Department Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Horizontal-flow constructed wetlands by phytoremediation using vetiver grass, common reed, and canna lily as tertiary wastewater treatment for the reduction of pollutant concentrations of ammonia, phosphates, and nitrates

Abstract The discharge of untreated wastewater into rivers and water bodies poses significant environmental and public health risks. High concentrations of contaminants like heavy metals and pharmaceuticals disrupt rivers, exacerbating waterborne diseases, and leading to unsafe water in the Philippines. This study proposed the use of horizontal-flow constructed wetlands as a tertiary treatment method utilizing the plants: vetiver grass, common reed, and canna lily, to reduce pollutant concentrations in wastewater. This is to ensure compliance with water quality guidelines and general effluent standards under the Class SB Category, water suitable for fishery, tourist zones, and recreational activities. The research investigated the efficiency of phytoremediation beds in removing pollutants from wastewater under fixed hydraulic retention times. The efficiency of reducing pollutants and adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir) were calculated to analyze the results of the sampling. Phytoremediation bed 1 demonstra ted efficient ammonia removal by 64.64%. Phytoremediation bed 2 was proficient in reducing nitrates at 83.85%, while phytoremediation bed 3 effectively reduced phosphate to an average of 26.26%, achieved after a 6-hour retention time. In addition, Freundlich adsorption isotherm was observable in most parameters in phytoremediation bed 1 such as ammonia as nitrogen, TDS, COD, and DO. Phytoremediation bed 3 exhibited the same adsorption isotherm on ammonia as nitrogen. Conclusively, the phytoremediation system met the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Updated Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standard (GES) for all parameters tested.

Estimating Agricultural Irrigation Water Usage in Delaware, USA

Irrigation is an important agricultural management practice and the second largest consumer of freshwater resources in Delaware. As more farmland is converted to irrigated agriculture, it is crucial that water resource managers be able to determine reasonable estimates of irrigation water usage in order to protect the resource. This study used a soil water balance approach to simulate irrigation for corn and soybeans in Delaware (USA). The simulations were divided into four scenarios to determine which irrigation management method best represents agricultural irrigation water usage in Delaware. Two scenarios utilized an evapotranspiration-based (ET-based) approach using meteorological data from the Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) with a soil water availability threshold to determine when and how much to irrigate. A second set of scenarios used a calendar-based approach and a rain gauge trigger to simulate irrigation. Analyses were performed to examine the seasonal and spatial variability of irrigation in Delaware and to compare simulated irrigation data to reported water use data provided by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Water Allocation Permit program. Seasonal irrigation varied due to environmental as well as irrigation decision making factors. Spatially, irrigation varied primarily as a result of the soil water holding properties. The ET-based scenario with a fixed amount of irrigation had the best agreement with the reported irrigated water use data. This study demonstrated the utility of high-resolution, environmental data with a soil water balance approach to improve estimates of irrigated water usage at the state and regional scale.

Assessment of the current status of soil quality and types of land degradation in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam

This study focused on providing practical information to assess the current status of soil quality and land degradation in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam to provide more evidence on land degradation status and factors affecting land degradation in this area. The soil samples were collected and analyzed in 2020 and compared to the available data of soil analysis data collected at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ninh Province in 2010. The percentage of degraded land ranges from 51.70 to 90.36%. Forest land is the type with the highest percentage of degraded land with 90.36% of total forestry land area; Unused hilly land ranks second with degraded land at 87.15%; the percentage of degraded land in agriculture production land stays at 80.59%. The types of land degradation such as Condensation, Acidification, and Salinization only take place on a small area of land in the province. The cause of land degradation in Quang Ninh comes from both natural and anthropogenic causes. The main reasons can be mentioned as the terrain has a steep slope; the climate is hot and rainy; the climate change situation is complicated; and inappropriate agricultural practices. To solve the above situation, it is necessary to have solutions and integrated strategies for the rational exploitation and use of land resources. Especially environmentally friendly agricultural farming methods that are highly adaptive to climate change such as organic agriculture, circular agriculture, and sustainable agriculture.

Blending Indigenous and western science: Quantifying cultural burning impacts in Karuk Aboriginal Territory.

