Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Drought Management: The Role Of Near- Real Time Weather Data, Donald A. Wilhite, Kenneth G. Hubbard

Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

The ability to collect weather data in near-real time has improved because of technological advances, enabling weather data users to obtain more weather data over wider areas, and in a more timely fashion. The number of near-real time climate networks is increasing as new applications are found for climate data. More than fifteen states in the United States have established automated weather station networks. This paper presents an overview of recent developments in automated weather data collection in the United States and gives a detailed description of the network in Nebraska.

Near-real time weather data has many applications in agricultural …

The Nebraska Agricultural Climate Situation Committee, R. E. Neild, K. G. Hubbard, Donald A. Wilhite

Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

The Nebraska Agricultural Climate Situation Committee consisting of an interdisciplinary group of extension specialists provides up-to-date information and advice on seasonal changes in crop/ weather conditions. The committee meets each Monday during the growing season to review:

1. Maps and tabular data developed by a computer program CIS /Crop Weather Information System/ that is linked to a network of weather stations and computer terminals in county agent offices.

2. Insect, plant disease and weed surveys.

3. Weekly weather and crop reports from the State/Federal System.

4. Weather outlooks from the National Weather Service.

5. Climate probabilities.

Situation reports and advisories …

Improving Projected Potential Evapotranspiration Estimates Using National Weather Service Forecasts, Steven J. Meyer, Kenneth G. Hubbard, Donald A. Wilhite

Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

In a recent survey conducted by the University of Nebraska's Center for Agricultural Meteorology and Climatology of Agricultural Network (AGNET) users, the results of potential evapotranspiration (ET_p) projections (calculated using the Blaney-Criddle approach, which employs "normal" climatic data to project ET_p estimates up to three days into the future) were labeled "unrealistic." To improve these projections, National Weather Service (NWS) forecast variables were used as input into the Blaney-Criddle and Penman equations. ET_p projections calculated according to the Penman equation, with data measured by automated weather stations as input, were assumed to represent the "best" …

Fish Aid: The Lake Mead Fertilization Project, Richard Axler, Larry Paulson, Peter Vaux, Patrick Sollberger, Donald H. Baepler

Publications (WR)

Sport fishing at Lake Mead in Nevada and Arizona is a resource valued at nearly $100 million per year to southern Nevada. During the past two decades, salmonids, mostly trout, have disappeared entirely, the largemouth bass catch has drastically declined despite greater fishing pressure, and the condition factors for striped bass have steadily deteriorated. It appears that a major reduction in phosphorus loading caused by the upstream impoundment of the Colorado River to form Lake Powell in 1963 and advanced wastewater treatment removal of phosphorus from domestic wastewater inflows in 1981 are the principal factors responsible for decreased production at …

Limnological Monitoring Data For Lake Mead During 1987: Technical Report No. 20, Larry J. Paulson

Publications (WR)

Limnological monitoring was conducted in Las Vegas Bay and Boulder Basin from April to December of 1987. The purpose of the monitoring was to (i) document possible changes in water quality resulting from decreased phosphorus loading in Las Vegas Wash, and (ii) establish a data base for evaluating the adequacy of water quality standards.

Changes In The Morphometry Of Las Vegas Wash And The Impact On Water Quality, Richard A. Roline, James J. Sartoris, U.S. Bureau Of Reclamation

Publications (WR)

Las Vegas Wash, a natural wash east of Las Vegas, Nevada, carries stormwater, groundwater drainage, and sewage effluent from two sewage treatment plants to Lake Mead. Over 80 percent of the normal discharge of approximately 3.4 m³/s (120 ft³/s) consists of effluent from the City of Las Vegas and Clark County sewage treatment plants. Beginning in the 1950s, a large wetland area developed along the wash that supported waterfowl populations and contributed to some water quality transformations. Heavy rains and subsequent flooding in the area in 1983 and 1984 resulted in erosion and channelization that greatly …

Forage Potential Of Seasonal Wetlands, Daniel Edward Hubbard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Investigations on aspects of seasonal wetland forage potential were conducted in eastern South Dakota. The quantity and quality of the standing crop of vegetation in 6 seasonal wetland communities were assessed at the end of the growing season in 1983 and in 2 seasonal-wetland-dominated basins and their associated uplands (native mixed-grass prairie) over the growing season in 1985. Crude protein (CP), ash, detergent fiber, and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) values were measured on the above-ground material of whitetop [Scolochloas festucacea (Willd.) Link], slough sedge (Carex atherodes Spreng.), burred (Spargnaium eurycarpum Engelm.), and smartweed (Polygonum amphibium L. var. emersum …

