Prairie Dog Density And Cattle Grazing Relationships

Blacktail prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) were more abundant (P \u3c 0.01) in areas of southwestern South Dakota heavily grazed by cattle than in areas where cattle were excluded. Results suggest that periodic exclusions or reduced cattle stocking rates, in combination with control programs, help regulate prairie dog population increase and expansion as indexed by burrow counts

Similarity between pronghorn and mule deer fecal pellets

Botanical compositions and pH values for pronghorn (Antelocapra americana) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) fecal pellets from the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory Site were different. As there was no overlap between ranges of the herbivores fecal pH values, the fecal pH technique is a valuable tool for distinguishing between fecal pellets of pronghorn and mule deer on the study area

Seasonal foods of coyotes in southeastern Idaho: a multivariate analysis

Seasonal foods of coyotes (Canis latrans) inhabiting the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory site were examined using step-wise discriminant analysis. Significant differences (P \u3c 0.01) were detected among seasons in food consumption by coyotes, where univariate statistical analysis failed to recognize differences. Recognition of seasonal changes in foods consumed by coyotes is essential to understanding coyote feeding strategies. The role opportunistic behavior plays in coyote food selection on the study area is questioned

Plant community variability on a small area in southeastern Montana

Plant communities are inherently variable due to a number of environmental and biological forces. Canopy cover and aboveground biomass were determined for understory vegetation in plant communities of a prairie grassland–forest ecotone in southeastern Montana. Vegetation units were described using polar ordination and stepwise discriminant analysis. Nine of a total of 88 plant species encountered and cover of litter were the most useful variables in distinguishing among vegetation units on the study area and accounted for nearly 100 percent of the variation in the data. Seven vegetation units were different (P \u3c 0.05) after all 10 variables had been entered into the analysis. Some plant communities were represented by two or three different vegetation units, indicating that some plant communities were variable and nonuniform in botanical composition over a relatively small area. This variability will influence management practices for these areas. Multiple-use management will benefit by recognition of inherent plant community variation

Pacific Walrus and climate change: observations and predictions

The extent and duration of sea-ice habitats used by Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) are diminishing resulting in altered walrus behavior, mortality, and distribution. I document changes that have occurred over the past several decades and make predictions to the end of the 21st century. Climate models project that sea ice will monotonically decline resulting in more ice-free summers of longer duration. Several stressors that may impact walruses are directly influenced by sea ice. How these stressors materialize were modeled as most likely-case, worst-case, and best-case scenarios for the mid- and late-21st century, resulting in four comprehensive working hypotheses that can help identify and prioritize management and research projects, identify comprehensive mitigation actions, and guide monitoring programs to track future developments and adjust programs as needed. In the short term, the most plausible hypotheses predict a continuing northward shift in walrus distribution, increasing use of coastal haulouts in summer and fall, and a population reduction set by the carrying capacity of the near shore environment and subsistence hunting. Alternatively, under worst-case conditions, the population will decline to a level where the probability of extinction is high. In the long term, walrus may seasonally abandon the Bering and Chukchi Seas for sea-ice refugia to the northwest and northeast, ocean warming and pH decline alter walrus food resources, and subsistence hunting exacerbates a large population decline. However, conditions that reverse current trends in sea ice loss cannot be ruled out. Which hypothesis comes to fruition depends on how the stressors develop and the success of mitigation measures. Best-case scenarios indicate that successful mitigation of unsustainable harvests and terrestrial haulout-related mortalities can be effective. Management and research should focus on monitoring, elucidating effects, and mitigation, while ultimately, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to reduce sea-ice habitat losses

Silver Valley Resource Analysis for Pulp and Paper Mill Feasibility

Seven chapters prepared by ten authors analyze the non-mineral resources of this economically depressed area affected by heavy metal pollution from historic mining and smelting activity. A pulp and paper mill is not feasible in the 21-square mile Bunker Hill superfund site for three reasons: (1) the lack of water to dilute mill effluent during low flow periods, (2) questionable availability of wood fiber, and (3) potential liability for Superfund cleanup costs. PAG Issue Brief #3 provides information on the 2002 Brownfields Act that could provide some relief from Superfund liability to small business operators.Policy Analysis Group Report - University of Idaho College of Natural Resource

A National Park in Idaho? Proposals and Possibilities

Idaho does not have a national park. Four areas seem to meet National Park Service ""significance"" criteria: (1) Sawtooths six congressional proposals surfaced between 1913 and 1970, and studies conducted in 1975 and 1989 without generating significant political support; (2) Craters of the Moon a congressional proposal was introduced in 1991, but did not get very far; (3) Hells Canyon citizen groups currently propose a park; (4) Owyhee Canyonlands a citizen group currently has an informal proposal in 1992. Analysis of three general arguments for and against designating a national park revealed little information applicable to Idaho.Policy Analysis Group Report - University of Idaho College of Natural Resource

Grizzly bear recovery in Idaho

The report replies to six focus questions: Why are four Idaho areas designated for recovery efforts under the Endangered Species Act? Will grizzly bears ever be taken off the endangered species list? How has the 1993 draft recovery plan changed since 1982? Who makes decisions about grizzly bear recovery? What are the actual impacts of grizzly bear recovery actions on traditional and planned uses of federal, state, and private lands? To what extent is recovery compatible with existing and probable future land uses? Several alternatives for grizzly bear recovery under the ESA are analyzed.Policy Analysis Group Report - University of Idaho College of Natural Resource

SEASONAL FOODS OF COYOTES IN SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO: A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

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