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New Studies

Whooping crane

Evaluation of site evaluation and observation data for migrant whooping cranes in the United States.  Aquatic habitats in the central Great Plains provide roosting and foraging habitat to migrating whooping cranes. Characteristics of roost habitat on the Platte River have been examined in detail; however, few studies have examined habitats used elsewhere along their migration route. Beginning in 1977, detailed information on roost and feeding sites were collected as part of a flyway-wide program (North Dakota to Texas), coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This study, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska, will assess the resultant 900+ site evaluation records. Preliminary analyses in FY00 indicate crane use areas are more widely spread in fall than in spring and that cranes used few riverine habitats outside of Nebraska. jane_austin@usgs.gov

	Lark bunting nest with 4 brown-headed cowbird eggs

Influence of habitat and landscape on breeding behavior of brown-headed cowbirds in northern grasslands.  As obligate brood parasites, brown-headed cowbirds lay their eggs in nests of other species (hosts), which rear the cowbird young. Cowbirds often remove host eggs when they lay their own, and sometimes destroy eggs and nestlings in nests that are unsuitable for parasitism. Data suggest that cowbird densities are highest in North and South Dakota, yet almost no cowbird research has been done there. This study examines impact of cowbirds on the productivity of grassland songbirds, and effects of landscape features and land management on cowbird distribution, home range sizes, and selection of hosts. In FY00, we trapped brown-headed cowbirds on the Sheyenne National Grassland at three sites with varying amounts of woody habitat available. Ten female cowbirds were equipped with radio transmitters and seven of these were located for 11-28 days to determine breeding and feeding home ranges. pam_ pietz@usgs.gov

Ongoing Studies

Evaluation of wetland and upland management practices at Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  The fourth and final year of data collection was successfully completed in FY00. Data analysis and writing will continue in 2001. jane_austin@usgs.gov

Breeding ecology of sandhill cranes at Grays Lake.  Data collection was completed in September 2000. During 2001, team members will conduct final analyses and develop manuscripts. jane_austin@usgs.gov

Seasonal population dynamics of northern pintails, mallards, blue-winged teal, and northern shovelers in the Dakotas and Prairie Provinces.  A manuscript examining responses of dabbling ducks to wetland conditions was submitted to the Canadian Journal of Zoology. jane_austin@usgs.gov

Effects of clearing woody vegetation on breeding birds of the Platte River Valley.  Field work was completed in FY00, in accordance with protocols established in 1999. Data have been entered but not yet analyzed. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Breeding bird use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields in the northern prairie region.  Field work for this study continued for the 11th year. In addition to the customary surveys, we repeated point counts in a variety of patch sizes. These data will allow a further examination of patch-size effects on use of grassland habitats by breeding birds. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Effects of water development on grassland birds in the Little Missouri National Grasslands.  The second and final year of study has been completed. The graduate student involved is currently analyzing data emanating from the study. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Eastern Kingbirds

Evaluation of the Bird Conservation Area Concept in the northern tallgrass prairie.  The third (of four) year of study strengthened the data base available to evaluate the roles of patch size, landscape features, and their interactions on the use and reproductive success of grassland birds. In 2000 we also incorporated the use of miniature cameras to determine which species of predators are involved in nest destruction. A very wide array of raptors, snakes, carnivores, and rodents were identified. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Effects of leafy spurge infestations on breeding birds of the Sheyenne National Grassland.  Field research was concluded in 2000. Greater effort was expended in gathering information on nesting success to complement the results involving breeding densities. The graduate student is currently analyzing data from both years. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Global climate change and range shifts of grassland birds:  will the habitat be there?  Two cooperative agreements were established in 2000. One will examine more specifically the potential availability of required habitat under certain scenarios of climate change. The second will examine proximate cues used by grassland birds to select breeding ranges, to identify how those might shift with climate change. douglas_h_ johnson@usgs.gov

Spring staging ecology of sandhill cranes in the Central Platte River Valley and its relation to reproduction.  Data collection is continuing for some parts of this work unit, while other aspects are in the data analyses and writing phases. Satellite telemetry is revealing a wide breeding distribution with a high proportion of radio-marked lesser sandhill cranes breeding in Siberia. In Central Platte River Valley work, total waste corn at postharvest, at the onset of crane staging in early February, and at crane departure in April fell by 49, 61, and 96% from 1978 to 1998. With declining corn availability, the capacity of large-bodied sandhill cranes to store fat declined markedly from 1978-98 while fat storage by smaller-bodied lesser sandhill cranes remained unchanged. gary_krapu@usgs.gov