The combined effects of Indigenous fire stewardship and lightning ignitions shaped historical fire regimes, landscape patterns, and available resources in many ecosystems globally. The resulting fire regimes created complex fire-vegetation dynamics that were further influenced by biophysical setting, disturbance history, and climate. While there is increasing recognition of Indigenous fire stewardship among western scientists and managers, the extent and purpose of cultural burning is generally absent from the landscape-fire modeling literature and our understanding of ecosystem processes and development. In collaboration with the Karuk Tribe Department of Natural Resources, we developed a transdisciplinary Monte Carlo simulation model of cultural ignition location, frequency, and timing to simulate spatially explicit cultural ignitions across a 264,399-ha landscape within Karuk Aboriginal Territory in northern California. Estimates of cultural ignition parameters were developed with Tribal members and knowledge holders using existing interviews, historical maps, ethnographies, recent ecological studies, contemporary maps, and generational knowledge. Spatial and temporal attributes of cultural burning were explicitly tied to the ecology of specific cultural resources, fuel receptivity, seasonal movement patterns, and spiritual practices. Prior to colonization, cultural burning practices were extensive across the study landscape with an estimated 6972 annual ignitions, averaging approximately 6.5 ignitions per Indigenous fire steward per year. The ignition characteristics we document align closely with data on historical fire regimes and vegetation but differ substantially from the location and timing of contemporary ignitions. This work demonstrates the importance of cultural burning for developing and maintaining the ecosystems present at the time of colonization and underscores the need to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to restore ecocultural processes in these systems.

Predicting hunter beliefs about sharpshooting in controlling CWD in Illinois over time

ABSTRACT This article examined changes in perceived agency trust, risks to deer and humans, and beliefs about chronic wasting disease (CWD) management in Illinois between 2012 and 2022. Data were obtained from two surveys of resident deer hunters in 2012 (n = 5,663) and 2022 (n = 1,237). Trust in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and perceived risk to humans did not differ between the two years. The 2012 hunters, however, were more concerned about the risk to deer by CWD and thought hunters were effective in controlling the disease more than the 2022 hunters. The 2022 hunters were more likely to perceive negative impacts of CWD on deer, believe that the agency should do more to eliminate CWD from Illinois, and were neutral on sharpshooting. All six indices were used to predict beliefs about sharpshooting. For both 2012 (R 2 = 56%) and 2022 (R 2 = 49%), the belief indices consistently had larger coefficients than trust or risk.

Exploring Water Quality and Toxicity: An Analysis of Cadmium and Lead Concentration in the Parañaque River

Rivers provide vital environmental functions, including transportation, irrigation, water supply, flood control, and habitat for aquatic life. Water contamination, resulting in poor water quality, is a pressing issue affecting communities’ health, safety, and environment worldwide, leading to health issues. This research study aimed to monitor the water quality of the Parañaque River and the potential toxicity of heavy metal concentrations, specifically Cadmium and Lead, from September to October 2022. Surface water samples were taken to assess the heavy metals’ concentration levels and water quality parameters: color, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total suspended solids (TSS). The collection of water samples followed the standard method for surface water sampling listed in the Water Quality Monitoring Manual Volume 1 of Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). The collected data were compared using descriptive statistics to the established water quality standards of DENR Administrative Order No. 2016-08. The analyses used a significance level of 0.05 or 5%. ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis were used to compare the sampling locations that showed no significant difference in the water quality of the three sampling sites at Parañaque River. Paired T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used to compare the difference in the time of water sampling. The results showed a significant difference for all parameters between morning and afternoon sampling except DO, TSS, and TDS. The Parañaque River’s water quality, heavily polluted with domestic and industrial waste, bacteria, and other microorganisms, failed to meet DENR’s standards for Class C water, thus indicating its poor condition.

Sewage Treatment Facility Maintenance: A Risk-based Approach for High-rise Residential Property

Although fuzzy-failure modes and effects analysis (Fuzzy-FMEA) is one of the risk-based maintenance approaches that has been used to devise or to improve an existing preventive maintenance program in various industries and settings, applying the technique in the context of sewage treatment facility (STF) is lacking. The proponent investigated the cause of failing effluent parameters of a high-rise residential property through the combination of the Ishikawa Diagram and 5-Whys, then the technique was applied and improved using the data gathered from qualified respondents with different exposure, and backgrounds, among others who answered 10-fuzzy scales regarding the severity, occurrence, and detectability of each failure modes, and ranked the importance of each chamber of an SBR-type STF. Results revealed that the Refined FRPN values emphasized the failure modes with relevance to each other by obtaining values within their functional counterpart resulting in a more apt categorization and prioritization than the FRPN. The paper shows that Fuzzy-FMEA is successful in devising a risk-based approach for SBR-type STF for high-rise residential property with an effective means of addressing the aggravating effluent parameters in the maintenance aspect to comply with the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2016-08.

