East-central Ontario Research Articles

Understanding Organization Capacity for Evaluation: Synthesis and Integration

Abstract: The special issue is devoted to the examination of organizational capacity for evaluation and evaluation capacity building (ECB) through empirical inquiry. The compilation consists of two quantitative surveys of evaluators and seven single or multiple case studies across a broad array of organizations in a diverse contexts (e.g., east-central Ontario, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Israel). In this final article, the authors look across the collection of studies to identify emerging themes and trends with implications for ECB. The emergent themes are defining ECB; conceptualizing ECB outcomes; organizational context; ECB implementation issues; and enabling factors and barriers to organizational evaluation capacity development.

EXTRACTING MORE OUT OF RELOCATION DATA: BUILDING MOVEMENT MODELS AS MIXTURES OF RANDOM WALKS

We present a framework for fitting multiple random walks to animal move- ment paths consisting of ordered sets of step lengths and turning angles. Each step and turn is assigned to one of a number of random walks, each characteristic of a different behavioral state. Behavioral state assignments may be inferred purely from movement data or may include the habitat type in which the animals are located. Switching between different behavioral states may be modeled explicitly using a state transition matrix estimated directly from data, or switching probabilities may take into account the proximity of animals to landscape features. Model fitting is undertaken within a Bayesian framework using the WinBUGS software. These methods allow for identification of different movement states using several properties of observed paths and lead naturally to the formulation of movement models. Analysis of relocation data from elk released in east-central Ontario, Canada, suggests a biphasic movement behavior: elk are either in an ''encamped'' state in which step lengths are small and turning angles are high, or in an ''exploratory'' state, in which daily step lengths are several kilometers and turning angles are small. Animals encamp in open habitat (agricultural fields and opened forest), but the exploratory state is not associated with any particular habitat type.

A revision of Novacystis hawkesi Paul and Bolton 1991 (Middle Silurian: Glyptocystitida, Echinodermata) and the phylogeny of early callocystitids

A relatively large new specimen of the callocystitid rhombiferan Novacystis hawkesi Paul and Bolton, 1991, is described from the Wenlock (Middle Silurian) Thornloe Formation of east-central Ontario. This new specimen adds to the known morphology of Novacystis hawkesi, including the plating of the thecal side opposite the periproct, the presence of four pectinirhombs in standard callocystitid placements, and brachiole morphology. It also confirms the unusual placement of the periproct previously described for this species. A phylogenetic analysis of Callocystitidae indicates that, as presently defined, Callocystitinae sensu Paul and Bolton is polyphyletic and Apiocystitinae is paraphyletic. Novacystis forms part of a small, relatively primitive echinoderm fauna, probably of middle Wenlock age from the Timiskaming area, suggesting that shallow cratonic areas of the Canadian shield area may have served as refugium for archaic echinoderm taxa.

A REVISION OF NOVACYSTIS HAWKESI PAUL AND BOLTON 1991 (MIDDLE SILURIAN: GLYPTOCYSTITIDA, ECHINODERMATA) AND THE PHYLOGENY OF EARLY CALLOCYSTITIDS

A relatively large new specimen of the callocystitid rhombiferan Novacystis hawkesi Paul and Bolton, 1991, is described from the Wenlock (Middle Silurian) Thornloe Formation of east-central Ontario. This new specimen adds to the known morphology of Novacystis hawkesi, including the plating of the thecal side opposite the periproct, the presence of four pectinirhombs in standard callocystitid placements, and brachiole morphology. It also confirms the unusual placement of the periproct previously described for this species. A phylogenetic analysis of Callocystitidae indicates that, as presently defined, Callocystitinae sensu Paul and Bolton is polyphyletic and Apiocystitinae is paraphyletic. Novacystis forms part of a small, relatively primitive echinoderm fauna, probably of middle Wenlock age from the Timiskaming area, suggesting that shallow cratonic areas of the Canadian shield area may have served as refugium for archaic echinoderm taxa.

Geographic Patterns in Genetic and Life History Variation in Pumpkinseed Populations from Four East-Central Ontario Watersheds

Abstract We examined the geographic distribution of biochemical genetic and life history characteristics of 16 populations of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus within four east-central Ontario watersheds to determine (1) if populations within watersheds were more alike for either of these traits than populations among watersheds, (2) if the distribution of genetic and life history characteristics among watersheds coincided with each other, and (3) if the distribution of genetic and life history characteristics among watersheds showed some geographic pattern. Pumpkinseeds collected early in the reproductive season in the years 1990–1993 were assessed for reproductive maturity, gonadosomatic index (females only), and juvenile growth. Allele frequencies at six polymorphic loci were determined by protein electrophoresis. Cluster analysis based upon genetic distance coefficients showed three distinct groups, one containing populations from the Rideau River watershed, a second containing populations from the Crowe R...

Age and size-dependent variation in the seasonal timing and probability of reproduction among mature female pumpkinseed,Lepomis gibbosus

In this study, we used pumpkinseed,Lepomis gibbosus, populations in two east-central Ontario lakes to test for age and size-dependent effects on the probability and timing of reproduction of mature females. Pumpkinseed body size characteristics differed in the two lakes; Little Round Lake harbours a stunted population and Beloporine Lake does not. Age-class distribution of mature females was determined by a maturity assessment on fish collected just prior to spawning and at the mid-spawning period, combined with an early-season capture-mark-recapture survey. Spawning females were collected throughout the breeding season to assess age and size-related temporal trends, and to compare their age and size distribution with that of mature females at large. The proportion of age 2 females in Little Round Lake that actually spawned was considerably lower than the proportion of mature age 2 females at large. Furthermore, age 2 females that spawned in this lake did not do so until late in the breeding season. In contrast, the proportion of young/small females spawning in Beloporine Lake was comparable to the proportion of young/small mature females at large, and both small and large females spawned throughout the breeding season. Small mature females in Little Round Lake may have had no other option but to spawn late in the season because of their poor body condition. In Beloporine Lake, condition factor early in the breeding season in age 2–4 females was higher than that of Little Round Lake females, suggesting that limited energy reserves in the spring may have prevented young Little Round Lake females from early spawning. Our results show that the likelihood and timing of reproduction are both age and size-dependent in some populations. Small individuals that delay seasonal maturation and spawn late in the summer probably contribute little to the population due to the restricted growth and reduced overwinter survival of their progeny.

Reproductive Biology of Black Bears in East-Central Ontario

Reproductive Biology of Black Bears in East-Central Ontario

Monitoring for 2,4-residues in fish species resident in treated lakes in east-central Ontario 1977?80

Authorized use of 2,4-D by cottage owners in Buckhorn Lake for the years 1977 to 1980 ranged from 124 to 280 kg of active ingredient, annually. This would give predicted average water concentrations of 2 to 4 μg L(-1) during the June-July period. However, higher residues were observed in the Lake. Between 1977 and 1980, 353 individual fish, of eight species, were caught for analysis in Buckhorn and Chemong lakes. These fish belonged to eight edible species. Twelve percent of the fish caught during the pre-treatment period (i.e. May), had detectable residues of 2,4-D. Mean residues by species and year ranged from <5 to 30 μg kg(-1) 2,4-D. In the early post-treatment period (i.e. July), 69% of fish caught had mean residues by species which ranged from <5 to 136 μg kg(-1) 2,4-D. In the late post-treatment period (i.e. October), 19% of fish caught by year had detectable residues of 2,4-D. Mean residues by species during this period ranged from <5 to 60 μg kg(-1) 2,4-D. While 15 (i.e. 4%) of the 353 fish and fish composites had 2,4-D above the maximum residue limit of 100 μg kg(-1) only six were of edible size.

