Projects

Project	Completion Date
Adaptive Management for Turkey Harvest in Alabama	September 2020	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.
Demographics and habitat use of Greater Sage-Grouse in wildfire-affected habitats in Oregon.	June 2025	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.	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.
Long-Term Logan River Trout Viability Study and Monitoring	September 2021	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.	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.
FWS: Pyramid Lake Fishery Evaluation to evaluate Lahontan cutthroat trout performance and identify limiting factors for the native fish community	December 2019	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	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
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)	December 2019	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.	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.
Occurrence and variation in submersed aquatic vegetation along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico	August 2020	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.	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.
Carnivore Occupancy and Intraguild Interactions Across New York State	March 2020	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.	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). .
Investigating Impacts of Winter Lake Drawdowns on Littoral Ecosystems	December 2019	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.	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.
Deer abundance and its relationship to factors that affect forest vegetation conditions	June 2026	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).	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.
Wyoming Range Native Fish and Energy Development	June 2021	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.	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.
Wyoming Migration Initiative	December 2023	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.	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.
Wyoming Range Mule Deer Project	December 2019	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.
Identifying Migratory Routes and Wintering Grounds of Burrowing Owls throughout North America	September 2024	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.	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.
Effectiveness of Forest Restoration Treatments on Demography of a Federally Listed Ground Squirrel	April 2028	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.	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.
Assessing the Importance of Wetlands on DoD Installations for the Persistence of Wetland-dependent Birds	December 2019	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.	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.
Impacts of Surface Water Supply Reservoirs on Stream Flow and Biota	June 2024	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.	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.
Landscape-scale management of forest wildlife populations in Wisconsin	July 2024	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.	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.
Landscape-scale management of grassland birds in Wisconsin	April 2022	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.	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.
The demography of Northern Spotted Owls in Oregon and Washington	June 2024	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).	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).
Long-term meta-population demographics of Adélie penguins on Ross island, Antarctica	September 2025	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.	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.
Understanding downstream migratory survival of Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River Maine; effects of dams and restoration	September 2020	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.	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.
Passage of adult Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot River before and after dam removal	January 2022	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.	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.
Web-Accessible Database of Standard Fish Sampling Data	December 2024	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>	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.
Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes	October 2023	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.	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.
Regeneration of Forest Vegetation in Response to Browsing by Moose and Deer: An Experimental Approach Using Exclosures	December 2027	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.	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.
Responses of large mammals to forest restoration treatments and wildfire in the southwest Jemez Mountains, New Mexico	August 2025	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.	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.
Big solar on abandoned agricultural lands: Testing ecosystem restoration for biodiversity, raptor conservation, and social benefits	September 2029	<b>Ecological restoration from solar energy development</b>: In partnership with Intersect Power, we are studying, for the first time, potential for ecological restoration via development of solar energy on vast abandoned ag lands at a 9,000 photovoltaic solar facility in central California; we will conduct research centered on these core themes: 1) wildlife—threatened raptor species and their foraging habitat and prey base, 2) ecosystem services—possible improvements in soil health for agriculture, dust control, and reduction of invasive species, and 3) biodiversity writ large—before-after-control-impact design to compare spatiotemporal trends in biodiversity across landscapes (restored solar facilities, abandoned ag land, active orchards).
Non-lead ammunition distribution program for eagle conservation in New York State	March 2027	<b>Social interactions with animal conservation</b>: In partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, we are elucidating the spatial ecology of eagle-gut pile interactions and testing the efficacy and informing the implementation of a non-lead ammunition distribution program to promote eagle conservation and to serve as a means of compensatory mitigation for eagle take at wind facilities, which currently is limited to power-pole retrofits.
Estimating survival and tag retention of cave amphipods and the Comal Springs Riffle Beetle	June 2024	Recovery of endangered species commonly includes interests in population numbers. Aquatic species in Comal Springs are of concern due to the pressures placed on the aquifer. This project aims to identify tags that may be useful for individually marking this and related species and estimating survival of tagged and untagged beetles.