	Removing sandhill crane from rocket net

Survival rates and causes of mortality among mallard and gadwall ducklings in prairie pothole habitats.  Analyses of radio-tracking data on mallard and gadwall ducklings continued, survival models were developed, two papers were published, and three additional scientific publications are in progress. Survival of both mallard and gadwall ducklings was quantitatively linked to the availability of seasonal wetlands and to cold and rainy weather. gary_krapu@usgs.gov

Development of techniques to identify predators of grassland songbirds.  Although we continue to refine and evaluate the camera system, our efforts are primarily directed toward collection and analysis of biological information gathered with the cameras. In FY00, the miniature cameras were used to monitor grassland songbird nests in western Minnesota as part of the Bird Conservation Area evaluation. Data collected with the cameras since 1996 have been used to produce three manuscripts about predators and predation risk at grassland songbird nests. Manuscripts on nesting ecology of grassland songbirds (e.g., incubation patterns, variation in fledging ages) are in progress. pam_ pietz@usgs.gov

Responses by breeding ducks to restored wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region:  a landscape approach.  Field data were collected for the final year of the study during 2000 and are currently being entered into computer databases. robert_cox@usgs.gov

Spring staging ecology of greater white-fronted geese, lesser snow geese, and northern pintails in the Central Platte River Valley and Rainwater Basin of Nebraska.  Proximate analyses of collected birds were completed this year. Two presentations were developed for international conferences in early FY01. robert_cox@usgs.gov

American avocet

Status and distribution of breeding grassland birds in tallgrass prairies of Great Plains national parks.  This project was completed in FY00 and resulted in three reports to the National Park Service. As expected, the large national park units had greater species richness of grassland birds than the smaller park units, which are mostly surrounded by urban and/or agricultural landscapes. Monitoring recommendations for grassland birds were developed for each of the parks sampled. abby_ powell@usgs.gov

Wetland fragmentation:  effects on abundance and dispersal of wetland-dependent endangered species in California:  ecology of western snowy plovers.  Field work was completed in March 2000. Data analysis and manuscript preparation are in progress. Two papers were published in 2000. abby_ powell@usgs.gov

Northern Prairie waterfowl nest file.  The computerized data base of over 124,000 duck nest success records dating back to the 1950s continued to be used by students, managers, and researchers for modeling and management decisions. Approximately 4,500 nest records were added to the database in FY00. Summary reports of nest success were generated and distributed to nest file cooperators. terry_shaffer@usgs.gov

Mammalian Studies

Assessing interactions between a restored wolf population and prey in Yellowstone National Park (YNP).  Since wolves were reintroduced into YNP in 1995 and 1996, they have preyed primarily on elk, and the current Greater Yellowstone population has increased very rapidly to 145-150 wolves. Elsewhere, wolves are known to reduce ungulate numbers under some conditions, so wolf predation could similarly influence the elk herd in YNP. In YNP, elk numbers have dropped from an estimated 20,000 in 1995 to 12,000 in 1999. However, wolf predation can also compensate for other mortality factors and can result in culling less-fit ungulates from the population. To fully understand the dynamics of the wolf-elk system and their potential effects on the Yellowstone ecosystem, YNP managers require knowledge of post-wolf reestablishment, elk seasonal mortality cause and rate, and habitat use, which this study seeks to supply. Forty-five YNP elk were captured by helicopter net-gunning in March 2000. Their nutritional conditions were assessed by ultrasonography, a tooth was extracted for aging, and blood taken for pregnancy and other tests. The elk were radio-collared and have been monitored for mortality and general location since then. david_mech@usgs.gov

Elk

Elk survey protocol development and elk population dynamics in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (TRNP).  After being extirpated in about 1900, elk were reintroduced in TRNP in 1985. Although the population has grown rapidly, estimates of elk numbers and vital rates are not presently available for use in management planning. Objectives of this study are to adapt aerial survey methodology for application in the North Dakota Badlands, provide baseline information about vital rates, and develop a population projection model for use by TRNP in management planning. Data collection began in January 2000 with the capture and radiomarking of 35 cow and 15 bull elk. Results to date include preliminary estimates of pregnancy rates, summer and fall calf survival, and annual adult survival. Estimated pregnancy and calf survival rates are among the highest reported for elk. Hunting has been a significant source of adult mortality; however, only one animal has been lost to natural causes. Aerial elk surveys designed to test a draft protocol will begin in December 2000. glen_sargeant@usgs.gov

Badger ecology in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of North Dakota.  This three-year study with Ducks Unlimited (DU) examines the importance of badgers as a predator of nesting grassland birds in the context of fragmentation and loss of grassland habitat. Although believed to be an important waterfowl nest predator, little is known about this species in the PPR. Results of this study will significantly contribute to future management directions. Thirty two badgers were radiocollared and movements monitored during the grassland bird nesting season in FY00. Duck nest success was simultaneously monitored in the study area by DU. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Radiocollared badger		Monitoring insect prey of small nest predators

Development of practical methods for monitoring alternative food resources for predators of breeding ducks in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota.  Small mammals and insects are the primary alternative prey of many predators of nesting birds. Although numerous methods are used to index small mammal and insect populations, the methods are often labor intensive. The goal of the study is to develop practical methodology to assess alternative prey species, leading to better understanding of mechanisms affecting predation rates for nesting ducks. A candidate monitoring protocol was developed and implemented in FY00 to measure trends in insect and small mammal populations. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Ongoing Studies

Examining wolf kill

Determining value of wolf social behavior in forecasting trends in restored populations and degraded ecosystems.  (Note: This ongoing study was inadvertently omitted from the 1999 report.) Wolf productivity generally is high and dispersal of young is a major determinant of population size and trend. Information about factors affecting dispersal may help in forecasting trends in restored wolf populations and in wolf populations in degraded ecosystems where pack stability may be low. In most areas, wolves are too shy of humans to allow close-up investigation of their social behavior. This study involves observation of a wolf pack far enough away from human persecution (Ellesmere Island, NWT, Canada) that the investigator has been able to habituate it to him and observe intimate behavior among all members of the pack. Objectives are to determine survival and longevity of the breeding wolf pair, annual productivity of the pair, and philopatry of the offspring, and to examine the social behavior of the offspring relative to pup feeding. During FY00, several articles from this research were published. Field work indicated that the lone remaining female wolf from this study that is habituated to the investigator remains alive and has a mate but did not produce pups in 2000. david_mech@usgs.gov

Determining possible role of prey nutrition in buffering wolf depredations on livestock.  In FY00, we monitored the survival of 31 deer to wolf predation in the Superior National Forest. We also analyzed livestock husbandry and habitat data from 41 farms suffering chronic wolf depredations on livestock throughout Minnesota wolf range, and compared them with 41 nearby farms that did not suffer damages. david_mech@usgs.gov

Determining factors affecting the forecasting of trends in restored wolf populations.  Using methods similar to those of previous years, we determined in FY00 that the wolves in our 2,060 - km² study area of northeastern Minnesota (not statewide) declined again, this year by about 14%. Correlations with canine parvovirus seroprevalence in sampled wolves suggests that the population decline may be linked to this disease. david_mech@usgs.gov

Obtaining information from a pristine ecosystem to assess degraded ecosystems and assist in restoration ecology.  This year the question of the degree of relatedness of mated wolf pairs in Denali Park and the Superior National Forest was explored further, and results are being critiqued by outside experts. david_mech@usgs.gov

Assessing biology of a restored wolf population.  Elk killed by Yellowstone wolves were compared during springs following severe and mild winters. After a severe winter, wolves had a higher hunting success rate, killed significantly more elk, consumed less during the first day after the kill, and took relatively fewer calves and more cows than during springs following a mild winter. david_mech@usgs.gov

Examining wolf ecology in degraded ecosystems.  During FY00, the satellite-collared wolf studied in 1999 settled 50 km southeast of her natal range and was illegally killed. A wolf live-trapped in central Wisconsin was tagged with a satellite collar in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in hopes of tracing its dispersal route through agricultural areas. david_mech@usgs.gov

