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John Severson, Ph.D.

Resource selection, habitat relationships, habitat restoration, space use, movement ecology, population demographics.

Professional Experience

  • 2023 – Present: Biologist, Southwest Biological Science Center, Canyonlands Research Station, Moab, UT

  • 2019 – 2023: Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2016 – 2019; Wildlife Biologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center, Reno, NV

  • 2016: Post-doctoral Researcher University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

  • 2011 – 2016: Graduate Research Assistant, Moscow, ID

  • 2007 – 2011: Various field technician positions

  • 2004 – 2007: Graduate Research Assistant, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

  • 2001 – 2004: Various field technician positions

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. 2016: University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, Natural Resources/Wildlife

  • M.S. 2007: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, Zoology/Wildlife

  • B.S. 2004: University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI, Wildlife Ecology and Management

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • The Wildlife Society (2004–Present)

  • TWS Alaska Chapter (2019–Present)

  • TWS Northwest Section (2019–Present)

  • TWS Biometrics Working Group (2010–Present)

  • TWS Wildlife and Habitat Restoration Working Group (2010–Present)

  • TWS Rangeland Wildlife Working Group (2017–Present)

  • TWS Spatial Ecology and Telemetry Working Group (2019–Present)

  • Society of Wetland Scientists (Lifetime Member 2004–Present)

  • American Society of Mining and Reclamation (2007–Present)

  • Society of Northwest Vertebrate Biology (2011–Present)

  • Society for Range Management (2015–Present)

  • American Ornithological Society (2015–Present)

Science and Products

A person looks out over a panorama of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

In an era of rapid land use changes, it is imperative that land managers and policymakers have actionable and current information available for decision processes. In this work, we seek to meet these needs through new data products and decision support tools built on digital soil mapping, new vegetation cover maps, agency inventory and monitoring data sets, and cutting-edge analytical frameworks...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wildland Fire Science
New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

In an era of rapid land use changes, it is imperative that land managers and policymakers have actionable and current information available for decision processes. In this work, we seek to meet these needs through new data products and decision support tools built on digital soil mapping, new vegetation cover maps, agency inventory and monitoring data sets, and cutting-edge analytical frameworks...
Learn More

Data for Annual maps of ecological states for two ecological site groups in the Upper Colorado River Basin during 1986-2022 Data for Annual maps of ecological states for two ecological site groups in the Upper Colorado River Basin during 1986-2022

These data were compiled to support ecosystem monitoring and management and to inform ecological transition probabilities and drivers. Objective(s) of our study were to produce maps of ecological states each year during 1986-2022 within two dominant ecological site groups (ESGs) in our study area. These data represent annual time series digital maps of ecological states in the Semiarid...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020 Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020

This dataset contains hourly vehicle traffic counts in the Kuparuk and Milne Point oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska during summers 2019 and 2020. The oil field roads were generally closed to the public during the study period, so traffic was primarily associated with industrial activities. Data were collected using TRAFx vehicle traffic counters (TRAFx Research Ltd, Canmore...
By
Alaska Science Center

Selection and Survival of Greater Sage-Grouse Broods in Mesic Areas of Long Valley, California (2003 - 2018) Selection and Survival of Greater Sage-Grouse Broods in Mesic Areas of Long Valley, California (2003 - 2018)

We evaluated brood-rearing habitat selection and brood survival of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse) in Long Valley, California, an area where the water rights are primarily owned by the city of Los Angeles and water is used locally to irrigate for livestock. This area thus represents a unique balance between the needs of wildlife and people that...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s

This dataset contains rasters and polygon shapefiles related to predicted resource use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH) during the calving (26 May-10 June) and post-calving (11-30 June) seasons in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Resource selection was analyzed for each season using random forest models, which compared female caribou GPS collar locations (2012-2018) to available...
By
Alaska Science Center
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center

Mapping ecological states in the upper Colorado River basin: Implications for fire management Mapping ecological states in the upper Colorado River basin: Implications for fire management

Spatially explicit information on ecosystem dynamics that offers a mechanistic understanding of ecological processes can benefit environmental management. Broad-scale maps based on state-and-transition models provide valuable insight into transitions among ecological states resulting from specific drivers within areas sharing similar climatic and edaphic characteristics ecological sites...
Authors
John Severson, Tara Bishop, Anna Knight, Travis Nauman, Brandon McNellis, Miguel Villarreal, Sasha Reed, Kristina Young, Mark Brunson, Michael Duniway
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic

Assessing the effects of industrial development on wildlife is a key objective of managers and conservation practitioners. However, wildlife responses are often only investigated with respect to the footprint of infrastructure, even though human activity can strongly mediate development impacts. In Arctic Alaska, there is substantial interest in expanding energy development, raising...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Timothy Vosburgh
By
Alaska Science Center

Moisture abundance and proximity mediate seasonal use of mesic areas and survival of greater sage-grouse broods Moisture abundance and proximity mediate seasonal use of mesic areas and survival of greater sage-grouse broods

Water is a critical and limited resource, particularly in the arid West, but water availability is projected to decline even while demand increases due to growing human populations and increases in duration and severity of drought. Mesic areas provide important water resources for numerous wildlife species, including the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage...
Authors
John Severson, Peter Coates, Megan Milligan, Shawn O’Neil, Mark Ricca, Steve C. Abele, John D. Boone, Michael Casazza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spring phenology drives range shifts in a migratory Arctic ungulate with key implications for the future Spring phenology drives range shifts in a migratory Arctic ungulate with key implications for the future

Annual variation in phenology can have profound effects on the behavior of animals. As climate change advances spring phenology in ecosystems around the globe, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how animals respond to variation in the timing of seasonal events and how their responses may shift in the future. We investigated the influence of spring phenology on the...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Stephen Arthur, William Leacock, Michael Suitor
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatially explicit models of seasonal habitat for greater sage‐grouse at broad spatial scales: Informing areas for management in Nevada and northeastern California Spatially explicit models of seasonal habitat for greater sage‐grouse at broad spatial scales: Informing areas for management in Nevada and northeastern California

Defining boundaries of species' habitat across broad spatial scales is often necessary for management decisions, and yet challenging for species that demonstrate differential variation in seasonal habitat use. Spatially explicit indices that incorporate temporal shifts in selection can help overcome such challenges, especially for species of high conservation concern. Greater sage‐grouse...
Authors
Peter Coates, Brianne Brussee, Mark Ricca, John Severson, Michael Casazza, K. Gustafson, Shawn Espinosa, Scott Gardner, David Delahunty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Estimating sightability of greater sage-grouse at leks using an aerial infrared system and N-mixture models Estimating sightability of greater sage-grouse at leks using an aerial infrared system and N-mixture models

Counts of grouse present at leks (breeding grounds) during spring are widely used to monitor population numbers and assess trends. However, only a proportion of birds available to count are detected resulting in a biased population index. We designed a study using an aerial integrated infrared imaging system (AIRIS) and experimental pseudo-leks to quantify sightability (proportion of...
Authors
Peter Coates, Gregory Wann, Gifford Gillette, Mark Ricca, Brian Prochazka, John Severson, Katie Andrle, Shawn Espinosa, Michael Casazza, David Delehanty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Global positioning system tracking devices can decrease Greater Sage-Grouse survival Global positioning system tracking devices can decrease Greater Sage-Grouse survival

Reliable demographic estimates hinge on the assumption that marking animals does not alter their behavior, reproduction, or survival. Violations can bias inference and are especially egregious for species of high conservation concern. Global positioning system (GPS) devices represent a recent technological advancement that has contributed greatly to avian ecological studies compared with...
Authors
John Severson, Peter Coates, Brian Prochazka, Mark Ricca, Michael Casazza, David Delahunty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Assessing lek attendance of male greater sage‐grouse using fine‐resolution GPS data: Implications for population monitoring of lek mating grouse Assessing lek attendance of male greater sage‐grouse using fine‐resolution GPS data: Implications for population monitoring of lek mating grouse

Counts of males displaying on breeding grounds are the primary management tool used to assess population trends in lekking grouse species. Despite the importance of male lek attendance (i.e., proportion of males on leks available for detection) influencing lek counts, patterns of within season and between season variability in attendance rates are not well understood. We used high...
Authors
Gregory Wann, Peter Coates, Brian Prochazka, John Severson, Adrian P. Monroe, Cameron L. Aldridge
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Population and habitat analyses for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the bi-state distinct population segment—2018 update Population and habitat analyses for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the bi-state distinct population segment—2018 update