Evaluating Tennessee Sport Fisheries	June 2027	Evaluating introgression of Alabama Bass into Tennessee waters and threats to native Smallmouth Bass. Informing state hatcheries about stocking timing to maintain trout fisheries.
Identifying areas of abundance and species richness overlap to prioritize renewable energy exclusion zones.	June 2027	The Colorado state legislature has set a goal to transition to 100% renewable electricity generation by 2040, with an intermediate goal of 50% by 2030. This project will provide information and a spatial planning tool of renewable energy that minimizes impacts on avian species throughout the state.
Modeling population dynamics of Mearns’ Quail	June 2026	Mearns' quail are a popular and iconic game bird in the American Southwest, including southeast Arizona. Little information currently exists on Mearns' quail population dynamics in southeast Arizona. Information on Mearns' quail population ecology is needed to help inform the setting of harvest regulations and identify additional data that can be collected through research or monitoring to help better estimate Mearns' quail abundance and monitor population trends. This project is a collaboration between the Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), and the University of Arizona. We will use age- and sex-at-harvest data collected by AZGFD to evaluate Mearns' quail population dynamics and determine how those dynamics are related to harvest and environmental conditions. We will also explore the feasibility of using statistical reconstruction population models to estimate Mearns’ quail abundance. Finally, we will provide recommendations for future research and monitoring. This information can be used to guide future management decisions related Mearns' quail.
Understanding movement ecology of waterfowl to inform avian influenza risk	December 2025	Among the many drivers of infectious disease dynamics, animal movements contribute to the spread of infectious diseases, including multi-host and potentially zoonotic diseases such as avian influenza. Understanding the drivers of waterfowl movements, and how they change across species, seasons, and geographies, is therefore important for estimating disease risk and predicting disease spread. This project compiles waterfowl telemetry data sets globally to analyze similarities and differences in the environmental drivers of waterfowl movements. These results can inform expectations for how management decisions, climate, and human development will affect waterfowl movements and disease dynamics.
Berkeley Springs bypass monitoring program	November 2028	Aquatic community indices will be determined from macroinvertebrate data, providing input and monitoring requirements toward environmental assessments associated with road construction.
Assessment of Rocky Shiner populations in southeast Oklahoma	June 2027	The Rocky Shiner (<i>Notropis suttkusi) </i>is a Tier II Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Oklahoma and is under consideration for listing as threatened or endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This study will provide a habitat-suitability map for Rocky Shiner in Oklahoma and an updated field-verified georeferenced database of occurrences. Such products will help inform state and federal agencies regarding the present status of Rocky Shiner in Oklahoma. Working in concert with biologists from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and US Fish and Wildlife Service, this project will survey for Rocky Shiners throughout their range in Oklahoma. A species status assessment is currently underway for this species and the results of this study will be immediately applicable to that process.
Assessment of mussel community in Blue River	June 2027	The Blue River, Oklahoma has historically supported 23 species of freshwater mussels, but the latest assessment is dated (more than 30 years old) and found that the lower portion of the river was devoid of mussels. Whereas declines in abundance is disconcerting, a complete extirpation is alarming. To understand the current state of mussels in the Blue River, a new survey is necessary; one that can document the abundance and diversity of mussels that still exist as well as assess the status of mussel occurrence in the lower reaches where they have been thought extirpated. Working with biologists from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), we will be using several different survey types, such as snorkeling, quadrat sampling, eDNA, and side-scan sonar to evaluate the state of the mussel community. In the lower portion of the river, this study will provide evidence to help conclude if mussels are truly extirpated with rapid, non-invasive techniques. In the upper portion of the river, this study will update the species composition, relative abundance, and size structure of extant native mussels.
