DOCSLIB.ORG

The Effects of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreya Taxifolia Arn

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Effects of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreya Taxifolia Arn University of Tennessee, Knoxville Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange Masters Theses Graduate School 5-2004 The ffecE ts of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreya taxifolia Arn. in Northern Florida, U.S.A.: a Dendroecological Study Elizabeth A. Atchley University of Tennessee, Knoxville Recommended Citation Atchley, Elizabeth A., "The Effects of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreya taxifolia Arn. in Northern Florida, U.S.A.: a Dendroecological Study. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2004. https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/4660 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been accepted for inclusion in Masters Theses by an authorized administrator of Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. For more information, please contact [email protected]. To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Elizabeth A. Atchley entitled "The Effects of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreya taxifolia Arn. in Northern Florida, U.S.A.: a Dendroecological Study." I have examined the final electronic copy of this thesis for form and content and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, with a major in Geography. Henri D. Grissino-Mayer, Major Professor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Sally P. Horn, Kenneth H. Orvis Accepted for the Council: Dixie L. Thompson Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School (Original signatures are on file with official student records.) To the Graduate Council: I am submitting herewith a thesis written by Elizabeth A. Atchley entitled "The Effectsof Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitality of Torreyataxifolia Am. in NorthernFlorida, U.S.A.: a Dendroecological Study." I have examined the finalpaper copy of this thesis forform and content andrecommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillmentof the requirements forthe degreeof Master of Science, with a major in Geography. enn�� . nssmo- ayer, aJor ro essor We have read this thesis and recommend its acceptance: Sally P. Hom, Thesis Committee Member ��� -GnnethH. Orvis,Thesis Committee Member · Acceptance forthe Council: C3h� Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies The Effects of Habitat Alterations on Growth and Vitalityof Torreya taxifoliaArn. in Northern Florida, U.S.A: a DendroecologicalStudy A Thesis Presented forthe Master of Science Degree The Universityof Tennessee, Knoxville Elizabeth A. Atchley May2004 Dedication This thesis is dedicated to the memoryof my Mother, LavernD. Atchley, for a lifetime of love and support. 111 Acknowledgements Many people assisted me with this project. I would like to express my deepest gratitudeto my major professor, Dr. Henri D. Grissino-Mayer,for his guidance and support in the fieldand lab. I have learnedso much fromhim, not only about the science of dendrochronology, but also about patience, persistence, anddedication to learning. I amalso verygrateful to my other committee members, Dr. Ken Orvisfor his intellect and support, andDr. Sally Hom forher experience and wisdom fromwhich she has provided immense guidanceand supportduring my years in theprogram. I am deeplygrateful to the staff, faculty, and my fellowgraduate students of the Departmentof Geographyfor their supportthroughout the whole process. I am gratefulto the Department of Geographyand the McCroskey Memorial Fund forthe financialsupport that was necessary to conduct my fieldworkin Florida. I would like to thank the Florida Nature Conservancyand Greg Seamon at theApalachicola Bluffsand Ravines Preservefor their supportand generosity, the staffof Torreya State Parkfor their flexibilityand for grantingme permissionto sample on theirland, and the AnnyCorps of Engineers for grantingsampling permissionat theJim WoodruffDam site in Chattahoochee, Georgia. I would also like to thank Sharon Hermann forher guidance during the early stages of my study when I needed it most. I am gratefulto my fellowgraduate students in the Department of Geographyat the University of Tennessee fortheir support and enthusiasm. I would like to thank Daniel Lewis and Jake Cseke fortheir supportin the fieldand lab. I would like to thank Georgina Wight, Saskia van de