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Stream channel geomorphology influences mussel abundance in southern Appalachian streams, U.S.A.
We quantified freshwater mussel abundance and species richness and their physical habitat at 24 sites in eight streams in southern Appalachian catchments in 2000 and 2001. In addition, we modelled site-specific hydraulic parameters during summer baseflow and bankfull stages to estimate high- and low-discharge conditions, respectively. Mussel abundance was related to stream geomorphology, whereas richness was related to stream size. Baseflow habitat parameters explained only minor variation in abundance or richness, and both measures were highly correlated with mean current velocity or stream size. Bankfull shear stress composed a relatively low proportion of overall mussel habitat variability, but it accounted for significant variation in abundance and richness. Mussel abundance was highly variable at sites subject to low-shear stress during spates, whereas abundance always was low at sites subject to high-shear stress. These data suggest that habitat conditions during floods, rather than those at summer baseflow, limit the abundance of mussels in Appalachian streams. These data also suggest that mussel abundance and assemblage structure may be sensitive to any changes in channel geomorphology and hydraulic conditions that might result from land use in the catchment.
Stakeholder participation for environmental management: A literature review
The complex and dynamic nature of environmental problems requires flexible and trans- parent decision-making that embraces a diversity of knowledges and values. For this rea- son, stakeholder participation in environmental decision-making has been increasingly sought and embedded into national and international policy. Although many benefits have been claimed for participation, disillusionment has grown amongst practitioners and stakeholders who have felt let down when these claims are not realised. This review first traces the development of participatory approaches in different disciplinary and geograph- ical contexts, and reviews typologies that can be used to categorise and select participatory methods. It then reviews evidence for normative and pragmatic benefits of participation, and evaluates limitations and drawbacks. Although few of the claims that are made have been tested, there is evidence that stakeholder participation can enhance the quality of environmental decisions by considering more comprehensive information inputs.
Pragmatic population viability targets in a rapidly changing world
To ensure both long-term persistence and evolutionary potential, the required number of individuals in a population often greatly exceeds the targets proposed by conservation management. We critically review minimum population size requirements for species based on empirical and theoretical estimates made over the past few decades. This literature collectively shows that thousands (not hundreds) of individuals are required for a population to have an acceptable probability of riding-out environmental fluctuation and catastrophic events, and ensuring the continuation of evolutionary processes. The evidence is clear, yet conservation policy does not appear to reflect these findings, with pragmatic concerns on feasibility over-riding biological risk assessment. As such, we argue that conservation biology faces a dilemma akin to those working on the physical basis of climate change, where scientific recommendations on carbon emission reductions are compromised by policy makers. There is no obvious resolution other than a more explicit acceptance of the trade-offs implied when population viability requirements are ignored. We rec- ommend that conservation planners include demographic and genetic thresholds in their assessments, and recognise implicit triage where these are not met.
A Review of Climate-Change Adaptation Strategies for Wildlife Management and Biodiversity Conservation
We reviewed the literature and climate- change adaptation plans that have been developed in United States, Canada, England, Mexico, and South Africa and finding 16 general adaptation strategies that relate directly to the conservation of biological diversity. These strategies can be grouped into four broad categories: land and water protection and management; direct species management; monitoring and planning; and law and policy. Tools for implementing these strategies are similar or identical to those already in use by conservationists worldwide (land and water conservation, ecological restoration, agrienvironment schemes, species translocation, captive propagation, monitoring, natural resource planning, and legislation/regulation). Although the review indicates natural resource managers already have many tools that can be used to address climate-change effects, managers will likely need to apply these tools in novel and innovative ways to meet the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change.
Planning for Growth and Open Space Conservation Webinar Series
A discussion of the programs the Forest Service utilizes to preserve open space through conservation easements and land acquisitions.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Science Seminar Series
On Thursday, July 26th a Science Seminar Series presentation titled, "A Function-based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects" will be given by Richard R. Starr, Division Chief, Habitat Restoration Division, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Appalachian LCC Conservation Priorities Science Needs Workshop - November 29th-30th, 2011
The workshop will assemble a group of researchers and managers from across the Appalachian region to identify the broad suite of decision-support tools and science information needs to address the conservation challenges and opportunities across the landscape.
App LCC Workshops
App LCC Workshops
Climate Impacts on Bird and Plant Communities From Altered Animal – Plant Interactions
The contribution of climate change to declining populations of organisms remains a question of outstanding concern. Much attention to declining populations has focused on how changing climate drives phenological mismatches between animals and their food. Effects of climate on plant communities may provide an alternative, but particularly powerful, influence on animal populations because plants provide their habitats. Here, we show that abundances of deciduous trees and associated songbirds have declined with decreasing snowfall over 22 years of study in Montane, Arizona, USA.
Multistability and Critical Thresholds of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Recent studies have focused on the short-term contribution of the Greenland ice sheet to sea-level rise, yet little is known about its long-term stability. The present best estimate of the threshold in global temperature rise leading to complete melting of the ice sheet is 3.1 °C (1.9–5.1 °C, 95% confidence interval) above the preindustrial climate, determined as the temperature for which the modeled surface mass balance of the present-day ice sheet turns negative. Here, using a fully coupled model, we show that this criterion systematically overestimates the temperature threshold and that the Greenland ice sheet is more sensitive to long-term climate change than previously thought.
Virginia Herpetological Society
Organized in 1958, the Virginia Herpetological Society brings together people interested in advancing their knowledge of Virginia's reptiles and amphibians. The VHS encourages scientific study of Virginia herpetofauna and its conservation. Education continues to be an important society function.
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Conservation Registry Portal
A new, online information system that records, tracks and maps conservation efforts across the state.
Public Comment on USGS Environmental Health Strategic Science Plan
The draft USGS Environmental Health Strategic Science Plan is open for public comment until September 1, 2012. We would appreciate your thoughts and input.
Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Annual Meeting 2012
The Native American Fish & Wildlife Society 30th Annual National Conference to be held at Harrah's Resort/ Casino/ Conference Center in Cherokee, North Carolina, April 30 - May 3, 2012.
Cover Slide Current Climate Science
J Brennan
Charleston Symposium Flyer
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RFA Conference Call Q & A - March 9, 2011
Approximately 25 individuals participated on the first informational call for the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC), held at 10AM on March 9, 2012. The following agencies/organizations were represented (this may not be a complete list): NatureServe, University of Georgia, Ohio State, West Virginia University, USGS (multiple locations), National Wildlife Foundation, University of Connecticut, University of Missouri, University of Kentucky, Equinox Environmental, NC State, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry.
Madison Cave
There is an abundance of cave systems in the Appalachians.
Mussels
Due to their long lifespan and sensitivity to degradation, freshwater mussels are increasingly valued for tracking status and trends of the health of inland waters.
Mountain Lake_02
Image of Mountain Lake in Fall, near Newport, Virginia.