Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus plexippus) populations across the continent have dropped precipitously over the last 30 years, especially those found west of the Rocky Mountains. In 2018 and 2019, it was estimated that less than 30,000 individuals make up the western population of monarchs, representing the lowest estimates on record and less than one percent of 1980s-1990s population levels. An analysis of annual and seasonal data from 1980-2017 showed monarch butterflies overwintering in coastal California have declined more quickly than monarch overwintering in Mexico, and declines were most strongly associated with losses and degradation of overwintering habitat. To inform restoration of the overwintering...
ABSTRACT: The selection of appropriate seed for restoration is a barrier to restoration success for many understory plant species which are important resources for wildlife. We aim to test whether current seed transfer guidance aligns with improved performance for native plants used in restoration of sagebrush steppe plant communities. This work will investigate the use of current of seed transfer guidance for selecting appropriate seed sources for restoration and will lead to improved restoration outcomes for understory species found in sagebrush steppe plant communities, which are valuable resources for wildlife. We will focus on the Northern Basin and Range ecoregion of the Great Basin Desert and will conduct...
ABSTRACT: In early 2016, a group of Nevada ranchers with a proven record of ecologically sound management across millions of acres came together with Federal/State Agencies to develop management solutions that improve sagebrush habitat ecological resilience, landscape health, and productivity. The “ROGER” (Results Oriented Grazing for Ecological Resilience) group’s work is progressing, but they now need new rangeland and wildlife ecology science to support them. This project will: 1) develop a comprehensive Great Basin vegetation database, use remote data to improve vegetation classification, and produce models that predict vegetation community transitions; then 2) use this information to prioritize areas for...
This project develops sub-regional sampling designs and data analysis procedures that can be readily incorporated into refuge-specific protocols (consistent with the I&M Survey Protocol Handbook) for Castle Rock and Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuges and partners conducting similar surveys. These site-specific protocols (SSPs) will support standardized, multi-regional seabird monitoring by stepping down from the recently completed National Protocol Framework (PF) for Monitoring Common Murre (COMU) and Brandt’s Cormorant (BRAC) Breeding Colonies in the California Current System (2019). A similar project funded in part by the Science Support Partnership program and led by the same USGS Principal Investigator...
ABSTRACT: The objective of this proposed work is to better characterize the natal origins of western monarch (Danaus plexippus) butterflies using stable isotopes and cardenolides. This work will build on previous studies and may help to explain how the population increased from less than 2000 individuals in 2020 to nearly 250,000 individuals in 2021. Despite their conservation importance and recent population declines, the natal origins of western monarchs remain poorly known. Improving knowledge of these natal origins would inform species protection and habitat management. AWARD ID: F23AC00051 START DATE: 09/16/2022 END DATE: 10/31/2026 SOURCE: Region 8 Science Applications AMOUNT: $22,934 PI: Dr....
ABSTRACT: We propose a quantitative framework, using the Integrated Population Model as a core foundation, to help guide an adaptive program for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of sage-grouse. The framework will consist of multiple objectives that first identify whether declining subpopulations are decoupled from larger trends across the entire DPS that ‘trigger’ management actions using translocations as a tool to help sustain current distribution and long-term population. Second, we will conduct simulations to identify translocation scenarios annually for different subpopulations and measure and compare the predicted outcomes for each subpopulation, as well as the Bi-State as a whole. IPM estimates for...
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The water supply and water management vulnerabilities associated with the Central Valley, Klamath Basin, and SONEC spill across Joint Venture boundaries. For example, water supplies for some refuges in the Klamath Basin have been drastically reduced over the last decade because of drought and Endangered Species Act requirements for addressing the needs of listed fish species. These water supply reductions have resulted in a predictably sharp decline in fall waterfowl use of the refuges and in change in shorebird use of the landscape. How might this increase the number of birds using the Central Valley in fall, and what is the conservation price tag for supporting these additional birds? Until...
Abstract: The habitat of several species of concern in the Klamath Region is at risk due to the potential for high-severity fires, which would further increase habitat loss and fragmentation. Without assessing fire-severity risk in conjunction with habitat connectivity, it is difficult to identify priority areas for fuel treatment that would maintain connectivity and reduce fragmentation. This project will identify locations with the potential for large and severe fires and overlay this with connectivity maps for several species of concern in the Klamath region. Because of this modeling and mapping effort, resource managers will be able to strategically invest in fire and fuels management to maintain connectivity,...
ABSTRACT: We propose a series of field and greenhouse studies designed to test the non-target effects of these two herbicides, Imazipic and Indaziflam. We will use a combination of methods, including precision planting, small-plot treatments, and field-trial measurements. Together, these efforts will provide information about the degree of susceptibility of native forbs and grasses, along with information on how planting depth interacts with herbicide application to inhibit germination of desirable seeds. AWARD ID: F20AC00091 mod 1 START DATE: 9/1/2020 END DATE: 8/31/2023 SOURCE: Region 8 Science Applications AMOUNT: $51,237.83 PI: Dr. Paul Meiman CONTACT INFO: lelizabeth@unr.edu LEAD ORG: University...
Abstract: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) maintains the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB), which is an inventory of the status and locations of rare plants and animals in California. CNDDB staff work with partners to maintain current lists of rare species, as well as to maintain an ever-growing database of GIS-mapped locations for these species. At present, survey data from the National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in California are not adequately represented in the CNDDB, making it difficult to assess the overall contribution of NWRs to the state’s biodiversity. This project aims to provide capacity to the NWR and CNDDB to identify and reduce a number of issues that contribute to the current...
