Treesearch

Ecological connectivity is increasingly acknowledged as crucial for biodiversity conservation. Iverson et al. suggest that increasing stewardship to ensure permeability is a better approach than protecting linkages between protected areas. We argue that the optimal approach depends on the landscape context, conservation goals, and species involved and suggest that linkage plans can prioritize specific places for protection and improved management. However, when using connectivity models as predictive tools, model validation is vital. We commend Iverson et al. for assessing whether modeled...

Since the reintroduction of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountain region of the Western United States in the mid-1990s, wolves have spread to occupy suitable habitat in several Western states, most notably Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and recently California. Much of this suitable habitat is on federal lands, including those managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. The Forest Service manages lands for multiple uses, including grazing, and many national forests in these states now harbor both wolf and livestock populations for at...

Forest operations, including timber harvest, are an important component of managing forests. Operations are often planned or designed around anticipated weather based on past climate conditions. Climate change is altering current weather patterns and may complicate forest operations. With consideration of current climate in planning and practices, foresters, loggers, landowners, and land managers can continue efficient and sustainable forest operations. Adapting to climate change can begin with gathering relevant information, evaluating risks, and creating plans that reduce risk. It can...

Storing carbon in forests is one approach often proposed to help reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. Land managers can use models to better understand how much carbon is stored in forests, and how forest carbon changes in response to forest growth, mortality, management, and disturbance. Knowing which model to choose based on land management goals can be a challenge. This report describes 15 forest carbon models that are applicable to Washington, Oregon, and California, with a focus on how each model incorporates disturbance and...

The Tongass National Forest has a rich history of serving its inhabitants for thousands of years, providing a variety of ecosystem services. Often, there are competing interests for the limited forest resources that provide the ecosystem services most in demand. In this study, we laid the groundwork for assessing three leading ecosystem services—timber, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat (specifically deer habitat). We examined in detail the tradeoffs among these ecosystem services and how stakeholders will use them. We projected the future needs and ecosystem services likely to be...

Oak dieback disease caused by the fungus Paecilomyces formosus threatens oak trees in the Zagros forests in western Iran. Various insects, such as wood-infesting beetles (Coleoptera), may play a role in dissemination of P. formosus. We collected larvae and adult insects from branch wood of oak trees with dieback symptoms in the Zagros forests. For larval identification, the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COXI) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fungal isolates from wood and insects collected from the sampled oaks were identified by morphology, acid production on...

1. Considerable advances and breakthroughs in wildlife tracking technology have occurred in recent years, allowing researchers to gain insights into the movements and behaviours of a broad range of animals. Considering the accessibility and increase in use of tracking devices in wildlife studies, it is important to better understand the effects on these on animals. 2. Our endeavour revisits a guideline established in 1988, which proposes that bats may encounter body condition or health problems and alter their behaviour when carrying tags weighing more than 5% of their body mass. Through a...

Understanding government experience with hazard buyouts can enhance future efforts. We conducted a study of state and local government perspectives about buyouts after Hurricane Sandy in the New York area, including three jurisdictions that participated in buyouts and two that did not. Respondents differentiated outcomes for buyout participants, which they saw as financially beneficial, and outcomes for residents remaining, including limited open space and risk reduction benefits. The perceived benefits and drawbacks of buyouts were dependent on site and local government characteristics....

We examined the relation of an Olympic Mountain (Washington, U.S.A.) whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) population to its physical and biological environments. We analyzed temperature, light, soil moisture, foliar nutrients, tree size and age, white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), plant species canopy cover, slope stability, and snow cover data to assess the dynamic nature of the whitebark pine population and plant communities since the end of the Little Ice Age around 1850 Common Era. We found that high summer temperatures, drought, and slope stability were important in controlling...

This document provides descriptions and definitions to help users interpret and understand key concepts presented on the Climate Change Atlas website. Information is intended to support users in exploring and using the data and model outputs in the Climate Change Atlas. As users progress through this document, information builds upon previous concepts with exercises and examples. The guide concludes with a more in-depth description of the scientific methods used to model species habitat suitability, migration potential, and adaptability scores. This document will serve as an archive of...