Virginia Population Research Articles

Genetic diversity and population structure of a rare flowering tree endemic to Appalachia, Stewartia ovata.

Stewartia ovata (cav.) Weatherby, commonly known as mountain stewartia, is an understory tree native to the southeastern United States (U.S.). This relatively rare species occurs in isolated populations in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. As a species, S. ovata has largely been overlooked, and limited information is available regarding its ecology, which presents obstacles to conservation efforts. Stewartia ovata has vibrant, large white flowers that bloom in summer with a variety of filament colors, suggesting potential horticultural traits prized by ornamental industry. However, S. ovata is relatively slow growing and, due to long seed dormancy, propagation is challenging with limited success rates. This has created a need to assess the present genetic diversity in S. ovata populations to inform potential conservation and restoration of the species. Here, we employ a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to characterize the spatial distribution and genetic diversity of S. ovata in the southern Appalachia region of the eastern United States. A total of 4475 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified across 147 individuals from 11 collection sites. Our results indicate low genetic diversity (He = 0.216), the presence of population structure (K = 2), limited differentiation (F ST = 0.039), and high gene flow (Nm = 6.16) between our subpopulations. Principal component analysis corroborated the findings of STRUCTURE, confirming the presence of two distinct S. ovata subpopulations. One subpopulation mainly contains genotypes from the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee, while the other consists of genotypes present in the Great Smoky Mountain ranges in Tennessee, North Carolina, and portions of Nantahala, Chattahoochee-Oconee national forests in Georgia, highlighting that elevation likely plays a major role in its distribution. Our results further suggested low inbreeding coefficient (F IS = 0.070), which is expected with an outcrossing tree species. This research further provides necessary insight into extant subpopulations and has generated valuable resources needed for conservation efforts of S. ovata.

COVID-19 Case, Death, and Vaccination Rate Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in Virginia.

This paper tracks trends in COVID-19 case, death, and vaccination rate disparities by race and ethnicity in Virginia during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 case, death, and vaccination rates were obtained from electronic state health department records from March 2020 to February 2022. Rate ratios were then utilized to quantify racial and ethnic disparities for several time periods during the pandemic. The Hispanic population had the highest COVID-19 case and age-adjusted death rates, and the lowest vaccination rates at the beginning of the pandemic in Virginia. These disparities resolved later in the pandemic. COVID-19 case and death rates among the Black population were also higher than those of the White population and these disparities remained throughout the pandemic. Racial and ethnic disparities changed over time in Virginia as vaccination coverage and public health policies evolved. Year 2 of the analysis saw lower case and death rates, and higher vaccination rates for non-White populations in Virginia. Public health strategies need to be addressed during the pandemic and developed before the next pandemic to ensure that large racial and ethnic disparities are not again present at the outset.

Genetic Structure across Isolated Virginia Populations of the Endangered Candy Darter (Etheostoma osburni)

Candy darter Etheostoma osburni, a federally endangered non-game fish, has been extirpated from most of its historic range in Virginia and now occurs in four isolated populations in the New River drainage. Understanding of population genetic structure will provide insights into the recent natural history of the species and can inform conservation management. Our objectives were to: characterize population genetic structure, estimate and compare effective population sizes (Ne), and use this information to infer recent population history. Variation at mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences among 150 individuals showed 10 haplotypes separated by 1–14 mutational steps, some shared and some unique to particular populations. Variation at 12 microsatellite loci among 171 individuals showed lower variation in Dismal Creek than in other populations. All populations showed evidence of having experienced a genetic bottleneck and were highly differentiated from one another based on both types of DNA markers. Population genetic structure was related to stream position in regard to the New River, suggesting that populations were once connected. Ne estimates for all populations were less than the 500 recommended to maintain evolutionary potential, but most estimates were greater than the 100 needed for use as source populations. Our findings indicate that habitat management to allow expansion of populations, and translocations to exchange genetic material among populations, may be effective tactics to promote conservation of candy darter in Virginia.

