation and management implications.<br>2) Develop a standardized approach for sub-sampling aged fish to re-examine scales and determine individual spawning history, and, using the standardized approach, examine existing scale samples (2013-2021) to assess the distribution of annual spawning history and glochidia infestation of the Connecticut River blueback herring population.<br>An understanding of how freshwater mussels use anadromous fish species in this large river will inform conservation and restoration of at-risk freshwater mussel species and river herring.
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Freshwater mussels require host fishes for completing their life cycle, and anadromous fishes that only spend a small portion of their lives in freshwater may be important for reproduction and dispersal of mussels. The Connecticut River harbors at-risk and endangered freshwater mussel and river herring species, and an understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of mussel glochidia on river herring is important for conservation of both taxonomic groups. This project is a collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and will inform river herring management and freshwater mussel restoration decisions in the Connecticut River.
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Advancing conservation and restoration of Brook Floater and associated freshwater mussels
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December 2024
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The Brook Floater (<i>Alasmidonta varicosa</i>) is a stream-dwelling freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Unionoida), native to the Atlantic Slope of the United States and Canada and has experienced significant population declines throughout its range. The species’ distribution has been restricted to approximately 50% of its historic sites, and local population declines have been observed from Nova Scotia to Georgia. Identified threats include decreased habitat and water quality associated with shoreline and watershed development, habitat fragmentation caused by dams and stream crossings, and potential stochastic events associated with a changing climate. This species has been identified by Northeastern states as one of the most critically imperiled species in the region and was one of the few mussel species identified as “At-Risk” by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2021. A range wide, collaborative approach to conservation is needed to reverse the trend of habitat loss and reduce the risk of local and regional extirpations. A nationally competitive State Wildlife Grant involving four funded states was awarded to address this issue. To assist in the coordination of this project, and to serve as a technical lead on project activities, the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has partnered with the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass).<br><br>To increase rangewide cooperative conservation efforts and strategic planning towards reducing further population losses and defining approaches for recovery of Brook Floater throughout the species’ range from Georgia to Nova Scotia. UMass will assist in mussel surveys and habitat assessments to evaluate responses to dam removals for mussel (SGCN) species of greatest conservation need, develop pre-stocking and post-stocking mussel monitoring and habitat assessment protocols to identify and track introduced Brook Floater populations, perform rapid mussel and habitat assessments in Massachusetts and Connecticut to update mussel SGCN distributions, develop multi-species occupancy and detection models using reach- and landscape- scale covariates, and help to maintain the Brook Floater Working Group. Our hope is that State partners will utilize approaches and information outcomes of this grant to assess and maintain populations of Brook Floater and other SGCN using an Adaptive Management Framework and prioritize site-specific actions that will prevent further declines of Brook Floater.
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The Brook Floater (<i>Alasmidonta varicosa</i>) is a stream-dwelling freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Unionoida), native to the Atlantic Slope of the United States and Canada and has experienced significant population declines throughout its range. A range wide, collaborative approach to conservation is needed to reverse the trend of habitat loss and reduce the risk of local and regional extirpations. This project is part of a large research and management collaborative involving state agencies, federal agencies, academics, and consultants across the species' range from Georgia to Nova Scotia, which is funded by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service multi-state competitive state wildlife grant. Our hope is that State partners will utilize approaches and information outcomes of this grant to assess and maintain populations of Brook Floater and other SGCN using an Adaptive Management Framework and prioritize site-specific actions that will prevent further declines of Brook Floater.
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Review of Georgia reservoir fish monitoring data and sampling procedures
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June 2024
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The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has regularly sampled fish populations across Georgia’s freshwater systems for over 30 years. The data collected are maintained in the Division’s Long-Term Fish Monitoring Database. Attributes recorded in the database include sampling event details (location and date), methods (gear and effort), and metrics on individual fish (e.g., species, length, weight). We are working with the Division’s Fisheries Section to identify research questions that can be addressed by the data and conduct analyses relevant to those questions. We will make determinations about the utility of the data for assessing status and trends of populations or fish communities, increasing monitoring efficiency, and designing focused monitoring or research efforts.
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The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has regularly sampled fish populations across Georgia’s freshwater systems for over 30 years. The data collected are maintained in the Division’s Long-Term Fish Monitoring Database. Attributes recorded in the database include sampling event details (location and date), methods (gear and effort), and metrics on individual fish (e.g., species, length, weight). We are working with the Division’s Fisheries Section to identify research questions that can be addressed by the data and conduct analyses relevant to those questions. We will make determinations about the utility of the data for assessing status and trends of populations or fish communities, increasing monitoring efficiency, and designing focused monitoring or research efforts.
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[GADNR] DMAP Camera Trap Image Classification
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August 2022
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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) launched the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in 2019 to provide site-specific deer management to private landowners in Georgia. As part of this effort, landowners enrolled in DMAP conduct camera trap surveys on their properties. Data from these surveys may prove valuable for improving site-specific deer management plans by providing an independent source of data that can be used alone or be integrated with other data sources (e.g., deer harvest data) to estimate parameters such as deer distribution and possibly abundance on private properties. Under this project, we began classifying camera images to determine the utility of camera data for estimating deer population parameters.
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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) launched the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in 2019 to provide site-specific deer management to private landowners in Georgia. As part of this effort, landowners enrolled in DMAP conduct camera trap surveys on their properties. Data from these surveys may prove valuable for improving site-specific deer management plans by providing an independent source of data that can be used alone or be integrated with other data sources (e.g., deer harvest data) to estimate parameters such as deer distribution and possibly abundance on private properties. Under this project, we began classifying camera images to determine the utility of camera data for estimating deer population parameters.
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[GADNR] Entry of Point-Count Data for Sandhill Restoration Project
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October 2022
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The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the lead organization for planning, data collection, and analysis of data from bird monitoring point-count stations established on experimental sandhill restoration sites in the southeast. Data from the 2022 breeding season have now been collected and recorded on paper-based field forms. To analyze the information, the data must be transcribed and entered into a digital database. We are working with the Division’s Wildlife Conservation Section to digitally enter and organize these data.
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The Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the lead organization for planning, data collection, and analysis of data from bird monitoring point-count stations established on experimental sandhill restoration sites in the southeast. Data from the 2022 breeding season have now been collected and recorded on paper-based field forms. To analyze the information, the data must be transcribed and entered into a digital database. We are working with the Division’s Wildlife Conservation Section to digitally enter and organize these data.
