Rivers impacted by human activities often have multiple stressors present. The effects of multiple stressors on biological communities can often be difficult to predict, due to the potential for complex interactions between stressors and communities. This thesis explores the impacts of two stressors often associated with agricultural land use, increased...
China's Minqin Oasis once welcomed traders along the ancient Silk Road with rivers, lakes, and lush forests, yet today the region's farmland and grassland are increasingly being engulfed by the sands of the Gobi Desert. The severity of this incremental catastrophe for a declining population of 300,000 residents has brought...
This study explores how environmental governance mechanisms affect state management of forest roads to address the chronic delivery of sediment to streams in Oregon, Washington, and California on private and state forestlands. Forest roads can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life when runoff mobilizes fine sediments from the road...
By the early 1990s, the citizens of Tillamook County recognized that environmental problems facing Tillamook Bay threatened the very future of those residing here. Declining fish runs meant loss of income for commercial fishermen, tackle shops, hotel owners, and other fishing - dependent businesses. Decreasing water quality meant violations of...
The Tualatin River in northwest Oregon has been designated as water quality limited by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Restoration and enhancement of riparian areas to improve water quality is one task to be pursued by management agencies. This paper examines some of the potential costs and benefits of...
This dissertation examines learning driven adaptations in salmon recovery efforts and water resources management in Oregon. The case study utilizes a framework highlighting the connections between human and natural systems. Semi-structured interviews are used to analyze interactions between rural riparian landowners and watershed council staffs living and working in Oregon’s...