Executive SummaryThe Bi-State Distinct Population Segment (Bi-State DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereinafter “sage-grouse”) represents a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population that straddles the border between Nevada and California. The primary threat to these sage-grouse populations is the expansion of single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla)...
Authors
Peter Coates, Mark Ricca, Brian Prochazka, Shawn O’Neil, John Severson, Steven Mathews, Shawn Espinosa, Scott Gardner, Sherri Lisius, David J. Delehanty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Non-USGS Publications**

Kaweck, M. M., J. P. Severson, and K. L. Launchbaugh. 2018. Impacts of wild horses, cattle, and wildlife on riparian areas in Idaho. Rangelands 40:45–52.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Tack, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Better living through conifer removal: a demographic analysis of sage-grouse vital rates. PLoS ONE 12:e0174347.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Restoring sage-grouse nesting habitat through removal of early successional conifer. Restoration Ecology 25:1026–1034.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Short-term response of sage-grouse nesting to conifer removal in the northern Great Basin. Rangeland Ecology and Management 70:50–58.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Effects of conifer expansion on greater sage-grouse nesting habitat selection. Journal of Wildlife Management 81:86–95.
Clawson, M. V., J. R. Skalski, J. M. Lady, C. A. Hagen, J. J. Millspaugh, D. Budeau, and J. P. Severson. 2017. Performing statistical population reconstruction using program PopRecon 2.0. Wildlife Society Bulletin 41:581–589.
Baruch-Mordo, S., J. S. Evans, J. P. Severson, D. E. Naugle, J. D. Maestas, J. M. Kiesecker, M. J. Falkowski, C. A. Hagen, and K. P. Reese. 2013. Saving sage-grouse from the trees: a proactive solution to reducing a key threat to a candidate species. Biological Conservation 167:233–241.
Moore, S., J. R. Nawrot, and J. P. Severson. 2009. Wetland-scale habitat determinants influencing least bittern use of created wetlands. Waterbirds 32:16–24.
Severson, J. P., J. R. Nawrot, and M. W. Eichholz. 2009. Shoreline stabilization using riprap breakwaters on a Midwestern reservoir. Lake and Reservoir Management 25:208–216.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

A person looks out over a panorama of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

In an era of rapid land use changes, it is imperative that land managers and policymakers have actionable and current information available for decision processes. In this work, we seek to meet these needs through new data products and decision support tools built on digital soil mapping, new vegetation cover maps, agency inventory and monitoring data sets, and cutting-edge analytical frameworks...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wildland Fire Science
New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

New Tools for Modern Land Management Decisions

In an era of rapid land use changes, it is imperative that land managers and policymakers have actionable and current information available for decision processes. In this work, we seek to meet these needs through new data products and decision support tools built on digital soil mapping, new vegetation cover maps, agency inventory and monitoring data sets, and cutting-edge analytical frameworks...
Learn More

Data for Annual maps of ecological states for two ecological site groups in the Upper Colorado River Basin during 1986-2022 Data for Annual maps of ecological states for two ecological site groups in the Upper Colorado River Basin during 1986-2022

These data were compiled to support ecosystem monitoring and management and to inform ecological transition probabilities and drivers. Objective(s) of our study were to produce maps of ecological states each year during 1986-2022 within two dominant ecological site groups (ESGs) in our study area. These data represent annual time series digital maps of ecological states in the Semiarid...
By
Southwest Biological Science Center

Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020 Hourly Vehicle Traffic Data Associated with Industrial Activity on the North Slope of Alaska During Summers 2019–2020

This dataset contains hourly vehicle traffic counts in the Kuparuk and Milne Point oil fields on the North Slope of Alaska during summers 2019 and 2020. The oil field roads were generally closed to the public during the study period, so traffic was primarily associated with industrial activities. Data were collected using TRAFx vehicle traffic counters (TRAFx Research Ltd, Canmore...
By
Alaska Science Center

Selection and Survival of Greater Sage-Grouse Broods in Mesic Areas of Long Valley, California (2003 - 2018) Selection and Survival of Greater Sage-Grouse Broods in Mesic Areas of Long Valley, California (2003 - 2018)