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Development of point-of-use invasive species eDNA screening approaches
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September 2024
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Invasive species are ecologically damaging, economically costly, and increasingly prevalent throughout the world. Eradicating invasive species is notoriously difficult; therefore, preventing their introduction is critical to control their spread. Many invasive species originate via trade and commerce, such as through the ballast water of shipping vessels or through the food trade. Enabling invasive species surveillance at discrete points of entry is a promising avenue to detecting and preventing new invasions before they begin. Environmental (e)DNA provides a means of detecting species through their shed DNA that may be present in water, on various substrates, or in the air. Recently developed techniques have shown promise for point-of-use eDNA-based monitoring; however, these methods generally require sample processing techniques that are not feasible in most non-laboratory settings. Through this research project, we will improve the ease-of-use for these emerging eDNA screening approaches for invasive species monitoring using a two-step research process. First, we will perform a thorough literature review across diverse fields to identify alternative approaches that will streamline the method’s implementation. Secondly, we will work with end-user stakeholders to develop and validate newly developed techniques. With goals directed toward end-user ease-of-use, frequent communication with our research stakeholders throughout the lifespan of the project will be critical to its success. To that end, port and customs agency personnel will be engaged to share research plans and findings at various phases of the project, including during study design, following collection of initial results, and upon completion of the project. In addition to the newly developed methods this research will establish, deliverables will include presentations at professional conferences such as the North American Invasive Species Management Association’s annual meeting and publications in at least two peer-reviewed manuscripts that will focus on the literature review and the developed eDNA detection protocols.
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Invasive species are ecologically damaging, economically costly, and increasingly prevalent throughout the world. Eradicating invasive species is notoriously difficult; therefore, preventing their introduction is critical to control their spread. Many invasive species originate via trade and commerce, such as through the ballast water of shipping vessels or through the food trade. Enabling invasive species surveillance at discrete points of entry is a promising avenue to detecting and preventing new invasions before they begin. We are developing environmental DNA tools to enable point-of-entry screening of various substrates for numerous invasive species. This work in a collaboration between the USGS Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit and the USGS Upper Midwest Science Center. The developed tools will allow port agents to detect invasive species before they enter the country, reducing the likelihood of establishing new invasive species.
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Impact of climate driven water-level fluctuations on recreational fisheries in the Northern Glaciated Plains
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September 2025
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The Northern Glaciated Plains (NGP) of the upper Midwest, USA is an area where fishing generates millions of dollars a year for local and state economies. Maintaining these resources requires angler-desired fish populations and angler access to fishing sites (boat ramps, public land access). Fisheries throughout the world are currently undergoing unprecedented changes due to water level fluctuations and altered water quality resulting from climate change. The consequences of climate change to NGP fisheries are unknown but pose an immediate challenge for resource managers as angler access and opportunities can be jeopardized when boat ramps become inaccessible due to changing water levels and altered water quality could negatively affect desired fish species. This project aims to provide fisheries managers with information about how climate change will alter the hydrology of NGP lakes and subsequent changes in fish communities, angler access, angler behavior, and angler expenditures. A hydrologic model will be used to predict changes in lake size and water quality based on weather conditions under climate change. This information will then be used to predict changes in fish communities, identify current angler access locations that are at risk of becoming inaccessible, determine whether anglers will change the amount of time they spend fishing, and how these changes ultimately affect the amount of money anglers spend. By understanding which lakes will undergo these changes, fisheries managers will be able to make proactive decisions at state or regional levels about infrastructure development (number and location of new boat ramps) and ecosystem management (species and locations of fish stocking) that will maintain angler satisfaction and the economic benefits of recreational fisheries.
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The Northern Glaciated Plains (NGP) of the upper Midwest, USA is an area where fishing generates millions of dollars a year for local and state economies. Maintaining these resources requires angler-desired fish populations and angler access to fishing sites (boat ramps, public land access). Fisheries throughout the world are currently undergoing unprecedented changes due to water level fluctuations and altered water quality resulting from climate change. The consequences of climate change to NGP fisheries are unknown but pose an immediate challenge for resource managers as angler access and opportunities can be jeopardized when boat ramps become inaccessible due to changing water levels and altered water quality could negatively affect desired fish species. This project aims to provide fisheries managers with information about how climate change will alter the hydrology of NGP lakes and subsequent changes in fish communities, angler access, angler behavior, and angler expenditures. A hydrologic model will be used to predict changes in lake size and water quality based on weather conditions under climate change. This information will then be used to predict changes in fish communities, identify current angler access locations that are at risk of becoming inaccessible, determine whether anglers will change the amount of time they spend fishing, and how these changes ultimately affect the amount of money anglers spend. By understanding which lakes will undergo these changes, fisheries managers will be able to make proactive decisions at state or regional levels about infrastructure development (number and location of new boat ramps) and ecosystem management (species and locations of fish stocking) that will maintain angler satisfaction and the economic benefits of recreational fisheries.
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Movement and distribution of Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River
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May 2024
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Efforts to restore Lake Sturgeon to northwest Georgia began nearly 20 years ago. These large prehistoric fish were historically present in the Coosa River basin but were thought to be extirpated by the late 1970s due to overfishing and degraded water quality. Following improvements in water quality via the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources commenced a Lake Sturgeon reintroduction program that included annual stocking of fish with the goal of producing a self-sustaining population. The initial cohorts have theoretically reached sexual maturity. <br><br>The specific objective of this study is to determine seasonal habitat use and movement of Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River basin. New information about reproductive status and behaviors, movement, and habitat use will aid in recovery efforts and inform managers on the status of the population.<br><br>This project will use radio telemetry to track Lake Sturgeon movements. We anticipate targeting 40 Lake Sturgeon for tagging.<br><b> </b>
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Efforts to restore Lake Sturgeon to northwest Georgia began nearly 20 years ago. These large prehistoric fish were historically present in the Coosa River basin but were thought to be extirpated by the late 1970s due to overfishing and degraded water quality. Following improvements in water quality via the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources commenced a Lake Sturgeon reintroduction program that included annual stocking of fish with the goal of producing a self-sustaining population. The initial cohorts have theoretically reached sexual maturity. The specific objective of this study is to determine seasonal habitat use and movement of Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River basin. New information about reproductive status and behaviors, movement, and habitat use will aid in recovery efforts and inform managers on the status of the population.This project will use radio telemetry to track Lake Sturgeon movements. We anticipate targeting 40 Lake Sturgeon for tagging. <b> </b>
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Evaluation of Contaminant Stressors to Endangered and At-Risk Freshwater Mussel Health in the Conasauga River Basin
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May 2024
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The Conasauga River, in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia, is a biodiversity hotspot for fishes and freshwater mussels. Some of these species are rare, at-risk, or listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, two species of mussels have been characterized as extinct from the basin. We propose a collaborative multiyear research study to evaluate the threat of contaminants on freshwater mussels in the Conasauga River. This study will examine the use of sediment and <i>in situ</i> water exposures to non-point source pollutants to further understand toxicant effects on juvenile freshwater mussels. We intend to collect information that will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Georgia Ecological Services Field Office prioritize conservation or management actions to support freshwater mussels. Further, data collected on the effects of contaminants on mussel growth and survival could be used in population models to evaluate population-level effects in contaminated vs non-contaminated sites. More broadly, such results may improve understanding of the potential effects of non-point-source pollution on freshwater mussels.
