Download or read book The Influence of Cache Site and Rodent Pilferage on Whitebark Pine Seed Germination in the Northern and Central Rocky Mountains written by Elizabeth R. Pansing and published by . This book was released on 2014 with total page 97 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Why Birds Matter written by Çagan H. Sekercioglu and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2016-08-24 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For over one hundred years, ornithologists and amateur birders have jointly campaigned for the conservation of bird species, documenting not only birds’ beauty and extraordinary diversity, but also their importance to ecosystems worldwide. But while these avian enthusiasts have noted that birds eat fruit, carrion, and pests; spread seed and fertilizer; and pollinate plants, among other services, they have rarely asked what birds are worth in economic terms. In Why Birds Matter, an international collection of ornithologists, botanists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental economists seeks to quantify avian ecosystem services—the myriad benefits that birds provide to humans. The first book to approach ecosystem services from an ornithological perspective, Why Birds Matter asks what economic value we can ascribe to those services, if any, and how this value should inform conservation. Chapters explore the role of birds in such important ecological dynamics as scavenging, nutrient cycling, food chains, and plant-animal interactions—all seen through the lens of human well-being—to show that quantifying avian ecosystem services is crucial when formulating contemporary conservation strategies. Both elucidating challenges and providing examples of specific ecosystem valuations and guidance for calculation, the contributors propose that in order to advance avian conservation, we need to appeal not only to hearts and minds, but also to wallets.

Download or read book A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark s Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels written by Teresa J. Lorenz and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a critical component of subalpine ecosystems in western North America, where it contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem function and in some communities is considered a keystone species. Whitebark pine is undergoing rangewide population declines attributed to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust, and fire suppression. The restoration and maintenance of whitebark pine populations require an understanding of all aspects of seed fate. In this paper, we review the literature on seed dispersal in whitebark pine. Clark's nutcracker, pine squirrels, and scatter-hoarding rodents are all known to influence whitebark pine seed fate and ultimately affect the ability of whitebark pine populations to regenerate. We also provide a general overview of the natural histories of the most influential species involved with whitebark pine seed fate: Clark's nutcracker and the pine squirrel.

Download or read book A Greenhouse Study of the Effects of Cache Size and Relatedness on Seed Germination Seedling Survival Robustness and Root Grafting in Whitebark Pine written by Mary L. Powell and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Effect of Prescribed Burning on Soil Moisture and Germination of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Seed on Basaltic Soils written by Sally M. Haase and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 12 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Effective Methods of Regenerating Whitebark Pine Pinus Albicaulis Through Direct Seeding written by Clay Robert DeMastus and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 228 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rapidly diminishing populations of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) have sparked efforts to restore this ecologically important species and the communities they support. Current restoration efforts have proven to be costly, time consuming, and labor intensive. Implementation of direct seeding as a restoration method, if found effective, would likely decrease the amount of time, money, and labor expended on these efforts. This study looks at the effectiveness of direct seeding through a series of tests performed at six sites throughout the northern Rocky Mountains. The tests consist of a complete randomized block design with five blocks of eight treatments at each site. Treatments include seed treatments of warm stratification, scarification, and both warm stratification and scarification combined. Caging treatments are also implemented into each block. Testing the effectiveness of seed caching and long term survival rates of outplanted nursery grown seedling versus directly sown seeds was also carried out by planting caches next to nursery seedlings throughout each site. A logistic regression analysis consistently estimated seeds undergoing the warm stratification treatment to have the highest combined germination and survivalrates. Caging was found to be effective at increasing germination under certain circumstances as well as increasing survival possibly due to the shading properties the cages provided. Seed caching did not appear to have an effect on survival of directly sown seeds. Caching also did not appear to have an effect on germination with the exception of one site. Initial results of long term survival rates of outplanted nursery grown seedlings compared to germination and survival rates of directly sown seeds showed higher rates for the nursery grown seedlings. Additional monitoring will be needed to determine long-term survival differences. From the results of this study, it is felt that the implementation of direct seeding of warm stratified seed as a restoration method will be successful and cost effective. Caging, although found effective in this study, is felt to posses more disadvantages than advantages. Its advantages in the aspect of survival could be replaced with other microsite planting techniques. Seed caching, at this time, is not recommended as more research is needed.

Download or read book A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark s Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels written by Teresa J. Lorenz and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a critical component of subalpine ecosystems in western North America, where it contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem function and in some communities is considered a keystone species. Whitebark pine is undergoing rangewide population declines attributed to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust, and fire suppression. The restoration and maintenance of whitebark pine populations require an understanding of all aspects of seed fate. In this paper, we review the literature on seed dispersal in whitebark pine. Clark's nutcracker, pine squirrels, and scatter-hoarding rodents are all known to influence whitebark pine seed fate and ultimately affect the ability of whitebark pine populations to regenerate. We also provide a general overview of the natural histories of the most influential species involved with whitebark pine seed fate: Clark's nutcracker and the pine squirrel.