Behavioral interactions between captive swift foxes and red foxes.  Data analysis and manuscript preparation continued in 2000. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Swift fox ecology studies.  A review paper on historic distribution and swift fox ecology was completed and is in internal review prior to submission for publication, and a technical report on distribution was published. A new monitoring method evolved from this study is currently being tested and refined with cooperation of three state agencies. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Predator-prey relationships in fragmented grassland.  This study was completed in FY00 with publication of a major paper. Results suggest a positive relationship between patch size and nest success and that landscapes with sufficient wetlands and ample grassland configured in relatively large tracts are the most productive areas for nesting ducks. Small isolated tracts of grassland tend to be visited extensively by numerous predators of nesting ducks, especially red foxes. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Predation on nests of grassland birds in the U.S. Prairie Pothole Region: predator foraging behavior, predation patterns, and nesting success.  (Note: This ongoing study was inadvertently omitted from the 1999 report.) This cooperative study with the Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Iowa State University, Ducks Unlimited, and the Central Flyway Council, simultaneously investigated foraging ecology of red foxes and striped skunks, and nesting ecology of upland ducks. One goal of this research was to identify mechanisms contributing to what waterfowl biologists have termed "hot spots," i.e., places with extraordinarily high nest success. This study is in the data analysis and writing phase. Preliminary results have provided insight to underlying factors that contribute to high nest success in "hot spot" areas and a proposal to further test the premise is under development. marsha_sovada@usgs.gov

Black-tailed prairie dog monitoring protocol for seven prairie parks.  An initial draft monitoring protocol was revised and submitted for peer review and National Park Service program review during FY00. These reviews have been completed and the protocol is undergoing a final revision. bill_rizzo@usgs.gov

Grasslands and Vegetation Management

Leafy spurge attracts native pollinators

Effect of Euphorbia esula on pollination and seed set of native flowering plants.  In a pilot study in 1997, we found that leafy spurge pollen is being transferred to the stigmas of the native plant, Linum perenne, with the potential for effects on seed set. Work continues with new funding to more thoroughly investigate the breadth of the phenomenon, the identity of the pollinators, and the likelihood for population-level effects on native plants. The first of two years of field work was completed in FY00. dlarson@usgs.gov

Origin and persistence of the Kingston Plain stump barren.  Prior to clearcutting and fire a century ago, the Kingston sand plain in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore supported a mixed white pine-eastern hemlock-beech forest. Harvesting and fire destroyed the forest, replacing it with barrens vegetation dominated by grasses, bracken fern, blueberries, and reindeer moss. Because of its origin, the Kingston Plain barren is considered an anthropogenic landscape. However, there is reason to suspect that barrens can also arise following natural disturbances. Using records of vegetation and disturbance contained in lake sediment, we are determining whether barrens on the Kingston Plain occur only as a result of human activities, or whether barrens also form following natural disturbances. Considerable progress was made in FY00. Analysis of pollen and charcoal in sediments from two Kingston Plain ponds (Iris and Jamaica) are underway, and progress has also been made in developing diagnostic indicators of barrens in pollen and charcoal records. Short sediment cores from two ponds (Playa and Jamaica) have been dated and pollen stratigraphies analyzed. When the pollen stratigraphies are plotted against sediment age, there are clear changes in the types and amounts of pollen deposited in the sediments following logging and fire. We will use these changes in pollen type and abundance to help us interpret the fossil records from Iris and Jamaica Ponds. Charcoal abundance is also being analyzed for the two short cores; changes in charcoal accumulation may also be diagnostic of fire and the formation of barrens vegetation. dlarson@usgs.gov

Experimental treatment of Cirsium arvense infestations at LaCreek and Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuges.  Preliminary work in 1998-99 on the two refuges in South Dakota identified biological weaknesses that might be exploited to control Canada thistle. This study will evaluate experimental treatments based on the observed weaknesses. Results will be compared against standard herbicide treatment and evaluated for effects upon established biological control insects. The study incorporates a long-term monitoring program to evaluate reinvasion or invasion by other exotics. Pretreatment data were collected in FY00; experimental treatments will be applied in spring 2001. dlarson@usgs.gov

Experimental treatment of leafy spurge infestations at Tewaukon and Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuges.  Insect herbivory, although shown to affect plant fitness, has only rarely been shown to control plant community structure. Thus biocontrol agents alone may not control leafy spurge to the satisfaction of land managers unless (1) they significantly reduce the competitive ability of leafy spurge with respect to more desirable plants, and (2) the desirable plants are available to colonize or expand at the expense of leafy spurge. Toward these ends, we will apply experimental treatments involving soil nitrogen reduction and interseeding with warm-season grasses on two refuges in North Dakota. Our goal is to change competitive balances between leafy spurge and more desirable vegetation as biological control insects exert pressure on spurge through herbivory. Pretreatment data were collected in FY00. Treatments will be applied in spring 2001. dlarson@usgs.gov

	Assessing vegetation along horse trails

Exotic species invasion and structural damage along horse trails in sensitive natural areas at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (OZAR).  Horseback riding in the park has greatly increased over the last ten years. Horse traffic can serve as a vector for the spread of exotic plant species into native communities, and it can also structurally damage native vegetation through trampling. Appropriate management of horse use is currently the largest land use management challenge in OZAR. Although OZAR plans to prepare a horse use management plan, it has no information about the levels of damage to the various sensitive vegetation communities in the park or the relative sensitivities of community types to horse-associated exotic species invasion and structural damage. This exploratory research project investigates the extent to which horse traffic has significantly altered composition and structure of native vegetation communities through trampling and introduction of nonnative species. In FY00, we sampled vegetation in 68 plots in six community types at two levels of horse use and one level of control. Results from data analysis will be used to assist OZAR in selecting which community types to study in depth next year. esther_stroh@usgs.gov

Ongoing Studies

Factors influencing soil macroinvertebrate communities in the riparian grasslands of the Central Platte River flood plain.  The second and final year of data collection was completed in September 2000. A companion study of soils, vegetation, and hydrology by other USGS scientists is nearing completion to provide an integrated understanding of this ecosystem. Final analyses, examining invertebrate community structure and diversity and factors affecting abundance of key taxa, will be conducted during 2001. jane_austin@usgs.gov

Prairie forbs in bloom

Effects of prairie dog disturbance and ungulate grazing on native and non-native propagule banks in Badlands National Park.  A draft manuscript was completed in FY00. There were distinct differences in both the seed bank composition and the above-ground vegetation between the off-prairie dog colony sites and the on-colony sites. On-colony vegetation and seedbank were dominated by forbs. Off-colony vegetation and seedbank were primarily comprised of grasses. Very few dominant species typical of mixed-grass prairie vegetation germinated from seeds collected from prairie dog colony sites, suggesting a substantially altered vegetative potential of these sites if prairie dogs are removed. dlarson@usgs.gov

Plant community response to biological and chemical control of leafy spurge in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Monitoring continued during FY00. dlarson@usgs.gov

	Preliminary land cover map for North Dakota

North Dakota GAP Analysis.  Significant progress was made in FY00 for each of the three primary objectives of the ND GAP Analysis. GIS databases were created from vegetation survey data from several sources and statistical analyses of the data for mapping vegetation and land cover were begun. All vertebrate range maps have been published on the web and have been reviewed. Literature reviews have been completed for 53 bird species, 16 mammal species, and 8 herptiles. Wildlife habitat relationship models have been written and reviewed for the eight herptiles. Cooperators have continued to provide significant in-kind resources, particularly with regard to public land stewardship maps. larry_strong@usgs.gov

Butterfly monitoring protocol in the Prairie Cluster Long-term Ecological Monitoring Parks.  A draft monitoring protocol was completed, reviewed by the National Park Service, revised, and transmitted to the National Park Service. bill_rizzo@usgs.gov

Climate variations of the Ozark Highlands in the context of global change.  Data analysis and reporting continued for this research in 2000. A manuscript was accepted for publication in Atmosfera. gary_willson@usgs.gov

Microclimatic habitat characterization and population demographics of three boreal relict plant species in southern Missouri.  In FY00, we collected the second year of microclimate and demographic data and analyzed allozyme diversity in the Missouri populations and several other disjunct and nondisjunct populations. Initial analyses show that locations with plant populations are not necessarily cooler or more humid than locations without plant populations. There was a slight but insignificant decrease in number of individual plants at each Missouri site, and a small but insignificant increase in percent flowering at each site. Missouri populations of Z. elegans were polymorphic at only one of eight enzyme-encoding loci, compared to non-disjunct populations from Wisconsin and Michigan, which displayed polymorphisms at 4 and 5 loci, respectively. esther_stroh@usgs.gov

