Author Archives: Hallie Ladd

Rising To The Challenge

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Hallie Ladd

CSRP biologists working on the Missouri River have no shortage of challenges; each year brings a fresh crop.  In 2011, biologists were dealt record high flows that persisted through summer making work on the river trying.  Field crews found it … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized |

Sometimes The Missouri River Is A Lonely Place

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Hallie Ladd

In late February and March the Missouri River is a lonely place.  Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project boats from the USGS and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission search the cold, still waters for the telltale chirp of a telemetry transmitter … Continue reading →

Posted in Reproductive Female |

Ice Ice Baby

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Hallie Ladd

Freezing temperatures and low water levels have created significant ice flows in portions of the Lower Missouri River during winter months.  These conditions have made boat ramps unusable for our partners with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (see photo … Continue reading →

Posted in Tracking |

How Low Can It Go?

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Hallie Ladd

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2012 marked the warmest year on record for the contiguous United States.  The year began with above-average temperatures and limited snowfall followed by an unusually warm spring.  In turn, the warm … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized |

Local Biology Club Visits The Columbia Environmental Research Center

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Hallie Ladd

Last month, the Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) hosted a tour for Hickman High School’s biology club.  Fifteen students from the high school located in Columbia, MO gathered at the CERC to learn about various research projects at the center … Continue reading →

Posted in Education |

Where The Girls Are

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Hallie Ladd

October proved to be a busy and successful month for USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project biologists as four reproductive female pallid sturgeon were targeted and recaptured between river miles 359 and 599.  Using a portable ultrasound device, scientists were able … Continue reading →

Posted in Reproductive Female |

Thinking Ahead

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Hallie Ladd

With the fall season upon us, Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project (CSRP) biologists are already beginning to think of next spring’s field season.  During these cooler months, field crews are busy tracking and recapturing pallid sturgeon that they believe will become … Continue reading →

Posted in Recapture, Tracking |

A Most Unexpected Event

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Hallie Ladd

USGS biologists captured a single drifting free-embryo sturgeon in their nets while sampling the Lower Missouri River near the confluence with the Mississippi River on August 22, 2012 (see photo below).  The tiny sturgeon was barely a half of an … Continue reading →

Posted in Larval Sampling |

Catch My Drift?

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Hallie Ladd

The Missouri River is large, muddy, and turbulent. The complexity of the river can make it nearly impossible for scientists to observe the complete pallid sturgeon life cycle in the wild. Therefore, several studies concerning the early developmental stages of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized |

Pallid Sturgeon Spawning in the Yellowstone River

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Hallie Ladd

Pallid sturgeon in the upper Missouri and Yellowstone rivers can live a long time.  Many are older than most of the biologists who study them.  Over the years, scientists have become very familiar with the few remaining wild sturgeon. One … Continue reading →

Posted in Reproductive Female, Yellowstone River |