Articles tagged with Land Management
Scientists call for scientifically-informed reforms to manage overabundant kangaroo populations, addressing animal welfare, conservation and environmental concerns. The special edition of the journal features research papers on sustainable monitoring and management practices to reduce harm to wildlife species.
Deploying honeybees on solar parks in the UK could raise crop yields and financial returns, with soft fruits and oilseed benefiting the most. The study found that prioritizing these crops within a 1.5km honeybee foraging radius around solar parks could boost values by £80 million annually.
Rising temperatures are projected to decrease outdoor recreation during summers by 18% over the next 30 years, but increase winter recreation by 12% in mid-century. This shift may lead to a decline in popular winter sports like downhill skiing and an increase in winter mountain biking.
Researchers found that large herbivores can reduce wildfire damage by mitigating fire-prone vegetation. Effective solutions depend on factors such as herbivore population density and diet. Integrating extensive grazing into land management policies could help mitigate wildfires.
The study found that tropical forest edges are releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere due to increased tree mortality. By 2100, the proportion of forest edges is projected to increase from 31% to almost 50% if deforestation rates remain high.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
Research by Wuletawu Abera and his team has shown that vegetation cover combined with earthworks like retaining walls or trenches can help increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The studies focused on the Ethiopian highlands, where land degradation has led to erosion and loss of soil organic matter.
The University of Exeter has developed a virtual safe space tool called BEE-STEWARD to test different land management techniques for bumblebee survival. The tool provides a computer simulation of bumblebee colony survival in a given landscape, allowing researchers and farmers to predict the impact of their decisions.
A synthesis of scientific literature provides a unified resource for managing western forests and addressing the impacts of climate change on wildfires. The report recommends approaches such as thinning dense forests, prescribed burning, and revitalizing Indigenous fire stewardship practices to make landscapes more resilient.
Researchers investigated restored prairies and found that first-year weather conditions have a lasting impact on their success. This unexpected finding suggests that long-term weather forecasts can help inform planting decisions to mitigate weed growth.
A new species of Allosaurus, Allosaurus jimmadseni, has been discovered in Utah, inhabiting the flood plains of western North America during the Late Jurassic Period. The species possesses unique features, including a short narrow skull and relatively long legs and tail.
A new study finds that irrigation has a significant cooling effect during warm extremes in regions such as Southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. This effect partly offsets the warming caused by global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the likelihood of hot extremes by a factor of 2-8 in some areas.
Research developed by Oregon State University enables land managers to take a risk-analysis approach to new wildfire reality. The tools provide analytics that integrate fire risk with management difficulties and opportunities, allowing for preplanning responses that balance risk with success. This approach aims to improve outcomes and ...
The study found that solitary bees can tolerate a range of environmental conditions and have distinct preferences for nesting sites. The project's results could help inform land management to better protect ground-nesting bees.
A new method uses detection dogs and genetic species identification to survey lizard populations without direct contact. The technique was successfully used to identify 78% of 327 samples collected over four years, with most being from blunt-nosed leopard lizards.
A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.
A new statistical modeling tool uses features of a weed species and geography to predict high-risk areas where weeds are likely to spread first. Land management authorities can use the tool to identify at-risk areas that require careful monitoring, improving early detection and effective containment of invasive weeds.
A collaborative team of researchers developed a framework to integrate scientific understanding of fire and its effects on ecosystems and human communities with an understanding of the human values that ultimately determine what people care about. The study emphasizes the need for community members, policy makers, and land managers wor...
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
The Bumble-BEEHAVE model predicts individual and interacting effects of stressors on bumblebee survival and informs management recommendations. The tool aids in designing field experiments, risk assessments, and assigning bespoke management advice.
Researchers found that desert tortoises often overheat and die when encountering fencing meant to keep them safe from roads. The study suggests that designing and installing barrier fencing to minimize pacing and heat stress is crucial to prevent tortoise deaths.
Research by the USDA Forest Service found that specific characteristics, such as water depth and vegetation height, significantly influence Yosemite toad breeding pool suitability. The study's findings provide valuable insights for land managers to conserve the species.
The book outlines land management practices tested in twelve global projects to address soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. It offers evidence-based research with a focus on implementation, aiming to bridge the gap between science and practice.
A new study assesses the impact of Rutgers University's Organic Land Care Certificate Program on landscaper attitudes and practices. Survey results show significant reductions in synthetic fertilizer use and pesticide application, with a focus on holistic landscape management.
New research reveals more of Britain's countryside dates back to Roman period, shaping modern land management approaches. The Fields of Britannia project highlights the enduring legacy of Roman land practices.
Researchers develop a step-wise problem-oriented approach to enhance the relevance of ES assessments for decision making. The new framework focuses on structuring ES information according to land use problems identified by stakeholders, collecting context-specific ES information as needed by decision makers.
