bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ash Yellows in Zion National Park: Impact, Identity of Pathogen, Mode of Spread, and Prospects for Management
Authors: Sinclair Wayne , Griffiths Helen , Treshow Michael , Davis Robert
Published: July 2020

Velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) in Zion Canyon have declined in vigor, and some are dying. This species is aesthetically and ecologically important in the canyon, because it is one of only three tree species that commonly grow to large size on the canyon floor. Ash yellows (AshY), a disease caused by unnamed mycoplasmalike organisms (MLOs), is common in velvet ash in Zion Canyon and was suspected to contribute to the decline of this species. This project deals with the ecology and epidemiology of ash yellows and possibilities for managing velvet ash in Zion National Park.
Biogeography of Invertebrates and Plants in Hanging Gardens of the Colroado Plateau
Authors: Stanton Nancy , Buskirk Steven , Fowler James , Hartman Ronald
Published: July 2020

The field work portion of our research on the biogeography of invertebrates and vascular plants has been completed. The geomorphological, bumble bee pollinator and plant community models developed during the first two field seasons worked well when applied to new sites in Dinosaur National Monument (DINO), Canyonlands National Park CANY), Arches National Park (ARCH), and Natural Bridges National Monument (NABR). Our research objectives for the 1993 field season were to: (1) complete the survey of plant and insect communities of hanging gardens in DINO, ARCH, CANY, and NABR; and (2) determine the geographic distribution of endemic species identified and the level of endemism within and among parks; and (3) complete the Halls Creek area survey for hanging gardens in Capitol Reef National Park (CARE).
Modelling Deer-Woodland Dynamics on Devils Tower National Monument
Authors: Merrill Evelyn , McDaniel Greg , Coughenour Michael
Published: July 2020

We are adapting the spatially explicit, process-oriented model Savanna developed by M. B. Coughenour to Devils Tower National Monument (DTNM). The model will be used to describe the woodland-deer dynamics within a short time-frame (< 30 years) under several management scenarios. We use data on weather, vegetation standing crops, deer distributions and population information collected during 1991-1992 as initial conditions to the model.
Evaluating Shrub-Steppe Habitat Quality Using the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as an Indicator Species
Authors: Parker Katherine , Katzner Todd
Published: July 2020

Relatively little is known about pygmy rabbits Brachylagus idahoensis except that they are typically associated with dense stands of big sage Artemisia tridentata. Because they are entirely dependent on sagebrush communities for survival, however, they may potentially serve as an effective means of environmental surveillance in shrub-steppe grasslands. The overall objective of this study is to clarify some of the ecological/physiological adaptations of the world's smallest leporid and define its obligate shrub-steppe association relative to structural, compositional, and micrometeorological features. We placed particular emphasis on the winter ecology of pygmy rabbits, and on understanding how such a small species (400 grams) that does not hibernate or significantly deposit fat, manages to survive in areas of extreme environmental temperatures, consuming primarily sagebrush.
Seasonal Variation in the Dietary Preferences of the Montane Vole, Microtus Montanus
Authors: Pinter Aelita , Negus Norman , Berger Patricia
Published: July 2020

Seasonal variation in food selection has been documented in several species on voles (Rothestein and Tamarin 1977, Cole and Batzli 1979, Goldberg et al. 1980) with considerable implications for winter survival and population dynamics. In Microtus montanus a similar link may exist between growth, maturation, longevity, and population dynamics on the one hand and dietary composition on the other (e.g., Pinter and Negus 1965, Berger et al. 1981, Pinter 1988, Berger et al. 1992, Negus et al. 1992). Consequently, we undertook a study to investigate in detail the utilization of plant resources by the montane vole, Microtus montanus. The objectives of this project are twofold: (1) to identify the plant species that constitute the diet in natural populations of M. montanus and (2) to determine seasonal food preferences in relation to the availability of plant species and to the age, sex and cohorts of the montane vole.
A Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Model of Habitat as a Predictor of Biodiversity
Authors: Debinski Diane
Published: July 2020

The loss of biodiversity has become a global concern. Biologists are just beginning to grapple with issues of how to assess biodiversity and to create databases that can be valuable to a wide spectrum of users (e.g., Scott et al. 1990, Margules and Austin 1991). For conservation biologists to make decisions regarding the management of biological diversity, they need adequate floral and faunal inventories for the lands they manage. Species lists are only a first step in addressing large questions regarding relationships between species and their environments, and, in particular, species responses to environmental change. Understanding the environmental parameters that define species distributions is an even more important component of biodiversity assessment.
Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes) Restoration in Badlands National Park 1994-1995
Authors: Plumb Glenn
Published: July 2020

During spring 1994, three black-tailed prairie dog colonies totaling 403 ha within Badlands National Park were selected as locales to release ferrets during fall. This area was selected based on quality of habitat, remoteness from visitors and accessibility for field crews and is located within the Badlands Wilderness Area where mechanical transport is prohibited and approximately 550 bison range freely. Forty proposed release cages were stratified across the 3 colonies based on topography and degree of prairie dog activity. A helicopter was used to airlift over 8,000 lbs of supplies used for construction of 28 release cages/bison exclosures in the Badlands Wilderness Area several months prior to black-footed ferret arrival.
Morrison Ecosystem Project
Authors: Turner Christine , Peterson Fred
Published: July 2020

The Late Jurassic Morrison Formation is one of science's best windows into the world of dinosaurs and Mesozoic ecosystems. The Morrison Formation has significant exposures in many units within the Rocky Mountain Region of the National Park Service. These include Arches National Park (ARCH), Bighorn National Recreation Area (BIRO), Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument (BLCA), Capitol Reef National Park (CARE), Colorado National Monument (COLO), Curecanti National Recreation Area (CURE), Dinosaur National Monument (DINO), Glacier National Park (GLAC), Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA), Hovenweep National Monument (HOVE), and Yellowstone National Park (YELL). The Morrison Formation Extinct Ecosystems Project, hereafter called the Morrison Project, began on June 1 of 1994. The project is a multidisciplinary endeavor to determine the nature, distribution, and evolution of the ancient ecosystems that existed in the Western Interior of the United States during the Late Jurassic Epoch when the Morrison Formation and related rocks were deposited. The information obtained from the research can be used to suggest appropriate resource management actions and the project will also provide an improved understanding of the geological and paleontological history of these NPS units and better information for interpretive programs and publications.
Postglacial Fire Frequency and its Relation to Long-Term Vegetational and Climatic Changes in Yellowstone Park
Authors: Whitlock Cathy
Published: July 2020

The paleoecologic record provides unique insights into the response of communities to environmental perturbations of different duration and intensity. Climate is a primary agent of environmental change and its long-term effect on the vegetation of the Yellowstone/Grand Teton region is revealed in a network of pollen records. Fire frequency is controlled by climate, and as climate changes so too does the importance of fire in shaping spatial patterns of vegetation. The prehistoric record of Yellowstone's Northern Range, for example, shows the response of vegetation to the absence of major fires in the last 150 years (Whitlock et al., 1991; Engstrom et al., 1991, 1994). In longer records spanning the last 14,000 years, periods of frequent fire are suggested by sediments containing high percentages of fire-adapted trees, including lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir, and high amounts of charcoal (Whitlock, 1993; Whitlock and Bartlein, 1993; Whitlock et al., 1995; Millspaugh and Whitlock, 1995). The primary research objective has been to study the vegetational history of the Yellowstone region and examine the sensitivity of vegetation to changes in climate and fire frequency on different time scales. This information is necessary to understand better the relative effects of climate, natural disturbance, and human perturbation in the present and future. Fossil pollen and plant macrofossils from dated-lake sediment cores provide information on past vegetation and climate. The frequency of charcoal particles and other fire indicators in dated lake-sediment cores offer evidence of past fires. Studies of future climate and vegetation in the Yellowstone region were based on climate simulations produced by general circulation models that incorporate a doubling of carbon dioxide and an equilibrium model to project potential range displacement of selected tree taxa. Relations between present distributions of tree taxa and climate were established by the use of response surfaces. The study has been divided into three parts: (1) an investigation of the vegetation history of Yellowstone National Park (YNP), (2) an analysis of charcoal accumulation in lakes following the 1988 fires and a reconstruction of fire history in central YNP on long time scales, and (3) a study of the potential ranges of tree taxa in the future with global increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. A final report to the UW-NPS Research Center describes the methodology and findings in detail (Whitlock et al., 1994).
The Effects of Fire on Coarse Woody Debris in Rocky Mountain Coniferous Forests
Authors: Knight Dennis , Tinker Daniel
Published: July 2020

Primary productivity, the accumulation of nutrients, and other important ecosystem processes are largely dependent on the mineral soil organic matter that has developed during hundreds or thousands of years. In forest ecosystems, the decomposition of coarse woody debris, woody roots, twigs, leaves and micro-organisms is a primary source of this organic matter. Large quantities of coarse woody debris are typically produced following natural disturbances such as fires, pest/pathogen outbreaks, and windstorms, which make a significant contribution to the formation of soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, timber harvesting often removes most of the coarse woody debris (CWD), which could result in a decrease in the quantity and a change in the quality of mineral soil organic matter.
Trophic State Evaluation of Selected Lakes in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Miller Woodruff
Published: July 2020

This short report is the summary of the 120 page complete report describing the trophic status evaluation of seventeen lakes located in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, The study was motivated by concern that the water quality of the lakes within the park may be declining due to increased human usage over the past several years. The trophic status evaluation, featuring nutrient and chorophyll-a analyses, was chosen becuase it is believed to be a sound indicator of the lakes' overall water quality. The literature review proved unsuccessful in finding any trophic status studies which had been previously conducted on the Teton lakes. As a result, it was not possible to identify any changes in water quality over time. Therefore, this report may serve as a guideline with which future studies may be compared. The seventeen lakes selected for the study were grouped according to their elevation and location within the Park. The groups and their respective lakes are as follows: Mountain Lakes; Amphitheater, Lake of the Crags, Delta, Holly, Solitude, and Surprise, Moraine Lakes; Bradley, Jenny, Leigh, Phelps, String, and Taggart, Valley Lakes; Christian Pond, Emma Matilda, and Two Ocean, and Colter Bay Lakes; Cygnet Pond and Swan Lake .
Climatic Factors, Reproductive Success and Population Dynaimcs in the Montane Vole, Microtus Montanus
Authors: Pinter Aelita
Published: July 2020

Multiannual fluctuations in population density ("cycles") of small rodents have been known since antiquity (Elton 1942). Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon (for reviews see Finerty 1980, Taitt and Krebs 1985). However, none of these hypotheses, alone or in combination, has been able to explain the causality of cycles. The objectives of this long-term study are to determine whether environmental variables, possibly acting through reproductive responses, contribute to the multiannual fluctuations of the montane vole, Microtus montanus.
Assessing Ecosystem Integrity Through Energy Flow in Wetlands of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Authors: Duffy Walter
Published: July 2020

Ecosystems that possess physical, chemical and biological elements interacting in ways necessary for sustainability are said to have integrity. While conceptually appealing, measuring the condition of ecosystems has proven difficult. Ecosystems are thought to respond to stressors (e.g. detrimental or disorganizing influences) through changes in functional attributes such as energy flow and nutrient cycling and through changes in community structure as well as general system-level changes (Margalef 1981; Odum 1985; Kay and Schneider 1993). Attempts to assess ecosystem condition have rarely considered energy flow and focused instead on either community structure or nutrient cycling (Karr 1993). Although energy flow has not been widely used as a tool in assessing and monitoring ecosystems, its importance to ecosystem integrity is recognized (Ricklefs 1979). All systems require energy and altering the nature (quantity, flow, flux) of that energy supply alters the quality of the ecosystem. In spite of this knowledge few, if any, agency programs devote attention to balancing energy sources (Karr 1993). Recent research suggests that positive relationships between biodiversity and energy flow within ecosystems may exist (Tillman 1996).
Monitoring Breeding Bird Populations in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Cody Martin
Published: July 2020

This report covers year 2 of a three year project, 1995-1997 inclusive, to instigate a permanent program of monitoring landbird species composition and densities in a variety of representative habitats within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Habitats range from grassland and sagebrush on the valley floor of Jackson Hole (around 1900 m) through a range of scrub, woodland, and tall foothill forest vegetation types to montane sites of subalpine fir and tundra (ca. 3000 m). The monitoring program is intended to provide data on year-to-year fluctuations in breeding bird species and densities, and document longer-term changes (if any) in the local avifauna of resident and migratory species. The data base will document variability in size of breeding populations among years, local shifts in distribution and abundance over habitat types, and potentially form an information source on which management and conservation decisions might be based.
Metapopulations of Montane and Long-Tailed Voles (Microtus montanus and M. longicaudus), and Hantavirus and Plague in the Jackson Hole Small Mammal Community
Authors: Jannett, Jr. Frederick
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the long-term research begun in 1971 on metapopulations of voles is to enumerate patterns in survivorship, reproduction, and morphology across the sections of the metapopulations. The study sites for Microtus montanus were chosen to represent primary and secondary habitat, and proximate and isolated habitat patches. The purpose of the research on hantavirus begun in 1994 is to ascertain the extent of hantavirus among as many species of small mammals as possible, to identify the strain(s), to understand the presence of hantavirus across species and among the metapopulations of voles, and to assess the potential for human contact. The purpose of the research on plague begun in 1995 is to test the long-standing hypothesis that voles are a reservoir in the intervals between plague outbreaks among ground squirrels.
Ectomycorrhizal Macrofungi in the Vicinity of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks
Authors: McKnight Kent
Published: July 2020

Fieldwork on this project in 1996 concentrated again on the primary long-term objective of adding to the species inventory and associated data of the broad area previously defined (McKnight, K.H. and M. Moser, 1993), using the same collecting, laboratory, and herbarium methods. Our studies again concentrated on the genus Cortinarius. Our chief concern during the short period of field work this summer was directed toward obtaining additional data, particularly illustrations, for species we had found previously in the vicinity of the parks.
The Effects of Wildlife Ungulate Herbivory Upon Riparian and Stream Ecosystems within the Greater Yellowstone Area
Authors: Travers David , Meier Peter
Published: July 2020