Download or read book A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark s Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels written by United States Department of Agriculture and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2015-06-26 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a critical component of subalpine ecosystems in western North America, where it contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem function and in some communities is considered a keystone species. Whitebark pine is undergoing rangewide population declines attributed to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust, and fire suppression. The restoration and maintenance of whitebark pine populations require an understanding of all aspects of seed fate. In this paper, we review the literature on seed dispersal in whitebark pine. Clark's nutcracker, pine squirrels, and scatter-hoarding rodents are all known to influence whitebark pine seed fate and ultimately affect the ability of whitebark pine populations to regenerate. We also provide a general overview of the natural histories of the most influential species involved with whitebark pine seed fate: Clark's nutcracker and the pine squirrel.

Download or read book Whitebark Pine Stand Condition Tree Abundance and Cone Production as Predictors of Visitation by Clark s Nutcracker written by Lauren E. Barringer and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: BACKGROUND: Accurately quantifying key interactions between species is important for developing effective recovery strategies for threatened and endangered species. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act, depends on Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) for seed dispersal. As whitebark pine succumbs to exotic disease and mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae), cone production declines, and nutcrackers visit stands less frequently, reducing the probability of seed dispersal. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We quantified whitebark pine forest structure, health metrics, and the frequency of nutcracker occurrence in national parks within the Northern and Central Rocky Mountains in 2008 and 2009. Forest health characteristics varied between the two regions, with the northern region in overall poorer health. Using these data, we show that a previously published model consistently under-predicts the proportion of survey hours resulting in nutcracker observations at all cone density levels. We present a new statistical model of the relationship between whitebark pine cone production and the probability of Clark's nutcracker occurrence based on combining data from this study and the previous study. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our model clarified earlier findings and suggested a lower cone production threshold value for predicting likely visitation by nutcrackers: Although nutcrackers do visit whitebark pine stands with few cones, the probability of visitation increases with increased cone production. We use information theoretics to show that beta regression is a more appropriate statistical framework for modeling the relationship between cone density and proportion of survey time resulting in nutcracker observations. We illustrate how resource managers may apply this model in the process of prioritizing areas for whitebark pine restoration.

Download or read book Collecting and Germinating Whitebark Pine Seeds for Restoration Purposes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains written by Adrian Leslie and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 22 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Delayed Seed Germination in Whitebark Pine and Regeneration Patterns Following the Yellowstone Fires written by Diana F. Tomback and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 14 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) seeds are dispersed by Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana), a bird that makes caches under 2-3 cm of soil. Cached seeds may delay germination for one or more years in part because of underdeveloped embryos at the time of seed dispersal. Consequently, whitebark pine may show a soil seed bank strategy that is unique among pines (Pinaceae, Pinus). From 1990 to 1995 we studied natural whitebark pine regeneration following the 1988 Yellowstone fires to determine: (1) whether whitebark pine typically exhibits delayed seed germination and, if so, (2) how this affects patterns of regeneration over time, and (3) whether germination is the result of seed maturation or is stimulated by high levels of moisture availability. We established 275 permanent plots, each 20 m2 in area, divided between Henderson Mountain, Gallatin National Forest, Montana, and Mt. Washburn, Yellowstone National Park. In the Henderson Mountain study area, the ecological conditions or "treatments'' included: dry, burned; moist, burned; dry, unburned; and moist, unburned. In the Mt. Washburn study area, the ecological treatments were dry, burned; moist, burned; and moist, moderately burned. Synchronous delayed seed germination occurred throughout both study areas. The greatest densities of new seedlings appeared in the summers of 1991 and 1993, but the greatest cone crops were produced in 1989 and 1991. Most germination followed two winters of seed dormancy. Regeneration densities were consistently highest on the Mt. Washburn moist treatments. High correlation between weighted means for new regeneration and March-plus-April precipitation, as well as the results of residual and multiple regression analyses, suggests that cone production two years prior and March-plus-April precipitation together account for the regeneration patterns in the Mt. Washburn study area. The role of precipitation requires a further study.