We evaluated brood-rearing habitat selection and brood survival of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage-grouse) in Long Valley, California, an area where the water rights are primarily owned by the city of Los Angeles and water is used locally to irrigate for livestock. This area thus represents a unique balance between the needs of wildlife and people that...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s Predicted Calving and Post-calving Season Resource Use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd During 2012–2018 With Future Projections for the 2030s, 2040s, and 2050s

This dataset contains rasters and polygon shapefiles related to predicted resource use of the Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH) during the calving (26 May-10 June) and post-calving (11-30 June) seasons in Alaska and the Yukon Territory. Resource selection was analyzed for each season using random forest models, which compared female caribou GPS collar locations (2012-2018) to available...
By
Alaska Science Center
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Central Arctic Herd caribou next to pipeline, North Slope of Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd caribou within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Caribou crossing a road, within Kuparuk oil field, North Slope, Alaska

Central Arctic Herd - caribou crossing a road within the Kuparuk oil field on the North Slope of Alaska. The photo was taken during the summer mosquito harassment period. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with Calves during Summer in Northern Alaska

Caribou with calves from the Central Arctic Herd in the Kuparuk Oil Field, Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center
Numerous caribou and calf crossing a raised industrial road. Orange reflecting post on left side, powerlines in background.

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Numerous caribou crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field

Caribou in the Central Arctic Herd crossing a road in the Kuparuk oil field in northern Alaska.

By
Alaska Science Center

Mapping ecological states in the upper Colorado River basin: Implications for fire management Mapping ecological states in the upper Colorado River basin: Implications for fire management

Spatially explicit information on ecosystem dynamics that offers a mechanistic understanding of ecological processes can benefit environmental management. Broad-scale maps based on state-and-transition models provide valuable insight into transitions among ecological states resulting from specific drivers within areas sharing similar climatic and edaphic characteristics ecological sites...
Authors
John Severson, Tara Bishop, Anna Knight, Travis Nauman, Brandon McNellis, Miguel Villarreal, Sasha Reed, Kristina Young, Mark Brunson, Michael Duniway
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Southwest Biological Science Center

Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic Effects of vehicle traffic on space use and road crossings of caribou in the Arctic

Assessing the effects of industrial development on wildlife is a key objective of managers and conservation practitioners. However, wildlife responses are often only investigated with respect to the footprint of infrastructure, even though human activity can strongly mediate development impacts. In Arctic Alaska, there is substantial interest in expanding energy development, raising...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Timothy Vosburgh
By
Alaska Science Center

Moisture abundance and proximity mediate seasonal use of mesic areas and survival of greater sage-grouse broods Moisture abundance and proximity mediate seasonal use of mesic areas and survival of greater sage-grouse broods

Water is a critical and limited resource, particularly in the arid West, but water availability is projected to decline even while demand increases due to growing human populations and increases in duration and severity of drought. Mesic areas provide important water resources for numerous wildlife species, including the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter, sage...
Authors
John Severson, Peter Coates, Megan Milligan, Shawn O’Neil, Mark Ricca, Steve C. Abele, John D. Boone, Michael Casazza
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spring phenology drives range shifts in a migratory Arctic ungulate with key implications for the future Spring phenology drives range shifts in a migratory Arctic ungulate with key implications for the future

Annual variation in phenology can have profound effects on the behavior of animals. As climate change advances spring phenology in ecosystems around the globe, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how animals respond to variation in the timing of seasonal events and how their responses may shift in the future. We investigated the influence of spring phenology on the...
Authors
John Severson, Heather Johnson, Stephen Arthur, William Leacock, Michael Suitor
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Spatially explicit models of seasonal habitat for greater sage‐grouse at broad spatial scales: Informing areas for management in Nevada and northeastern California Spatially explicit models of seasonal habitat for greater sage‐grouse at broad spatial scales: Informing areas for management in Nevada and northeastern California

Defining boundaries of species' habitat across broad spatial scales is often necessary for management decisions, and yet challenging for species that demonstrate differential variation in seasonal habitat use. Spatially explicit indices that incorporate temporal shifts in selection can help overcome such challenges, especially for species of high conservation concern. Greater sage‐grouse...
Authors
Peter Coates, Brianne Brussee, Mark Ricca, John Severson, Michael Casazza, K. Gustafson, Shawn Espinosa, Scott Gardner, David Delahunty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Estimating sightability of greater sage-grouse at leks using an aerial infrared system and N-mixture models Estimating sightability of greater sage-grouse at leks using an aerial infrared system and N-mixture models