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The Conasauga River, in southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia, is a biodiversity hotspot for fishes and freshwater mussels. Some of these species are rare, at-risk, or listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. Additionally, two species of mussels have been characterized as extinct from the basin. We propose a collaborative multiyear research study to evaluate the threat of contaminants on freshwater mussels in the Conasauga River. This study will examine the use of sediment and <i>in situ</i> water exposures to non-point source pollutants to further understand toxicant effects on juvenile freshwater mussels. We intend to collect information that will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Georgia Ecological Services Field Office prioritize conservation or management actions to support freshwater mussels. Further, data collected on the effects of contaminants on mussel growth and survival could be used in population models to evaluate population-level effects in contaminated vs non-contaminated sites. More broadly, such results may improve understanding of the potential effects of non-point-source pollution on freshwater mussels.
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Continuation of Sicklefin model development for GA DNR.
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June 2023
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We are extending model development to add additional data and explore potential variability (e.g., between males and females, over seasons) for estimating parameters for a rare fish species (<i>Moxostoma</i> sp.).
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We are extending model development to add additional data and explore potential variability (e.g., between males and females, over seasons) for estimating parameters for a rare fish species (<i>Moxostoma</i> sp.).
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Spot-tailed earless lizard status assessment
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December 2022
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We developed a population viability simulation model for the Spot-tailed earless lizard status assessment and listing decision.
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We developed a population viability simulation model for the Spot-tailed earless lizard status assessment and listing decision.
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Research and development of a suitable method for estimating weekly-stratified abundances of migrating juvenile salmonids in the absence of mark-recpature experiments
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January 2026
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This project will develop new methods for computing statistically valid abundance estimates without mark-recapture data. Innumerable fish monitoring projects rely upon mark-recapture data to track various population metrics, such as long-term trends in abundance, fish health, and outmigration timing. However, marking and recapturing fish is an invasive process that causes fish stress. Furthermore, this becomes more difficult as populations decline and become threatened and endangered. The objective of this study is to develop new methods for estimating abundances that does not depend on mark-recapture data. These methods must be biologically and technically sound, since these monitoring data are often subject to intense scrutiny and relied on in court cases.
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For several decades, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been working in close collaboration with tribal partners to run juvenile salmonid outmigration monitoring stations on the Klamath and Trinity rivers of north-western California. The monitoring stations employ the use of rotary screw traps that capture juvenile salmonids during their seasonal emigration from, or spatial redistribution within, the Klamath Basin. The various data products generated from this monitoring program are evaluated to track long-term trends in abundance, fish health, and outmigration timing, and provide vital real-time status data to inform water management decision making in a landscape with many interests competing for scare water resources. The annual outmigrant abundance estimates generated by this study have also been relied on extensively in various court documents and mandates (i.e. population-level prevalence of infection, 80% outmigration date predictor, etc.), particularly with regard to the Service’s use of the estimates in calculating population-level effects of disease and mortality of juvenile Chinook and Coho salmon in the Klamath River. In recent years, adult returns of fall-run Chinook Salmon have been so low that Iron Gate Hatchery has not been able to meet its annual egg take goal, resulting a dramatic reduction in hatchery production. Given this trend, it is becoming increasingly likely that there will not be a sufficient number of hatchery fish available to meet the defined mitigation goals of the hatchery program, as well as to provide hatchery fish for the mark-recapture experiments. Additionally, four dams on the Klamath River mainstem are slated for removal that is tentatively proposed to occur in January 2023. A hatchery associated with one of these dams will also be decommissioned. Hence, regardless of the abundance of returning adult salmon stocks in the near future, it is assured that there will not be a sufficient number of hatchery fish available to conduct the mark-recapture experiments needed to estimate annual abundance of outmigrating juvenile salmonids. Given the importance of the estimates generated from this monitoring program, it is essential that a new method for computing statistically valid abundance estimates be developed that is biologically and technically sound, cost efficient to implement, and externally peer reviewed. The objective of this study is to develop this new methodology for estimating abundances that does not depend on the availability of hatchery fish for mark-recapture experiments.
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Water Management to support endangered species in the ACF river basin
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September 2022
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Researchers use a science decision-making SDM approach to organize the decision making process and the relevant uncertainties to manage water flow in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) river basin to minimize harm to endangered species. The ACF basin includes Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and is a water resource for the Atlanta, Georgia and downstream cities.<br><br>In this project, researchers propose a re-evaluation of the ACF river basin species at risk adaptive management problem framing and management objectives. Researchers will use virtual meetings and an in-person workshops setting to clearly define the management problem and develop an objectives hierarchy that links what the management agencies fundamentally care about with means objectives and measurable attributes.<br><br>The purposes of this project are to clearly define the decision/management challenges and help to develop objectives for at-risk species in the ACF river basin. The team will also review existing monitoring plans to identify gaps between what is being measured in the field and measurable attributes of objectives to ensure monitoring efforts support future decision making.
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We used an SDM approach to organize the decision making process and the relevant uncertainties to manage water flow in the ACF to minimize harm to endangered species.
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Developing communities of expert practice (COEP) to apply intergenerational expertise to challenging aquatic conservation problems. PI: M. E, Mather, Collaborators: Sean Hitchman, Joseph Smith, Dan Shoup, Quinton Phelps, John Dettmers, Kristen Faull-Chestnut. 2021-2025.
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December 2025
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<i>Developing communities of expert practice (COEP) to apply intergenerational expertise to challenging aquatic conservation problems.</i> PI: M. E, Mather, Collaborators: Sean Hitchman, Joseph Smith, Dan Shoup, Quinton Phelps, John Dettmers, Kristen Faull-Chestnut. 2021-2022.<b> </b><br><br><i>A community of expert practice (COEP) is an organized network of intergenerational experts who agree to focus their combined skills across multiple projects to identify better “best” practices for important research and management issues. I have provided leadership to organize COEPs on: (1) appropriate spatial scales for field sampling, (2) research and management of prairie stream fish, (3) questions that guide effective research and conservation, and (4) digital conservation </i>
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<i>Developing communities of expert practice (COEP) to apply intergenerational expertise to challenging aquatic conservation problems.</i> PI: M. E, Mather, Collaborators: Sean Hitchman, Joseph Smith, Dan Shoup, Quinton Phelps, John Dettmers, Kristen Faull-Chestnut. 2021-2022.<b> </b><i>A community of expert practice (COEP) is an organized network of intergenerational experts who agree to focus their combined skills across multiple projects to identify better “best” practices for important research and management issues. I have provided leadership to organize COEPs on: (1) appropriate spatial scales for field sampling, (2) research and management of prairie stream fish, (3) questions that guide effective research and conservation, and (4) digital conservation </i>
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Native Fish Conservation Assessment in Desert Rivers of the IMW.
