General Resources Holdings
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Conservation Registry Portal
A new, online information system that records, tracks and maps conservation efforts across the state.
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.
Thematic‐Area (1) Pre‐Existing Tools, Portals, Datasets, Resources
Thematic‐Area (1) Pre‐Existing Tools, Portals, Datasets, Resources
RFA - Guidance On What is an LLC Level Activity - Word Doc
Please consider the follow points as guidance in evaluating the adequacy of each potential activity or research investigation as you identify and build the Portfolio elements.
RFA 1 - Inventory and review of ecological flow models and monitoring networks with applicability to Appalachian watersheds - Word Doc
Flow models offer a methodology to predict instream flow using a variety of parameters, and are the best tool available to assist resource managers in making scientifically defensible recommendations and setting sound water resource policy.
RFA 2 - Development of a stream classification system compatible throughout the Appalachian LCC as a platform to study ecological flow issues - Word Doc
In order to support development of instream flow standards, a classification system for Appalachian aquatic ecosystems is needed. A regional river classification system would allow states and other water resource managers to supplement their own limited data for flow-ecology relationships with information from other areas. Several stream habitat classification efforts have been developed (or are under development) in areas partially overlapping the Appalachian LCC, but these are somewhat different from each other, do not cover the entire Appalachian LCC geographic area, and may or may not meet the needs of resource managers in the Appalachians.
RFA 3 - Forecast future spatial footprint of energy production across the Appalachian LCC region - Word Doc
Without a predictive visualization of energy development, the Appalachian LCC cannot make informed decisions on landscape conservation priorities. This project will provide an overview of principal stressors created by energy development, by sector and cumulatively across the Appalachian LCC. The products to be developed will include forecasting model(s), and Geographic Information System (GIS) products to provide a projection of the energy development footprint across the Appalachians LCC by individual sector and cumulative footprint. Deliverables will inform resource management decisions by providing a foundational reference for predicting potential future development as a spatial footprint that can be overlaid with Appalachian LCC targets and priorities.
RFA 4- Landscape-scale maps of terrestrial habitat and ecosystems based on a common mid-level classification framework for the Appalachian LCC region - Word Doc
Most past and current efforts to predict the geographic distribution of current or potential vegetated communities occur at national and regional scales (e.g., LANDFIRE, Gap Analysis Program, Northeast Terrestrial Habitat Mapping Project) and utilize a combination of remotely sensed imagery and mapped environmental and ecological variables. The resulting products, while comprehensive in coverage of the region, are often at a resolution too coarse or a precision too inaccurate to be utilized at the scale of on-the-ground habitat conservation delivery. Land managers and conservation planners need standardized, consistent, and accurate landscape-scale maps of terrestrial habitat and ecosystems based on a common mid-level classification framework. Managers also need mapping products with units developed at a resolution necessary to take into account or respond predictably to successional dynamics and disturbance regimes. Furthermore, mapping products which additionally identify habitat structural characteristics (e.g., canopy cover, layer stratification) are critical to better understanding habitat condition and determining suitability for specific species.
RFA 5 - Survey inventory & distribution mapping of RTEE species across the Appalachian LCC
Species/community management at the large regional scale of the Appalachian LCC requires GIS products that allow for a comprehensive assessment of distribution trends at whole-population levels. Those species that are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act are most likely to have been mapped across their entire range of occurrence, however state-listed species or other rare but priority species may not have been mapped entirely - or this information may not be readily available to all LCC partners. Having georeferenced ranges for our rarest endemic species will allow resource managers to focus conservation efforts, including mitigation projects and seek to divert development interests harmful to these communities. Furthermore, readily accessible comprehensive data will result in enhanced collaboration opportunities.
RFA 6 - Understanding Land Use and Climate Change in the Appalachian Landscape - Word Doc
The APLCC intends to understand and address major environmental and human-related vulnerabilities of species as it relates to climate change stressors and develop adaptation strategies in response to climate change. This project will identify species and habitats vulnerable to climate change impacts, and describe vulnerabilities in sufficient detail to inform conservation partners who can then plan adaptive management responses, and compile a tabular, geo-referenced database for the Appalachian LCC website with a list of species/communities by taxonomic group/province identified as most vulnerable using the methodology determined to be of highest quality and best suited to the need of the Appalachians.
Collision Course? Researchers Tag Golden Eagles with Satellite Telemetry Devices, Track Migration To Assess Risks of Wind Energy Development in Pennsylvania
Twice yearly, above the Appalachian Mountains in central and western Pennsylvania, a rarely witnessed winged migration takes place. Hundreds of eastern golden eagles – majestic raptors with wingspans that can exceed seven feet -- traverse the state to their winter and summer territories, passing above the mountain ridges through what preliminary research shows to be an unchanging 30-60 mile wide corridor of air space. The eagles’ flight path overlaps with land areas that hold significant potential for wind power development in Pennsylvania, setting these majestic birds on a potential collision course with fast-moving turbine blades. In the hope of avoiding such a scenario, a team of researchers at the National Aviary and Powdermill Avian Research Center, the biological research station of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, has come together to track and map the birds’ movements.
IT Notes 2011
Goal statement: Create, maintain, and grow a GIS/ IT architecture that facilitates the development of community networks, supports systems modeling, enables information creation, exchange and education in a consistent manner across administrative boundaries allowing users to easily discover, access and integrate data and tools to facilitate conservation across the landscape over time.
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
Paul Johansen Welcome ALCC Conservation Priorities Science Needs Workshop Nov 2011
Paul Johansen Welcome ALCC Conservation Priorities Science Needs Workshop Nov 2011
Ken Elowe Conservation Framework Presentation AppLCC Workshop Nov 2011
Ken Elowe Conservation Framework Presentation AppLCC Workshop Nov 2011
Rob Baldwin Landscape Scale Conservation Planning Talk Nov 2011
Rob Baldwin Landscape Scale Conservation Planning Talk Nov 2011
Chris Burkett Process Presentation Final Nov 2011
Chris Burkett Process Presentation Final Nov 2011
ALCC Vision Mission Nov 2011
ALCC Vision Mission Nov 2011
US Fish and Wildlife Service - Science Seminar Series 2012
US Fish and Wildlife Service Science Seminar Series 2012 takes place in the Northeast Regional Office, Hadley, MA, on the second or fourth Thursday of each mouth from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Presentations are also available via broadcast or webinar at http://www.fws.gov/northeast/science/seminars/
App LCC Synthesis Report 12711 DJ Case ver3 FINAL Nov 2011
App LCC Synthesis Report 12711 DJ Case ver3 FINAL
Top Ranked Science Needs Day 1 Nov 2011
Top Ranked Science Needs Day 1
Needs IT InfM PreExisting PLUS Nov 2011
Needs IT InfM PreExisting PLUS
Portfolio Schematic Nov 2011
Portfolio Schematic
Theme Program Descriptions FINAL Nov 2011
Theme Program Descriptions FINAL
WPT Ranking Guidance 20111121 Nov 2011
WPT Ranking Guidance 20111121 Nov 2011
WS Agenda FINAL 112211 Nov 2011
WS Agenda FINAL 112211 Nov 2011
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.
Cover Slide Current Climate Science
J Brennan
Conservation in a Changing Climate - Website
The success of future conservation efforts will depend upon our abilities to understand and predict ecosystem changes and take action to help species adjust to a changing climate.
RFA Conference Call Q & A - March 19, 2011
There were approximately 12 participants on this second informational call. Many had participated in our first call, but new entities included: Downstream Strategies, Ecological Modeling, U. of VA., Penn. State, and Environmental Services.
Responding to Climate Change on National Forests: A Guidebook for Developing Adaptation Options
From the USDA Forest Service, comes a recently published guidebook for climate change adaptation in national forests. It provides a state-of-science summary of principles of adaptation, methods for vulnerability assessment, and tools and processes to facilitate the development of adaptation strategies and tactics. Distributed to all 176 national forest units, the guidebook is being used throughout the Forest Service and by other agencies to integrate climate change in sustainable resource management.
US Fish and Wildlife Service - Science Seminar Series - Evaluating the Vulnerabilities of Ecological Resources to Climate Change in the Northeast- December, 2011 - National LCC Event
December 2011 seminar of the five monthly seminar series presented on LCC projects. The December series features Dr. Hector Galbraith and Lesley Sneddon's presentation: Evaluating the Vulnerabilities of Ecological Resources to Climate Change in the Northeast.
US Fish and Wildlife Service - Science Seminar Series - Effects of sea-level rise and altered storminess on Piping Plover breeding habitat along the U.S. Atlantic Coast- January, 2012 - National LCC Event
January 2012 seminar of the five monthly seminar series presented on LCC projects. The January series features Sarah Karpanty's presentation: Effects of sea-level rise and altered storminess on Piping Plover breeding habitat along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.
Structural and Functional Loss in Restored Wetland Ecosystems
Wetlands, which include tropical mangroves and boreal peatlands, are among the most valuable ecosystems in the world because they provide critical ecosystem goods and services, such as carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, fish production, water purification, and erosion control. As global change accelerates the loss of wetlands, attempts are increasing to restore this fragile habitat and its associated functioning. There has been no global evaluation, however, of how effective such restoration efforts have been. Here, we present a meta-analysis of the biological structure (driven mostly by plant communities) and biogeochemical functioning (driven primarily by the storage of carbon in wetland soils) of 621 wetland sites.
Restoration of Ailing Wetlands
It is widely held that humankind’s destructive tendencies when exploiting natural resources leads to irreparable harm to the environment. Yet, this thinking runs counter to evidence that many ecological systems damaged by severe natural environmental disturbances (e.g., hurricanes) can restore themselves via processes of natural recovery. The emerging field of restoration ecology is capitalizing on the natural restorative tendencies of ecological systems to build a science of repairing the harm inflicted by humans on natural environment. Evidence for this, for example, comes from a new metaanalysis of 124 studies that synthesizes recovery of impacted wetlands worldwide. While it may take up to two human generations to see full recovery, there is promise, given human will, to restore many damaged wetlands worldwide
Building partnerships and establishing consensus on regional priorities across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Landscape Cooperative - Final Report
As part of our project to identify the most climate vulnerable species in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes Landscape Conservation Cooperative we have completed phase one of our project. This report summarizes our findings to date.We completed ten workshops across the region and have compiled a regional list of priority wildlife species for consideration in a climate vulnerability assessment. Included in the report are the top 30 species shared as priorities across the region, as well as the individual lists from each workshop.
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.
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.
Threats to Freshwater Mussels and the Consequences for Ecosystems
Catastrophic decline in freshwater mussels may impact water quality and other species. These invertebrates play a crucial role in river ecosystems. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Caryn Vaugh studies mussels' role in their environment. Almost 70 percent of the species are considered threatened in some way. They're the most globally threatened freshwater organism there is.
Appalachian LCC Reachback to Field Offices
A PowerPoint summary of the mission, governance structure, decision-support tools, and conservation priorities of the Appalachian LCC.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Climate Change Facebook Page
Do you all know that the Service has a climate change Facebook page?
A System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) to Climate Change pdf
Sustained conservation of species requires integration of future climate change effects, but few tools exist to assist managers. The System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) identifies the relative vulnerability or resilience of vertebrate species to climate change.
A System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) to Climate Change
Sustained conservation of species requires integration of future climate change effects, but few tools exist to assist managers. The System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) identifies the relative vulnerability or resilience of vertebrate species to climate change.
Global Warming May Cause Higher Loss of Biodiversity Than Previously Thought
If global warming continues as expected, it is estimated that almost a third of all flora and fauna species worldwide could become extinct. Scientists from the Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (Biodiversität und Klima Forschungszentrum, BiK-F) and the SENCKENBERG Gesellschaft für Naturkunde discovered that the proportion of actual biodiversity loss should quite clearly be revised upwards: by 2080, more than 80 % of genetic diversity within species may disappear in certain groups of organisms, according to researchers in the title story of the journal Nature Climate Change. The study is the first world-wide to quantify the loss of biological diversity on the basis of genetic diversity.
EPA Accepts First GHG Reporting Data - Agency launches electronic GHG reporting tool
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is launching a new tool to allow 28 industrial sectors to submit their 2010 greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution data electronically. Prior to being finalized, more than1,000 stakeholders, including industry associations, states and NGOs tested the electronic GHG Reporting Tool (e-GGRT) to ensure clarity and user-friendliness.
Climate Change Hurts Indian Tribes Disproportionately, Report Finds
North American Indian Tribes are especially harmed by climate change, as more ecological shifts and more frequent, more extreme weather events occur, a new study concludes. Because Tribes are heavily dependent on natural resources, severe weather events like droughts, floods, wildfires, and snowstorms make tribal communities particularly vulnerable and impact American Indians and Alaska Natives more than they impact the general population.
SAVS: A System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species
RMRS has developed a System for Assessing Vulnerability of Species (SAVS) that quantifies the relative impact of expected climate change effects for terrestrial vertebrate species.
Climate Connections: Questions from North and South Carolina
America has questions about climate change, and the USGS has real answers. In this episode of Climate Connections, USGS scientists answer questions gathered from North and South Carolina.
Scanning the Conservation Horizon
A new guide released by the National Wildlife Federation and partners offers conservationists and resource managers a way to understand the impact of climate change on species and ecosystems and will support efforts to safeguard these valuable natural resources.
Rising to the Urgent Challenge Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate Change
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service climate change strategy, titled “Rising to the Urgent Challenge: Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate Change,” establishes a basic framework within which the Service will work as part of the larger conservation community to help ensure the sustainability of fish, wildlife, plants and habitats in the face of accelerating climate change. The plan is implemented through a dynamic action plan that details specific steps the Service will take during the next five years to implement the Strategic Plan.
Workshop Approach for Developing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Actions for Natural Resource Management Agencies in the United States
Workshop Approach for Developing Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Actions for Natural Resource Management Agencies in the United States Image
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Climate Change Strategy - Rising to the Urgent Challenge: Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate Change
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service climate change strategy, titled “Rising to the Urgent Challenge: Strategic Plan for Responding to Accelerating Climate Change,” establishes a basic framework within which the Service will work as part of the larger conservation community to help ensure the sustainability of fish, wildlife, plants and habitats in the face of accelerating climate change. The plan is implemented through a dynamic action plan that details specific steps the Service will take during the next five years to implement the Strategic Plan.
The Climate of Conservation in America: 50 Stories in 50 States
A state-by-state look at how accelerating climate change is impacting or may impact fish and wildlife across America. The series provides a snapshot of the broad scope of changes and emerging trends we’re just beginning to understand, as well as collaborative efforts to respond across the nation.
National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy
The National Fish, Wildlife, and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy will provide a unified approach—reflecting shared principles and science-based practices—for reducing the negative impacts of climate change on fish, wildlife, plants, and the natural systems upon which they depend.
Climate Change Information Toolkit
Here are some tools for communicating about climate change impacts and the Fish and Wildlife Service's strategic response.
Climate Change, Wildlife, and Wildlands Toolkit
The new Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators is an updated and expanded version of the award-winning (2001 Public Relations Society of America Bronze Anvil Award for Interactive Communications and 2002 Telly Award) and very popular (over 40,000 kits distributed in all 50 states and the U.S. territories and over a dozen countries across the world) Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit for Teachers and Interpreters first published in 2001.
US Fish and WIldlife Service Climate Change Update
Climate Change Update is distributed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees and partners by the Office of External Affairs to provide information and news related to the Service's strategic response to accelerating climate change.
Wildlife Conservation Society Conservation Challenges - Climate Change
Climate change is arguably the pre-eminent challenge facing the conservation of wildlife and wild places. The WCS North America Program is addressing this challenge to ensure the long-term success of our conservation efforts. Warming has already begun to affect wildlife by shifting species’ ranges, altering the timing of seasonal events, decreasing snowpacks and streamflows, increasing lake and stream water temperatures, and melting glaciers and sea ice. As North America and the rest of the planet continue to warm, the conservation of diminishing water sources will likely become a major focus for local communities and public land managers. Other anticipated changes include the expansion of severe wildfires, increased drought frequency and severity, increased plant and wildlife disease outbreaks and insect infestations, and the degradation of vulnerable habitats, all with major implications for wildlife. There is a growing need for conservation actions now to help offset inevitable changes in landscapes and wildlife populations.
NCTC Adds Sessions for Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Course
The National Conservation Training Center is scheduling several additional sessions of the new three-day Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment course to help resource managers assess species and habitat vulnerability to climate change.
US Fish and WIldlife Service NCTC Climate Change - Climate Change Resources
The NCTC Climate Change Resource Library provides selected citations to peer-reviewed journal articles, documents, books, theses, presentations, and Websites on the effect of climate change on North American fish, wildlife and habitats.
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Welcome to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the nation's first wildlife research station through an Executive Order in 1936. The research and wildlife conservation mission were created as the Patuxent Research Refuge and this relationship continues today as the close partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. New directions in wildlife science that support adaptive management and structured decision making (SDM) have been developed by Patuxent scientists, and the Center has had a long history of research that supports endangered species recovery. Our vision and mission define our purpose and direction and working with our partners is our approach to ensuring relevant, high quality science supports society’s needs and our role as a Federal research institution.
North American Migratory Bird Joint Ventures: 25 Years
Migratory Bird Joint Ventures are cooperative, regional partnerships that work to conserve habitat for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, and people.
AppLCC Development and Operations Planning
Information collected during the initial development phase of the Appalachian LCC to characterize the landscape setting, natural resources, land use and climate challenges, and to describe the science/research and conservation management capacity that exists in the Appalachian conservation community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Golden-winged Warbler Habitat: Best Management Practices
The goal of this BMP is to present management prescriptions to forest managers interested in providing breeding habitat for Golden-winged Warblers through management actions associated with timber harvesting. We provide a science-based approach in an adaptive management framework to understanding breeding habitat use of Golden-winged Warblers across a range of timber harvest prescriptions in Pennsylvania and Maryland. This document is intended for use by state and private foresters, biologists, and other land managers. We anticipate that this BMP is the first document in a series that will address management of other early successional habitat used by Golden-winged Warblers including old fields, reclaimed strip mines, scrub oak barrens, and aspen cuts.
Freshwater Mussels of the Powell River, Virginia and Tennessee: Abundance and Distribution in a Biodiversity Hotspot
Historically, the Powell River had a diverse freshwater mussel fauna of 46 species. Various surveys conducted over the past century have recorded a decline in mussel densities and diversity throughout much of the river, due to historical and on-going anthropogenic impacts. In 2008 and 2009, random timed-search, systematic search, and quadrat sampling of 21 sites were completed to document species richness, relative abundance, density, and size-class structure of resident mussel populations. We recorded 19 species from 18 sites, including 5 endangered species during quadrat sampling efforts. he mussel fauna of the lower Powell River continues to represent one of the most diverse in the United States. Outside of the Powell River, only 2 or 3 populations remain for most of the listed species extant in the river. Given these qualities, the Powell River deserves recognition as a location for focused conservation efforts to protect its diverse mussel assemblage.
Annual Funding Opportunity USGS Climate Science Centers
Fiscal Year 2013 and 2014
APPLCC_FTP_Procedure.pdf
APPLCC FTP Procedure
National Fish, Wildlife, & Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy
The purpose of the National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy is to inspire and enable natural resource administrators, elected officials, and other decision makers to take action to adapt to a changing climate. Adaptation actions are vital to sustaining the nation’s ecosystems and natural resources — as well as the human uses and values that the natural world provides.
Climate Change: Future Federal Adaptation Efforts Could Better Support Local Infrastructure Decision Makers
The federal government invests billions of dollars annually in infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, facing increasing risks from climate change. Adaptation—defined as adjustments to natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate change— can help manage these risks by making infrastructure more resilient. GAO was asked to examine issues related to infrastructure decision making and climate change. This report examines (1) the impacts of climate change on roads and bridges, wastewater systems, and NASA centers; (2) the extent to which climate change is incorporated into infrastructure planning; (3) factors that enabled some decision makers to implement adaptive measures; and (4) federal efforts to address local adaptation needs, as well as potential opportunities for improvement. GAO reviewed climate change assessments; analyzed relevant reports; interviewed stakeholders from professional associations and federal agencies; and visited infrastructure projects and interviewed local decision makers at seven sites where adaptive measures have been implemented.
Central Hardwoods Joint Venture Glade Conservation Assessment For the Interior Highlands and Interior Low Plateaus Of the Central Hardwoods Region
The glade conservation assessment is a collaborative effort among 8 states to document the current status and distribution of 24 distinct glade ecosystems and their associated species of conservation concern within the Central Hardwoods Bird Conservation Region, as well as the Ouachita Mountains to the south.
Glade Plant Species of Conservation Concern
Regional Glade Conservation Assessment. Appendix 5, Glade Plant Species of Conservation Concern.
Glade Animal List
Regional Glade Conservation Assessment Appendix 6: Glade Animal List
Export Spreadsheet
Export spreadsheet for how to search the expertise database.
USDA Agricultural Research Service National Programs
ARS research is organized into National Programs. These programs serve to bring coordination, communication, and empowerment to approximately 690 research projects carried out by ARS. The National Programs focus on the relevance, impact, and quality of ARS research.
USDA Regional Biomass Research Centers (RBRC)
This USDA-led effort (RBRC), which is coordinated by ARS and the U.S. Forest Service, is tasked with ensuring that dependable feedstock supplies use agricultural and forestry feedstocks to produce advanced biofuels that meet legislated goals and market demand, and maximizing participation of U.S. rural areas in an emerging and profitable biofuels and biobased products economy.
USDA Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network
The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network is a new network developing national strategies for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production.
AgAR (Agricultural Antibiotic Resistance)
An Environmental Component of a "One Health" approach, the mission of the Agricultural Antibiotic Resistance (AgAR) project is to: develop practical tools and protocols to measure antibiotic drugs, resistant bacteria and resistance genes in agriculturally-impacted soil, water, air, and food; design and evaluate agricultural best management practices to limit the persistence and spread of antibiotic resistance from agroecosystems; and facilitate sharing of ideas and resources among ARS scientists by establishing an agency-wide network of researchers with the common goal of conducting science-based research on AgAR topics.
STEWARDS - A data delivery application for the USDA/ARS Conservation Effects Assessment Project
A data delivery application that provides web-based access to of soil, water, climate, land management, and geospatial data produced by Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) watershed research sites across the United States.
GRACEnet (Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network)
GRACEnet (Greenhouse gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement network) is a research program initiated in the early 2000s . Goals are to better quantify greenhouse gas GHG emissions from cropped and grazed soils under current management practices and to identify and further develop improved management practices that will enhance carbon (C) sequestration in soils, decrease GHG emissions, promote sustainability and provide a sound scientific basis for carbon credits and GHG trading programs.
NUOnet (Nutrient Use and Outcome Network) database
NUOnet Vision: Efficient use of nutrients to optimize production and product quality of food for animals and humans, fuel and fiber in a sustainable manner that contributes to ecosystem services.
Resilient Economic Agricultural Practices
REAP (Resilient Economic Agricultural Practices), formerly known as the Renewable Energy Assessment Project, was initially organized to quantitatively assess the impacts of crop residue (e.g., corn stover) on soil properties. The project's current vision is to revitalize soil health and resiliency, thereby enabling soil resources to meet expanding societal demands while safe-guarding planetary health. Goals include 1) Identifying physical, chemical, or biological parameters and index tools that quantify management effects on carbon sequestration and soil health; 2) Conducting coordinated, quantitative multi-location comparisons of business as usual vs. improved management practices designed to enhance nutrient use efficiency and soil health; 3) Identification of critical indicators and index tools to quantify site-specific soil health and water quality effects; 4) Developing, expanding, and coordinating among ARS teams providing data and databases needed to sustainably supply cellulosic-based bioenergy feedstock and other national natural resource and agricultural challenges.
GRACEnet Soil Biology Network
To help enhance USA soil health, and ensure a robust living soil component that sustains essential functions for healthy plants, animals, and environment, and ultimately provides food for a healthy society, the GRACEnet Soil Biology group are working together with the larger USDA-ARS GRACEnet community to provide soil biology component measurements across regions and to eliminate data gaps for GRACEnet and REAP efforts. The Soil Biology group is focused on efforts that foster method comparison and meta-analyses to allow researchers to better assess soil biology and soil health indicators that are most responsive to agricultural management and that reflect the ecosystems services associated with a healthy, functioning soil.
National Plant Disease Recovery System
The National Plant Disease Recovery System (NPDRS) is called for in Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number 9 (HSPD-9) which was issued in February of 2004. The purpose of the NPDRS is to ensure that the tools, infrastructure, communication networks, and capacity required to mitigate the impact of high consequence plant disease outbreaks are such that a reasonable level of crop production is maintained in the U.S.
Forest Innovation Reviews (FIRz) - 2019
The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities hosts the Forest Innovation Reviews to share innovative ideas about forests, forest management, forest products, and forest-rich communities. Features short TED-talk like presentations on topics like blockchain for illegal logging and creating a new wood to replace plastic.