Gevel-Edinin, and Alison Miller forgreat peer reviews. I V thankDavid Mann,Evan Larson, Lisa Boulton, and MartinLaFrenz for their moral support. I am gratefulto my father,Billy R. Atchley, for being very proud and supportive, and to my sisters, Tammyand Lisa, fortheir greatmoral support. I am deeply gratefulto Heather LeighHarvey for her support and assistancein the fieldas well her patience and moral support during the long writing process. I would also like to thank her parents, Debby and HowardHarvey, for theirsupport during the past fouryears. I am forever gratefulto my best friendsShawn Arthur, StephanieMartin, and Karenand Doug Velliquette foryears of support. Finally, I would like to thankmy "kids" Domino, the Border Collie and cats, Dymphna and Gipsy, forthe� unconditional love. Vl Abstract To"eyataxifolia has thrived in the bluffsand moist hammocks along the Apalachicola River in northernFlorida and southern Georgia for thousandsof years. This species underwent a drastic decline in themid-1950s. A stem and needle blight, similar to thatwhich destroyedthe American chestnut,has resulted in widespread mortality and a virtualhalt in sexual reproductionin To"eyathroughout its natural range. Because no single invasive, lethal pathogen has been isolated, possible environmental factorsthat would cause decreased growthand resistance to diseaseare being examined. Among these factorsare changesin local climate and land use regimes. A study of the climate historywithin the habitat of T. taxifoliamay identifythe change(s) that have initiatedand are currently causing the decline of this species. In addition a climate/growth model for this species should benefitrestoration and reintroductionprograms. Increment cores and cross sections were taken throughout the range of T. taxifolia. Because T. taxifoliais an endangered species, no samples were taken fromlive trees. Cross sections were cut fromremnant logs of To"eya, and increment cores were extractedfrom nearby pines. A total of 29 To"eyacross sections and 150 pine increment cores were taken fromthe collectionsites at WoodruffDam, Torreya State Park, and the Apalachicola Bluffsand Ravines Preserve(ARBP). Thesamples were prepared and measured using standard dendrochronological techniques. Correlationanalyses were conducted using local climate data, including precipitation, temperature, and drought (PHDI) for the purposeof modeling tree-growthresponse to local climate. Earlyperiod and late period growth patterns were compared to detennineif a certain mechanism in the Vil local environment weakened these treesmaking them more susceptible to the stem and needle blight. Historical accounts of changes in the habitat and surrounding area were also reviewed to determineif anthropogenic habitat changes, such as the construction of WoodruffDam near Chattahoochee or local clear-cutting operations, contributed to the increase in mortalityof T. taxifolia. A master chronology extending back to 1869 was established using 125 pine cores. Twenty of the T. taxifoliacross sections were successfullydated, extending the chronology back to 1814. I found a significantpositive relationship between growthand spring precipitation and an inverse relationship between growth and summer drought severity and summer temperature. The climate-growth response of T. taxifolia mirrored thatof the pines, but was not as intense, possibly because of the protected understory habitat. The correlation between tree growthand precipitation suggests that moisture is the strongestdetermining factor of growth in this area. The inverse relationship with temperature illustrates the effect of highertemperatures on available moisture. A drought and warm period occurredsimultaneously during the mid-1950s in combination with heightened clear-cutting practices and the construction of WoodruffDam. It is my conclusion that habitat destruction occurring as early as the tum of the 20th century began weakening the Torreya.The unfavorableclimate conditions and rapid degradation of the habitat that occurred during the mid-l 950s further weakened the Torreyaand allowed them to succumb to terminal infection by the blight. viii Table of Contents Chapter Page 1. The Plightof To"eyataxifolia Am .................. .......................................... 1 1.1 Introduction...................... ...................................................... 1 1.2 Problem Statement......................... ............................................ 2 1.3 Objectives .............................................................................. 3 2. The Ecology of To"eyataxifolia ....................... ....................................... ? 2.1 Physiology of To"eyataxifolia ............................................. ......· .. 1 2.1.1 Stem and Needle Blight. .....................................................9 2.2 Biogeographyof To"eya taxifolia.. .............................................. 10 2.2.1 Phylogeny of To"eya taxifolia................................. ............ 10 2.1.2 Distributionof To"eyaspp ..... ........................................... 11 2.3 Economic ltnportance........................... .................................... 13 3. LiteratureReview