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January 2022
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Efficacy of Conservation Actions for Imperiled Colorado River Fishes in the Grand Canyon, Arizona
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April 2022
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Linking annual waterfowl productivity and Louisiana hunter-harvest to natal / molt origins using stable isotope ecology
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June 2026
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Identifying linkages between source origins (e.g. natal or molt origins) and wintering locations of waterfowl is important when developing sustainable harvest management strategies. However, traditional methods for determining migratory connectivity requires a capture-mark-recovery framework and the current distribution of capture locations may not be representative of the entire breeding range of a species due to limited accessibility. Our research compares estimates of harvest derivation from available banding data and stable isotope analyses of flight feathers in harvested blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwall, mallard, northern pintail, and lesser scaup. This project is a collaboration of researchers from the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and University of Western Ontario and biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Data acquired in this study will inform biologists on the representativeness of capture-mark-recovery methods to assess source-origins and migratory connectivity of managed waterfowl species. Further, this study may demonstrate the utility of incorporating source-origins estimates via stable isotope analyses into long-term monitoring programs of harvested waterfowl used to track hunter harvest and population productivity.
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While continental populations of waterfowl are still above the long-term average, mid-winter waterfowl counts in coastal Louisiana have been on a steady decline. Traditional methods of determining migratory connectivity to wintering grounds requires prior capture at an earlier life stage and accessible capture locations may not be representative of the entire breeding range of a species. For harvested waterfowl, understanding the strength of migratory connectivity and identifying links between source origins (e.g. natal or molt origins) are important when developing sustainable management strategies. Throughout the Mississippi Flyway, state agencies independently make decisions where to send agency dollars throughout the breeding grounds to support conservation / restoration efforts and decisions are largely informed through capture-mark-recovery techniques. This project is a collaboration of researchers from the Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and University of Western Ontario and biologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to compare estimates of harvest derivation from available banding data and stable isotope analyses of flight feathers in harvested blue-winged teal, green-winged teal, gadwall, mallard, and lesser scaup. Data acquired in this study will inform biologists on the representativeness of capture-mark-recovery methods to assess source-origins and migratory connectivity of managed waterfowl species. Further, this study may demonstrate the utility of incorporating source-origins estimates via stable isotope analyses into long-term monitoring programs of harvested waterfowl used to track hunter harvest and population productivity.
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Using a Bayesian belief network to structure Species Status Assessments of data-deficient species: a case study with Piebald Madtom
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August 2026
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The southeastern US supports hundreds of freshwater mussels, fishes, and crayfishes, but many are likely at risk of imperilment because of rarity, limited distributions, and declining populations. Currently, there is no standardized quantitative framework for evaluating imperilment of data-deficient southeastern freshwater fishes. Therefore, we are using Piebald Madtom as a case study for implementing a Species Status Assessment using a Bayesian belief network and elicitation techniques from experts with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, US Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi State University, University of Tennessee at Martin, and Austin Peay State University. This research will be used to predict current and future condition of Piebald Madtom for this species’ Status Assessment under the Endangered Species Act.
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The southeastern US supports hundreds of freshwater mussels, fishes, and crayfishes, but many are likely at risk of imperilment because of rarity, limited distributions, and declining populations. Currently, there is no standardized quantitative framework for evaluating imperilment of data-deficient southeastern freshwater fishes. Therefore, we are using Piebald Madtom as a case study for implementing a Species Status Assessment using a Bayesian belief network and elicitation techniques from experts with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, US Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi State University, University of Tennessee at Martin, and Austin Peay State University. This research will be used to predict current and future condition of Piebald Madtom for this species’ Status Assessment under the Endangered Species Act.
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Big game migration mapping - developing methods for atypical migrants
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September 2027
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Many ungulates migrate to access key resources and avoid harsh weather. Despite the importance of ungulate migration for many ecosystems, the traditional migration corridors used by populations around the world face unprecedented change from the expanding footprint of human development. To conserve ungulate migration in the face of rapid environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance, an important first step is mapping the migration corridors. Currently, methodology exists to map corridors of migratory taxa with high fidelity to their migration routes and seasonal ranges (i.e., “typical migration”). However, when these approaches are applied to atypical migrants (i.e., wide-ranging but less predictable movement patterns), the results are often less than desirable – identifying areas that are too large for realistic landscape-scale prioritization or failing to capture key areas used outside the data collection window. The goal of this work is to derive generalizable and scalable methods to prioritize areas critical for maintaining connectivity for atypical migrants and to advance our ecological understanding of such wide-ranging movements. The project is a collaboration between researchers and State and Federal wildlife managers from across the western USA.
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Many ungulates migrate to access key resources and avoid harsh weather. Despite the importance of ungulate migration for many ecosystems, the traditional migration corridors used by populations around the world face unprecedented change from the expanding footprint of human development. To conserve ungulate migration in the face of rapid environmental change and anthropogenic disturbance, an important first step is mapping the migration corridors. Currently, methodology exists to map corridors of migratory taxa with high fidelity to their migration routes and seasonal ranges (i.e., “typical migration”). However, when these approaches are applied to atypical migrants (i.e., wide-ranging but less predictable movement patterns), the results are often less than desirable – identifying areas that are too large for realistic landscape-scale prioritization or failing to capture key areas used outside the data collection window. The goal of this work is to derive generalizable and scalable methods to prioritize areas critical for maintaining connectivity for atypical migrants and to advance our ecological understanding of such wide-ranging movements. The project is a collaboration between researchers and State and Federal wildlife managers from across the western USA.
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Using adaptive genetic variation to improve genetic stock assignment in Lake Erie
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September 2024
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Continued restoration of Lake Whitefish requires managers to evaluate differential spawning, recruitment, and harvest among stocks. Our project aims to use new genetic tools to quantify spawning stock structure and identify genetic variants that could be used to distinguish between closely related Lake Whitefish spawning aggregates in Lake Erie. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes Purdue University, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The ability to identify the natal origin of Lake Whitefish would enable mixed-stock assessments and analysis of straying behavior, facilitating targeted management strategies for specific spawning shoals.
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Continued restoration of Lake Whitefish requires managers to evaluate differential spawning, recruitment, and harvest among stocks. Our project aims to use new genetic tools to quantify spawning stock structure and identify genetic variants that could be used to distinguish between closely related Lake Whitefish spawning aggregates in Lake Erie. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes Purdue University, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The ability to identify the natal origin of Lake Whitefish would enable mixed-stock assessments and analysis of straying behavior, facilitating targeted management strategies for specific spawning shoals.
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Wildlife species data acquisition and analysis for understanding the influence of habitat degradation on sportfishes in SD impoundments
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June 2025
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Small impoundments (<150 acres) provide important angling opportunities in South Dakota. Although they represent a small amount of total surface water in the state, small impoundments receive relatively high angling pressure for species including bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappies. Management of these fishes, however, can be hindered by poor water quality and reduced habitat availability. Nutrient loading to the lake causes seasonal hypoxia that further alters prey composition and limits sportfish growth and abundance. The objective of this study is to evaluate reservoir renovation efforts designed to improve water quality and habitat conditions for sportfish.
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Small impoundments (<150 acres) provide important angling opportunities in South Dakota. Although they represent a small amount of total surface water in the state, small impoundments receive relatively high angling pressure for species including bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappies. Management of these fishes, however, can be hindered by poor water quality and reduced habitat availability. Nutrient loading to the lake causes seasonal hypoxia that further alters prey composition and limits sportfish growth and abundance. The objective of this study is to evaluate reservoir renovation efforts designed to improve water quality and habitat conditions for sportfish.
