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At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
USGS1980

Effects of post-impoundment shore modifications on fish populations in Missouri River reservoirs

In the Missouri River main stem reservoirs in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, hydrodynamic processes have decreased the lengths of shorelines and changed their configuration during the first 20 to 25 years of impoundment. Shale shores of Lakes Fort Peck, Oahe, Sharpe, and Francis Case were rapidly eroded by wave action and water level fluctuation. Banks slumped, embayments filled, and stumps and debris were covered by sediment. Shale shores developed mean slopes of 5-7% in sections of reservoirs with 10- to 25-km fetches and more than 10% in sections with 3- to 7-km fetches. Glacial till tended to armor the shorelines and deter their degradation in all reservoirs. Bank-cutting was particularly severe up to 1973 in the readily erodible Fort Union sediments along Lake Sakakawea. Water level fluctuation retarded the development of stable shores. Some aquatic vegetation developed along shorelines and in shallow sections of reservoirs in which water levels fluctuated little. Substrate suitable for terrestrial vegetation did not develop along the shores of fluctuating reservoirs, except where alluvial deposits were present. Physical changes of the shore probably influenced fish abundance and species composition primarily by changing the quality and quantity of spawning and nursery habitat. Species that appeared to be adversely affected by shore changes required protected embayments or flooded vegetation for reporduction: white crappie, Pomoxis annularis : black crappie, P. nigromaculatus : yellow perch, Perca flavescens : northern pike, Esox lucius : bigmouth buffalo, Ictiobus cyprinellus : small mouth buffalo, I. bubalus : and carp, Cyprinus carpio . Fish that spawn in tributaries or on rocky shores were not greatly influenced by shore changes (although the growth rate of several species were slowed): sauger, Sander canadensis : channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus : white bass, Morone chrysops : goldeye, Hiodon alosoides : and river carpsucker, Carpiodes carpio . One species, the walleye, Stizostedion v. vitreum , appeared to be benefited from the shore changes. Physical changes along shores have not been adequately addressed in reservoir ecological planning. Fish population data collected before reservoir shores have reached a reasonable degree of stability do not provide a reliable estimate of the ultimate species composition in a reservoir.

Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota↗
USGS1979

Conservation of marine birds of northern North America: Papers from the international symposium held at the Seattle Hyatt House, Seattle, Washington, 13-15 May 1975

The international symposium "Conservation of Marine Birds of Northern North America" was convened because of a growing awareness that not all was well with our marine birds. The symposium provided a forum for scientists, governmental administrators, conservationists, and laypeople to discuss the diverse topics and issues that we must all understand if we are to act both responsively and responsibly to assure that marine birds will not be lost through our neglect. The symposium was cosponsored by the Natural Resources Council of America, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; additional support was provided by the Canadian Wildlife Service, the International Association of Game, Fish, and Conservation Commissioners, the Pacific Seabird Group, the Sierra Club, the Smithsonian Institution, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the Wildlife Society. Persons interested and knowledgeable in the many and varied aspects of marine bird conservation were invited to participate in this symposium. There were 139 registered and several score of unregistered participants in attendance. Major topics treated were: (1) socioeconomic considerations and conservation of marine birds; (2) the marine environment of birds; (3) status of marine bird populations on land and sea; (4) the biology and ecology of marine birds in the North; (5) conflicts between the conservation of marine birds and uses of other resources; (6) programs and authorities related to the conservation of marine birds; and (7) conservation of marine birds in other lands.

Wildlife Research Report↗
USGS1977

Effects of off-road vehicles on vertebrates in the California desert

Off-road vehicle (ORV) use provides a form of outdoor recreation that is increasingly popular. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of these machines on creosote shrub habitat and associated wildlife in the western California Desert. Comparisons at eight paired sites (Control and ORV use) demonstrate that ORV-use areas have significantly fewer species of vertebrates, greatly reduced abundance of individuals, and noticeably lower reptile and small mammal biomass. Diversity, density, and biomass of reptiles and small mammals are inversely related to the level of ORV usage. The number of individuals found in heavily used and pit areas was 55% and 20%, respectively, of that present in undisturbed sites. Biomass estimates were even lower (23% and 17%, respectively). Censuses at three localities also showed decreased diversity, density, and biomass estimates of breeding birds in DRV-used areas. Present evidence indicates that off-road vehicles have a negative effect on desert wildlife over large areas. This widespread impact must be recognized to manage and conserve resources in DRV-use areas.

California↗
USGS2012

Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Lower Missouri River: Annual report 2010

The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of work is developed annually with cooperating research partners and in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Recovery—Integrated Science Program. The research consists of several interdependent and complementary tasks that engage multiple disciplines. The research tasks in the 2010 scope of work primarily address spawning as a probable factor limiting pallid sturgeon survival and recovery, although limited pilot studies also have been initiated to examine the requirements of early life stages. The research is designed to inform management decisions affecting channel re-engineering, flow modification, and pallid sturgeon population augmentation on the Missouri River, and throughout the range of the species. Research and progress made through this project are reported to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annually. This annual report details the research effort and progress made by the Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project during 2010.

South Dakota;Nebraska;Iowa;Missouri↗
USGS2014

Ecological requirements for pallid sturgeon reproduction and recruitment in the Missouri River: annual report 2011

The Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multiyear, multiagency collaborative research framework developed to provide information to support pallid sturgeon recovery and Missouri River management decisions. The project strategy integrates field and laboratory studies of sturgeon reproductive ecology, early life history, habitat requirements, and physiology. The project scope of work is developed annually with cooperating research partners and in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri River Recovery—Integrated Science Program. The research consists of several interdependent and complementary tasks that engage multiple disciplines. The research tasks in the 2011 scope of work emphasized understanding of reproductive migrations and spawning of adult sturgeon, and hatch and drift of larvae. These tasks were addressed in three hydrologically and geomorphologically distinct parts of the Missouri River Basin: the Lower Missouri River downstream from Gavins Point Dam, the Upper Missouri River downstream from Fort Peck Dam and including downstream reaches of the Milk River, and the Lower Yellowstone River. The research is designed to inform management decisions related to channel re-engineering, flow modification, and pallid sturgeon population augmentation on the Missouri River, and throughout the range of the species. Research and progress made through this project are reported to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers annually. This annual report details the research effort and progress made by the Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project during 2011.

Missouri River↗