This study will investigate the effects of wildlife ungulate herbivory, principally of elk and moose, upon riparian and stream habitats within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which encompasses both the Grand Teton National Park and the Yellowstone National Park. The emphasis of the research will concern how these effects express themselves within the aquatic macroinvertebrate community. Sampling conducted in August and October of 1996 revealed that sites subject to moderate and minimal herbivore use contain greater quantities of allochthonous material and a more diverse macroinvertebrate trophic structure than streams incurring heavy herbivore use.
Distribution, Morphology, Survival, and Genetics of Aspen (Populus Tremuloides) Seedlings Following the 1988 Yellowstone Fires
Authors: Turner Monica , Reed Rebecca , Romme William , Tuskan Gerald
Published: July 2020

An unexpected consequence of the 1988 Yellowstone fires was the widespread establishment of seedlings of quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the burned forests, including areas outside the previous range of aspen (Kay 1993; Romme et al. 1997). Although aspen is the most widely distributed tree species in North America (Powells 1965), it is relatively uncommon and localized in distribution within Yellowstone National Park (Despain 1991). Most aspen stands in Yellowstone are found in the lower elevation landscapes in the northern portion of the park, and the species was absent - prior to 1988 -- across most of the high plateaus that dominate the southern and central park area. Aspen in the Rocky Mountain region reproduces primarily by means of vegetative root sprouting. Although viable seeds are regularly produced, establishment of seedlings in the wild is apparently a rare event due to the limited tolerance of aspen seedlings for desiccation or competition (e.g., Pearson 1914; McDonough 1985). In the immediate aftermath of the 1988 Yellowstone fires, there was a brief "window of opportunity" for aspen seedling establishment, as a result of abundant aspen seed production, moist weather conditions in spring and summer, and bare mineral soil and reduced plant competition within extensive burned areas (Jelinski and Cheliak 1992; Romme et al. 1997). We initiated this 3-year study in 1996 to address four questions about the aspen seedlings now growing in burned areas across the Yellowstone Plateau: (1) What are the broad-scale patterns of distribution and abundance of aspen seedlings across the subalpine plateaus of Yellowstone National Park? (2) What is the morphology and population structure -- e.g., proportions of genets (genetic individuals that developed from a single seed) and ramets (vegetative root sprouts produced by a genet) of various ages - in aspen seedling populations? (3) What are the mechanisms leading to eventual persistence or extirpation of seedling populations along an elevational gradient, particularly with respect to ungulate browsing and plant competition? (4) What is the genetic diversity and relatedness of the seedling populations along gradients of elevation and substrate?
Biomass of Coarse Woody Debris Following Fire and Clearcutting in Lodgepole Pine Forests
Authors: Knight Dennis , Tinker Daniel
Published: July 2020

In forest ecosystems, the decomposition of coarse woody debris, woody roots, twigs, leaves and micro-organisms is a primary source of mineral soil organic matter. Primary productivity, the accumulation of nutrients, and other important ecosystem processes are largely dependent on the mineral soil organic matter that has developed during hundreds or thousands of years. Large quantities of coarse woody debris are typically produced following natural disturbances such as fires, pest/pathogen outbreaks, and windstorms, and make a significant contribution to the formation of soil organic matter (SOM). In contrast, timber harvesting often removes much of the coarse woody debris (CWD), which could result in a decrease in the quantity and a change in the quality of mineral soil organic matter.
Assessing Forest Canopy Structure in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Lauver Chris , Blodgett Clayton
Published: July 2020

The field campaign of 1997 built upon sampling efforts which began in 1994, and were supplemented in 1995 and 1996. To date a total of sixty sites have been sampled. This field sampling effort supports a modeling effort aimed at interpolating forest canopy structure information to areas within the park that will not be sampled. This effort will result in exhaustive measures of basal area, biomass, and leaf area index for lodgepole pine forested areas within Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
Early Holocene Archeology in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Kelly Robert
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this investigation was to look for and determine the future utility of searching for Early Holocene (6000-12,000 year old) archaeological sites in Grand Teton National Park. Our previous proposal to GTNP stated that the evidence for an Early Holocene human occupation of Jackson Hole was extremely limited, but that this could be a function of investigators not having looked hard enough in the appropriate places. Part of our research was designed to determine where appropriate places' to focus our research might be, while the remainder of our study involved looking in these appropriate places. We conducted these two tasks primarily on the valley floor, rather than the mountains, as we did not expect sites of this age to be preserved in extremely steep and active terrain.
Climatic Factors, Reproductive Success and Population Dynamics in the Montane Vole, Microtus montanus
Authors: Pinter Aelita
Published: July 2020

Multiannual fluctuations in population density ("cycles") of small rodents have been known since antiquity (Elton 1942). Numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon (for reviews see Finerty 1980, Taitt and Krebs 1985). However, none of these hypotheses, alone or in combination, has been able to explain the causality of cycles, although recently removal of parasites was shown to prevent population cycles in the red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scoticus (Hudson et al. 1998). The objectives of this long-term study are to determine whether environmental variables, possibly acting through reproductive responses, contribute to the multiannual fluctuations of the montane vole, Microtus montanus.
Linking Modeled and Experimentally Measured Interaction Strengths Between an Exotic Snail and Algae in Rivers in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Hall, Jr. Robert , Dybdahl Mark
Published: July 2020