Washington at the Plow: The Founding Farmer and the Question of Slavery

The powerful mythos of George Washington as a virtuous and honorable man who, in his youth, chopped down a cherry tree only to confess his transgression immediately, continues to shape popular public perception of the American Cincinnatus. Modern historians have worked to deconstruct this hagiographic image of Washington, and Bruce Ragsdale further contributes to these efforts with Washington at the Plow. Ragsdale not only focuses on the founding father's identity as a farmer and an enslaver, but he also examines how Washington navigated a complicated tension between his public reputation and his private interests in a changing Atlantic World.The main thrust of Ragsdale's work focuses on Washington's life as a Virginia planter during the Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary periods. Despite his many absences from Mount Vernon and his other properties during his tenure as leader of the Continental Army and, later, as president, Washington maintained a vested interest in capitalizing on the agricultural output of his estates. Indeed, his near obsession with British farmers and the New Husbandry movement greatly informed the various experiments Washington implemented on his plantations to increase both the efficiency of enslaved labor and crop production in the late eighteenth century. For example, on his Virginia plantations Washington adopted British models of crop rotation that skillfully adjusted for the different ecological factors of the Eastern Seaboard. He also made changes to the layout of Mount Vernon's landscape, including the construction of new buildings, after being inspired by the improvement projects made to Britain's large estates. However, as Ragsdale demonstrates, Washington's personal desire to capitalize on the economic independence of his farms often conflicted with the founding father's efforts to uphold his popular reputation.Throughout his work, Ragsdale demonstrates the many ways in which Washington maintained a public persona that often contradicted the lived reality of those whom the Cincinnatus enslaved. For example, Washington's letters claim that he opposed the separation of enslaved families and that he abhorred the practice of selling enslaved persons; however, Ragsdale reveals that Washington often engaged in these practices. He accepted enslaved peoples as payment for loans or purchased enslaved peoples with specific skills, such as the enslaved bricklayer named Neptune, to use in new farming experiments on his plantations (146). Ragsdale also emphasizes how Washington's participation in the amelioration movement—brought on by the rise of gradual abolition at the turn of the century—only served to obscure the violence inherent in the institution of American chattel slavery, although not explicitly. As Washington encouraged overseers and white laborers to increase the surveillance of enslaved peoples on his many estates, he kept a detailed record of their movements and demanded increasingly high rates of productivity and efficiency that disrupted enslaved communities. Other works, such as Edward Baptist's The Half Has Never Been Told (2015), clearly highlight how technological advances in both agriculture and commerce only intensified the violence and brutality of enslavement. Although examples of violence against the enslaved men and women on Washington's estates are only briefly addressed, including the physical trauma and abuse that resulted from Washington's increasingly complicated agricultural demands, Ragsdale is careful to acknowledge Washington's willful exclusion of violent punishments in the archival record as well as the manipulation of any language used to describe these occurrences.Although one of Washington's main goals was to serve as an example of the farming and husbandry enterprises the new nation needed to operate as a sovereign economic and political institution in an increasingly globalized world, by the end of his presidency, he failed to make any considerable changes. Other than his participation in the Philadelphia Agricultural Society or the organized visitations to Mount Vernon, the many farming or management changes Washington made to his estates had little impact on the broader population of either Virginia or Pennsylvania farmers. Even so, students and scholars interested in the transmission and transformation of agricultural knowledge and farming practices in the Atlantic World will find Ragsdale's work helpful, especially the many examples of Washington's successes and failures as a farmer. Scholars of slavery may also find useful information concerning the organization of Washington's enslaved labor and the examples of Washington implementing British plantation models from the Caribbean for increasing productivity at Mount Vernon. More importantly, however, Bruce Ragsdale's focus on how Washington navigated the changing national debates on slavery following the American Revolution in both his public and personal life highlights the complicated role Washington himself played in the creation of his own legend.