Controlling Proteocephalus ambloplites (Cestoda) Infections and Changing Fish Parasitic Fauna Following Post-Rotenone Rehabilitation of Lakes, With Light Microscopy

Efforts to establish desirable fish populations by rotenone treatment of lakes dominated by winter-kill resistant species, e.g., bullhead, and restocking have been attempted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as well as by other agencies throughout the United States since the mid-1930s. Such efforts were performed in Little Elkhart Lake, eastern Wisconsin which was treated with rotenone (1.5 ppm) in 1981, to kill its rough fish and restock with desirable fish populations. Pre- and posttreatment samples of fish were examined for parasites in September 1981 and 1988, respectively. This is a revision and update of work originally published in 1993 with the addition of light microscope images of recovered parasites for the first time. Relatively heavy infections in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, (Lacépède) and sunfish in 1981 with Proteocephalus ambloplites (Leidy, 1887) (Cestoda) disappeared after the rotenone treatment. Infections with Neoechinorhynchus cylindratus Van Cleave, 1913 decreased but drastically increased with Leptorhynchoides thecatus (Linton, 1891) Kostylew, 1924 with changes in their fish and invertebrate host populations following rotenone use. Metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum minimum (MacCallum, 1921) (Trematoda) in sunfish and Hysterothylacium brachyurum Ward and Magath, 1917 (Nematoda) in largemouth bass were also present before and after the chemical treatment, respectively. The observed loss of P. ambloplites after 1981 points to a possible method for its control. The unusual presence of the leech Myzobdella lugubris in the anterior intestine of a yellow perch, Perca flavescens (Mitchill) was documented.

Evidence for a male bias in Atlantic blue crab pot‐based sampling

AbstractObjectiveThe Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus (hereafter, “blue crab”) is an ecologically and economically important species that supports one of the highest valued commercial fisheries in coastal South Carolina, USA. Researchers at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources conduct multiple surveys to monitor the status of the blue crab by using a variety of gear configurations. Demographic characterizations can often be influenced by sampling gear‐related biases.MethodsWe compared blue crab sex ratios between passive, pot‐based sampling and active, trawl‐based sampling in the fall across three estuaries and for year‐round sampling in a single estuary (Ashley River, South Carolina).ResultDuring the fall, there was a difference of 20.1% between the percentage of males collected in pot‐based sampling (73.5%) and the percentage of males in trawl‐based sampling (53.4%). Furthermore, an overall male bias of 23.0% was observed for year‐round sampling in the Ashley River; however, this bias was only significant in certain months.ConclusionOur findings suggest that although particular sampling gears may have specific advantages, such as greater suitability to effectively sample certain habitats, the resulting characterizations of blue crab population demographics can differ among gear types. Recognizing gear‐related biases is important for ensuring that field surveys are representative of population demographics, particularly when sex‐specific modeling approaches are used as part of stock assessments to determine population status.

GROUNDWATER OF VOLYN REGION: CONDITIONS OF LOCATION, FEATURES OF USE, WAYS OF PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT

Water is a vital resource that sustains life on our planet. However, its distribution is uneven, leading to water scarcity in some areas and excess in others. Human activities further exacerbate the reduction of usable water volume. It is predicted that water scarcity may become a significant factor in conflicts of the 21st century. Groundwater serves as a primary source of water and is classified as an exhaustible renewable natural resource. However, the replenishment of groundwater occurs at a slow rate. Given the global water scarcity issue, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research on groundwater, particularly at local and regional levels. Therefore, this article focuses on investigating the underground water resources in the Volyn region, including their occurrence, and analyzing their utilization by the local population and regional economy. The article provides a detailed description of aquifers of various geological ages in the Volyn region, including their occurrence patterns and distribution boundaries. The study examines the specific locations of each aquifer in relation to the geological structure of the area, following a geochronological sequence. Additionally, the article investigates mineralized underground waters, noting that the most prevalent types are chloride-sodium, sulfate, sodium, and hydrogen carbonate-chloride calcium waters. The study focused on the period from 2015 to 2020 to assess the current status of groundwater and identify trends in water resource utilization. The research revealed a consistent increase in the proportion of underground water in overall water usage. Surprisingly, however, the actual volume of water extracted from underground sources has been decreasing. The study examined the dynamics of water usage by various industries. It was determined that the housing and communal sector was the largest consumer of water during the study period, mainly due to the region's limited economic development and correspondingly low water demands from other sectors. Analysis showed that, on average, 25.8% and 21.3% of the total water withdrawals were utilized for industrial and agricultural purposes, respectively. Irrigation and fisheries represented the smallest water-consuming activities, accounting for 9.5% and 6.5%, respectively. Notably, a significant portion of water intake, approximately 13%, was attributed to transportation purposes. To ensure the rational utilization, preservation, and enhancement of groundwater quality, several measures have been recommended. These measures include the implementation of water-saving and waterfree technologies in industrial processes, adopting reversible water usage practices, and upgrading water supply systems to improve efficiency. To safeguard and improve the quality of underground water, it is essential to upgrade treatment facilities in communal enterprises, implement rainwater and sewage treatment systems, promote the responsible use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, among other practices. These actions aim to optimize water usage, mitigate pollution, and enhance the overall management of groundwater resources. The article represents a significant contribution as it provides a comprehensive description of the characteristics of underground aquifers in relation to the geological structure of the Volyn region. It establishes the distribution boundaries of underground waters of different geological ages within the region, offering valuable insights. The creation of a modern geochronological scale during the research adds further value to the study. The article also sheds light on the utilization of water resources by various economic sectors during the specified period (2015–2020), highlighting important trends. The proposed measures for preserving water resources and improving their quality demonstrate a practical approach. The research findings can serve as a valuable resource for the Department of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Volyn Regional State Administration in their efforts to develop regional environmental programs.

One Health assessment of persistent organic chemicals and PFAS for consumption of restored anadromous fish

Abstract Background Restoration efforts have led to the return of anadromous fish, potential source of food for the Penobscot Indian Nation, to the previously dammed Penobscot River, Maine. Objective U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Penobscot Indian Nation’s Department of Natural Resources (PINDNR), and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), measured contaminants in six species of anadromous fish. Fish tissue concentrations were then used, along with exposure parameters, to evaluate potential human and aquatic-dependent wildlife risk. Methods PINDNR collected, filleted, froze, and shipped fish for analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dioxins/furans, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Contaminant levels were compared to reference doses (where possible) and wildlife values (WVs). Results Chemical concentrations ranged from 6.37 nanogram per gram (ng/g) wet weight (ww) in American Shad roe to 100 ng/g ww in Striped Bass for total PCBs; 0.851 ng/g ww in American Shad roe to 5.92 ng/g ww in large Rainbow Smelt for total PBDEs; and 0.037 ng/g ww in American Shad roe to 0.221 ng/g ww in Striped Bass for total dioxin/furans. PFAS concentrations ranged between 0.38 ng/g ww of PFBA in Alewife to 7.86 ng/g ww of PFUnA in Sea Lamprey. Dioxin/furans and PFOS levels indicated that there are potential human health risks. The WV for mink for total PCBs (72 ng/g) was exceeded in Striped Bass and the WV for Kestrel for PBDEs (8.7 ng/g) was exceeded in large Rainbow Smelt. Mammalian wildlife consuming Blueback Herring, Striped Bass, and Sea Lamprey may be at risk based on PFOS WVs from Canada. Impact Anadromous fish returning to the Penobscot River potentially could represent the restoration of a major component of tribal traditional diet. However, information about contaminant levels in these fish is needed to guide the tribe about consumption safety. Analysis of select species of fish and risk calculations demonstrated the need for a protective approach to consumption for both humans and wildlife. This project demonstrates that wildlife can also be impacted by contamination of fish and their risks can be as great or greater than those of humans. A One Health approach addresses this discrepancy and will lead to a healthier ecosystem.