Download or read book The Regeneration Niche of Whitebark Pine written by Matthew Scott Gelderman and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 147 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Understanding the regeneration stage of any species is key to determining the processes that lead to population persistence and structure, community development, and succession. In the case of the endangered whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), knowledge of regeneration processes will be important for developing approaches for recovery and restoration of the species. I investigated biophysical drivers of whitebark pine seedling presence, abundance, and growth in the northern Alberta Rocky Mountains where mortality from white pine blister rust (caused by the fungus Cronartium ribicola) and mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) remains low and whitebark pine regeneration is poorly studied. Transects were established in different mesohabitats (community type and elevation) to determine how these factors influence whitebark pine regeneration. Mesohabitat-scale conditions and seedling density along each transect were measured and microsites with and without whitebark pine seedlings were characterized along each transect. The height, age and health of each whitebark pine seedling found in each microsite was recorded and a subset of seedlings was destructively sampled in order to analyze annual growth and release. In forest mesohabitats canopy gaps at microsite scales favored occurrence, growth rate and growth release. However, at the mesohabitat scale seedling abundance was positively related to canopy cover. Whitebark pine seedlings in open habitats below treeline were negatively associated with cover of rock, graminoids and seedlings of other tree species, grew fastest at intermediate values of temperature and dryness, and exhibited release in microsites with little other understory cover. These results suggest that at the northern portion of its range, whitebark pine grows best in conditions that limit competitors but still allow for sufficient growth. This contrasted with the situation in alpine and treeline mesohabitats, where increased growth rates, growth release and seedling presence were associated with warmer microsites that had higher vegetation cover. Seedling density in both open and treeline environments was highest along southwest facing slopes. That release and general success of seedlings was better in canopy gaps supports the use of restoration activities such as thinning overstory trees and planting in open mesohabitats or microsites. As the regeneration niche of whitebark pine differed among mesohabitats and biophysical drivers of success differed among presence, abundance and growth of whitebark pine, I suggest that it is critically important to consider the mesohabitat and all factors of regeneration success when restoring whitebark pine.

Download or read book Effects of Ponderosa Pine Seed Germination and Seedling Survival from Seed Caching and Burned over Areas written by Debra K. McGuinn-Robbins and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Effects of Watering Treatments on Germination Survival and Growth of Ponderosa Pine written by Daniel L. Noble and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book The Effects of Seed Source Health on Whitebark Pine Pinus Albicaulis Regeneration Density After Wildfire written by Signe B. Leirfallom and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 10 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) populations are declining nearly rangewide from a combination of factors, including mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902) outbreaks, the exotic pathogen Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. 1872, which causes the disease white pine blister rust, and successional replacement due to historical fire exclusion practices. With high mortality in cone-bearing whitebark pine, seed production may not be sufficient to support natural regeneration after disturbance such as wildfire. Our objective was to examine the relationship between whitebark pine seed source health and whitebark pine regeneration density in adjacent burns. We sampled regeneration and seed source health in 15 burns within six national forests and three Wilderness Areas in Montana, ranging from 5 to 23 years old. We found a significant, positive relationship between seed source health and seedling density in adjacent burns. Natural regeneration was sparse when the proportion of damaged or dead whitebark pine in the seed source exceeded 50%. Factors that influenced the presence of whitebark pine regeneration within a burn included both vegetation cover and potential solar radiation. Sites closer to seed sources had higher probabilities of seedling occurrence, but seedlings were present throughout most burns. Our results suggest that managers can prioritize restoration plantings of whitebark pine seedlings after wildfire based on the health status of the nearest seed sources.

Download or read book Field Guide to Forest Plants of South central Colorado written by David C. Powell and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Whitebark Pine Communities written by Diana F. Tomback and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 462 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a dominant feature of western high-mountain regions, offering an important source of food and high-quality habitat for species ranging from Clark's nutcracker to the grizzly bear. But in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada, much of the whitebark pine is disappearing. Why is a high-mountain species found in places rarely disturbed by humans in trouble? And what can be done about it.Whitebark Pine Communities addresses those questions, explaining how a combination of altered fire regimes and fungal infestation is leading to a rapid decline of this once abundant -- and ecologically vital -- species. Leading experts in the field explain what is known about whitebark pine communities and their ecological value, examine its precarious situation, and present the state of knowledge concerning restoration alternatives. The book. presents an overview of the ecology and status of whitebark pine communities offers a basic understanding of whitebark pine taxonomy, distribution, and ecology, including environmental tolerances, community disturbance processes, regeneration processes, species interactions, and genetic population structure identifies the threats to whitebark pine communities explains the need for management intervention surveys the extent of impact and losses to dateMore importantly, the book clearly shows that the knowledge and management tools are available to restore whitebark pine communities both locally and on a significant scale regionally, and it provides specific information about what actions can and must be taken.Whitebark Pine Communities offers a detailed portrait of the ecology of whitebark pine communities and the current threats to them. It brings together leading experts to provide in-depth information on research needs, management approaches, and restoration activities, and will be essential reading for ecologists, land managers, and anyone concerned with the health of forest ecosystems in the western United States.