Exotic species are one of the largest humanÂ­caused threats to ecosystems and are becoming a central focus of research for ecologists. We do not know what factors allow exotic species to invade, nor can we predict what effects the exotic species will have once it has invaded. Invasive species, including mollusks, have greatly affected processes in freshwater ecosystems. A recent mollusk invader to North America is the New Zealand mud snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum. It is a small snail (ca. 4mm long) in the family Hydrobiidae. Potamopyrgus has recently invaded the Snake and Madison Rivers and the Great Lakes In the Madison River, it is numerically dominating the benthos in certain locations with densities over 300,000 individuals/m2 with a corresponding biomass of 30 g/m2 (R. Hall, unpublished data). Because mud snails have high biomass and potentially high secondary production, they may alter algal species composition, and lower algae biomass and production in rivers. Algae form the base of the food web in these rivers; hence, mud snails may be competing with other invertebrates by lowering algae biomass as has been shown for a caddisfly grazer (Kohler and Wiley 1997). It is relatively straightforward to measure grazer impact on algae population using small-scale experiments. However, it is harder to scale up these estimates to whole-river primary production because we cannot manipulate snail densities at this scale. From a management perspective, we cannot do experiments every time a prediction is needed, e.g. when this snail invades a different river. For this reason to predict impacts based on knowing snail and algae biomass using a modeling approach may become useful. Ecologists are just beginning to link energy flow with experimentally measured interaction strengths. Recently Wootton (1997) provided a theoretical means to link energy flow with experimentally measured interaction strength for bird foraging in the rocky intertidal zone. He estimated parameters of a Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model using consumption rate estimates. He then compared these estimated parameters with those measured (using the same units) using experiments. He found a positive correlation between the two suggesting that it is possible to predict interaction strength from energy flow from the consumer to the resource. The objective of this study is to estimate interaction strength between exotic mud snails and periphyton by using the modeling approach developed by Wootton (1997) and to test these estimates by using controlled field experiments.
Evaluation of Limiting Nutrients and Trophic State For Selected Ponds in the National Elk Refuge
Authors: Cole Ryan , Miller Woodruff
Published: July 2020

Executive Summary: During the years 2000 and 2001 several water samples were taken and observations were made in order to assess the limiting nutrients and the trophic state of the water at five locations in the National Elk Refuge near Jackson, Wyoming. These five locations were: Pond by Hay Barn, Pond by Gravel Pit, Pond by Miller House, Flat Creek (at bridge) in Elk Refuge, and Elk Refuge Outlet (Flat Creek at City Bridge). Nitrogen and phosphorus measurements were taken and the nitrogen-phosphorus (N:P) ratio was determined for each sample. The N:P ratios for the ponds were high which indicates that phosphorus was generally the limiting nutrient and the N:P ratios for Flat Creek were low which indicates that nitrogen was limiting. Along with phosphorus, chlorophyll-a measurements were also taken, and these data were used in the Carlson Model in order to determine the trophic state. The Carlson results indicate that the ponds are classified as oligotrophic to slightly mesotrophic (good water quality) and Flat Creek is classified as mesotrophic. However, based on the phosphorus measurements only, without the chlorophyll-a, the ponds are classified as mesotrophic and the Creek is classified as eutrophic (poor water quality). With the exception of the Elk Refuge Outlet (Flat Creek), which is eutrophic, there are no serious identified areas of water quality concern with regards to eutrophication in the Elk Refuge. These results should be useful in comparing with past and future studies in order to determine the effects of animal and human interaction on these waters.
Summer Habitat Preferences and Activity Patterns of River Otters In Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Hall Joseph
Published: July 2020

I studied the natural history of river otters. (Lontra canadensis) during the summers of 1982-1986 and 1995-1997 in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Habitat preferences were analyzed by tallying sightings on 5 types of habitat along 16 km of the Snake River. Otters were seen on all 5 habitat types and exhibited a strong preference for the logjam/beaver lodge category. Beavers and otters sometimes occupied a lodge simultaneously. I recorded daytime activity directly in 1982 and noted a large peak in mid-morning and a small one in late afternoon. To obtain information indirectly on round-the-clock activity I employed 6 modified camera monitors activated by treadle-switches at frequently used sites. Pooled records for 3 summers showed almost two and a half times higher activity by day than by night, a finding opposite of what was expected. The hypothesis I suggest is that diurnal activity exceeds nocturnal activity because of the habituation of otters to humans over a half century's tradition of frequent exposure and non-harassment in the national park. In the summers of 1982-1986 and 1995-1997 I made a study of the natural history of river otters (Lontra canadensis), in Grand Teton National Park under auspices of the University of Wyoming - National Park Service Research Center. Occasional observations were made along the Snake River from Flagg Ranch near the north boundary of the park to the north end of Jackson Lake and from Pacific Creek to Deadman's Bar. However, the 3 km stretch of river from just below Jackson Lake Dam to the Oxbow was the site of most intensive study. (See Fig. 1)
The Effects of Human Residential Development on Avian Communities Along the Snake River Riparian Corridor in Jackson Hole WY USA
Authors: Smith Courtland
Published: July 2020

