Showing papers on "Indicator species published in 1981"

The effects of selected physical and chemical factors on attached diatoms in the Uintah Basin of Utah, U.S.A.

Abstract: The relationships of diatom species to selected physical and chemical parameters in the streams of the Uintah Basin of Utah were studied through four seasons of 1977–1978. Niche center gradient analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis were performed.Achnanthes minutissima, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Cymbella minuta var.latens, Fragilaria capucina, andNavicula secreta var.apiculata appear to be indicator species of high or low levels of certain water quality parameters. Several other species also showed meaningful relationships to selected physical and chemical parameters.

Successional pathways in former pastures and heaths at Bergen, western Norway

Abstract: Losvik, M. H. 1981. Successional pathways in former pastures and heaths at Bergen, western Norway. Norsk geogr. Tidsskr. Vol. 35, 79–101. Oslo. ISSN 0029-1951. The vegetation discussed comprises stands on former pastures and heaths, in addition to closely related woodland stands. The vegetation is unstable, and constitutes stages in secondary successional series, initiated by the time management ceased. Stages of three successional series are recorded from the investigation area, and the occurrence of meadow species in proportion to woodland species indicates the successional position of a stand. Indicator species and local differential species indicate in what direction a succession will trend.

Environmental effects of solar thermal power systems: ecological observations during construction of the Barstow 10 MWe pilot STPS

Abstract: The environmental monitoring plan used consists of comparisons of a few meteorological variables and changes in the states of a limited array of indicator species or assemblages of species of plants and animals. Observations inlude aerial photography of the site, saltation meter measurements downwind from the site to measure fluxes of windblown sand, measurements of airborne particulates and atmospheric pollutants, and baseline temperature profiles made at two sites near the heliostat field to measure micro-meteorological patterns. Observations were made of annual plants both in off-field plots and in heliostat field, of shrubs, birds, rodents, reptiles, and sensitive species listed as rare or endangered. (LEW)

Marine wetland boundary definition : evaluation of methodology

Abstract: With legislation to protect wetlands and current pressures to convert them to other uses, it is often necessary to accurately determine a wetlandupland boundary. We investigated 6 methods to establish such a boundary based on vegetation. Each method was applied to a common data set obtained from 295 quadrats along 22 transects between marsh and upland in 13 Oregon and Washington intertidal wetlands. The multiple occurrence, joint occurrence, and five percent methods required plant species to be classified as wetland, upland, and non-indicator; cluster and similarity methods required no initial classification. Close agreement between wetland-upland boundaries determined by the 6 methods suggests that preclassification of plants and collection of plant cover data may not be necessary to arrive at a defensible boundary determination. Examples of each method and lists of indicator plant species for coastal California, Oregon, and Washington are provided. TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Figures Tables Acknowledgements Introduction Methods for Boundary Determination 'Indicator Species Five Percent Joint Occurrence Multiple Occurrence Cluster Similarity ISJ and ISE Lists of Indicator Species Comparison of Methods Discussion and Recommendations Literature Cited Appendices A. Examples of vegetation methods to determine wetland boundaries. . B. Salt marsh, non-indicator, and upland plant species of California, Oregon, and Washington C. Upper limit of marsh and lower limit of transition zone determined by 6 methods applied to 22 transects D. Sample field data sheet Computer software available at the U S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon FIGURES Figure 1. Flow diagram to facilitate choice of vegetation method to determine upper limit of wetland TABLES Table 1. Lower transition zone limit (LTZ) and upper limit of marsh (ULM) as determined by 6 methods applied to 22 transects from Frenkel et al. (1978). Limits expressed as distance (M) along transect where distance increases from marsh to upland ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The refinement of indicator species lists was possible through the effort of numerous scholars: Michael G. Barbour, University of California, Davis; Lawrence C. Bliss, University of Washington; Kenton L. Chambers, Oregon State University; Wayne R. Ferren, University of California, Santa Barbara; Keith Macdonald, Woodward-Clyde Consultants; Robert Ornduff, University of California, Berkeley; David H. Wagner, University of Oregon; and Joy Zedler, San Diego State University. We greatly appreciate their time and effort. We also thank Theodore Boss for comments and criticism, and Jo Oshiro for help with computer graphics. INTRODUCTION Two decades of intensive research following the suggestions of Odum (1961) and the work of Teal (1962) have firmly established values attributed to undisturbed coastal salt marshes. These intertidal wetlands were noted for high macrophyte production and for export of energy-rich organic detritus and dissolved organic carbon to estuarine waters. They serve as juvenile fish and wildlife habitat, as buffer to erosion of sediment, and have potential for water purification. Accompanying the increase in awareness of salt marsh values and potentials, however, has been the rapid conversion of coastal marsh to urban, suburban, and agricultural uses through diking, filling, and construction activities (Darnell 1976). Recent federal legislation is designed to retard this rapid conversion and thereby protect what now remains of the nation's wetland resources. Most notable are the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 1977 (Water Act) which, in Section 404 provide for a permit review process to regulate dredge and fill projects. To fully implement Section 404 requires that those involved in the review process be equipped to: (1) identify wetland; and (2) determine boundaries, especially that between the marsh and upland. Yet, while the identification of wetlands may be accomplished by noting the presence of standing water and plants adapted to growth in saturated soil conditions, the determination of the upper limit of wetland is difficult. Instead of exhibiting a sharp break, the characteristics of wetland are more likely to gradually shift to those of upland along a transition. In salt marsh, the influence of the tide gradually 1 diminishes with increasing surface elevation, soils become better drained, and vegetation gradually changes to that of non-wetland. An ecotone with interdigitation of marsh and upland plant species occurs between the two systems. To better understand the nature of the marsh-upland ecotone and to develop methodologies to delineate a defensible intertidal marsh boundary, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began a major research effort in 1976. Following the completion of two pilot projects (Frenkel and Eilers 1976, Jefferson 1976), five groups were funded to investigate transition zones and upper limits. Individually they covered salt marshes along the coasts of California (Harvey et al. 1978); Oregon and Washington (Frenkel et al. 1978); Alaska (Batten et al. 1978); Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina (Boon et al. 1978); and freshwater marsh along the shores of the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron (Jefferson 1978). The reports provide an excellent floristic description of marsh-upland ecotones and they identify major approaches to boundary determination based on vegetation. The purpose of this report is to: (1) evaluate the methods applied by these researchers; (2) present alternative methods; (3) recommend the best approach to wetland boundary delineation based on vegetation; and (4) provide appropriate plant lists and computer software to apply methodology to Pacific Coast intertidal marshes. We consider the methods presented as applicable to wetland-upland boundary determination in general, not to marine wetlands alone. We acknowledge, however, that vegetation should not be the only criteria considered. The best approach will incorporate vegetation, soils, and hydrology. The methods provided here are a first approximation. As our knowledge of physical factors across the wetland-upland ecotone is increased,