Prenatal Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women With Substance Use Disorder: A Drug-Free Moms and Babies Project Study [ID: 1377131

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant people with substance use disorder (SUD) are more likely to have inadequate prenatal care quality/utilization. The rate of stimulants and opioids use continues to increase nationwide with significantly higher rates observed in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged pregnant populations. The objective of this study was to quantify the association between substance use and the quality of prenatal care in the rural Appalachian pregnant population of West Virginia. METHODS: Drug-Free Moms and Babies Project is a multicenter program in West Virginia that offers coordinated care for pregnant and postpartum individuals with SUD. Secondary data analysis for this study (2018–2022) was limited to only those patients who entered the program during pregnancy (N=1,555). Kessner Index was used to categorize prenatal care quality as inadequate, intermediate, and adequate. Substance use included stimulants alone, opioids/narcotics alone, opioids/narcotics and stimulants concurrent use, and all other substances but not opioid/narcotic or stimulant use. RESULTS: Pregnant people with opioids use alone (odds ratio [OR] 2.11 [1.43–3.12]), stimulants use alone (OR, 3.27 [1.69–6.32]), and concurrent use of opioids and stimulants (OR 4.69 [2.52–8.73]) were more likely to have inadequate versus adequate prenatal care compared to those who used only other substances after adjusting for maternal income, education, medical conditions, prior children, planned/unplanned pregnancy, alcohol use, or smoking during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Opioids/narcotics and stimulants use is associated with inadequate prenatal care utilization that becomes more pronounced with polysubstance use. Improving quality of prenatal care is critical for this population to improve the health of parent and child.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccine breakthrough infections in Virginia, January 17, 2021 – June 30, 2021

As COVID-19 vaccines moved from the controlled environment of clinical trials to use in real-world settings, it has been important to evaluate vaccine effectiveness. A retrospective cohort study was designed to identify cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection that occurred between January 17-June 30, 2021 in fully vaccinated Virginia residents. Of the fully vaccinated population of Virginia at the end of the study period (N = 4,271,505), 2445 (0.057 %) were reported to have experienced a vaccine breakthrough infection. Of those, 183 (7.5 %) were reported to have been hospitalized for COVID-19 and 53 (2.2 %) died from COVID-19. There were significant differences in vaccine effectiveness over time between both mRNA vaccines and the Janssen vaccine. Increasing age, pre-existing medical conditions, and male sex were associated with severe outcomes (hospitalization or death). Persons at greater risk for severe outcomes should continue to take precautions to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, even if fully vaccinated.

Drivers of habitat quality for a reintroduced elk herd

Understanding spatiotemporal variation in habitat quality is essential for guiding wildlife reintroduction and restoration programs. The habitat productivity hypothesis posits that home range size is inversely related to habitat quality. Thus, home range size may be used as a proxy for habitat quality and can identify important land cover features for a recovering species. We sought to quantify variation in home range size across the biological cycle (seasons) for a reintroduced elk (Cervus canadensis) population in southwestern Virginia, USA and quantify habitat quality by linking home range sizes to the land cover types they contain using linear mixed-effects models. We found mean home range size was largest during late gestation for female elk. Additionally, throughout the year, smaller home ranges were associated with larger proportions of non-forested habitats whereas forested habitats were generally the opposite. However, both presumed poor- and high-quality habitats influenced female elk space use. Our approach revealed spatial variation in habitat quality for a recovering elk herd, demonstrated the importance of non-forested habitats to elk, can guide decisions regarding the location of future elk reintroduction programs, and serve as a model for evaluating habitat quality associated with wildlife reintroductions.

Social Determinants of Health and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality at the County Level in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mortality due to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among Black and Hispanic populations is disproportionately high compared to white populations. This study aimed to explore the association between COVID-19 mortality and social determinants of health (SDOH) among Black and Hispanic populations in Virginia. County-level publicly available COVID-19 mortality data from Virginia, covariates, and SDOH indicators were used. An independent t-test and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were performed to assess the association between SDOH and COVID-19 death rates, with a focus on racial/ethnic disparities. Counties in the lowest quartile had a mean death rate of 44.72 (SD = 13.8), while those in the highest quartile had a mean death rate of 239.02 (SD = 123.9) per 100, 000 people ( P < .001). Counties with the highest death rates had significantly lower mean socioeconomic status. The regression analysis revealed that 32% of the variance in the COVID-19 mortality rate was associated with SDOH after controlling for the covariates ( P < .01). Identifying as Hispanic ethnicity accounted for 8.5% of the variance, while median household income, being uninsured, and education accounted for 32.7%, 12.9%, and 7.1%, respectively. The findings provide evidence that disparities in SDOH experienced by Hispanic populations play a significant role in increased COVID-19 mortality, thus highlighting the social needs of low-income, low-education, and Hispanic populations to advance equity in health outcomes.