Counts of grouse present at leks (breeding grounds) during spring are widely used to monitor population numbers and assess trends. However, only a proportion of birds available to count are detected resulting in a biased population index. We designed a study using an aerial integrated infrared imaging system (AIRIS) and experimental pseudo-leks to quantify sightability (proportion of...
Authors
Peter Coates, Gregory Wann, Gifford Gillette, Mark Ricca, Brian Prochazka, John Severson, Katie Andrle, Shawn Espinosa, Michael Casazza, David Delehanty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Global positioning system tracking devices can decrease Greater Sage-Grouse survival Global positioning system tracking devices can decrease Greater Sage-Grouse survival

Reliable demographic estimates hinge on the assumption that marking animals does not alter their behavior, reproduction, or survival. Violations can bias inference and are especially egregious for species of high conservation concern. Global positioning system (GPS) devices represent a recent technological advancement that has contributed greatly to avian ecological studies compared with...
Authors
John Severson, Peter Coates, Brian Prochazka, Mark Ricca, Michael Casazza, David Delahunty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Assessing lek attendance of male greater sage‐grouse using fine‐resolution GPS data: Implications for population monitoring of lek mating grouse Assessing lek attendance of male greater sage‐grouse using fine‐resolution GPS data: Implications for population monitoring of lek mating grouse

Counts of males displaying on breeding grounds are the primary management tool used to assess population trends in lekking grouse species. Despite the importance of male lek attendance (i.e., proportion of males on leks available for detection) influencing lek counts, patterns of within season and between season variability in attendance rates are not well understood. We used high...
Authors
Gregory Wann, Peter Coates, Brian Prochazka, John Severson, Adrian P. Monroe, Cameron L. Aldridge
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Population and habitat analyses for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the bi-state distinct population segment—2018 update Population and habitat analyses for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the bi-state distinct population segment—2018 update

Executive SummaryThe Bi-State Distinct Population Segment (Bi-State DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereinafter “sage-grouse”) represents a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population that straddles the border between Nevada and California. The primary threat to these sage-grouse populations is the expansion of single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla)...
Authors
Peter Coates, Mark Ricca, Brian Prochazka, Shawn O’Neil, John Severson, Steven Mathews, Shawn Espinosa, Scott Gardner, Sherri Lisius, David J. Delehanty
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Non-USGS Publications**

Kaweck, M. M., J. P. Severson, and K. L. Launchbaugh. 2018. Impacts of wild horses, cattle, and wildlife on riparian areas in Idaho. Rangelands 40:45–52.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Tack, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Better living through conifer removal: a demographic analysis of sage-grouse vital rates. PLoS ONE 12:e0174347.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Restoring sage-grouse nesting habitat through removal of early successional conifer. Restoration Ecology 25:1026–1034.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Short-term response of sage-grouse nesting to conifer removal in the northern Great Basin. Rangeland Ecology and Management 70:50–58.
Severson, J. P., C. A. Hagen, J. D. Maestas, D. E. Naugle, J. T. Forbes, and K. P. Reese. 2017. Effects of conifer expansion on greater sage-grouse nesting habitat selection. Journal of Wildlife Management 81:86–95.
Clawson, M. V., J. R. Skalski, J. M. Lady, C. A. Hagen, J. J. Millspaugh, D. Budeau, and J. P. Severson. 2017. Performing statistical population reconstruction using program PopRecon 2.0. Wildlife Society Bulletin 41:581–589.
Baruch-Mordo, S., J. S. Evans, J. P. Severson, D. E. Naugle, J. D. Maestas, J. M. Kiesecker, M. J. Falkowski, C. A. Hagen, and K. P. Reese. 2013. Saving sage-grouse from the trees: a proactive solution to reducing a key threat to a candidate species. Biological Conservation 167:233–241.
Moore, S., J. R. Nawrot, and J. P. Severson. 2009. Wetland-scale habitat determinants influencing least bittern use of created wetlands. Waterbirds 32:16–24.
Severson, J. P., J. R. Nawrot, and M. W. Eichholz. 2009. Shoreline stabilization using riprap breakwaters on a Midwestern reservoir. Lake and Reservoir Management 25:208–216.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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