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Quarterly Journal of the Florida Native Plant Society
    Volume 28: Number 1 > Winter/Spring 2011 PalmettoThe Quarterly Journal of the Florida Native Plant Society Protecting Endangered Plants in Panhandle Parks ● Native or Not? Carica papaya ● Water Science & Plants Protecting Endangered Plant Species Sweetwater slope: Bill and Pam Anderson To date, a total of 117 listed taxa have been recorded in 26 panhandle parks, making these parks a key resource for the protection of endangered plant species. 4 ● The Palmetto Volume 28:1 ● Winter/Spring 2011 in Panhandle State Parks by Gil Nelson and Tova Spector The Florida Panhandle is well known for its natural endowments, chief among which are its botanical and ecological diversity. Approximately 242 sensitive plant taxa occur in the 21 counties west of the Suwannee River. These include 15 taxa listed as endangered or threatened by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 212 listed as endangered or threatened by the State of Florida, 191 tracked by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 52 candidates for federal listing, and 7 categorized by the state as commercially exploited. Since the conservation of threatened and endangered plant species depends largely on effective management of protected populations, the occurrence of such plants on publicly or privately owned conservation lands, coupled with institutional knowledge of their location and extent is essential. District 1 of the Florida Sarracenia rosea (purple pitcherplant) at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park: Park Service manages 33 state parks encompassing approximately Tova Spector, Florida Department of Environmental Protection 53,877 acres in the 18 counties from Jefferson County and the southwestern portion of Taylor County westward.
    [Show full text]
  • COMPARISON of PRE- and POST- MPOUNDMENT GROUND-WATER LEVELS NEAR the WOODRUFF LOCK and DAM SITE, JACKSON COUNTY, FLORIDA Phillip N
    COMPARISON OF PRE- AND POST- MPOUNDMENT GROUND-WATER LEVELS NEAR THE WOODRUFF LOCK AND DAM SITE, JACKSON COUNTY, FLORIDA Phillip N. Albertson AUTHOR: Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, 3039 An-miler Road, Suite 130, Peachtree Business Center, Atlanta, GA 30360-2824. REFERENCE: Procet.dings of the 2001 Georgia Water Resources Conference, held March 26 - 27, 2001, at The University of Georgia, Kathryn J. Hatcher, editor, Institute of Ecology, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. Abstract. In 1999, the U.S. Geological Survey The effect of filling the reservoir on ground-water (USGS) and the Georgia Department of Natural levels also is indicated by long-term water-level data Resources, Environmental Protection Division, began a from a well near Lake Seminole in Florida. Sporadic, cooperative study to investigate the hydrology and long-term water-level measurements began at this well hydrogeology of the Lake Seminole area, southwestern in 1950 and have continued during filling of the Georgia, and northwestern Florida. Lake Seminole is a reservoir (1954-1957) until 1982. These data indicate 37,500-acre impoundment that was created in 1954 by that the water level in this well has risen more than 10 the construction of the Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam feet since the filling of the reservoir. Prior to filling, the just south of the confluence of the Chattahoochee and hydraulic gradient at this location sloped east and Flint Rivers (fig. 1). Recent negotiations between the northeast to the Chattahoochee River. Now it slopes in a States of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia over water- southerly direction near the western end of Jim allocation rights have brought attention to the need for a Woodruff Lock and Dam and to the Apalachicola River.