Winter Denning of Black Bears in East-Central Ontario

Winter Denning of Black Bears in East-Central Ontario

A Population Dynamics Model of Black Bears in Eastcentral Ontario

A population model was developed to estimate demographic parameters and abundance of a black bear (Ursus americanus) population in eastcentral Ontario, using data from a 12-year mark-recapture program. The model enables the separation of natural and hunting mortality and allows for immigration to the study area. Parameter fitting was done by a nonlinear least-squares criterion. Abundance estimates using the 0-truncated Poisson, Petersen, and Jolly-Seber procedures allowed comparison of the different methods. The population growth rate was estimated as 2.9%/year for the female segment. Age-specific reproductive value was calculated, and its significance for black bear conservation is discussed. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 50(4):602-612 The black bear is one of Ontario's most familiar and widely distributed large mammals. Traditionally it was regarded as a predator and a nuisance, and a provincial bounty was paid from 1942 to 1961. In 1961, the species was recognized as a valuable wildlife resource with removal of the bounty and elevation to game animal status (Clarke 1961). During recent years, increased hunter pressure in many areas and invasion of black bear habitat by nonconsumptive users intensified the need for information about population densities and behavior. Although important studies of black bear demography have been conducted in a variety of habitats (Jonkel and Cowan 1971, Poelker and Hartwell 1973, Rogers 1977, Beecham 1980, Lindzey and Meslow 1980, Young and Ruff 1982), none have been carried out in the conifer-deciduous forests of eastern Canada. This paper presents the results of an extensive mark-recapture program carried out in eastcentral Ontario from 1969 to 1980. Objectives of the study were to: (1) estimate population abundance; (2) estimate age-specific natural mortality; (3) estimate immigration into the study area; and (4) use this information, together with reproductive data obtained during the study, to estimate the intrinsic growth rate of the population and the age-specific reproductive value of female bears. This project was supported in part by the Nat. Sci. and Eng. Res. Counc. Can. under Grant A7775.

An Expanding Break-Away Radio Collar for Black Bear

Radiotelemetry has enhanced the study of animals, but methods of affixing radio packages to maturing subadults have been slow to evolve for some species. This is particularly true for black bears (Ursus americanus), which attain mature size at 5 years of age or older (Rausch 1961, Jonkel and Cowan 1971, Sauer 1975). Servheen et al. (1981) described methods of collaring black bears and the problems associated with the use of collars on growing bears. The need for an expandable radio collar for black bears was expressed by Lindzey et al. (1978). This paper describes the design, construction, and use of a durable, expanding, break-away radio collar for subadult black bears in east-central Ontario. The

RAINFALL INTERCEPTION ON A SMALL FORESTED WATERSHED WITHIN THE KAWARTHA LAKES REGION

Interception and precipitation data were collected on a small, mixed forested watershed in the Kawartha Lakes region of east-central Ontario. Measurements were taken from September 13, 1977 to September 12, 1978, in an effort to quantify the effects of vegetation on the disposition of precipitation. Regression equations were developed to describe the atmospheric and surface characteristics influencing interception. From these equations, approximately 12% of gross rainfall is intercepted and returned to the atmosphere. It is hoped that these results will assist in the construction of detailed water budgets for the region and other areas of similar hydrologic behaviour.

An undescribed species of Inocybe from mine wastes in Ontario

An undescribed species of Inocybe, I. immigrans sp. nov., has been encountered several times on mine wastes in north-eastern and east-central Ontario. It is characterized by large smooth basidiospores, a dark entirely cystidiate bulbous stipe, and a brown scaly pileus. It is thought to be ectomycorrhizal and has been collected in association with Betula papyrifera, Populus balsamifera, and Salix spp.

Characteristics of Hemlock Stands Related to Deer Use in East-Central Ontario

Employing soil core method, an investigation in Maoershan Experiment Station was made on the root biomass, specific root length (SRL), and root length density (RLD) of Fraxinus mandshurica plantation (17 yr) within a growth season in stand level. The results showed that the total root biomass was 1,637 g x m(-2), in which, living biomass accounted for 85%, and necrotic biomass was 15%. In the living biomass, coarse roots (5 approximately 30 mm in diameter) had the highest percentage (69.95 %), followed by fine roots (< 1 mm in diameter) (13.53 %), medium roots (2 approximately 5 mm in diameter) (7.21%), and small roots (1 approximately 2 mm in diameter) (9.31%). Among the four diameter classes, fine roots had a higher SRL (32.20 m x g(-1)), while coarse roots had a lower one (0.08 m x g(-1)). The total RLD in living biomass was 6,602.54 m x m(-2) in stand level, among which, fine root accounted for 92.43%, and the others was less than 8%. Fine root biomass and RLD had a positive correlation with soil available nitrogen, while no significant correlation was found between SRL and soil available nitrogen.