ABSTRACT: The objectives of the research are to develop and test eDNA analytical methods and protocols for detection of the Mojave poppy bee, design strategies for effective and reliable eDNA sampling for the bee, and conduct a pilot test of field sampling to determine the species distribution. Initial research will focus on qPCR assay development and testing. With additional funds, further focus on qPCR assays or metabarcoding of Perdita and other taxa could be added, including areas where the species is (or species are) believed to be extirpated or other prospective areas. AWARD ID: 4500164738 START DATE: 8/12/2022 END DATE: 9/30/2024 SOURCE: Region 8 Science Applications AMOUNT: $55,000 (additional...
This project aims at building capacity within the FWS to apply eDNA sampling protocols and to understand the proper use and interpretation of eDNA results. As part of this effort, Washington State University scientists working jointly with FWS staff will design and deliver trainings, protocols, and written guidance to support FWS in capacity building in the agency. Furthermore, as needed, the project will develop eDNA assays for priority species. Award Number: F20AC00157 Start Date: March 1, 2020 End Date: February 28, 2023 Funding Amount and Source: $ 100,000, Region 8 Science Applications; FWS contact: Claudia Mengelt, claudia_mengelt@fws.gov Principal Investigator: Caren Goldberg, Washington State University,...
A primarily stream-dwelling and obligate stream-breeding species, the foothill yellow-legged frog (FYLF) has declined from over half of its historical range, and a listing decision under the U.S. Endangered Species Act will likely be made in December 2021. Recent analyses suggest that the Southwestern California (SWC) clade is the most genetically unique and at the highest risk due to stressors in its geography, revealing the urgency of addressing the conservation of this clade. The rapid extirpation of some FYLF populations from the Central California Coast may have resulted from chytrid fungus. Therefore, strategic translocations from the remaining populations along the Central California Coast now could help...
California has a broad diversity of forest ecosystems and associated wildlife, which are facing complex conservation challenges due to the increase in the frequency, severity, and size of fire outbreaks throughout the state. Although these ecosystems are fire adaptive, these catastrophic fires burn with such high severity that they destroy complete forest stands and kill off the seed bank needed for natural forest regeneration. One of the primary mechanisms for reducing the threat of high severity fires is fuel management treatments to reduce the understory and prevent damaging crown fires from occurring. Increasingly federal, state, and private entities are coordinating fuel management projects across the patchwork...
Abstract: The Barred Owl is expanding into California Spotted Owl (CSO) territory and posing an additional threat to CSO. Without science-based management efforts, abundance of barred owls may increase rapidly and reach levels that might threaten the viability of CSO. This project aims to assess the current distribution and density of barred owls; conduct experimental barred owl removals; test for reductions in barred owl site occupancy rates; quantify spatial-temporal patterns of barred owl recolonization; and characterize barred owl dispersal into and within the Sierra Nevada. A greater understanding of barred owl dispersal dynamics will facilitate barred owl management intended to maintain low densities and reduce...
ABSTRACT: Continued support across agencies is needed to maintain capacity and capability to enhance native seed production and availability for the sagebrush steppe. Seed collection interns will collect native seed for key species from target seed zones, and seeds will be used for trials to elucidate seed sourcing efficacy for restoration work. AWARD ID: F18PG001433 START DATE: 8/20/2018 END DATE: 12/31/2021 SOURCE: Region 8 Science Applications AMOUNT: $100,000 PI: Francis Kilkenny CONTACT INFO: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Boise, ID 83702; ffkilkenny@usda.gov LEAD ORG: U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station FWS Project Officer: John C. Tull
ABSTRACT: The establishment of a foundation seed program in Nevada will provide a reliable source of genetically appropriate foundation seed to be used for propagation purposes by producers here and in surrounding states. This will minimize transaction costs associated with producers procuring foundation seed and support the supply of certified seed produced via seed increase for restoration projects in Nevada, stabilizing the market for Nevada seed producers and end users. In addition to enhancing access to genetically appropriate seed, work will track specific metrics through an inventory database during the growing season to ensure that producers are meeting certification requirements. The database will include...
ABSTRACT: The 2020 AFWA President’s Task Force on Shared Science and Landscape Conservation Priorities: Final Report(Report) recognizes that landscape scale, cross-jurisdictional collaborations are valuable for fish and wildlife agencies in achieving statutorily required conservation of fish, wildlife and their habitats. State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) are identified as vehicles that can provide the foundation for regional and landscape scale coordination toward conservation goals, including goals that scale beyond state or other jurisdictional boundaries. In line with this, the Report recommends that, “AFWA convene a diverse work group to assess and develop recommendations on how SWAPs can improve range-wide...
ABSTRACT: The long-term goal in our proposed project is to identify better methods to increase the resilience and resistance of sagebrush grasslands that have an existing understory of invasive annual grasses. More specifically, we propose to compare the effectiveness of two different herbicides (alone and in combination) to selectively reduce the abundance of invasive annual grasses while minimizing harm to established native vegetation. AWARD ID: F20AC11454 START DATE: 9/1/2020 END DATE: 8/31/2023 SOURCE: Region 8 Science Applications AMOUNT: $248,748 PI: Paul Meiman, Extension Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno CONTACT INFO: 775-738-7291, pmeiman@unr.edu LEAD ORG: University of Nevada, Reno...
California’s Central Valley habitats will continue to be influenced in the future by factors including changing land use, water availability, and population growth. Water scarcity and droughts will increasingly challenge wetland managers in the Central Valley. Thus, decisions on where to implement restoration and conservation projects today would benefit by considering plausible future landscape scenarios to ensure that restoration projects implemented now, continue to have value for decades to come. Recent work has developed spatially-explicit land use and climate change scenarios for Central Valley wetlands. Building on these existing efforts, this project will assess site-specific suitability of wetland habitat...