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Invasive carp population modeling: ecosystem impacts of control methods
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December 2025
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Ongoing invasive carp modeling work has produced population-level model (SEICarP) that has been used to inform fish removal programs in the Illinois River. SEICarP outputs have helped plan targeted harvest efforts in the Illinois River and identified possible barrier/deterrent locations. Although SEICarP is a powerful tool to evaluate management actions, it does not consider ecological impacts of invasive carp removal. SEICarp is currently being expanded to other river basins containing invasive carps. This study will combine SEICarP outcomes where management should occur with an ecological assessment of carp removal to better refine harvest levels and targets (e.g., size of fish targeted for removal) that produce the greatest possible ecological benefit.
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Ongoing invasive carp modeling work has produced population-level model (SEICarP) that has been used to inform fish removal programs in the Illinois River. SEICarP outputs have helped plan targeted harvest efforts in the Illinois River and identified possible barrier/deterrent locations. Although SEICarP is a powerful tool to evaluate management actions, it does not consider ecological impacts of invasive carp removal. SEICarp is currently being expanded to other river basins containing invasive carps. This study will combine SEICarP outcomes where management should occur with an ecological assessment of carp removal to better refine harvest levels and targets (e.g., size of fish targeted for removal) that produce the greatest possible ecological benefit.
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Modeling host behavior and environmental transmission of chronic wasting disease
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July 2027
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Chronic wasting disease (CWD) threatens cervids across North America and impacts human communities that hunt, raise, or subsist on deer. This emerging disease is caused by an infectious, misfolded protein, known as a prion, that can be transmitted directly between hosts or via environmental reservoirs. Understanding the principles of infectious disease transmission is crucial for identifying management tools for disease control and prevention. Elucidating such principles is challenging in host-pathogen systems when transmission occurs both directly and indirectly through the environment. Researchers must disentangle diverse multi-scale drivers, from fine-scale host interactions with pathogens in environmental reservoirs to large-scale movements of natural populations in heterogeneous landscapes. This project is a collaboration among researchers across multiple agencies and universities including USGS Cooperative Wildlife Research Units (Wisconsin and Montana), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Montana, and Utah State University. This project proposes a deterministic model scaffold that formally incorporates heterogeneities in social behavior and movement with pathogen retention, transport, and infection potential in complex landscapes. A novel application of multi-scale homogenization to these models will analytically link fine-scale pathways of infection with large-scale population processes. These models will be developed using novel datasets based on new diagnostic techniques to determine the spatial extent and transmission potential of prions in the environment, and modern observation methods to give unprecedented insight into how host behavior and movement, in concert with individual interactions with environmental prion reservoirs, lead to disease transmission in complex environments. Predicted and forecasted prevalence surfaces, with measures of uncertainty, will guide future CWD prevention and control efforts.
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Chronic wasting disease (CWD) threatens cervids across North America and impacts human communities that hunt, raise, or subsist on deer. This emerging disease is caused by an infectious, misfolded protein, known as a prion, that can be transmitted directly between hosts or via environmental reservoirs. Understanding the principles of infectious disease transmission is crucial for identifying management tools for disease control and prevention. Elucidating such principles is challenging in host-pathogen systems when transmission occurs both directly and indirectly through the environment. Researchers must disentangle diverse multi-scale drivers, from fine-scale host interactions with pathogens in environmental reservoirs to large-scale movements of natural populations in heterogeneous landscapes. This project is a collaboration among researchers across multiple agencies and universities including USGS Cooperative Wildlife Research Units (Wisconsin and Montana), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Montana, and Utah State University. This project proposes a deterministic model scaffold that formally incorporates heterogeneities in social behavior and movement with pathogen retention, transport, and infection potential in complex landscapes. A novel application of multi-scale homogenization to these models will analytically link fine-scale pathways of infection with large-scale population processes. These models will be developed using novel datasets based on new diagnostic techniques to determine the spatial extent and transmission potential of prions in the environment, and modern observation methods to give unprecedented insight into how host behavior and movement, in concert with individual interactions with environmental prion reservoirs, lead to disease transmission in complex environments. Predicted and forecasted prevalence surfaces, with measures of uncertainty, will guide future CWD prevention and control efforts.
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Development of New Generation ‘Mixture-Aware’ Stock Analysis Models Based on Catch-at-Age Data for Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan
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December 2023
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Statistical catch-at-age (SCAA) models are used across the Great Lakes to assess lake whitefish stocks and harvest levels. Unless auxiliary data (e.g., tag-recovery, genetic) are included, SCAA models only estimate a single recruitment time-series that represents the aggregation of all stocks contributing individuals to the modeled harvest region, limiting the model’s ability to assess recruitment trends and other dynamic rates for individual stocks. Given frequent occurrence of lake whitefish mixed-stock fisheries, the ability to use SCAA models to track dynamics of individual stocks based on mixed-stock harvests would be valuable for management purposes. Genetic advances have reduced the costs of large-scale mixed stock analyses (MSAs) while increasing discriminatory power, generating data that could be easily incorporated in SCAA models to account for stock-specific dynamics. We are using an MSA based on genomic data to inform an empirical evaluation of the effects and feasibility of integrating stock-specific harvest contributions into lake whitefish SCAA models. This project is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan State University, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The developed models could serve as the basis for a new generation of 'mixture-aware' statistical catch-at-age models that produce more accurate estimates of stock-specific recruitment than current approaches.
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Statistical catch-at-age (SCAA) models are used across the Great Lakes to assess lake whitefish stocks and harvest levels. Unless auxiliary data (e.g., tag-recovery, genetic) are included, SCAA models only estimate a single recruitment time-series that represents the aggregation of all stocks contributing individuals to the modeled harvest region, limiting the model’s ability to assess recruitment trends and other dynamic rates for individual stocks. Given frequent occurrence of lake whitefish mixed-stock fisheries, the ability to use SCAA models to track dynamics of individual stocks based on mixed-stock harvests would be valuable for management purposes. Genetic advances have reduced the costs of large-scale mixed stock analyses (MSAs) while increasing discriminatory power, generating data that could be easily incorporated in SCAA models to account for stock-specific dynamics. We are using an MSA based on genomic data to inform an empirical evaluation of the effects and feasibility of integrating stock-specific harvest contributions into lake whitefish SCAA models. This project is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan State University, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The developed models could serve as the basis for a new generation of 'mixture-aware' statistical catch-at-age models that produce more accurate estimates of stock-specific recruitment than current approaches.
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Advancing broodstock selection to optimize brook trout stocking in Wisconsin
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December 2023
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Conservation agencies often stocks hatchery-raised trout to restore or rehabilitate wild trout fisheries and to support put-and-take fisheries. Agencies are increasingly concerned that domestic strains of hatchery-reared trout may exhibited poor post-stocking survival and fail to successfully reproduce. We are experimentally evaluating that concern by quantifying relative reproductive success of domestic brook trout and those with wild parents that were stocked into a stream that previously contained no brook trout. Additionally, we are conducting a broad-scale survey of over 60 brook trout populations to identify those that could serve as suitable broodstock sources based on their genetic characteristics. This project is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Our research results may help inform brook trout propagation strategies to better achieve conservation, restoration, and recreational fishery goals.
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Conservation agencies often stocks hatchery-raised trout to restore or rehabilitate wild trout fisheries and to support put-and-take fisheries. Agencies are increasingly concerned that domestic strains of hatchery-reared trout may exhibited poor post-stocking survival and fail to successfully reproduce. We are experimentally evaluating that concern by quantifying relative reproductive success of domestic brook trout and those with wild parents that were stocked into a stream that previously contained no brook trout. Additionally, we are conducting a broad-scale survey of over 60 brook trout populations to identify those that could serve as suitable broodstock sources based on their genetic characteristics. This project is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Cooperative Fishery Research Unit and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Our research results may help inform brook trout propagation strategies to better achieve conservation, restoration, and recreational fishery goals.
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Evaluating Potential Factors Limiting Lake Sturgeon Reproductive Success in the Upper Fox River
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December 2023
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The Lake Winnebago System (LWS) in east-central Wisconsin supports one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in the world and the population supports a socially- and economically-important winter spear fishery that is closely managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Lake sturgeon spawn at many sites within the LWS, and many fish make extensive spawning migrations into the Fox and Wolf Rivers and their tributaries. The contribution of different spawning sites to the overall lake sturgeon population is unknown and this information is critical to developing management strategies. Ongoing research is helping to address this need. As part of this ongoing research, sampling has demonstrated that larval lake sturgeon successfully hatch at several known spawning sites in the Wolf, Little Wolf, and Embarrass rivers. However, in two years of sampling, no lake sturgeon larvae were captured at the Princeton spawning site on the upper Fox Rive despite spawning activity being observed in both years. Determining what factors are limiting successful spawning of lake sturgeon in the Fox River could help guide efforts to increase recruitment and may help in determining whether direct habitat improvement may be beneficial or if changes at the watershed level would be required to overcome these limiting factors. We hypothesize that siltation rates and periphyton growth may be two factors that are primarily limiting successful hatching of lake sturgeon in the Fox River. Additionally, potential differences in abundance of egg and larval predators at spawning sites could affect reproductive success.
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The Lake Winnebago System (LWS) in east-central Wisconsin supports one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in the world and the population supports a socially- and economically-important winter spear fishery. The contribution of different spawning sites to the overall lake sturgeon population in LWS is unknown and this information is critical to developing management strategies. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the Aquatic Biomonitoring Lab and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Determining what factors are limiting successful spawning of lake sturgeon in the Fox River could help guide efforts to increase recruitment and may help in determining whether direct habitat improvement may be beneficial or if changes at the watershed level would be required to overcome these limiting factors.
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Understanding smallmouth bass recruitment in relation to nest fishing along Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula
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October 2024
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Smallmouth bass support important fisheries along Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, but recent declines in catch rates for smallmouth bass ≥ 18 inches have prompted concerns among stakeholders. Determining reasons for declining catch rates is difficult because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lacks a method for indexing smallmouth bass recruitment before bass enter the fishery at ages 3 and 4. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Our research will help fishery managers determine a sampling method to index recruitment before smallmouth bass enter the fishery and address concerns regarding the effects of nest fishing on recruitment.
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Smallmouth bass support important fisheries along Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, but recent declines in catch rates for smallmouth bass ≥ 18 inches have prompted concerns among stakeholders. Determining reasons for declining catch rates is difficult because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lacks a method for indexing smallmouth bass recruitment before bass enter the fishery at ages 3 and 4. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Our research will help fishery managers determine a sampling method to index recruitment before smallmouth bass enter the fishery and address concerns regarding the effects of nest fishing on recruitment.
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American bullfrog control to promote Chiricahua leopard frog conservation in southeast Arizona
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December 2027
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American bullfrogs are an invasive non-native species in Arizona and have contributed to the declines of many native aquatic species including the federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frog and northern Mexican gartersnake. The high reproductive output and dispersal potential of bullfrogs makes landscape-scale eradication and control logistically challenging. Nevertheless, previous management efforts have successfully eradicated bullfrogs in several areas of southeast Arizona which has greatly facilitated increases in Chiricahua leopard frog distribution and abundance. These bullfrog-free regions are maintained by intensively monitoring adjacent buffer zones where any immigrating bullfrogs are immediately removed. This project will preserve these conservation gains by continuing to monitor these buffer zones and remove any detected bullfrogs. We also monitor Chiricahua leopard frog metapopulations and assist with Chiricahua leopard frog translocations. This project is a collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Arizona, Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. We will use data collected during these management efforts to provide information to better guide bullfrog control and Chiricahua leopard frog recovery.
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American bullfrogs are an invasive non-native species in Arizona and have contributed to the declines of many native aquatic species including the federally threatened Chiricahua leopard frog and northern Mexican gartersnake. The high reproductive output and dispersal potential of bullfrogs makes landscape-scale eradication and control logistically challenging. Nevertheless, previous management efforts have successfully eradicated bullfrogs in several areas of southeast Arizona which has greatly facilitated increases in Chiricahua leopard frog distribution and abundance. These bullfrog-free regions are maintained by intensively monitoring adjacent buffer zones where any immigrating bullfrogs are immediately removed. This project will preserve these conservation gains by continuing to monitor these buffer zones and Chiricahua leopard frog metapopulations. This project is a collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Arizona, Arizona Game and Fish Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. We are in the process of developing concurrent research projects that will provide information to better guide bullfrog control and Chiricahua leopard frog recovery.
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Walleye fisheries bright spots in a changing climate
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December 2026
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Habitat loss, pollution, species introductions, and overfishing have impacted inland fisheries for decades. The impact of climate change threatens to compound these other factors. Our proposed work focuses on walleye fisheries of inland lakes of the Upper Great Lakes region, which have been declining since the early 2000s. Rather than the usual focus on understanding walleye population declines, our research emphasizes ‘bright spots’ - fisheries success stories. We seek to understand the drivers associated with fisheries that perform far better than expectations (‘bright’ fisheries). We will combine a suite of different approaches to provide new insights into walleye fishery bright spots: an ongoing whole-lake experimental removal of basses and sunfishes, observational studies of thermal-optical habitat use, a synthesis of how walleye fisheries responded to management restoration efforts, and a statistical analysis aimed at detecting walleye fishery bright spots. Members of the research team will work in partnership with state (MI, MN, WI) and tribal (GLIFWIC) biologists. Combining the results of these multiple approaches will yield new insights in what makes for a successful walleye fishery, and will generate knowledge that will inform climate-smart fisheries management given that already-stressed fisheries are increasingly subject to a rapidly changing climate.