Areal differentiation of snow cover in east central Ontario

Vegetationally based patterns of snow depth, density, and water equivalent are identified by using snow course, grid, and unaligned random sample measurements. The limitations of extrapolations from point measurements to general characteristics of regional snow cover are discussed for an area in which midwinter melt is a feature of snow cover evolution. The snow cover of the vegetation zones was most distinct in terms of water equivalent and least distinct in terms of density. Measurements of depth proved to have a high predictive value for water equivalents. The validity of generalizations from point measurements, even in terms of quite coarse measures of snow cover characteristics, is limited in areas such as this to a short period following the time of measurement.

THE FUNGUS ENTOMOPHTHORA PHYTONOMI PATHOGENIC TO THE ALFALFA WEEVIL, HYPERA POSTICA

AbstractEntomophthora phytonomi Arthur, a pathogen recognized for many years under the name Entomophthora sphaerosperma Fres. as an important natural control agent in populations of the clover leaf weevil, Hypera punctata (Gyll.), has now been identified from the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyll.). Both conidial and resting spore stages are described.Early in the summer of 1973, the fungus was responsible for an epizootic in populations of the alfalfa weevil throughout much of east-central Ontario. In three study plots, mortality levels in larvae and cocoons ranged from 65–90% and 42–53%, respectively. This suggests that the fungus is capable of playing a significant role in the dynamics of weevil populations.

Hydrogeologic Studies at a Subsurface Radioactive-Waste Management Site in West-Central Canada: ABSTRACT

Nearly all radioactive wastes produced in Canada are stored or disposed of at 2 waste-management sites in shallow Quaternary deposits in south-central Canada. The oldest site and the one which has received most of Canada's radioactive waste is at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) in east-central Ontario. The newest site is at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment (WNRE) in southeastern Manitoba. Both waste-management sites are operated by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Hydrogeologic studies were conducted at WNRE to predict the subsurface behavior of radioactive contaminants, which at some future time possibly could enter the groundwater zone. The site is composed of Quaternary deposits of clayey till above a sandy artesian aquifer which overlies the Precambrian bedrock. The bedrock is 50 ft below ground surface. At present there is no significant contamination of the subsurface hydrologic environment. Hydrogeologic information is being used to facilitate the design and operation of the waste-management facilities and to assess long-term storage and disposal capabilities of the area. The hydrogeologic investigations involved 3 main parameters. These are (1) expected residence times of radionuclides which may enter the groundwater flow system, (2) anticipated travel paths and discharge processes, and (3) suitability of the hydrogeologic environment for physical manipulation to achieve greater containment capabilities. Hydrogeologic studies conducted during the past 5 years have involved field and laboratory techniques such as geologic test drilling, mapping of hydraulic head distributions using wells and piezometers, field permeability tests using single well response tests and long- and short-term pumping tests, mapping of natural hydrochemical patterns in the groundwater zone, tritium tracer experiments, groundwater age dating using C14, and mathematical modeling using digital-simulation programs. Comparisons of the results from the studies indicate that we have attained a reasonable level of predictability in our understanding of the hydrogeologic environment in the area. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1593------------

Wolf Predation on Wintering Deer in East-Central Ontario

Quantitative data on predation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by wolves ( Canis lupus) in east-central Ontario were obtained by following a pack of eight wolves from January 11 to March 20, 1969. Data on sex and age of deer killed during the winters of 1964 to 1969 and success of hunts by wolves in 1968 and 1969 have been included. During the main winter of study, the pack travelled a total of 327 km over a period of 46 days for an average daily travel rate of 7.1 km. The maximum range of the group during the period of surveillance encompassed 224 km2. The pack killed 29 deer during 63 days, or one deer per 2.2 days. Distances travelled between kills ranged from 0.3 to 43.4 km and averaged 14.7. The amount olf food available per wolf per day was 3.67 kg. The calculated daily food consumption was 0.10 kg per kg of wolf per day. The average age (2.43) of deer killed by wolves was greater than the average age ( 2.02 ) of deer killed by hunters. The sex ratio of 42 adult deer killed by wolves was 250 males:l00 females; in a saxnple of 290 hunter-killed deer the ratio was 92:100. In 1968, the hunting success of wolves was 25 percent compared with 63 percent in 1969. It was calculated that during the 5-month winter period, the wolves removed 9 to 11 percent of the 730 deer present when winter began. The timber wolf has recently been the subject of several detailed field studies ( Murie 1944, Gowan 1947, Thompson 1952, Stenlund 1955, Mech 1966, Shelton 1966, Pimlott et al. 1969, Mech and Frenzel 1971). In these investigations, many aspects of wolf ecology received attention, but the primary objective in each was an attempt to determine the impact of wolves on their principal prey. A complete assessment of this problem requires that the following be known: the number of wolves in an area, the number of prey animals in the same area, and the rate at which the wolves remove the prey. Except for the studies by NIech (1966), Shelton (1966), and Mech and Frenzel (1971), all of these investigations have lacked quantitative data on the interrelations of wolves and prey. Predation rates have been the most difficult to estimate. The present study provides quantitative data on predation of white-tailed deer by wolves in east-central Ontario during winter. Most of the information was obtained while following a pack of eight wolves from January 11 to March 20, 1969. Data on sex and age of deer killed during the winter from 1964 to 1968 and success of hunts by wolves in 1968 have been included. The assistance of P. Odorizzi during the winters of 1968 and 1969 and of R. Odorizzi during the winter of 1969 is acknowledged. I thlank the many personnel of the Fish and Wildlife Branch and the Research Branch, Ontario Department of Lands and Forests, who assisted in various capacities. R. O. Standfield reviewed the manuscript.