Conservation Of Least Terns And Piping Plovers Along The Missouri River And Its Major Western Tributaries In South Dakota, Monica Jean Schwalbach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Interior least terns (Sterna antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are listed as endangered or threatened over all of their breeding range, including South Dakota (SD). Investigations were made into the status, distribution, production, habitat characteristics, and factors limiting productivity of least terns and piping plovers in SD. The study area included the Missouri River from the North Dakota state line to Ponca State Park, Nebraska, and the lower 1/3 of the Grand, Moreau, Cheyenne, and White rivers. Least tern numbers increased substantially (253; 367) between 1986 and 1987, but plover numbers increased only slightly (187; 197). Terns and plovers …

Productivity, Movements, And Habitat Use Of Nesting And Brooding Wild Turkey Hens In Gregory County, South Dakota, Keith Stephen Day

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Radio-equipped wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens (n=53) were monitored in a prairie river breaks environment in south-central South Dakota during 1986 and 1987. Seventy percent (36 of 47 adults and 1 of 6 juveniles) of the monitored hens nested. Hens that nested prior to 7 May selected nest sites in woodland habitats, while hens nesting later than 7 May selected nest sites in grassland habitats. Hens nested at sites with higher (P<0.05) percent visual obstruction, percent shrub cover, presence of overhanging vegetation, and habitat diversity than found at random control sites. Nest sites also allowed greater field of vision and opportunities for escape than random controls. Discriminant models developed from variables measured at nest and control sites were effective in distinguishing between the 2 categories. Seventeen of 39 (43.6%) clutches hatched, and 11 broods survived to mid-August. Poult survival in 1986 was 42.9%, with all poult mortality occurring during the first 2 weeks post-hatch. Accurate data for poult survival was not obtainable during 1987, but survival appeared to be similar to 1986. Broods moved up to 3.5 km from nest sites before establishing definite ranges. Broods ranges were composed of ≥50% woodland types, while woodlands comprised only 30.8% of the study area. Mean range size increased 3-fold from the 0-4 week age class (Age 1) to the 4+ week age class (Age 2). Broods used habitats in proportion to availability within ranges. However, grasslands were used more than expected (P<0.05) between 0631 hr and 1130 hr over the summer, and less than expected (P<0.05) by Age 2 broods between 1131 hr and 1630 hr. Woodlands were used more than expected between 1131 hr and 1630 hr over the summer, but not significantly so. Seventy-seven percent of all brood sightings made between 0631 hr and 1130 hr, and 67% of all sightings made between 1631 hr and 2030 hr were in grassland habitats. Seventy-two percent of all brood sightings made between 1131 hr and 1630 hr were in woodlands. Grassland brood use sites had greater forb cover, less grass cover, and were closer to habitat edges than random control sites (P<0.05). Discriminant analysis effectively reclassified grassland brood use sites, but not control sites. Age 1 broods sued grassland sites with greater overhead (> 30 cm) shrub cover, and nearer habitat edges than sites used by Age 2 broods (P<0.05). Woodland brood use sites were nearer (P<0.05) habitat edges than random controls. No significant differences could be found between woodland sites used by Age 1 and Age 2 broods. Discriminant analysis was ineffective in distinguishing between classes for woodland brood use sites or between ages for either woodland or grassland brood use sites.

Proposed Record Of Decision Fo Rteh Aptus Industrial And Hazardous Waste Treatment, Tooele County, Utah, Bureau Of Land Management; Salt Lake District Office; United States

Elusive Documents

No abstract provided.

Historical Vegetation, Fuel Loads, And Integrated Resource Information System For Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah State University, Department Of Forest Resources And Ecology Center

Elusive Documents

This report describes a comprehensive approach to understanding the role and effects of fire in Bryce Canyon National Park. The study includes a reconstruction of the historic vegetation of Bryce Canyon National Park from historic photographs, inference from computer simulation models, and research in areas of similar vegetation. The successional pathways from the historic vegetation to the present are discussed and the landscape scale consequences of fire suppression and successional devolopment are addressed.