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Habitat loss, pollution, species introductions, and overfishing have impacted inland fisheries for decades. The impact of climate change threatens to compound these factors. We seek to understand the drivers associated with fisheries that perform far better than expectations (‘bright’ fisheries). We will combine a suite of different approaches to provide new insights into walleye fishery bright spots: an ongoing whole-lake experimental removal of basses and sunfishes, observational studies of thermal-optical habitat use, a synthesis of how walleye fisheries responded to management restoration efforts, and a statistical analysis aimed at detecting walleye fishery bright spots. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the Center for Limnology, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Climate Adaptation Science Center.
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Assessing threats to Cascade red foxes in Washington
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September 2025
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The Cascade red fox (CRF) is one of the rarest and most genetically distinct carnivores in North America. Today, CRF appear to be absent from the North Cascades and are found primarily in Washington’s South Cascades including Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) and surrounding wilderness. A lack of information about threats to CRF, and the lack of a process for identifying and evaluating potential conservation actions, is complicating efforts to conserve this state-endangerd species. In this collaborative effort with partners including the National Park Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, we are combining existing data and new radio-tracking data to understand effects of threats on fox movements and demography. Based on results, we will engage partners in a decision-making process to identify and evaluate management actions. This work will inform ongoing conservation of CRF throughout their range in Washington, including development of a recovery plan for CRF in Washington.
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The Cascade red fox (CRF) is one of the rarest and most genetically distinct carnivores in North America. Today, CRF appear to be absent from the North Cascades and are found primarily in Washington’s South Cascades including Mount Rainier National Park (MORA) and surrounding wilderness. A lack of information about threats to the CRF, a candidate for listing in Washington, is complicating efforts to conserve it. In this collaborative effort with partners including the National Park Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, we are using a combination of existing scat and camera trap sampling, radio-tagging foxes, and interviews, to: 1) Develop estimates of density and survival of CRF in MORA and the surrounding area, and evaluate the effect of spatial covariates, including those related to threats, on density and survival, 2) Understand how coyotes influence CRF habitat use in MORA and the surrounding area, and 3) Use Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) to understand pre-colonization versus contemporary coyote distribution in the southern Washington Cascades. This work will inform ongoing conservation of CRF throughout their range in Washington.
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Optimizing sampling efforts for estimating urban and rural coyote density and determining coyote diet using a noninvasive framework
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March 2022
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Coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>) in North America are supreme generalists and have readily colonized urban landscapes (Gehrt et al. 2009), including those in Florida. We will utilize a noninvasive approach to fill several knowledge gaps for coyotes in Florida. Our overall goals are to identify the most efficient (i.e. minimal cost per successful sample) and robust (i.e., adequate sampling effort) spatio-temporal design for future capture–recapture monitoring efforts through determination of scat accumulation rates, an understanding of DNA degradation rates, and estimates of area to sample. A secondary objective is to examine coyote diet using a traditional morphometric approach and noninvasive scat DNA sampling.
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Coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>) in North America are supreme generalists and have readily colonized urban landscapes (Gehrt et al. 2009), including those in Florida. We will utilize a noninvasive approach to fill several knowledge gaps for coyotes in Florida. Our overall goals are to identify the most efficient (i.e. minimal cost per successful sample) and robust (i.e., adequate sampling effort) spatio-temporal design for future capture–recapture monitoring efforts through determination of scat accumulation rates, an understanding of DNA degradation rates, and estimates of area to sample. A secondary objective is to examine coyote diet using a traditional morphometric approach and noninvasive scat DNA sampling.
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Assessing threats to critical seabird foraging habitat in the Salish Sea
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September 2024
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Seabirds are recognized as critical indicators of oceanic conditions. However, in the Salish Sea, increasing threats to seabird foraging habitat are not well understood in terms of their potential effects on seabird populations. A better understanding of threats to seabird foraging habitat could guide regional efforts to conserve these habitats. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizations, including US Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and University of Washington. We are developing a model to understand foraging habitat selection by Pigeon Guillemots and Rhinoceros Auklets nesting at Protection Island, mapping critical foraging habitat for these species, and developing a model linking breeding outcomes with foraging conditions.
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Seabirds are recognized as critical indicators of oceanic conditions. However, in the Salish Sea, increasing threats to seabird foraging habitat are not well understood in terms of their potential effects on seabird populations. A better understanding of threats to seabird foraging habitat could guide regional efforts to conserve these habitats. This project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizations, including US Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and University of Washington. We are developing a model to understand foraging habitat selection by Pigeon Guillemots and Rhinoceros Auklets nesting at Protection Island, mapping critical foraging habitat for these species, and developing a model linking breeding outcomes with foraging conditions.
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Maximizing the value of Salish Sea aerial surveys for sea duck management
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June 2024
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Many sea duck populations are in decline, and the Salish Sea - as one of the main North American overwintering sites for sea ducks - is critical to their conservation. Salish Sea data have the potential to greatly improve our understanding of factors driving sea duck populations both locally and range-wide. This project is a collaboration with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. We are developing a model for nearly 20 years of aerial survey data on sea ducks in the Salish Sea, to better understand factors driving both their annual growth and their distribution within the Salish Sea.
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Many sea duck populations are in decline, and the Salish Sea - as one of the main North American overwintering sites for sea ducks - is critical to their conservation. Salish Sea data have the potential to greatly improve our understanding of factors driving sea duck populations both locally and range-wide. This project is a collaboration with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. We are developing a model for nearly 20 years of aerial survey data on sea ducks in the Salish Sea, to better understand factors driving both their annual growth and their distribution within the Salish Sea.
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Factors Influencing Detection and Occurrence of Plains Spotted Skunks in Oklahoma
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December 2025
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Spotted skunks (<i>Spilogale</i> spp.) were historically widespread across much of North America, but long-term harvest trends and anecdotal evidence suggested notable population declines, leading to a petition to list the plains spotted skunk (<i>S. interrupta</i>) under the Endangered Species Act. Although the plains spotted skunk was determined to be “not warranted” for protection, information regarding the distribution and ecology of plains spotted skunks is lacking across much of their distribution. Plains spotted skunks are rare and elusive, making them difficult to monitor. Cameras have become the predominant monitoring approach for spotted skunks, but low detection rates have limited success of monitoring programs. Consequently, we initiated a project with a robust study design to assess camera-based sampling strategies for plains spotted skunk and determine factors influencing spotted skunk occurrence. By addressing both detection and occurrence, this project will inform future monitoring strategies and management actions for plains spotted skunks.
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The plains spotted skunk, a subspecies of the eastern spotted skunk, was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act and a review of the subspecies’ status is currently being conducted. To aid managers, fill key knowledge gaps, and decrease the likelihood of the plains spotted skunk being listed, this project will use camera traps, a study design based in sampling theory, and occupancy modeling approaches to (1) characterize camera-based plains spotted skunk detection and identify optimal sampling intensities, (2) estimate plains spotted skunk occupancy, and (3) identify environmental factors associated with plains spotted skunk space use. Information gained will be essential to enhancing conservation efforts for plains spotted skunks in Oklahoma and more broadly.