Monitoring protocol development and testing for the threatened western prairie fringed orchid.  Flowering western prairie fringed orchids were counted at Pipestone National Monument for the eighth consecutive year. One hundred and twenty-five flowering plants were found in unit 2A, the highest number recorded in the monitoring record. A draft monitoring protocol was completed and is under review. gary_willson@usgs.gov

Plant community monitoring protocol in the Prairie Cluster Long-term Ecological Monitoring Parks.  During FY00, a draft monitoring protocol was completed, and it has undergone peer review and National Park Service program review. A final revision of the protocol is in progress. bill_rizzo@usgs.gov

Wetland and Aquatic Studies

An analysis of the biological impacts associated with the flooding and flushing of a prairie wetland ecosystem.  Rising water levels in the Union and Sarah Lake complex in western Minnesota have flooded many residences. A water level reduction project implemented to reduce damage involves pumping water from Union Lake into a wetland on the Union Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), from which it flows through a series of wetland basins to the Sand Hill River, approximately 7 miles away. To assess the impact of long-term pumping on affected wetlands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) requested technical assistance through the Quick Response Program of USGS. Data collected in FY00 indicated that pumping water from Union Lake will have a strong negative impact on waterfowl production and on the ecological integrity of the WPA and other wetlands in the drainage path to the Sand Hill River. A final report was prepared and submitted to the FWS. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Determining sedimentation rates in the marshes of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).  Sand Lake NWR, in northeastern South Dakota, was established in 1935. Two large impoundments, Mud and Sand Lakes, were developed in 1936 by constructing dams across the James River. These lakes provide water for associated sub-impoundments, are important habitats for migrating waterfowl and overwater nesting birds, and provide winter cover for resident wildlife. The James River watershed is intensively farmed and the river carries substantial silt loads that can fill reservoirs, reducing their capacity to hold water. Information on sedimentation rates and historic accretion in Mud and Sand Lake is needed to better inform refuge staff of siltation issues to facilitate development of remedial actions. In FY00 we collected sediment cores to quantify the sedimentation rates in Mud and Sand Lakes. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Ongoing Studies

Prairie pothole landscape

Use of aquatic invertebrates to identify and delineate temporary and seasonal wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region.  During FY00 one manuscript was completed and submitted and a second manuscript was under preparation. Findings indicate that remains of aquatic invertebrates can be used to identify and delineate wetlands under conditions where conventional methods do not work. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Evaluation of restored wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) of the United States.  A manuscript was drafted on the role of wetlands in the global carbon cycle and four invited presentations on carbon sequestration were delivered at national and international meetings. Results indicate that land use in the PPR has caused prairie wetlands to shift from sinks to sources of carbon dioxide. Restoration of wetland habitat may be an effective way to sequester greenhouse carbon. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Areal extent of sediment overburden in restored prairie wetlands and the impact on recolonization by aquatic invertebrates and hydrophytes in the United States Prairie Pothole Region.  Analysis was ongoing in FY00. Preliminary results suggest sedimentation rates are about three times greater in previously farmed wetlands than in high quality reference wetlands. robert_gleason@usgs.gov

A decision support model for prioritizing wetland restoration in the northern Great Plains.  Work continued in FY00 to develop algorithms for quantifying a suite of wetland functions. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Impact of global climate change on aquatic invertebrates in the northern Great Plains.  Analysis was ongoing in FY00. No results are available at this time. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

	Iridovirus-infected tiger salamander

The Cottonwood Lake Study Area: long-term monitoring of the dynamics in hydrology, chemistry, and biology of a prairie wetland complex.  Another year's worth of hydrological, chemical, and biological data was added to the extensive data sets associated with this long-term monitoring effort in FY00. An early summer outbreak of iridovirus in one wetland effectively eliminated the salamander population in that wetland. The virus spread to two other wetlands in the complex by the end of the field season. Spread of the virus will be monitored in FY01. We will be working with the National Wildlife Health Center to identify environmental factors that may have contributed to the outbreak using the unique database available for the Cottonwood Lake area. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Hydrogeomorphic model analysis. Analysis was ongoing in FY00. No results are available at this time. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Assessing wetland productivity to time drawdowns at the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge.  Thirty-six secondary production tubes were installed in each of three wetlands to obtain an estimate of wetland productivity. Results are not yet available. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Checking invertebrate activity trap