Clínica Comunitaria Esperanza Pediátrica: The Development and Early Outcomes of a Bilingual Medical Home for Uninsured Hispanic Children

The uninsured Hispanic pediatric population in the United States faces significant challenges in accessing medical care due to language barriers, citizenship status, and limited access to health insurance. Clínica Comunitaria Esperanza Pediátrica (CCE-P) is a bilingual student-run free clinic created to provide healthcare to the underserved population in southeastern Virginia. This study further details the creation, implementation, and early outcomes of CCE-P as well as barriers encountered throughout the process. It describes four critical steps in establishing CCE-P, including leveraging existing institutional partnerships, ensuring high standards of care, prioritizing community outreach, and implementing a quality improvement program. Study outcomes include a demographic characterization of the 46 pediatric patients served by CCE-P, a description of clinic services, and an analysis of gaps in care and strategies to provide more comprehensive health services. This publication serves as an outline to an adaptable model that other organizations may use to establish similar clinics in their own communities.&#x0D; &#x0D;

A first insight into the genetics of maturity trait in Runner × Virginia types peanut background

'Runner' and 'Virginia', the two main market types of Arachis hypogaea subspecies hypogaea, differ in several agricultural and industrial characteristics. One such trait is time to maturation (TTM), contributing to the specific environmental adaptability of each subspecies. However, little is known regarding TTM's genetic and molecular control in peanut in general, and particularly in the Runner/Virginia background. Here, a recombinant inbred line population, originating from a cross between an early-maturing Virginia and a late-maturing Runner type, was used to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for maturity. An Arachis SNP-array was used for genotyping, and a genetic map with 1425 SNP loci spanning 24 linkage groups was constructed. Six significant QTLs were identified for the maturity index (MI) trait on chromosomes A04, A08, B02 and B04. Two sets of stable QTLs in the same loci were identified, namely qMIA04a,b and qMIA08_2a,b with 11.5%, 8.1% and 7.3%, 8.2% of phenotypic variation explained respectively in two environments. Interestingly, one consistent QTL, qMIA04a,b, overlapped with the previously reported QTL in a Virginia × Virginia population having the same early-maturing parent ('Harari') in common. The information and materials generated here can promote informed targeting of peanut idiotypes by indirect marker-assisted selection.

Effects of Dietary Iron Quantities and Sources on Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) Survival and Development.

Lymantria dispar L. is a serious invasive defoliator of broadleaf trees in both North America and Eurasia. When rearing L. dispar for research, the artificial diet must have a source of iron that is bioavailable and in the quantity needed to ensure normal development and survival. The standard iron supplement in L. dispar diet, amorphous ferric phosphate, is no longer commercially available, which motivated studies on alternative iron sources and concentrations. The responses of three L. dispar populations (including an L. dispar asiatica Vnukovskij population) to seven different iron doses were determined over two generations. The response to eight iron compounds and no added iron was also assessed over two generations for an L. dispar dispar population. The optimal levels of iron were 100, 150, and 198 mg/l of available iron for the New Jersey Standard Strain, a near-wild West Virginia population, and a near-wild Russian Far East population, respectively. All three populations showed symptoms of insufficient iron when reared on the lowest dose of iron and signs of excess iron at the highest two doses. All of the alternate iron sources evaluated provided adequate available iron, although three sources had some issues that may not make them the best options. These results reveal differences in nutritional requirements among different populations of L. dispar and verify the existence of viable replacement sources of iron for the standard amorphous ferric phosphate long used in L. dispar rearing.