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Assessment of Prairie Gray Fox Population Distribution, Dynamics, and Genetics in Oklahoma
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June 2027
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The prairie gray fox (<i>Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous</i>) was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to concerns over perceived declines in abundance and distribution, and the federal status review has requested information on (1) habitat use and distribution, (2) population trends, (3) genetics, and (4) the impacts of coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>) and bobcats (<i>Lynx rufus</i>). To aid managers, inform the status review, and decrease the likelihood of the prairie gray fox being listed, we will combine camera trapping and two methods of genetic sampling (i.e., trapper-harvested and fecal DNA samples) to conduct the most comprehensive study to date on the status and ecology of the prairie gray fox. Camera trapping within the primary distribution of prairie gray foxes in Oklahoma will be analyzed with multi-season and multi-species occupancy models to evaluate gray fox distribution and relative abundance, population trend, factors influencing gray fox space use, and the influence of intraguild predators. Genetic sampling will be used to evaluate genetic structure, genetic diversity and sex ratios, and effective population size (<i>N<sub>e</sub></i>) of prairie gray foxes in Oklahoma.
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The prairie gray fox (<i>Urocyon cinereoargenteus ocythous</i>) was petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to concerns over perceived declines in abundance and distribution, and the federal status review has requested information on (1) habitat use and distribution, (2) population trends, (3) genetics, and (4) the impacts of coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>) and bobcats (<i>Lynx rufus</i>). To aid managers, inform the status review, and decrease the likelihood of the prairie gray fox being listed, we will combine camera trapping and two methods of genetic sampling (i.e., trapper-harvested and fecal DNA samples) to conduct the most comprehensive study to date on the status and ecology of the prairie gray fox. Camera trapping within the primary distribution of prairie gray foxes in Oklahoma will be analyzed with multi-season and multi-species occupancy models to evaluate gray fox distribution and relative abundance, population trend, factors influencing gray fox space use, and the influence of intraguild predators. Genetic sampling will be used to evaluate genetic structure, genetic diversity and sex ratios, and effective population size (<i>N<sub>e</sub></i>) of prairie gray foxes in Oklahoma.
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Evaluation of Cougar Predation and Bear Kleptoparasitism on Vermejo Park Ranch, New Mexico
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June 2025
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Over the last 15 years, in response to drought, declining range and riparian conditions, and projected drought conditions in the future, Vermejo Park Ranch (VPR; northern New Mexico) has made an effort to determine the carrying capacity for large ungulates (e.g., elk [<i>Cervus canadensis</i>] and American bison [<i>Bison bison</i>]) of the ranch during an average dry year. Understanding large predator populations and their role in regulating elk (and other ungulate) populations is an important, but relatively unexplored question at VPR.<br>Vermejo Park Ranch is home to black bears (<i>Ursus americanus</i>) and cougars (<i>Puma concolor</i>). Black bear predation can be a primary source of mortality on elk calves. Similarly, cougar predation can be a significant source of elk mortality. Black bears may benefit from, and negatively affect cougars, through kleptoparasitism of cougar kills, which may indirectly impact prey (ungulate) populations by increasing cougar kill rates to make up for the loss of food resources. The primary goal of this study is to document cougar prey selection on VPR and the influence of bear kleptoparasitism on frequency and volume of cougar prey. We anticipate this information will provide insights on the magnitude of elk and mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>) killed by cougars annually and inform future considerations of predator management to support the mission of VPR.
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Over the last 15 years, in response to drought, declining range and riparian conditions, and projected drought conditions in the future, Vermejo Park Ranch (VPR; northern New Mexico) has made an effort to determine the carrying capacity for large ungulates (e.g., elk [<i>Cervus canadensis</i>] and American bison [<i>Bison bison</i>]) of the ranch during an average dry year. Understanding large predator populations and their role in regulating elk (and other ungulate) populations is an important, but relatively unexplored question at VPR.Vermejo Park Ranch is home to black bears (<i>Ursus americanus</i>) and cougars (<i>Puma concolor</i>). Black bear predation can be a primary source of mortality on elk calves. Similarly, cougar predation can be a significant source of elk mortality. Black bears may benefit from, and negatively affect cougars, through kleptoparasitism of cougar kills, which may indirectly impact prey (ungulate) populations by increasing cougar kill rates to make up for the loss of food resources. The primary goal of this study is to document cougar prey selection on VPR and the influence of bear kleptoparasitism on frequency and volume of cougar prey. We anticipate this information will provide insights on the magnitude of elk and mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>) killed by cougars annually and inform future considerations of predator management to support the mission of VPR.
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Targeted surveys to prevent the extinction of Slender Chub Erimystax cahni
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October 2023
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Slender Chub (SC; <i>Erimystax cahni</i>), known only from a few sites in Clinch River and Powell River (TN and VA) has not been formally collected since the mid-1990s. The species’ biology and habitat make it difficult to capture SC without targeted efforts specific to SC. The purpose of this project is to identify the most likely remaining extant locations for the species and survey them with targeted methods to maximize the likelihood of its capture if still extant. If captured, SC specimens will be photographed, then transferred for captive propagation to Conservation Fisheries Inc. (CFI; Knoxville, TN), who have successfully spawned congeneric species in captivity. The primary goal is to survey suitable locations in the Clinch River and Powell River watersheds, and if found, transfer SC to CFI. Selected survey locations will include locations with previous collection records as well as locations with high probability of occurrence based on the species distribution models (SDMs) developed via the proposed work.<br><b> </b><br><b>OBJECTIVES: </b><br>1) Conduct targeted field surveys to find and collect Slender Chubs in stream reaches predicted to have high probability of presence;2)Develop multi-scale SDMs for slender chub based on historically (pre-1990) verified collection locations and observed species associations; and3) Use field observations to validate and refine the SDMs so they can inform future survey and/or translocation efforts.
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Slender Chub (SC; <i>Erimystax cahni</i>), known only from a few sites in Clinch River and Powell River (TN and VA) has not been formally collected since the mid-1990s. The species’ biology and habitat make it difficult to capture SC without targeted efforts specific to SC. The purpose of this project is to identify the most likely remaining extant locations for the species and survey them with targeted methods to maximize the likelihood of its capture if still extant. If captured, SC specimens will be photographed, then transferred for captive propagation to Conservation Fisheries Inc. (CFI; Knoxville, TN), who have successfully spawned congeneric species in captivity. The primary goal is to survey suitable locations in the Clinch River and Powell River watersheds, and if found, transfer SC to CFI. Selected survey locations will include locations with previous collection records as well as locations with high probability of occurrence based on the species distribution models (SDMs) developed via the proposed work.<b> </b><b>OBJECTIVES: </b>1) Conduct targeted field surveys to find and collect Slender Chubs in stream reaches predicted to have high probability of presence;2)Develop multi-scale SDMs for slender chub based on historically (pre-1990) verified collection locations and observed species associations; and3) Use field observations to validate and refine the SDMs so they can inform future survey and/or translocation efforts.
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Identification of larval darters collected near Niagara Dam on Roanoke River
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