Throughout North America, bird declines may be attributable to loss of habitat on the breeding grounds. Human land uses, especially residential development pressures within western ecosystems, are greatly impacting riparian landscapes and biota, particularly breeding birds. While most studies have focused on eastern birds, it is unclear how western bird assemblages respond to development and its concomitant effects on habitat alteration and fragmentation. I sampled bird community parameters and habitat variables at three spatial scales (microhabitat, macrohabitat, and landscape) along a human development gradient along the Snake River riparian corridor in Jackson Hole, WY, USA. FiftyÂ­ six cottonwood forest patches were surveyed during the 2001-02 breeding season. Principal component analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, and multiple linear regression statistical tests were used to determine the effects of housing densities on avian assemblages, guilds, and habitat features. Overall species richness and diversity declined with increasing human development. Neotropical migrant species were most negatively impacted and consistently declined in proportional representation on forested plots as human development densities increased. Short-distance migrants, food generalists, ground gleaners, and avian nest predators all increased with increasing human development. Brood parasites, on the other hand, did not increase with increasing fragmentation and their distribution may reflect the availability of nest host species. Of the environmental variables measured, landscape features were most affected and metrics consistent with habitat fragmentation were most correlated with human development. These results suggest that residential development within riparian habitats may be exerting a strong negative influence on western bird communities and at high densities may lead to a depauperate avian biota and reproductive sinks.
A Genetic Wallace's Line Across Wyoming - Genetic Structure of North American Rosy Finches
Authors: McDonald David
Published: July 2020

North American rosy-finches (genus Leucosticte ) are cunently classified by the American Ornithologists' Union (1998) as three species - the Brown-capped Rosy-Finch, L. australis, with a breeding range largely restricted to the Colorado Rockies, but extending barely into southeast Wyoming and northern New Mexico, the Black Rosy-Finch, L. atrata, breeding from Utah north through western Wyoming (including GTNP) and west to Idaho and Nevada, and the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, L. tephrocotis, breeding from the Sierra Nevada through the Cascades and from northern Montana through the Rockies to Alaska. Based on previous results for a surprising genetic break for black bears (Ursus americanus) across Wyoming, I was interested in the degree of genetic differentiation among populations of rosy-finches, particularly between Brown-capped Rosy-Finches in Colorado and Black Rosy-Finches in Wyoming. Because the mating system is largely unknown, and because of reports in the literature of highly male-biased sex ratios (e.g., 6 males per female; French, 1959), I was also interested in using genetic markers to assess patterns of parentage in rosy-finches. Because of its striking plumage (often indicative of strong sexual selection) I was particularly interested in the Black Rosy-Finch. Using polymorphic microsatellites (nuclear DNA) we have now analyzed an initial sample of individuals from the three North American forms, including three sets of nestling Black RosyÂ­ Finches and the behavioral father at one of the nests.
Development of A Potential Beaver Habitat Model For the Snake River Basin in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Authors: Gribb William , Harlow Henry
Published: July 2020

Our National Parks house some of North America's most undisturbed habitat and offer a benchmark for comparing ecosystem dynamics with areas more influenced by human related perturbations. Dam construction has altered water flow patterns on many of our country's rivers resulting in species composition changes of aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish. Semi-aquatic mammals such as otters and beaver are also profoundly influenced by the irregular seasonal flow patterns resulting from reservoir release schedules. For example, Jackson Lake dam was constructed in 1910 resulting in the impoundment of an additional 625,000 cubic feet of water. Since its construction and the establishment of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), this water has been released during mid- to late summer months causing unpredictable fluctuations of river levels after the normal spring run off. This unpredictability is illustrated by the trend in water flow on the Snake River at Moran for the period 1904-2000 (Figure 1). A species that has received little attention in terms of population numbers and resistance to abnormal water fluctuations resulting from Jackson Dam is the beaver (Castor canadensis). In GTNP, only the work of Collins (1976) has provided any significant knowledge of the distribution and habitat of the beaver in the Park. In fact, the beaver has been generally overlooked in the Greater Yellowstone Area with only a few studies conducted in Yellowstone (Warren, 1926; Jonas, 1955; Consolo-Murphy and Hanson, 1993 ).
Status, Appropriate Sampling Scheme, and Movement in the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Peterson Charles , Spear Stephen
Published: July 2020

