Streamflow forecasts are essential to the optimal operation of
hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs in the Pacific Northwest.
Satellite snow cover observations would aid in these streamflow forecasts
by providing snow cover data at regular time intervals. Unfortunately,
satellite capability to remotely sense mountain snow cover
conditions is indeterminate due to...
The feasibility of utilizing LANDSAT MSS data in assessing surface cover types and areal extent of clearcut and shelterwood cut harvest sites in southern Oregon was investigated. The research utilized extensive 'ground truth' information to evaluate the LANDSAT data. A three faceted ground truth collection scheme analyzed 1) U.S. Forest...
Until the 1930s, flows of the Colorado River maintained approximately 781,060 hectares of wetlands in its delta. These wetlands provided important feeding and nesting grounds for resident and migratory birds as well as spawning and protection habitat for many fish and other invertebrate species. However, the Delta's wetlands started to...
The defining feature of our planet are the oceans, which make up 70% of the Earth’s surface. The importance of the ocean cannot be understated: 50% of oxygen originates from phytoplankton; heat is absorbed and redistributed by ocean currents; and hundreds of millions of people rely on the ocean for...
In recent years the conversion of agricultural lands to more
intensive non-rural land uses has become a focus of increasing public
awareness and concern. The growing attention to farmland conversion
is manifested in increasing public policies and legilsation to protect
agricultural and forestry land uses. Nevertheless, our understanding
of the...
Planning for the visual resource has always been difficult
because of the complex nature of the subject matter. Recent federal
legislation has generated a large amount of research on the problem
of scenic measurement. Using an adaptation of a visual analysis
system used by the Forest Service, a fourteen square...
Seal Rock (35LNC14) is a late prehistoric shell midden site located on the central Oregon coast. Information derived from the faunal remains, radiocarbon dates, and location and size of the midden deposits suggest the site represents a late littoral stage of cultural adaptation. Analyses of lithic artifacts, and bone and...
The proliferation of nonfarm residential dwellings into agricultural areas is a prominent factor in the loss of agricultural land. In Oregon, permits for nonfarm dwellings in an agricultural zone must meet certain state criteria. The criteria contain vague phrases which are open to interpretation. Decision makers apply soil criteria as...
A survey was developed for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to collect information about non-regulatory fish and wildlife habitat programs in nine states (Alaska, California, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Pennsylvania, Texas and Vermont). Non-regulatory programs are voluntary and offer incentives to landowners who are interested in protecting or...