A Mass Mortality Of Fishes In Lake Titicaca (Peru-Bolivia) Associated With The Protozoan Parasite Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, R. Alfaro

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

In December 1981 , an epizootic of the protozoan parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis killed an estimated 18 million killifish Orestias spp. in Lake Titicaca, a high-altitude tropical system. Of the dead fish collected, 93% were adult O. agassii, a commercially important species that is abundant in the littoral zone. Juvenile Orestias spp., pelagic species, and some other littoral zone fis hes were slightly affected. lchthyophthirius multifiliis was probably introduced with exotic fishes brought to Lake Titicaca in the 1940s and 1950s.

Index To Information On Insects Associated With Western Wildland Shrubs, U.S. Forest Service

Range Management

Provides brief summary of available information on insects associated with wildland shrubs; also provides index system to access information from published literature and insect collection records.

Fossil Butte Environmental Assessment, Develop Visitor, Administrative, And Maintenance Facilities, United States, Department Of The Interior, National Park Service

Environmental Assessments (WY)

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to construct the first permanent visitor, administrative, and maintenance facilities at Fossil Butte National Monument since its Congressional establishment in 1972. Proposed facilities include: a 4,800-square-foot visitor center and administrative building on a 2-acre site approximately 1 mile north of Lincoln County Road 300; and a 2,000-square-foot maintenance building, materials storage yard, and seasonal-employee housing unit on a 5-acre site near the southwest corner of the monument. The employee housing unit is not part of this package and would be constructed at a later date if additional funding becomes available. Other proposed development includes …

Grand Teton National Park, Environmental Assessment, Reconstruction Of Teton Park Road And Jenny Lake Road, United States Department Of The Interior, National Park Service

Environmental Assessments (WY)

Reconstruction is proposed for 12 miles of the Teton Park Road between Moose Junction and North Jenny Lake Junction, as well as 6.5 miles of the Jenny Lake one-way loop road and the 0.5 mile long String Lake road. The project is being planned and designed in two segments. Segment A extends between Moose Junction and a point near the Climbers Ranch road intersection (4 miles north of Moose Junction), and segment B continues from that point to North Jenny Lake junction and includes modification of the String/Jenny Lake road and parking complex. Segment A would be constructed under a …

Proposed Resource Management Plan And Final Environmental Impact Statement For The Cody Resource Area, Worland District, Wyoming, United States Department Of The Interior Bureau Of Land Management

Resource Management Plans (WY)

This document addresses alternatives for managing almost 1.1 million acres fo federal land and about 1.5 million acres of federal mineral estate administered by the Cody Resource Area, Worland District, Bureau of Land Management (see map 1). The plan focuses on three resource management issues relating to vegetative resources, special management area designations, and resource accessibility and manageability.

Wetland Characteristics Of Avian Cholera Outbreaks And Surface Water Transfer In The Nebraska Rainwater Basin Area, Brian J. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Avian Cholera (Pateurella multocida) has infected and killed thousands of migrating waterfowl each year since 1975 in Nebraska’s rainwater basin area. Disease outbreaks in migrating waterfowl populations just prior to the nesting season are of concern to biologists. Feedlots and itner-wetland basin surface water transfer mechanisms of the avian cholera causative agent, P. multocida, were investigated using remote sensing techniques. Wetland basin characteristics (classification type, adjacent landuse, basin landuse, and basin densities) were also investigated for relationships to 1981 avian cholera outbreaks. No surface drainage relationships were found that would permit the transfer of P. multocida from one wetland basin …

The Effect Of Grass Carp Introduction On Aquatic Vegetation And Existing Fish Populations In Two Small Prairie Lakes, David L. Bauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Within two years after triploid grass carp introduction in 2.3 hectare Prior Lake in South Dakota, aquatic vegetation coverage and height in the water column were significantly lower (P<0.005). During the same two year period, triploid grass carp did not significantly reduce aquatic vegetation coverage or height in the water column in 11.4 hectare East Lake Eureka, also in South Dakota. Stocking densities were 49 fish/hectare and 61 fish/hectare (229 mm mean total length) in Prior Lake and East Lake Eureka, respectively. The biomass of prey fish in East Lake Eureka in 1986 was quite high with 88.3, 85.3 and 17.3 kg/hectare for black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), yellow perch (Perea flavescens), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), respectively. The biomass of northern pike (Esox lucius) was also high at 13.8 kg/hectare. A Proportional Stock Density (PSD) of 11 and Relative Weight (WK) of 117 indicated a relatively healthy bluegill population in East Lake Eureka. However, the PSD value for black bullheads was lower (8) while their condition was relatively good (K=l.58). The yellow perch population appeared to be over-populated in East Lake Eureka with a PSD of only 5 and a relatively low condition factor (K=l.14). The northern pike population in East Lake Eureka had a PSD value of 53, but a slightly low Wr of 94. Available prey/predator ratio indicated that there was an excess of prey fish for most size classes of predators. Because no significant vegetation reduction occurred in East Lake Eureka, no changes in existing fish populations could be attributed to grass carp introduction or aquatic vegetation reduction. Data gathered on existing fish populations in East Lake Eureka will serve as a pre-treatment data set to be compared to future conditions if aquatic vegetation is reduced. Fish sampling in Prior Lake was greatly reduced due to a winterkill which occurred in the late winter of 1986. Bluegill and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were the most abundant fish species found in Prior Lake in 1987. Bluegill appeared to be overpopulated as their PSD value was 1; a high Wr of 109 may have indicated improved conditions immediately following the winterkill. Results for the largemouth bass in Prior Lake were similar with a low PSD (7) and a high w~ (112). Winterkill (Prior Lake) and lack of aquatic vegetation control by grass carp (East Lake Eureka) prohibited making conclusions about the effect of grass carp introduction on the existing fish populations in the two lakes. Further research needs to be conducted in South Dakota to determine appropriate grass carp stocking rates for South Dakota waters, and to evaluate what effect grass carp introduction and aquatic vegetation reduction has on existing fish populations.

Production Of Triploid Rainbow Trout For Evaluation In South Dakota Waters, Jeff C. Dillon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In September 1986, approximately 50,000 rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) eggs were fertilized and subjected to heat shocks to prevent expulsion of the second polar body, theoretically resulting in triploid embryos. Heat shocks were at 26 and 28°c, began 10, 20, 30, or 40 min after fertilization, and lasted for 10 or 20 min for a total of 16 treatments. Another 25,000 eggs served as controls and were handled identically but at a normal water temperature of 12°c. Cumulative hatching rates for eggs that were heat-shocked at 26 and 28° were 64 and 50%, respectively, compared to control eggs which had …

Electrophoretic, Morphometric, And Meristic Comparisons Of Walleye Broodstock In South Dakota, Chantel M. Waltner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Electrophoretic and morphological variability among walleyes collected from three upper Missouri River tributaries and a glacial lake in South Dakota was investigated, and an upper Mississippi River stock was electrophoretically compared to the South Dakota stocks. Allele frequencies of two (MDH-3, GMP-3) of the twenty-one loci examined differed significantly (P<0. 05) between South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. Contingency chi-square tests of allele frequencies showed homogeneity among walleyes from the Missouri River tributaries, and significant (P<0.001) heterogeneity (P<0.001) at the GMP-3 locus between Missouri River and glacial lake stocks. A dendogram derived from Nei unbiased genetic identity values produced separate branchings for the South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. All four walleye stocks in South Dakota were morphologically variable, although no one character could be used as a diagnostic tool to separate the stocks visually. Discriminant function analysis of eight of the most powerful discriminatory characters was successful in correctly classifying walleyes by origin with 83-97% accuracy.

Growth, Survival, And Vulnerability To Predation Of Stocked Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) Fingerlings, James D. Wolters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In laboratory tanks, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox Lucius consumed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) 2.6 times more frequently than walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and 5.7 times more than lepomids. Prey were more vulnerable in circular than rectangular tanks. In field studies, walleye fingerlings averaging 35 mm and 53 mm (mean total length) were stocked in two ponds (3- and 7- hectares) respectively: both contained largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch (Perca flavescenes), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and fathead minnows. Aquatic insects dominated the diet of largemouth bass for 3 days after walleye were stocked, indicating that walleye fingerlings …

Waterfowl Production On Three Types Of Artificial Nesting Structures In South Dakota Wetlands, Marcy Haworth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial nesting structures are currently being used by various agencies to offset the decline in waterfowl production due to predation losses and degradation of nesting habitats. However, the various structure types available are not equally attractive to nesting waterfowl. This study looked at 3 types of artificial nesting structures – open topped cone baskets, round hay bales, and concrete culverts – and evaluated their used, success, and production in South Dakota. Structure type and site characteristics were correlated to occupancy rates and nesting success. Sixty-eight baskets and 205 bales were monitored during 1986, and 154 baskets, 200 bales, and 20 …

Seasonal Habitat Use, Home Range, And Dispersal Of Wild Turkeys In Southcentral South Dakota, Scott L. Laudenslager

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal movements, home range, and habitat use of wild turkeys in south-central South Dakota were investigated using radio telemetry from summer 1984 to winter 1986. Spring dispersal from wintering sites ranged from 0.2 to 5.8 km (x = 2.8 km). Non-nesting females moved significantly (P ~ 0.05) farther than males. Fall movements from summer to winter habitat ranged from o.o to 5.0 km (x = 2.2 km). Marked birds always returned to summer areas used in previous years. In contrast, wintering areas changed yearly among some individuals. Home ranges for all birds in summer ranged from 46. 7 ha to …

¿Conservar, Para Qué?, Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Outlook On Groundwater: Middle School / Junior High, Heidi Andre, Roger Beane

K-12 Curriculum Supplements

Table of Contents:

--- Forward
--- Activity 1: What Goes Up Must Come Down . . . And Around (Water Cycle)
--- Activity 2: Where Has All the Water Gone? (Percolation)
--- Activity 3: Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind (Groundwater)
--- Activity 4: Biting The Hand That Feeds Us (Consumer Groundwater Use)
--- Activity 5: You Can't Fool Mother Nature (Pesticide Contamination)
--- Activity 6: Nitrate Nightmare (Nitrate Contamination)
--- Activity 7: Culprits In The Cupboard (Landfill Contamination)
--- Activity 8: Rub-A-Dub-Dub (Water Budgeting)
--- Activity 9: Here Comes The Judge (Groundwater Laws)
--- Activity 10: Energy Savings (Conservation …

Final Environmental Impact Statement Aptus Industrial And Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility, U.S. Department Of The Interior

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

The environmental impact statement for the proposed aptus industrial and hazardous waste treatment facility analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed transfer, storage, and incineration facility, and the the transportation and utility corridors through construction, operation, and closure.

Dolores Project Colorado, Final Supplement To The Final Environmental Statement, United States Department Of The Interior

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

This Final Supplement to the Final Environmental Statement (FES) to the Dolores Project describes project modifications since completion of the 1977 Final Environmental Statement on May 9, 1977, (FES 77-12) and a Finding of No Significant Impact approved May 11, 1981, for the addition of two hydroelectric powerplants to the project. The project modifications include adding salinity control and changing the alignment of the Towaoc Canal from west of Cortez, Colorado, to the east of the city. In addition, refinements would be made to the project plan by deleting Monument Creek Reservoir and the Cortez-Towaoc Municipal and Industrial Pipeline from …

National List Of Plant Species That Occur In Wetlands: 1988, Nevada, Porter B. Reed, Jr.

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

The National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: 1988 (National List) represents the combined efforts of many biologists over the last decade to define the wetland flora of the United States. The National List has undergone a number of revisions resulting from intensive review by regional ecologists. National, regional and State lists are being distributed to provide users with the most current information. We welcome and encourage modification and improvement of the National List. Refinement of the National List will occur continually, reflecting increased knowledge in Indicator assignments, taxonomy, and geographic distribution. We anticipate that further refinement of …

Comparative Analysis Of Sea Scallop Escapement/Retention And Resulting Economic Impacts, William D. Dupaul, Edward J. Heist, James E. Kirkley

Reports

During the months of June and September 1988, gear experiments were conducted aboard the F/V Carolina Dawn and Carolina Capes. The primary objective of the experiments was to assess the technical efficiency and size selectivity of 3.5-inch ring dredges relative to the current commercially-used 3.0-inch ring dredges. Secondary objectives were to analyze the economic and regulatory ramifications of using 3.5-inch ring dredges to control the age-at-capture and enhance the yield-per- recruit.

The Federal Onshore Oil And Gas Leasing And Reform Act Of 1987, Lyle K. Rising, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Books, Reports, and Studies

14 p. ; 28 cm