Due to the current trend of amphibian declines (Wake 1998, Alford and Richards 1999, Semlitsch 2000), the monitoring and study of amphibian populations has become increasingly necessary. To properly do such studies, we must consider several issues. Some of these include the detectability of the species at a site, current status of the population, and the spatial scale for sampling of a population. Determining the detectability of a species is important to consider because some amphibian species may have different difficulties of detection. Therefore, if a species is difficult to observe, it may occupy a greater number of sites than a survey indicates (MacKenzie et al. 2002). The appropriate spatial scale is also important for monitoring studies. For example, in a pond breeding amphibian, do one or two breeding ponds with the appropriate terrestrial habitat constitute the correct sampling area for a population, or does a population utilize multiple ponds within a larger terrestrial area? If the sampling scale is not appropriate, then any conclusions made may be inaccurate (Wiens 1989). In addition, understanding the terrestrial habitat use of pond breeding amphibians is important for both monitoring and conservation reasons. Many pond-breeding amphibians use the ponds for breeding and then utilize terrestrial zones around the pond for the rest of the year. The total area that is encompassed by these terrestrial zones is known as the terrestrial "buffer zone" or core habitat area for that population (Semlitsch 1998). To identify these core habitat areas, we must know not only the distance that the amphibians physically move from the breeding pond, but also the type of habitat that they will use. For example, short, steep slopes or rivers can serve as a barrier to amphibian movement (Laan and Verboom 1990, Storfer 1999), even if they are within the movement range of a population. Understanding individual movement may also give insights into the spatial population structure of the species. If we can identify the average distance of movement, we can then extrapolate if a breeding pond is likely to have an isolated subpopulation based on its distance from other ponds.
Male Hemolymph Loss During Nuptial Feeding as a Proximate Mechanisim Underlying the Virgin-Male Mating Advantage in Sagebrush Crickets
Authors: Sakaluk Scott , Campbell Mark , Keorpes Peter , Clark Andrew
Published: July 2020

Male sagebrush crickets, Cyphoderris strepitans, offer an unusual nuptial food gift to females during mating: females chew on the ends of the males' fleshy hind wings and ingest hemolymph seeping from the wounds they inflict. Previous studies have shown that once a male had mated, his probability of obtaining an additional copulation is reduced relative to that of a virgin male seeking to secure his first mating, a pattern known as the virginÂ­male mating advantage. One hypothesis to account for the virgin-male mating advantage is that nonÂ­virgin males, having lost a substantial portion of their energy reserves at mating, may be unable to sustain the costly acoustical signaling activity required for the passive attraction of additional females. If the future mating prospects of non-virgin males are diminished because of sexual fatigue, this could stem either from the resources required to manufacture a new spermatophore or through the energy needed to replenish haemolymph lost through female wingÂ­feeding. To distinguish between these two alternatives, we experimentally depleted virgin males of varying amounts haemolymph (0, 5 and 10 ul) in a way that mimicked hemolymph loss of non-virgin males, without the attendant costs of spermatophore production. After they had been treated, males were released in the field and recaptured over the course of the breeding season to monitor their mating success. Control males mated significantly sooner than did males depleted of 5 or 10 ul of hemolymph. We conclude, therefore, that the depletion of hemolymph that occurs through female wing feeding is sufficient by itself to diminish a non-virgin male's ability to secure another mating, acting as a brake on the operation of sexual selection in this species.
Effects of Predation by Bumblebee Wolves (Philanthus bicinctus, sphecidae, hymenoptera) on Bumblebees and Plants
Authors: Dukas Reuven
Published: July 2020

The interactions between flowers and their pollinators have been extensively studied in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. Although predators can dramatically influence insect-flower interactions, this issue has been mostly ignored until recently. One of the best systems for quantifying the effect of predators on pollinators is that of bumblebee wolves (Philanthus bicinctus), which are sphecid wasps endemic to the American Rockies, who prey almost exclusively on bumblebees. (see photos at http://psych.mcmaster.caldukas/pred&poll.htm). Relaying on research from 45 years ago, I located a large aggregation of bumblebee wolves at Yellowstone National Park and commenced research in summer 2003.
A Landscape Analysis of Gene Flow and Population Reductions in the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) Across the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Spear Stephen , Peterson Charles
Published: July 2020

In the past two decades, there has been increasing awareness of a general pattern of decline of amphibian species (Semlitsch 2003a). A variety of factors have been implicated in these declines, including habitat alteration, climate change, chemical contamination, disease, invasive species, and commercial exploitation. It is likely that these different hypothesized causes combine to reduce populations. For example, human development such as roads or houses may not only destroy habitat, but also facilitate introduction of chemicals, invasive species, and disease. Habitat degradation is much easier to reverse or mitigate than the other factors (Semlitsch 2002). Therefore, protecting habitat from excessive human disturbance may indeed be the most productive way to conserve amphibian populations.
Nest Success of Yellow Warblers in Willow Habitats: The Role of Surface Water and Snakes
Authors: Vannimwegen Ron , Debinski Diane
Published: July 2020

Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) are migratory songbirds found in high abundance in the tall willow (Salix boothii) habitats of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). Willows are found in wet soils with high water tables and varying densities of exposed surface water. Dense surface area of water leads to thick, well foliated, continuous patches of S. boothii, which is the favored nesting habitat of Yellow Warblers. This water, however, also supports the favored prey base of the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans), which has been known to prey on songbird nest contents when the opportunity arises. We hypothesized that nest territories containing high densities of surface water would also attract garter snakes, and increase the probability of nest failures. We found and monitored 28 Yellow Warbler nests, recorded their locations and fates (success or failure) and measured the density of surface water within each nest territory. We analyzed nest success with the logistic-exposure method coupled with comparisons of models with and without water density as an explanatory variable. Information theoretic model comparison consistently supported models with water density over those without. A significant correlation was found between water density within a nest territory and that nest's daily survival probability. The estimate of this effect was -0.049 (a logistic model parameter) with a standard error of 0.019. Expressed alternatively, each 5-meter per territory increase in waterway density decreases the odds ratio of nest survival by 21%. While water density provides a trade off between nesting habitat and predation pressure, other predation causes and temporal water density variation likely contribute to overall warbler productivity in important ways as well.
Digitization of the Grand Teton National Park Herbarium
Authors: Harlow Mary , Schmidt Lawrence , Munoz Paula
Published: July 2020

Examples of digitization projects in the history of science are understood to have lasting consequences for the intellectual history of their fields (Petersen, 2005; Roes 2001). Following this trend, herbarium collections around the world are beginning to be digitized with positive results for their institutions (Begnoche, 2002; Ong, 2002). Librarians, with their long history of making collections accessible, are participating in this trend (Foster, 2005). The University of Wyoming Libraries encourage Librarians to develop and maintain collections in a variety of subjects, and the Libraries are pursuing opportunities in digital collections. This project expands the University of Wyoming Libraries work in the digitizing of a unique collection of plant specimens.
AMK Ranch Cultural Landscape Study Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Humstone Mary , Schill Sarah
Published: July 2020

During summer, 2005, the University of Wyoming American Studies Program conducted an intensive cultural landscape survey and analysis at the AMK Ranch. Research Scientist Mary Humstone, working with graduate assistant Sarah Schill, documented the historic buildings and landscape features that tell the history of the Sargents Bay peninsula. The team updated the existing National Register of Historic Places nomination to include detailed building and landscape descriptions and a comprehensive history. The following report is excerpted from the National Register nomination.
Carbon Cycling at the Landscape Scale: The Effect of Changes in Climate and Fire Frequency on Age Distribution, Stand Structure and Net Ecosystem Production
Authors: Kashian Daniel , Ryan Michael , Romme Willaim , Tinker Daniel , Turner Monica
Published: July 2020

Climate, fire frequency and intensity, and forest structure and development are strongly linked, and predicting potential changes in carbon storage depends on understanding these links. However, we lack the ability to make robust predictions about how changes in climate will alter these interactions and change the carbon balance of a landscape. Forests contain as much as 80% of the total carbon stored aboveground and 40% of that stored belowground in terrestrial ecosystems (Dixon et al. 1994, Harmon 2001). Disturbances such as fires or insect outbreaks - controlled largely by climate - may shift a forested area from a net sink to a net source of carbon to the atmosphere, and increasing the frequency of large disturbances may affect the global carbon budget. Complex interactions among climate, disturbance regimes, and stand-level ecosystem processes, however, preclude predicting the importance of climate change for forest landscapes.
Tectonic Evolution of the High Pressure Granulites in the Tetons: The Earliest Record for Himalayan-Style Tectonics in the World
Authors: Frost B.
Published: July 2020

Our field season in August 2005 consisted of mapping an area from Hidden Corral in the S. Fork Bitch Creek (which is not in the Grand Teton National Park) to Moose Basin. In addition to mapping and sampling in Moose Basin area we made an important traverse along the head of the cirque around Camp Lake (which lies just west of the Park).
Trophic Cascades and Historic Aspen Recruitment in the Gallatin Elk Winter Range of Southwest Montana
Authors: Halofsky Joshua , Ripple William
Published: July 2020

The extirpation of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) by 1930 in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) provided us with an opportunity to study historic aspen (Populus tremuloides ) recruitment with and without a top carnivore predator present. Herbivory, climate trends, fire records, and current conifer invasion were also examined within the context of aspen recruitment. We obtained tree cores and diameter at breast height measurements to create an aspen age-diameter relationship which we used to approximate aspen origination dates. One elk (Cervus elaphus) exclosure, erected in 1945 within the same elk winter range, was compared to the rest of the winter range. Consistent recruitment inside the exclosure began in the 1940s and has continued into the present. Outside of the exclosure, aspen recruitment began decreasing in the 1930s and ceased in the 1950s. Within the scope of the study, we found little correlative evidence between aspen decline and climate trends, conifer invasion, or fire suppression. The results are suggestive of a trophic cascade between aspen recruitment, and historical elk browsing activities as affected by the absence or presence of wolf predation.