Effects of water development on the hydrologic features and the biological communities of palustrine wetlands and adjacent mixed-grass prairie uplands in western North Dakota.  Field work was completed and data analysis is under way. Wetlands excavated for water developments have deepened wetland basins that enable them to hold water for longer periods of time. Our preliminary results suggest that water developments have altered the biological communities of wetlands, shifting communities of plants and animals adapted to short hydroperiods to taxa that require longer periods of standing water. ned_euliss@usgs.gov

Application of a distributed hydrology-vegetation model to the Jacks Fork Basin to predict changes in runoff due to climate change.  Data analysis and reporting continued for this project in 2000. A manuscript was accepted for publication in International Journal of Climatology. gary_willson@usgs.gov

Development and validation of biocriteria for national parks in the prairie ecoregion.  Research to determine the response of stream benthic invertebrates to deposited sediment was completed in FY00. Tolerance values representing taxon response to deposited sediment were developed for 30 common taxa. The deposited sediment tolerance values were used to develop a biotic index for deposited sediment. gary_willson@usgs.gov

Social Science Studies in National Parks

	Camping in Glen Canyon National Recreation area

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area visitor use study.  As the use of personal watercraft (PWC) in national parks has grown in recent years, so has concern over safety, wildlife and resource impacts, and visitor conflicts. The Cooperative Park Studies Program is collaborating with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA) staff to provide input to the current planning effort to address PWC and other recreational use in the NRA. In April 2000, the final directive was issued governing PWC use in the national park units. Glen Canyon is one of 10 national park units whose enabling legislation included water recreation as a primary purpose for the unit’s establishment. Until a thorough public involvement process has been conducted, no changes to existing uses at Glen Canyon NRA will be made. This study is part of that process. The objective was to develop baseline visitor information for planning and managing Glen Canyon NRA, with special attention paid to PWC users. Specifically, the study describes the current visitors in terms of their number, type, kinds of activities they engage in, kinds of experiences they have, types of issues and concerns they have with use in the area, and the kinds of management actions they support for resolving visitor-caused impacts to the resource and the visitor experience. The study also addresses crowding along the shoreline, on the water, and at boat accesses. Over 900 visitors contacted onsite during three visitor use seasons were sent a questionnaire about their experience in the NRA. Preliminary findings support zoning and managing the area for a variety of desired experiences. Additionally, more than two-thirds of all respondents in both the fall/winter and spring surveys supported or strongly supported aggressive enforcement of safety rules and regulations, providing more information to visitors about appropriate behavior, and using management controls to prevent visitor-caused damage to the environment. Data analysis is ongoing. In addition to being specifically useful to Glen Canyon NRA, this study benefits all national park units facing issues concerning the use of PWCs.

Other Social Science Studies ongoing in FY00
danderso@forestry.umn.edu

Developing and field testing a decision-making handbook for managers of recreation areas — completed; handbook available for sale

Isle Royale National Park: defining indicators and standards of experience quality — completed

Canyonlands National Park Visitor survey — completed

Devils Tower National Monument Visitor survey — completed

Visitors’ reactions to recreational fees in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — report writing ongoing

Visitors’ reactions to the 1999 July 4th storm in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — report writing ongoing

Visitors’ reactions to recreational fees in national parks — report writing ongoing

Mount Rushmore National Memorial visitor survey — report writing ongoing

Arches National Park: defining indicators and standards of experience quality — data analysis ongoing

Capitol Reef National Park: defining indicators and standards of experience quality — data analysis ongoing

Assessing social-psychological aspects of deer management in Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area — data analysis and report writing ongoing

Assessing community attitudes about Hopewell Culture National Historical Park — data collection ongoing

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore visitor survey — data collection, data analysis, and report writing ongoing

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield visitor survey — data analysis and report writing ongoing

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area visitor survey — data analysis and report writing ongoing

Assessing human dimensions research needs — Human Dimensions of Wildlife Workshop held February 1-3, 2000; Workshop Proceedings in press

Understanding visitor uses, motives, and benefits of Sherburne Wildlife Refuge — study proposal in preparation

Assessment of use and benefits of Waterfowl Production Areas in Minnesota — data collection ongoing