Assessment of connectivity among Alligator Gar populations in the Red River	June 2027	Alligator Gar (<i>Atractosteus spatula</i>) in Oklahoma persist mostly in the Red River system. Fragmentation by Denison Dam has arguably had the largest effect on the Lake Texoma population, but information from the Red River below the dam is needed to better understand how fragmentation, including that by distance alone, relates to the population ecology of Alligator Gar. The Red River system is the main system remaining in Oklahoma where Alligator Gar (<i>Atractosteus spatula</i>) populations persist, but no comprehensive studies exist to determine how fragmentation may be affecting these populations currently. As interest in angling for Alligator Gar has increased in recent years, a better understanding connectivity of populations throughout the Red River is important for management and conservation. This study is a collaboration between biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Together, we will be tagging fish and monitoring their movement with a series of acoustic receivers deployed throughout the river. The results of this study will inform ODWC to better manage Alligator Gar populations beyond Lake Texoma. Genetic results will help USFWS with brood stock capture efforts to inform conservation stocking.
Assessment of salmonid habitat improvements associated with structure placement in Wolf Creek	June 2025	The Wolf Creek watershed, a key tributary to the Umpqua River, is a recognized area of conservation concern that supports significant habitat for fish and wildlife. Major restoration efforts were conducted between 2008 and 2012 to benefit salmonids and other conservation-reliant species. Despite extensive monitoring through the U.S. Forest Service’s Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Aquatic Inventories Program (AQI), substantial gaps remain regarding the effectiveness of these restoration actions. To address this issue, we will analyze nearly 17 years of in-stream monitoring data collected in the Wolf Creek watershed. Our research will leverage AREMP and AQI data to investigate the effects of large wood and boulder weir placements on habitat features and how these changes correlate with the rearing capacity and abundance of target salmonid species. By comprehensively analyzing these high-quality monitoring data, this project will enhance our understanding of the long-term impacts of widely used stream restoration techniques and will inform private and public land management strategies. Furthermore, our findings will facilitate advancements in stream restoration practices throughout the Umpqua River basin and across Oregon.
Forecasting tools to inform the management of native fishes and their habitats in a drought sensitive endorheic basin	July 2027	Climate change poses a significant threat to desert ecosystems and their aquatic habitats. In the western United States, severe droughts, reduced snowpack, rising temperatures, and the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires are rapidly altering streams and wetlands. As a result, the availability of water and habitat quality are becoming critical concerns for the fish and wildlife that inhabit these environments. While managers are planning for climate change, they often lack the necessary information to inform effective management strategies, as high desert aquatic ecosystems are frequently understudied. To address this critical knowledge gap, we are conducting a comprehensive study of fish species and their stream habitats in the Goose Lake Basin in southern Oregon. This basin is a terminal lake system, meaning that water availability is particularly limited. As drought conditions worsen, habitat quality and the movement of native species—including trout, lamprey, and minnows—are likely to be further restricted, especially during the hot summer months when they rely on cool freshwater sources. To enhance our understanding of how climate change impacts habitat quality for these native fish, we are employing stable isotopes to evaluate stream habitat connectivity and flow provenance under varying seasonal and environmental conditions. This data will be integrated with existing fish abundance and water temperature information (from project A7) to model where native and non-native fish are likely to thrive under different climate change scenarios. The outcomes of this project will provide vital information for our partners, enabling them to identify ideal habitats for restoration and enhancement. This will support climate-informed management and decision-making related to species and habitat conservation, ensuring that we can effectively safeguard these vulnerable aquatic ecosystems in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
Evaluation of otolith development in Paddlefish (Acipenseriformes): an ancient lineage of bony fishes	June 2025	To aid the goal of using otoliths to document early life history of Paddlefish, a new approach is necessary; one that can characterize the in situ arrangement of the otoliths and document their morphology and development. Therefore, are addressing the following objectives: 1) document the timing of otolith development in post-larval Paddlefish, and 2) document the morphology of the otoliths, including the fusion of otoconia. A better understanding of Paddlefish otolith formation and morphology will be directly transferrable to other Acipenseriformes fishes, such as sturgeons distributed across the globe.

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Projects

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources