 |
|
WCS study on birds and streams included in federal guidelines to safeguard waterways
August 19, 2009Natural Resource Conservation Service to use monitoring technique for stream assessments
The results of a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) study that rapidly measures stream habitat have been adopted by a government agency working with private landowners to restore waterways throughout the U.S.
The results of the study, which assess the relationship between streamside vegetation and migratory songbirds, are being used by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS works with landowners on restoring and protecting the literally million of miles of streams that flow through private lands.
The study is by Hilary Cooke and Dr. Steve Zack of the Wildlife Conservation Society and appears in the July issue of the journal Environmental Management.
The study, which looked at riparian area in semi-arid eastern Oregon, examined two simple and quick vegetation measurements: the average height and width of woody vegetation such as willows along a flood plain. The results showed that increases in woody vegetation led to a greater diversity and abundance of riparian birds including yellow warblers, song sparrows and yellow-breasted chats.
"Riparian habitat is critical for birds particularly in semi-arid regions of the west, and working with landowners to increase their streamside woody vegetation is an important conservation tool for declining bird populations," said Cooke who is finishing her Ph.D. at the University of Alberta.
The results of the study provide federal managers and private ranchers with an efficient tool for estimating the value of their streams as bird habitat, according to the authors. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has added these simple measurements to their revised protocol for assessing riparian habitat with private landowners across the nation.
"We feel that adding this wildlife component to our stream assessments will help ensure that both streams and riparian habitats can function better on private lands," said Kathryn Boyer, Fisheries Biologist for the NRCS who oversees many projects working with private landowners throughout the west.
"We undertook these studies to help inform riparian management and wildlife conservation," said Zack. "We think such assessments can represent a 'win-win' for private landowners wanting to restore their streams and for encouraging the creation of more in-stream habitat for fish and habitat important for declining migratory birds. We are very happy that our work is being adopted by the NRCS, who can help implement widespread conservation of fish and wildlife working with private landowners."
The Wildlife Conservation Society is building upon this work to better inform how to conserve of riparian systems and wildlife habitat.
"As riparian habitat is the most degraded, but most important, habitat in the West, it is imperative to find workable ways to restore our watersheds to ensure that they function to store water, hold soils, and provide habitat to wildlife," said Zack.
Wildlife Conservation Society
The study is by Hilary Cooke and Dr. Steve Zack of the Wildlife Conservation Society and appears in the July issue of the journal Environmental Management.
The study, which looked at riparian area in semi-arid eastern Oregon, examined two simple and quick vegetation measurements: the average height and width of woody vegetation such as willows along a flood plain. The results showed that increases in woody vegetation led to a greater diversity and abundance of riparian birds including yellow warblers, song sparrows and yellow-breasted chats.
"Riparian habitat is critical for birds particularly in semi-arid regions of the west, and working with landowners to increase their streamside woody vegetation is an important conservation tool for declining bird populations," said Cooke who is finishing her Ph.D. at the University of Alberta.
The results of the study provide federal managers and private ranchers with an efficient tool for estimating the value of their streams as bird habitat, according to the authors. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has added these simple measurements to their revised protocol for assessing riparian habitat with private landowners across the nation.
"We feel that adding this wildlife component to our stream assessments will help ensure that both streams and riparian habitats can function better on private lands," said Kathryn Boyer, Fisheries Biologist for the NRCS who oversees many projects working with private landowners throughout the west.
"We undertook these studies to help inform riparian management and wildlife conservation," said Zack. "We think such assessments can represent a 'win-win' for private landowners wanting to restore their streams and for encouraging the creation of more in-stream habitat for fish and habitat important for declining migratory birds. We are very happy that our work is being adopted by the NRCS, who can help implement widespread conservation of fish and wildlife working with private landowners."
The Wildlife Conservation Society is building upon this work to better inform how to conserve of riparian systems and wildlife habitat.
"As riparian habitat is the most degraded, but most important, habitat in the West, it is imperative to find workable ways to restore our watersheds to ensure that they function to store water, hold soils, and provide habitat to wildlife," said Zack.
Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News RSSAfrica's rarest monkey had an intriguing sexual past, DNA study confirms
The most extensive DNA study to-date of Africa's rarest monkey reveals that the species had an intriguing sexual past. Of the last two remaining populations of the recently discovered kipunji, one population shows evidence of past mating with baboons while the other does not.
New study provides insight on energy development and sage-grouse habitat in the intermountain West
A study released October 14th in the current issue of the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE will shed new light on oil and gas development potential in the Intermountain West.
Whale-sized genetic study largest ever for southern hemisphere humpbacks
After 15 years of research in the waters of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and an international coalition of organizations have unveiled the largest genetic study of humpback whale populations ever conducted in the Southern Hemisphere.
World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science.
Oil and wildlife don't mix in Ecuador's Eden
What harm can a simple road do in a pristine place such as Ecuador's Yasuni National Park, home to peccaries, tapirs, monkeys and myriad other wildlife species?
Arctic oil: A boon for nest predators
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other groups reveals how oil development in the Artic is impacting some bird populations by providing "subsidized housing" to predators, which nest and den around drilling infrastructure and supplement their diets with garbage - and nesting birds.
Research recommends compromise when choosing conservation site
A lot of variables come into play when selecting a site for environmental conservation that yields benefits to people nearby such as wildlife needs, species and vegetation uniqueness, and costs to the government or community.
Tiny pump means pain relief for big cats
Veterinarians from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo and the University of Tennessee have found a solution to the challenge of providing effective pain relief to some of their most difficult patients: big cats.
New hope for fisheries on the horizon?
Scientists have joined forces in a groundbreaking assessment on the status of marine fisheries and ecosystems.
121 breeding tigers estimated to be found in Nepal
he first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists.
More Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News Articles
 |
Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management by Anthony R. E. Sinclair (Author), John M. Fryxell (Author), Graeme Caughley (Author) This extensively revised new edition of Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management provides a succinct and clear introduction to general ecological principles, and then goes on to show how those principles can be applied to wildlife management and conservation. The unique feature of this book is that general ecology is explained first, allowing those students who do not have an ecology background to get to grips quickly with applications to real world situations. This said, the book is appropriate to both undergraduate and graduate classes in applied ecology, conservation, and natural resource management. The book will also be valuable to professional wildlife biologists in developing their research and management. This edition includes new chapters on foraging and on... |
 |
John Denver - The Wildlife Concert Starring: John Denver Directed By: Jeb Brien Also With: David Williams (Editor), Ralph Scaglione (Editor), Allen Kelman (Producer), Andy Kadison (Producer), David Stallbaumer (Producer), Elizabeth Lee (Producer), Eric Trigg (Producer), Gary Pacheco (Producer), Harold Thau (Producer), Maxim Langstaff (Producer), Stephen Herman (Producer) Denver sings rocky mountain high and other favorites in this acclaimed benefit performance. Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 09/10/2002 Starring: John Denver Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Nr |
|
Conservation Land Management by British Wildlife Publishing English Nature's way of encouraging land managers to practice nature conservation - no lectures, just useful advice from fellow practitioners. Articles focus on the problems of managing different sites, using case studies to suggest practical solutions. | |
 |
1972 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION #1467a Plate Block of 4 x 8 cents US Postage Stamps On September 20, 1972 in Warm Springs Oregon, the USPS issued this Se-Tenant to stress the importance of wildlife conservation. While the Alaska Fur Seal, the Cardinal, and the Brown Pelican are not necessarily endangered, in the mid-1970s, there were fewer than 20,000 Bighorn Sheep. This issue points out the fact that wildlife conservation should be a major concern. |
 |
8.5 Inch Plush Meerkat Conservation Collectible By Wildlife Artists by Wildlife Artists This cuddly meerkat has soft fur and brown eyes. He measures 8.5" tall and is part of the Conservation Collectibles by Wildlife Artists. |
 |
Womens World Wildlife Fund WWF SAVE THE GIRAFFE T-Shirt, Large by Vintage Wear |
 |
Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering: The Complete Guide (Bradt Travel Guide) by Peter Lynch (Author) From student backpackers who lose sleep over the plight of pandas, to merchant bankers seeking a holiday that gives meaning to their money, the market for ‘voluntourism’ is booming. But should one camp out with underprivileged orangutans, or live it up a luxury eco-lodge? This ground-breaking guide dissects volunteering market—with a special focus on wildlife and environmental conservation—and helps prospective volunteers to find a genuine eco-friendly, conservation-focused experience.
|
 |
Conservation Guide to: Landscaping for Wildlife Also With: Natural History Division/MDC (Primary Contributor) Video tape producted by the Missouri Department of Conservation on how to landscape for wildlife. You can attract and enjoy birds, butterflies, and mammals and more by turning your backyard into a rich home for wildlife. |
 |
Wildlife Conservation Nathan Chance (Primary Contributor) |
 |
The Last Refuge (1890-1915) Also With: PBS (Producer) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |