ScholarsArchive Collection: Oregon Explorer

Willamette Basin rivers and streams assessment

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Willamette Basin rivers and streams assessment

Authors: Mulvey, Michael; Leferink, Robin; Borisenko, Aaron

Abstract: This report was written as a resource for water quality managers, watershed councils,municipalities and citizens to help understand the status of watershed conditions in the WillametteBasin. Our interpretations are based on chemical, physical and biological indicators at threedifferent spatial scales: the basin scale, the subbasin scale and by land use categories. The data inthis report were collected at randomly selected locations. Like a political poll, these locationsrepresent the population of rivers and streams as a whole. It is not appropriate to interpret theinformation on an individual site basis. However, individual site data may be used for otherpurposes, such as indicating when water quality standards or other benchmarks are not met.

Oregon Tidal Wetland Reference Sites Pilot Project : Soils Data

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:10:17 GMT

Title: Oregon Tidal Wetland Reference Sites Pilot Project : Soils Data

Authors: Brophy, Laura; Tully, Rebecca; Christy, John; Cornu, Craig

Abstract: This file includes tidal wetland soils data for 14 sampling areas at 5 sites on the Oregon coast. The sites are Blind Slough (tidal swamp) in the lower Columbia River estuary , Coal Creek (tidal swamp) in the Nehalem estuary, Millport Slough (high marsh) and Siletz Keys (low marsh) in the Siletz estuary, and Hidden Creek Marsh (high marsh and low marsh) in the South Slough estuary (Coos Bay). Data is presented for the year 2007 for soil pH, percent organic matter, electrical conductivity, salinity, percent sand, silt and clay and texture class.

Description: Soils data for additional tidal wetland sites on the OR coast are intended to be added to this site. These data for 2007 may be updated with additional samples.

The distribution and reproductive success of the western snowy plover along the Oregon coast - 2008

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:58:59 GMT

Title: The distribution and reproductive success of the western snowy plover along the Oregon coast - 2008

Authors: Lauten, David J.; Castelein, Kathleen A.; Bailey, David C.; Lewis, Travis; Gaines, Eleanor P.; Oregon State University. Institute for Natural Resources

Abstract: From 1 April – 24 September 2008, we monitored the distribution, abundance and productivityof the federally Threatened Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) along the Oregoncoast. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos Riverestuary, the Dunes Overlook, North Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, BandonBeach, and New River. Our objectives for the Oregon coastal population in 2008 were to: 1) estimatethe size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) continue selected use of miniexclosures(MEs) to protect nests from predators and evaluate whether exclosure use can be reduced, 4)determine nest success, 5) determine fledgling success, 6) monitor brood movements, 7) collect generalobservational data about predators, and 8) evaluate the effectiveness of predator management.We observed an estimated 187-199 adult Snowy Plovers; a minimum of 129 individuals wasknown to have nested. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoringbegan in 1990, and we found 196 nests in 2008. Overall Mayfield nest success was 30%. Exclosednests (n = 51) had a 44% success rate, and unexclosed nests (n = 145) had a 38% success rate. Nestfailures were attributed to unknown depredation (28%), one-egg nests (17%), corvid depredation (15%),abandonment (15%), unknown cause (9%), wind (6%), overwashed (6%), adult depredation (2%),infertility (2%), unknown mammal depredation (1%), and weasel depredation (1%). We monitored 70broods, including three from unknown nests, and documented a minimum of 71 fledglings. Overallbrood success was 66%, fledgling success was 47%, and 1.13 fledglings per male were produced.Continued predator management, habitat improvement and maintenance, and management ofrecreational activities at all sites are recommended to achieve recovery goals.

Rural Community Explorer portal (phase 1) final report

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:02:00 GMT

Title: Rural Community Explorer portal (phase 1) final report

Authors: Salwasser, Janine

Abstract: The Rural Studies Program (RSP) at Oregon State University (OSU) and the OSU Libraries collaborated to create a Rural Communities Explorer portal (phase 1). (www.oregonexplorer.info/rural).

Description: The Rural Communities Explorer allows community residents and officials, agencies and businesses, universities and philanthropic organizations to access county and community specific information. The specific information developed with this grant for the Explorer included: (1) relevant social, economic, environmental and demographic profiles of each community; and (2) related community-specific spatial/map data, relevant reports and documents, news articles, maps, and photos from the library archives and other sources. The Explorer is designed to permit ease of use by the public with free access to mapping and reporting tools.