    [Show full text]
  • Fusarium Torreyae (Sp
    HOST RANGE AND BIOLOGY OF FUSARIUM TORREYAE (SP. NOV), CAUSAL AGENT OF CANKER DISEASE OF FLORIDA TORREYA (TORREYA TAXIFOLIA ARN.) By AARON J. TRULOCK A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2012 1 © 2012 Aaron J. Trulock 2 To my wife, for her support, patience, and dedication 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my chair, Jason Smith, and committee members, Jenny Cruse-Sanders and Patrick Minogue, for their guidance, encouragement, and boundless knowledge, which has helped me succeed in my graduate career. I would also like to thank the Forest Pathology lab for aiding and encouraging me in both my studies and research. Research is not an individual effort; it’s a team sport. Without wonderful teammates it would never happen. Finally, I would like to that the U.S. Forest Service for their financial backing, as well as, UF/IFAS College of Agriculture and Life Science for their matching funds. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ 6 LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... 7 ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... 8
    [Show full text]
  • Longleaf Pine in Virginia: History, Ecology and Restoration
    Longleaf Pine in Virginia: History, Ecology and Restoration Rick Myers Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation DCR-Division of Natural Heritage Historic Longleaf Pine Distribution ~ 90 million acres at time of European settlement Longleaf – wiregrass savannas & flatwoods of the coastal plains from North Carolina to Florida, east to Texas Longleaf – bluestem flatwoods of southeast Virginia Montane longleaf pine woodlands of northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia South Quay Sandhills near Franklin, Virginia Longleaf pine sandhills of Virginia south to Georgia Longleaf Pine History in Virginia • At time of settlement (1607), there were between 1 and 1.5 million acres of longleaf pine-dominated forests in Virginia. • Most longleaf pine was south of the James River, but range extended north to Accomack County on the Eastern Shore. • Virginia naval stores industry began in 1608 – when John Smith exported the first “tryalls of Pitch and Tarre”. Pitch was used for sealing boat hulls; tar was the grease for wagon axles. • Early transportation in Virginia depended on longleaf pine. • Both tar kilns and boxing of live trees were used to produce/collect pine tar and crude gum. Most consumed locally until 1700. • Major period of naval stores production & export was 1700 to 1840. In 1791, the port of Norfolk exported 29,376 tons naval stores. Longleaf Pine History in Virginia – Naval Stores Longleaf Pine History in Virginia • Longleaf pine was largely exhausted in Virginia by 1850. No export records of naval stores exist after 1840. • Main factors associated with loss of longleaf pine in Virginia: 1) feral hogs on open range (rooting up/eating seedlings); 2) land clearing for agriculture; 3) cessation of burning = no seedling regeneration; 4) naval stores extraction / timber removals with no regeneration.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus Adamanteus) Ambush Site Selection in Coastal Saltwater Marshes
    Marshall University Marshall Digital Scholar Theses, Dissertations and Capstones 2020 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Ambush Site Selection in Coastal Saltwater Marshes Emily Rebecca Mausteller [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://mds.marshall.edu/etd Part of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Behavior and Ethology Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons Recommended Citation Mausteller, Emily Rebecca, "Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Ambush Site Selection in Coastal Saltwater Marshes" (2020). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 1313. https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/1313 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Marshall Digital Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses, Dissertations and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Marshall Digital Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE (CROTALUS ADAMANTEUS) AMBUSH SITE SELECTION IN COASTAL SALTWATER MARSHES A thesis submitted to the Graduate College of Marshall University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In Biological Sciences by Emily Rebecca Mausteller Approved by Dr. Shane Welch, Committee Chairperson Dr. Jayme Waldron Dr. Anne Axel Marshall University December 2020 i APPROVAL OF THESIS We, the faculty supervising the work of Emily Mausteller, affirm that the thesis, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Ambush Site Selection in Coastal Saltwater Marshes, meets the high academic standards for original scholarship and creative work established by the Biological Sciences Program and the College of Science. This work also conforms to the editorial standards of our discipline and the Graduate College of Marshall University.
    [Show full text]
  • Longleaf Pine: an Annotated Bibliography, 1946 Through 1967
    U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Research Paper SO-35 longleaf pine: an annotated bibliography, 1946 through 1967 Thomas C. Croker, Jr. SOUTHERN FOREST EXPERIMENT STATION T.C. Nelson, Director FOREST SERVICE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 1968 Croker, Thomas C., Jr. 1968. Longleaf pine: an annotated bibliography, 1946 through 1967. Southern Forest Exp. Sta., New Orleans, Louisiana. 52 pp. (U. S. Dep. Agr. Forest Serv. Res. Pap. SO-35) Lists 665 publications appearing since W. G. Wahlenberg compiled the bibliography for his book, Longleaf Pine. Contents Page Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Factors of the environment. Biology........................................................................................ 2 11 Site factors, climate, situation, soil ............................................................................. 2 15 Animal ecology. Game management .......................................................................... 2 16 General botany ............................................................................................................. 2 17 Systematic botany ....................................................................................................... 6 18 Plant ecology................................................................................................................. 7 2. Silviculture...............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Pinus Elliottii
    This article was downloaded by: [National Forest Service Library] On: 09 August 2013, At: 12:03 Publisher: Taylor & Francis Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK The Southern African Forestry Journal Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tsfs18 Evolutionary relationships of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) with its temperate and tropical relatives R C Schmidtling a & V Hipkins b a USDA Forest Service, SRS, Southern Institute of Forest Genetics, 23332 Hwy 67, Saucier, MS, 39574, USA E-mail: b USDA Forest Service, NFGEL Lab., Placerville, CA, USA Published online: 09 May 2012. To cite this article: R C Schmidtling & V Hipkins (2001) Evolutionary relationships of Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) with its temperate and tropical relatives, The Southern African Forestry Journal, 190:1, 73-78, DOI: 10.1080/20702620.2001.10434118 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20702620.2001.10434118 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information.
    [Show full text]
  • Mesic Pine Flatwoods
    Mesic Pine Flatwoods he mesic pine flatwoods of South Florida are of FNAI Global Rank: Undetermined critical, regional importance to the biota of South FNAI State Rank: S4 TFlorida. They provide essential forested habitat for a Federally Listed Species in S. FL: 9 variety of wildlife species including: wide-ranging, large carnivores such as the Florida panther (Puma (=Felis) State Listed Species in S. FL: 40 concolor coryi) and the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus); mid-sized carnivores; fox squirrels (Sciurus niger spp.); and deer (Odocoileus Mesic pine flatwoods. Original photograph by Deborah Jansen. virginianus). They provide tree canopy for canopy- dependent species including neotropical migrants, tree-cavity dependent species, and tree-nesting species. Mesic pine flatwoods are also important as the principal dry ground in South Florida, furnishing refuge and cover for ground-nesting vertebrates as well as habitat for non- aquatic plant life (such as upland perennials and annuals). During the summer wet season, the mesic pine flatwoods of South Florida function as the upland ark for non-aquatic animals. Mesic flatwoods serve as ground bird nesting areas; adult tree frog climbing areas; black bear foraging, denning, and travelways; and essential red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) foraging and nesting habitat. At the current rate of habitat conversion, the mesic pine flatwoods, once the most abundant upland habitat in South Florida, is in danger of becoming one of the rarest habitats in South Florida. The impact of this loss on wide- ranging species, listed species, and biodiversity in South Florida could be irreparable. Synonymy The mesic pine flatwoods association of southwest Florida has been variously recognized and alluded to in the plant community literature.