A recent report estimates that the world loses $6.3 trillion to $10.6 trillion in ecosystem services each year due to land degradation, equivalent to 10-17% of global GDP. This loss could lead to the migration of millions of people within a decade, posing a significant humanitarian crisis.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory emphasizes the significance of land management practices in retaining carbon, especially under cellulosic biofuel production scenarios. Effective management can increase soil organic carbon storage by up to 2.6% when 90% of harvest residue is returned.
Researchers found a decline in cross-party voting and an increase in party-line voting among Congressional representatives over the past 60 years. The study used network modeling to identify patterns at the individual level, revealing that geography had little influence on voting behavior.
A study analyzing 308 bird species found that many birds switch between federal land managers throughout the year, highlighting the need for cooperation in conservation. The research used crowdsourced checklists and mapping to identify key habitats and inform land management priorities.
A new study reveals the vast diversity of life below-ground, with rapid responses to climate change having far-reaching impacts on future ecosystems. The research suggests that healthy soil is essential for healthy crops, and that integrating knowledge of soil biodiversity into land management decisions could help mitigate climate change.
Historical and current surveys in southern Sweden reveal significant butterfly population declines due to changes in farming practices and land use. The study recommends 12 management measures, including later grazing and careful grazier selection, to mitigate these effects and support butterfly recovery.
A UN-backed report highlights the need for a 'total economic approach' to tackle global land degradation, which affects 24% of usable lands and results in estimated annual losses of $40 billion. Adopting sustainable land management practices could raise crop supplies by an estimated 2.3 billion tonnes worth $1.4 trillion.
Researchers found that social relationships, both formal and informal, significantly influenced the effectiveness of conservation easements. The Malpai Borderlands project demonstrated the importance of tight personal relationships in achieving conservation goals.
NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the long damage track created by a Massachusetts tornado on June 1, 2011. The satellite also provided an earlier image from 2010 for comparison, enabling clearer visualization of the tornado's eastward track.
A new USDA study shows that less than 25% of non-federal rangelands have significant land degradation, while nearly 50% are affected by invasive non-native grasses and shrubs. The research provides valuable information for conservation efforts and sets a baseline for monitoring western rangeland health.
A pioneering project in North Korea has successfully implemented agroforestry systems on marginal sloping lands, increasing tree cover and crop diversity. The project has made a significant impact on people's lives, providing them with food, vitamins, and income through sustainable land management.
Dr. Constance Millar has been recognized with the USDA Forest Service Deputy Chief's Distinguished Science award for her groundbreaking research on forest ecosystems' response to climate change. Her work aims to inform land management planning and adaptation strategies for a changing climate.
The Federal Transit Administration has awarded a $1.5 million grant to the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University to develop the National Technical Assistance Center for Alternative Transportation in Public Lands. This center will provide federally owned land managers with a 'one-stop shop' of information, trainin...
A new study by conservation biologists from the University of California, Berkeley found that parks with public access have significantly lower populations of native carnivores such as coyotes and bobcats. The researchers believe that human disturbance may be driving these animals away from heavily visited areas.
A computer model developed by Penn State University and the University of Cambridge recommends tailored strategies to manage gypsy moths, focusing on medium-density infestations to reduce high-density ones. The model aims to save time and money for land managers while slowing the spread of invasive species across the US.
A collaborative learning exercise between land managers and scientists aimed to explore the impacts of long-term temperature changes and precipitation distribution on rangelands. The study found that experiential learning is an effective teaching method for critical thinking, communication skills, and engaging learners.
The Idaho Bureau of Land Management and weed control groups use new software to analyze NASA satellite imagery and target areas for cheatgrass treatment. The technology helps land managers be smarter in using their resources, improving the effectiveness of weed control efforts.
The Valles Caldera Trust employs science-based adaptive management to monitor natural resources and adjust management activities in response to changing conditions. This approach, pioneered by forest ecologist Thomas Swetnam, aims to improve the long-term sustainability of federal lands like national parks and forests.
The Invasive Species Forecasting System (ISFS) uses NASA satellite data to predict and manage the spread of invasive plant species like saltcedar, which is damaging water supplies. Land managers can generate color-coded maps to help combat the spread of these species.
The huge market demand for forest moss is causing ecological concerns, with millions of pounds being harvested annually. The removal of large amounts of moss can lead to unintended consequences, such as removing endangered species or shipping insect pests overseas.
The Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards aim to address the shortcomings of existing land-based climate strategies by incorporating environmental and social issues. The standards evaluate projects that mitigate or adapt to climate change while conserving biodiversity and alleviating poverty.
The traditional 'ponderosa pine model' of forest fire management is being questioned due to its limitations. Presenters will present data on the ineffectiveness of prescribed burns in California's shrubland areas and boreal forests, highlighting the dominant role of weather and human demographics in fire regimes.