Using PODs to integrate fire and fuels planning

Background Potential Wildfire Operational Delineations (PODs) were developed as a pre-season planning tool to promote safe and effective fire response. Past research on PODs has identified uses in an incident management context. There has been little research on how PODs are being utilised in non-incident management contexts to align forest and wildfire planning objectives. Aims We sought to understand how actors are adopting and adapting the PODs framework to inform non-incident management, and to identify facilitators, barriers and recommendations. Methods We investigated three cases, the San Juan National Forest, the San Isabel National Forest and the Washington Department of Natural Resources, through 13 semi-structured, key informant interviews. Key results We found that PODs were helpful for validating fuels treatment plans and supporting communication among agency staff, and with private landowners and collaborators. Challenges included lack of technical knowledge and skills, unclear leadership direction, potential misalignment with other forest management goals and community and agency buy-in to using PODs. Conclusions We offer insights into how PODs are being utilised within our case studies and align these findings with diffusion of innovation literature. Implications This preliminary research is important given increased funding for PODs in recent legislation and the possibility of broader adoption for fuels treatment planning in the future.

Reducing Cancer Risk Through Primary Prevention Activities Among Children: A Demonstration Project.

Opportunities to reduce the risk of cancer, including cervical, liver, and skin cancer, start early in life. To encourage adoption of primary prevention activities in childhood to reduce cancer risk later in life, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a demonstration project with 3 National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) recipients. Iowa, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB), and Pennsylvania NCCCP recipients implemented evidence-based primary prevention activities for cervical, liver, and skin cancer among children using health care provider education, patient education, and policy development. Iowa implemented an announcement approach to improve provider education on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Pennsylvania focused on patient education for reducing skin cancer risk and both provider and patient education for liver cancer prevention. NPAIHB created a sun safety intervention for tribal organizations, including a policy guide, media materials, and patient education. In Iowa, health care providers taking the announcement approach reported significantly higher mean scores on a posttest compared with a pretest regarding perceptions about HPV vaccination, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions related to vaccination. Pennsylvania integrated sun safety education and sunscreen dispenser programs as a health and wellness initiative in 8 state parks and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources incorporated the program in its Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan. Pennsylvania also implemented health care provider education on the primary prevention of liver cancer through hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening and hepatitis B vaccination. The NPAIHB skin cancer policy guide was created and distributed for use to all 43 federally recognized tribes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho served by NPAIHB. The identification, dissemination, and implementation of these efforts can serve as best practices for future childhood primary prevention programs. NCCCP recipients and public health professionals can use health care provider education, patient education, and policy development to reduce future risk for cervical, liver, and skin cancer among children.

Suitability of bamboo to the ecological conditions in Ba Be district, Bac Kan province, Vietnam

In Vietnamese culture, bamboo holds deep symbolic significance. However, in recent years, as a result of evolving usage patterns and the introduction of alternative materials in the face of a rapidly developing modern market economy, industrialisation, and urbanisation, bamboo's economic and social value has dwindled. Nevertheless, with the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, bamboo is experiencing a resurgence in importance within the lives of Vietnamese people. Ba Be district, situated in Bac Kan province, stands as one of the country's most impoverished regions. Natural bamboo thrives in 14 out of 15 communes, with Dong Phuc commune being the exception. Planted bamboo is found in 14 out of 15 communes, excluding Cho Ra town, covering approximately 7.9 % of the entire district's natural area (NA). The district's vast terrain, featuring slopes exceeding 15°, presents formidable obstacles to socio-economic development. This study aims to shed light on the distribution of bamboo forests in Ba Be district and presents an assessment of bamboo's suitability within its natural surroundings. The study employs the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method and spatial statistics, using remote sensing data supplied by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Ba Be district. The results demonstrate that 60 % of Ba Be district's NA is conducive to bamboo cultivation and growth. The findings of this research provide local authorities with a scientifically grounded basis for strategic planning, enabling bamboo to emerge as a pivotal resource within production forests. This approach outlines the ideal spatial distribution for bamboo cultivation and development, ultimately fostering the sustainable utilisation of local natural resources to support both immediate and long-term local socio-economic development.

Spatial Prediction of Landslide Susceptibility Using Logistic Regression (LR), Functional Trees (FTs), and Random Subspace Functional Trees (RSFTs) for Pengyang County, China

Landslides pose significant and serious geological threat disasters worldwide, threatening human lives and property; China is particularly susceptible to these disasters. This paper focuses on Pengyang County, which is situated in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China, an area prone to landslides. This study investigated the application of machine learning techniques for analyzing landslide susceptibility. To construct and validate the model, we initially compiled a landslide inventory comprising 972 historical landslides and an equivalent number of non-landslide sites (Data sourced from the Pengyang County Department of Natural Resources). To ensure an impartial evaluation, both the landslide and non-landslide datasets were randomly divided into two sets using a 70/30 ratio. Next, we extracted 15 landslide conditioning factors, including the slope angle, elevation, profile curvature, plan curvature, slope aspect, TWI (topographic wetness index), TPI (topographic position index), distance to roads and rivers, NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index), rainfall, land use, lithology, SPI (stream power index), and STI (sediment transport index), from the spatial database. Subsequently, a correlation analysis between the conditioning factors and landslide occurrences was conducted using the certainty factor (CF) method. Three landslide models were established by employing logistic regression (LR), functional trees (FTs), and random subspace functional trees (RSFTs) algorithms. The landslide susceptibility map was categorized into five levels: very low, low, medium, high, and very high susceptibility. Finally, the predictive capability of the three algorithms was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The better the prediction, the higher the AUC value. The results indicate that all three models are predictive and practical, with only minor discrepancies in accuracy. The integrated model (RSFT) displayed the highest predictive performance, achieving an AUC value of 0.844 for the training dataset and 0.837 for the validation dataset. This was followed by the LR model (0.811 for the training dataset and 0.814 for the validation dataset) and the FT model (0.776 for the training dataset and 0.760 for the validation dataset). The proposed methods and resulting landslide susceptibility map can assist researchers and local authorities in making informed decisions for future geohazard prevention and mitigation. Furthermore, they will prove valuable and be useful for other regions with similar geological characteristics features.

Distribution and Management of the Invasive Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae) at the Foot of a Protected Area in Luzon Island, Philippines

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) pose one of the most significant threats to native biodiversity. Swietenia macrophylla, or big leaf mahogany, is among the most threatening invasive plants in the Philippines. This article aimed to formally document the presence of S. macrophylla along the edges of Mt. Banahaw de Nagcarlan, a protected area on Luzon Island, Philippines. The study also sought to identify the management strategies being implemented by various government institutions to address big leaf mahogany and other invasive plants. A total of 1591 individuals of S. macrophylla were documented in mixed land-use areas and roadsides. These were found to have been introduced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1991 as a reforestation species. Fortunately, no individuals were observed beyond the buffer zone towards the protected area. The identification of management strategies for big leaf mahogany and other IAPS revealed that there is no established approach specifically addressing the presence of S. macrophylla at the site. However, some institutions advocate for the conservation of native plants through tree planting activities and educational campaigns. Furthermore, no collaborative efforts were observed among stakeholders and institutions. The results of this study highlight the urgent need to manage the S. macrophylla population. Planning and enforcement of strategies require collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prevent its entry into the protected area and ensure the preservation of native biodiversity.

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in relation to environmental justice related variables in Wisconsin, United States.

The growth of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has caused significant environmental detriments and raised concerns regarding environmental justice with CAFOs exposure. This study examined environmental disparities in exposure to CAFOs with several environmental justice related variables and considered exposure intensity. We obtained data on permitted CAFOs (July 2021) from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. We used Census tract level variables from the 2010 Census to evaluate environmental disparities by environmental justice related variables (i.e., percentages of Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, or Hispanic; percentage living below the poverty level; median annual household income; income inequality (Gini index); percentage with education less than high school diploma; racial isolation (RI) for Non-Hispanic Black; and educational isolation (EI) for population without a college degree). We assessed exposure to CAFOs as the sum of animal units (AUs) within each Census tract and investigated exposure disparities by comparing distributions of environmental justice related variables based on CAFO status (i.e., never, expired, or current) and Census tract-level CAFOs exposure intensity categories (i.e., from low exposure (quartile 1) to high exposure (quartile 4)). CAFOs in Wisconsin were generally located in areas with lower percentages of racial minority persons and high SES communities; however, within the areas with current CAFO exposure, areas with high CAFOs exposure intensity had higher percentages of non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic, and lower percentages of non-Hispanic White populations compared to areas with low CAFOs exposure. This study compared distributions of CAFO exposure and multiple environmental justice related variables and considered exposure intensity based on animal units for CAFOs exposure metric. Although CAFOs in Wisconsin were generally located in areas with lower percentages of racial/ethnic minority subpopulations and high SES communities, we found complex disparities with higher exposure for disadvantaged communities within areas with CAFOs. This work adds to the existing evidence that some populations such as racial/ethnic minority populations may face disproportionate burdens from CAFOs.

Creating a distribution model of three crayfish species of the genus Faxonius (Decapoda, Cambaridae) in Michigan streams using publicly accessible data

Abstract This research seeks to create a predictive model of habitat suitability for use in determining waterbodies vulnerable to introduced species within the state of Michigan. Three members of the genus Faxonius (Decapoda, Cambaridae) were selected as test taxa for the model due to several species’ propensity for significantly altering the ecosystems they inhabit in Michigan and elsewhere. Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) conducted extensive field surveys of crayfish species assemblages across 461 stream sites from 2014-2016. This project compares these field data to data from publicly available national datasets with the purpose of revealing ecosystems that are vulnerable to population expansion. We identify patterns in Faxonius habitat at local (100 acres) and landscape (1000 acres) scales by associating crayfish occurrences throughout Michigan with variables characterizing landscape conditions thought to be important factors affecting their spread, growth, and survival. An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model using variables from Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO) and National Land Cover Database (NLCD) successfully identified stream sites and watersheds in Michigan vulnerable to range expansion by Faxonius rusticus (Girard, 1852), Faxonius propinquus (Girard, 1852), and/or Faxonius virilis (Hagen, 1870). We found several habitat variables that influence our predictions. The most important variable describing F. rusticus presence was local (100-acre) scale Open Water land cover class, whereas for F. propinquus, the high-intensity developed land cover class at the local scale was the most important, while it was the shrubland land cover class at the local scale for F. virilis. This research demonstrates a powerful method to identify locations using remote sensing data that can be prioritized for conservation efforts that are threatened by invasive crayfish species.

Spatial variability of Cu, Zn and Mn contents in Non-anthropized soils in the Santa Catarina state

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of Cu, Zn and Mn in non-anthropic soils in the Santa Catarina state, using ordinary kriging and ordinary cokriging models. The Cu, Mn and Zn contents were taken from the database of the Department of Soils and Natural Resources of the State University of Santa Catarina. The geostatistical methods of ordinary kriging and ordinary cokriging were applied to fit the theoretical models to the experimental semivariograms. The model choice with the best fit was based on the parameters of Average Square Root, Average Standard Error, Akaike Criterion and Spatial Dependency Index. For ordinary kriging the Gaussian model (R² 0.998) explains the spatial variability of Cu, while the circular model describes the variations of Mn (R² 0.894) and Zn (R² 0.991). For ordinary cokriging, the exponential model describes the behavior of trace elements versus land elevation. Geostatistical methods are effective in the spatializing of Cu, Mn and Zn contents in non-anthropic soils in the Santa Catarina state. Finally, land elevation does not show a linear relationship with the trace elements levels, which are concentrated in the western region, correlating with the source material.

The Use and Performance of Sealed Bid versus Oral Timber Auctions by State Forestry Agencies: A Minnesota Case Study

Abstract State governments are responsible for the stewardship and management of more than 28 million ha of forest land in the United States. This study presents the findings of an in-depth examination of the characteristics and performance of sealed bid and oral auctions using records from more than a thousand tracts offered for sale by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which administers one of the nation’s most robust state timber sale programs. The study found that although tracts offered for sale through oral and sealed bid auctions sold at the same rate and are undifferentiated with respect to nearly all characteristics, sealed bid tracts generated significantly higher winning prices and additional revenue per hectare than tracts sold using oral auctions. Logging businesses were more likely to win sealed auctions than oral auctions, and their portfolio of purchased tracts contained a higher proportion acquired through sealed bid auctions than the portfolio of sealed bid tracts purchased by mills. The study adds to the limited body of literature on public agency timber auctions and is the first to provide a detailed analysis of the auction methods used by a state forest management agency. Study Implications: Public agencies use sealed bid and oral auctions to sell timber rights. This study of the nation’s largest state timber sale program found that the auction method used affects winning bid prices, the likelihood certain categories of bidders will win the auction, the allocation of timber to mills and logging businesses, and revenue generated for each hectare of timber sold. State timber sale program administrators may be able to use these findings to better understand how the choice of auction method affects the financial performance of their timber sale program as well as the allocation of timber among the major types of bidders.