Publications
USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center staff publish results of their research in USGS series reports and in peer-reviewed journals. Publication links are below. Information on all USGS publications can be found at the USGS Publications Warehouse.
Filter Total Items: 1934
Effects of native herbs and light on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) invasion Effects of native herbs and light on garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) invasion
The degree to which invasive species drive or respond to environmental change has important implications for conservation and invasion management. Often characterized as a driver of change in North American woodlands, the invasive herb garlic mustard may instead respond to declines in native plant cover and diversity. We tested effects of native herb cover, richness, and light...
Authors
Laura Phillips-Mao, Diane L. Larson, Nicholas R. Jordan
Managing harvest and habitat as integrated components Managing harvest and habitat as integrated components
In 2007, several important initiatives in the North American waterfowl management community called for an integrated approach to habitat and harvest management. The essence of the call for integration is that harvest and habitat management affect the same resources, yet exist as separate endeavours with very different regulatory contexts. A common modelling framework could help these...
Authors
Erik E. Osnas, Michael C. Runge, Brady J. Mattsson, Jane E. Austin, G. S. Boomer, R. G. Clark, P. Devers, J. M. Eadie, E. V. Lonsdorf, Brian G. Tavernia
Two approaches for incorporating climate change into natural resource management planning at Wind Cave National Park Two approaches for incorporating climate change into natural resource management planning at Wind Cave National Park
Wind Cave National Park (WICA) protects one of the world’s longest caves, has large amounts of high quality, native vegetation, and hosts a genetically important bison herd. The park’s relatively small size and unique purpose within its landscape requires hands-on management of these and other natural resources, all of which are interconnected. Anthropogenic climate change presents an...
Authors
Amy J. Symstad, Andrew J. Long, John Stamm, David A. King, Dominque M. Bachelet, Parker A. Norton
Optimal water depth management on river-fed National Wildlife Refuges in a changing climate Optimal water depth management on river-fed National Wildlife Refuges in a changing climate
The prairie pothole region (PPR) in the north-central United States and south-central Canada constitutes the most important waterfowl breeding area in North America. Projected long-term changes in precipitation and temperature may alter the drivers of waterfowl abundance: wetland availability and emergent vegetation cover. Previous studies have focused on isolated wetland dynamics, but...
Authors
Samuel Nicol, Brad Griffith, Jane E. Austin, Christine M. Hunter
Hydrogeochemistry of prairie pothole region wetlands: Role of long-term critical zone processes Hydrogeochemistry of prairie pothole region wetlands: Role of long-term critical zone processes
This study addresses the geologic and hydrogeochemical processes operating at a range of scales within the prairie pothole region (PPR). The PPR is a 750,000 km2portion of north central North America that hosts millions of small wetlands known to be critical habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. At a local scale, we characterized the geochemical evolution of the 92-ha Cottonwood Lake...
Authors
Martin B. Goldhaber, Christopher T. Mills, Jean M. Morrison, Craig A. Stricker, David M. Mushet, James W. LaBaugh
Assessment of water-quality data from Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota--2008 through 2012 Assessment of water-quality data from Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota--2008 through 2012
ong Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located in south-central North Dakota, is an important habitat for numerous migratory birds and waterfowl, including several threatened or endangered species. The refuge is distinguished by Long Lake, which is approximately 65 square kilometers and consists of four primary water management units. Water levels in the Long Lake units are maintained by low...
Authors
Brian A. Tangen, Raymond G. Finocchiaro, Robert A. Gleason, Michael J. Rabenberg, Charles F. Dahl, Mike J. Ell
Accuracy of the Missouri River Least Tern and Piping Plover Monitoring Program: considerations for the future Accuracy of the Missouri River Least Tern and Piping Plover Monitoring Program: considerations for the future
The upper Missouri River system provides nesting and foraging habitat for federally endangered least terns (Sternula antillarum; hereafter “terns”) and threatened piping plovers (Charadrius melodus; hereafter “plovers”). These species are the subject of substantial management interest on the Missouri River for several reasons. First, ecosystem recovery is a goal for management agencies...
Authors
Terry L. Shaffer, Mark H. Sherfy, Michael J. Anteau, Jennifer H. Stucker, Marsha A. Sovada, Erin A. Roche, Mark T. Wiltermuth, Thomas K. Buhl, Colin M. Dovichin
The case for watchful waiting with Isle Royale's wolf population The case for watchful waiting with Isle Royale's wolf population
In "Should Isle Royale Wolves be Reintroduced? A Case Study on Wilderness Management in a Changing World," Vucetich et al. concluded with the hope that their analysis “motivates broader discussion that deepens understanding of the specifics on Isle Royale and the underlying principles” (2012: 137). This article represents an attempt to continue that discussion.
Authors
L. David Mech
Potential for parasite-induced biases in aquatic invertebrate population studies Potential for parasite-induced biases in aquatic invertebrate population studies
Recent studies highlight the need to include estimates of detection/capture probability in population studies. This need is particularly important in studies where detection and/or capture probability is influenced by parasite-induced behavioral alterations. We assessed potential biases associated with sampling a population of the amphipod Gammarus lacustris in the presence of...
Authors
Justin D.L. Fisher, David M. Mushet, Craig A. Stockwell
Climate change and fire effects on a prairie-woodland ecotone: projecting species range shifts with a dynamic global vegetation model Climate change and fire effects on a prairie-woodland ecotone: projecting species range shifts with a dynamic global vegetation model
Large shifts in species ranges have been predicted under future climate scenarios based primarily on niche-based species distribution models. However, the mechanisms that would cause such shifts are uncertain. Natural and anthropogenic fires have shaped the distributions of many plant species, but their effects have seldom been included in future projections of species ranges. Here, we...
Authors
David A. King, Dominique M. Bachelet, Amy J. Symstad
Measuring and predicting abundance and dynamics of habitat for piping plovers on a large reservoir Measuring and predicting abundance and dynamics of habitat for piping plovers on a large reservoir
Measuring habitat and understanding habitat dynamics have become increasingly important for wildlife conservation. Using remotely-sensed data, we developed procedures to measure breeding habitat abundance for the federally listed piping plover (Charadrius melodus) at Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, USA. We also developed a model to predict habitat abundance based on past and projected...
Authors
Michael J. Anteau, Mark T. Wiltermuth, Mark H. Sherfy, Terry L. Shaffer
Long term wolf study in the Superior National Forest ends Long term wolf study in the Superior National Forest ends
No abstract available.
Authors
L. David Mech