Regional Differences in Mortality Rates and Characteristics of Decedents With Hepatitis B Listed as a Cause of Death, United States, 2000-2019

US hepatitis B mortality has been described nationally, but examination subnationally may identify differences in mortality rates and decedent characteristics, including birthplace. To examine characteristics of decedents with hepatitis B-listed deaths during 2010 to 2019 and compare age-adjusted hepatitis B-listed death rates during 2010 to 2019 vs 2000 to 2009. This cross-sectional study used Multiple Cause of Death data from 50 US states and the District of Columbia (DC) from 2000 to 2019 to assess characteristics of US residents with hepatitis B listed as an underlying cause of death (UCOD) or contributing cause of death on death certificates. Data were analyzed from September 2019 to May 2022. Hepatitis B listed as underlying or contributing cause of death. Outcomes of interest were hepatitis B-listed death counts, age-adjusted rates, and characteristics of decedents during 2000 to 2019. The distribution of hepatitis B-listed deaths according to sociodemographic characteristics and UCOD among US- and non-US-born decedents were also examined. A total of 35 280 decedents with hepatitis B listed as the cause of death were identified, including 17 483 deaths during 2010 to 2019. Decedents were 63.3% US-born, and 25.8% of decedents were Asian or Pacific Islander and 46.5% of decedents were White; 28.4% of decedents were listed as having hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV coinfection. State-level rates significantly surpassed the overall US rate (0.47 deaths per 100 000 population) in DC (high, 1.78 deaths per 100 000 population), Hawaii, Oklahoma, California, Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi, Oregon, Washington, Louisiana, Kentucky, and New York (low, 0.61 deaths per 100 000 population). Median (IQR) age at hepatitis B death was significantly younger in Kentucky (54.0 [46.0-64.0] years), West Virginia (56.0 [47.0-65.0] years), Tennessee (57.0 [50.0-65.0] years), Mississippi (58.0 [50.0-65.0] years), and Ohio (59.0 [50.0-66.0] years) than the national median (60.0 [53.0-69.0] years), which itself was significantly younger than nonhepatitis B-listed deaths (77 [63.0-87.0] years; P < .001). Hepatitis B was the UCOD among approximately 30% of US- and non-US-born decedents with hepatitis B COD. Irrespective of birthplace, most decedents had liver-related UCOD. Compared with non-US-born decedents, US-born decedents more frequently had nonliver conditions listed as UCOD. Liver cancer was the predominant UCOD among non-US-born decedents (37.9% of decedents). From 2000 to 2009 compared with 2010 to 2019, the hepatitis B-listed mortality rate significantly decreased nationally (change, -18.97%) and in 14 states; significant increases were observed in West Virginia (change, 83.78%) and Kentucky (change, 69.44%). These findings suggest that US-born decedents constituted two-thirds of all hepatitis B-listed deaths and median age at death was youngest in Appalachian states. Irrespective of birthplace, most decedents had liver-related UCOD; however, US-born decedents more frequently had nonliver UCOD than non-US-born decedents. In addition to addressing liver-related complications, US-born persons with chronic infection may also require diagnosis and management of multiple comorbidities.

Assessing Virginia cooling centers as a heat mitigation strategy.

In the United States, heat kills more people on average than any other weather-related hazard, thus the mitigation of heat-related impacts remains a significant issue within emergency management and public health communities. Research indicates the use of community cooling centers as an effective way to reduce vulnerability and adverse heat impacts. Using the Commonwealth of Virginia as a study location, this research evaluates the placement of cooling centers and assesses emergency managers' understanding of heat-related issues. Surveying local emergency managers and aggregating media reports, a total of 256 cooling centers were identified across 39 localities. Vulnerable populations differed in their proximity to the identified cooling centers. While over 65 percent of Virginians live within a 15-minute drive of a cooling center, this favors wealthier community members; less than 7 percent of Virginia's population below poverty lives within this same 15-minute driveshed. Spatial variability exists with many communities not opening any cooling centers. Within city and county hazard plans, the inclusion of comprehensive heat-related hazard information remains low. The research suggests further cooperation across government and nongovernment agencies is needed to improve the resilience to heat-health concerns across Virginia.

Conservation and Taxonomic Assessment of an Undescribed Crayfish in Coastal Virginia

Creaserinus fodiens (Cottle 1863), commonly known as the digger crayfish, is a primary burrower that inhabits complex burrows in wetlands, seasonal pools, wooded floodplains, and roadside ditches. Historically, C. fodiens have been found from Ontario, Canada following the United States down to Texas and across four Atlantic slope states including Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Atlantic slope clades are geographically isolated from other C. fodiens populations by the continental shelf on the East coast and by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Despite having a wide geographical range, little research has been done on the Atlantic slope clades of Creaserinus spp. Recent genetic and morphological data suggests that the Virginia population of C. fodiens could be described as a different species. Additional morphological and genetic data from gill samples will lead to a better understanding of where the separation in classification lies among the Virginia population. A conservation and taxonomic assessment for Creaserinus fodiens along the Virginia Atlantic slope will be constructed from the results. These assessments will contribute to our understanding of global crayfish biodiversity and provide important biological insight to the management and conservation of these species.

Reevaluating Genetic Diversity and Structure of Helianthus verticillatus (Asteraceae) after the Discovery of New Populations

Determining population genetic structure of isolated or fragmented species is of critical importance when planning a conservation strategy. Knowledge of the genetic composition and differentiation among populations of a rare or threatened species can aid conservation managers in understanding how, and which, populations to protect. The whorled sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus (Asteraceae), is a federally endangered sunflower species endemic to the southeastern United States. The distribution of the species comprises four known populations within three states: Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. Recently, new populations were discovered in Marshall County, Mississippi, and Franklin County, Virginia. Here, we carry out a population genetic study of these new populations using nuclear microsatellite markers and compare our results to those from previously known populations of H. verticillatus. Our results show that both newly discovered populations contain novel genetic variation, with Mississippi containing the most private alleles out of all populations tested. The Virginia population is genetically similar to the previously known populations but is under the most conservation concern given the recovery of only two unique genetic individuals found in this population. These results indicate these new populations are worthy of protection and conservation efforts given the unique genetic variation they harbor.

Distribution of G143A Mutations Conferring Fungicide Resistance in Virginia Populations of Parastagonospora nodorum Infecting Wheat

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) caused by Parastagonospora nodorum is an important leaf spot disease in the mid-Atlantic United States. Disease management approaches include use of resistant varieties, cultural control, and foliar fungicides. Frequent use of foliar fungicides can select for fungicide resistance within pathogen populations. Recently, the first report of quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide resistance in the United States was made based on a relatively small collection of P. nodorum isolates from Virginia. The objective of this study was to conduct a statewide, 2-year survey of P. nodorum populations in Virginia wheat and quantify frequencies of the target-site mutation that confers QoI resistance. A total of 318 isolates of P. nodorum were obtained from wheat collected at seven locations distributed throughout the wheat-growing regions of Virginia in 2018 and 2019. A previously designed pyrosequencing assay that detects the G143A substitution in the cytochrome b gene of P. nodorum was used to screen isolates for the presence or absence of the target site mutation. The G143A substitution was detected in all sampled fields. Among locations and years, frequencies of the mutation in P. nodorum populations ranged from 5 to 32% (mean = 19%). Thus, the QoI-resistance-conferring G143A mutation was widespread in P. nodorum populations in Virginia, and it occurred at a relatively high frequency. Results suggest that fungicides containing QoI active ingredients may not be effective for controlling SNB in Virginia and the surrounding region, and application of standalone QoI fungicides for disease control in wheat is not recommended.

Understanding Changes in Wood Thrush and Ovenbird Populations in Virginia—The Role of Forest Fragmentation and Connectivity

Aim: Yearly summaries of the North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) indicate that populations of many North American bird species are in decline. Determining the causes of these declines is the focus of much current research in avian conservation. Forest fragmentation has been linked to declines in populations of many species. In this study, the effects of forest fragmentation and connectivity as well as slope and physiographic features on two migratory bird species are explored. Location: This study area is Virginia, USA. Taxon: The species focused on are Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla). Methods: We used the Markov Chain Monte Carlo Generalized Linear Mixed Models (MCMCglmm) package with a Poisson distribution and a Bayesian data analysis model with a 95% probability interval. Using the Repeated Measures ANOVA, the independent and treatment variables included time at 3 different levels in 2001, 2006 and 2011; three different forest types—Core, Connected and Fragmented; 8 slope categories and 5 physiographic regions. Results: Results indicate that forest fragmentation has a significant impact on population sizes of Wood Thrush and Ovenbirds in Virginia and that recent changes in Virginia’s landscape have had negative impacts on the populations of these bird species. Specifically, slope characteristics that influence rates of urbanization are correlated with changes in bird populations. The Coastal Plain region in Virginia contributes significantly to the populations of both the Wood Thrush and Ovenbird currently. Main Conclusions: Core forests areas in Virginia are in decline and this process affects the populations and distributions of Ovenbird and Wood thrush in the state.

Memorials and the Mine Disaster in Monongah, West Virginia: From Trauma to an Italian Global Memoryscape

Memorials and the Mine Disaster in Monongah, West Virginia: From Trauma to an Italian Global Memoryscape

Ovariectomy As a Management Technique for Suburban Deer Populations

ABSTRACTOverabundant suburban deer (Odocoileus spp.) are a source of human‐wildlife conflict in many communities throughout the United States. Deer‐vehicle collisions, impacts to local vegetation, tick‐borne pathogens, and other negative interactions are typical reasons cited for initiating deer management programs. Social attitudes, legal constraints, and perceived safety concerns lead many communities to examine nonlethal management options. Surgical sterilization is currently the only nonlethal method available to permanently sterilize females with a single treatment. However, there are limited data demonstrating methods and outcomes in management programs that sterilize a high percentage (&gt;90%) of local populations of females, particularly regarding the impact of immigration on non‐isolated populations. We present data from 6 surgical sterilization sites with geographically open populations in California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Virginia, USA. From 2012 to 2020 we sterilized 493 deer, primarily via ovariectomy, and conducted annual or periodic population estimates using camera surveys, road‐based distance sampling, and intensive field observations to assess population trends. Study sites ranged from 1.2 km2 to 16.5 km2 with ~47–169 individuals, resulting in approximate densities of 6–63 deer/km2. For all sites we noted an average reduction of ~26% (17%–36%) from Year 1 to Year 2. Four years after initial treatment, we documented an average population reduction of ~45% (29%–56%). During the first year, the average cost per deer sterilized at locations where bait was used was US$1,185 ($927–$1,572). Surgical sterilization projects demonstrate that significant reductions in local deer densities using high‐percentage, surgical sterilization programs can be achieved in non‐insular locations, where baited deer are approachable by vehicle for darting. Sustained sterilization efforts may be necessary, as is the case with all deer management programs, in areas where immigration is possible, and all the animals are not sterilized. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

Status and Distribution of the Eastern Spotted Skunk in Maryland: A Historic Review and Recent Assessment

There have been no confirmed detections of Spilogale putorius (Eastern Spotted Skunk) since 1967 in Maryland. We summarized historical records, as well as recent studies from other available mammal projects completed in Maryland. We conducted camera-trap surveys between 2015 and 2018 at 33 sites in western Maryland. We sought information from outdoor recreationists, mail-surveys sent to licensed wildlife damage control operators (n = 56), and an online questionnaire of natural resources professionals (n = 149). We compiled 13 historic records, including 7 catalogued specimens. No Eastern Spotted Skunks were detected with our camera traps. Our call for public information did not result in any confirmed sightings, and there were no personal observations or secondary evidence reported by responding wildlife damage control operators (n = 10) or natural resource professionals (n = 49). It appears the Eastern Spotted Skunk may no longer be a permanent resident in Maryland. However, the state still retains potential habitat and is in close proximity to known populations in West Virginia, from which Eastern Spotted Skunks could potentially disperse to Maryland in the future.