Radio-Tracking Timber Wolves in Ontario

Miniature collar-type transmitters originally designed by W. W. Cochran , Illinois, were adapted for use on timber wolves ( Canis lupus sp. ) in east-central Ontario. Wild timber wolves were captured in steel traps, restrained with a forked stick, fitted with radio-collars and released at point of capture. Receivers were adapted for use in trucks, airplanes, and for walking in rough bush country. Maximum ranges were 3.2 km with ground and 9.6 km with aircraft receivers. A preadult female tagged in July, 1964, and a lactating adult female tagged in June, 1965, were tracked intermittently for 5.5 and 2.5 months, respectively. Tracking periods for six other animals of both sexes, ranging in age from pups to adults, varied from 2 days to 4 months. The lactating female and her associated pack regularly returned to three preferred “resting sites” for various periods during July and August. Preferred areas were well drained, semi-open, mixed conifer-hardwood stands in close proximity to swamps or beaver ponds. The preadult female ranged in an area frequented by a pack, but frequently remained independent of it. A preadult male, tagged in the same region, wandered over a slightly larger area than the female. Tagged animals were active throughout all periods of the day or night. Activity increased slightly during the early evening hours. There was a slight correlation between weather conditions and patterns of behavior and activity. Apparently, tagged individuals were quickly accepted by other members of the pack.

THE DECOMPOSITION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF FOREST LITTER UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS

Observations in the northern forested regions of America and Europe and at higher elevations in the Southern Appalachians and the Central Alps show that a thick mat of slowly decomposing forest litter is commonly found in closed coniferous stands on the forest floor. It was not until the last few years of the nineteenth century that litter decomposition was given serious study, and even now our knowledge of this problem is in many respects imperfect. More recent results from investigations in microbiological laboratories justify the statement that litter accumulation tends to occur wherever temperature and moisture conditions are such as to retard the activity of microorganisms. The relation of temperature and of moisture as measured by rainfall to the quantitative decomposition of forest litter in pine stands of east-central Ontario, Canada, was studied in 1929 and I930. The results of this investigation are given in this paper. The economic value of information relating to the decomposition of litter is apparent when we consider the problem of forest establishment through natural regeneration. Barr (I929) recognized the necessity for some form of litter treatment prior to seeding, if naturally regenerated spruce seedlings in British Columbia were to survive the first season. Hesselman (I926) made an intensive investigation of litter accumulations in the forests of Sweden. He found that nitrification processes in the soil were very essential for the proper establishment of Scots pine and that certain types of forest litter retarded the activity of nitrifying organisms. Literatture dealing with the influence of temperature on microbial processes has been discussed bv WAaksman (193I, p. 74I-752). It appears that the temperature for optimum development differs for the different organisms. From the point of view of moisture the problem is more complex. But as a broad generalization, excess moisture favors anaerobic activity, whereas the optimum moisture content for aerobic activity is to a large degree dependent upon the coarseness or fineness of the soil medium (Waksman I93I, p. 544, 548). Experimental evidence showing the relative rates of litter decomposition for different coniferous species under natural forest conditions is very inade196