    [Show full text]
  • Case 3:07-Md-00001-PAM-JRK Document 376 Filed 07/21/10 Page 1 of 26
    Case 3:07-md-00001-PAM-JRK Document 376 Filed 07/21/10 Page 1 of 26 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA In re Tri-State Water Rights Litigation Case No. 3:07-md-01 (PAM/JRK) MEMORANDUM AND ORDER In Phase 2 of this Multi-District Litigation (“MDL”), the Court must evaluate the actions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) in light of the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq., and other similar statutes. Phase 1 of the litigation involved challenges to the Corps’s operations at the northernmost dam and reservoir in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (“ACF”) river basin. Phase 2 challenges those operations at the southernmost dam in the system, the Jim Woodruff Dam, which is located on the Apalachicola River at the border of Georgia and Florida. The parties in this Phase are: the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia; the Southeastern Federal Power Customers (“SeFPC”); the cities of Apalachicola, Florida, and Atlanta, Columbus, and Gainesville, Georgia; the Georgia counties of Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton; the Atlanta Regional Commission (“ARC”); the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority; the Board of Water Commissioners of Columbus, Georgia, doing business as the Columbus Water Works (“CWW”); the Lake Lanier Association;1 the Alabama Power 1 The Court will refer to Atlanta, Gainesville, Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, the ARC, the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, and the Lake Lanier Association collectively as “the Georgia parties.” The city of Columbus and the CWW Case 3:07-md-00001-PAM-JRK Document 376 Filed 07/21/10 Page 2 of 26 Company (“APC”); the Apalachicola Bay and River Keeper, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Analysis of Critical Habitat Designation for the Fat Threeridge, Shinyrayed Pocketbook, Gulf Moccasinshell, Ochlockonee
    ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION FOR THE FAT THREERIDGE, SHINYRAYED POCKETBOOK, GULF MOCCASINSHELL, OCHLOCKONEE MOCCASINSHELL, OVAL PIGTOE, CHIPOLA SLABSHELL, AND PURPLE BANKCLIMBER Draft Final Report | September 12, 2007 prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203 prepared by: Industrial Economics, Incorporated 2067 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02140 Draft – September 12, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ES-1T SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION AND FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS 1-1 1.1 Purpose of the Economic Analysis 1-1 1.2 Background 1-2 1.3 Regulatory Alternatives 1-9 1.4 Threats to the Species and Habitat 1-9 1.5 Approach to Estimating Economic Effects 1-9 1.6 Scope of the Analysis 1-13 1.7 Analytic Time Frame 1-16 1.8 Information Sources 1-17 1.9 Structure of Report 1-18 SECTION 2 POTENTIAL CHANGES IN WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT FOR CONSERVATION OF THE SEVEN MUSSELS 2-1 2.1 Summary of Methods for Estimation of Economic Impacts Associated with Flow- Related Conservation Measures 2-2 2.2 Water Use in Proposed Critical Habitat Areas 2-3 2.3 Potential Changes in Water Use in the Flint River Basin 2-5 2.4 Potential Changes in Water Management in the Apalachicola River Complex (Unit 8) 2-10 2.5 Potential Changes in Water Management in the Santa Fe River Complex (Unit 11) 2-22 SECTION 3 POTENTIAL ECONOMIC IMPACTS RELATED TO CHANGES IN WATER USE AND MANAGEMENT 3-1 3.1 Summary 3-6 3.2 Potential Economic Impacts Related to Agricultural Water Uses 3-7 3.3 Potential Economic Impacts Related
    [Show full text]
  • Understory Plant Community Response to Season of Burn in Natural Longleaf Pine Forests
    UNDERSTORY PLANT COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO SEASON OF BURN IN NATURAL LONGLEAF PINE FORESTS John S. Kush and Ralph S. Meldahl School of Forestry, 108 M. White Smith Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849 William D. Boyer U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 520 Devall Street, Auburn, AL 36849 ABSTRACT A season of burn study· was initiated in 1973 on the EscambiaExperimental Forest, near Brewton, Alabama. All study plots were established in l4-year-old longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) stands. Treatments conSisted of biennial burns in winter, spring, and summer, plus a no-burn check. Objectives of the current study were to determine composition and structure of understory plant communities after 22 years of seasonal burning, identify changes since last sampling in 1982, arid assess the structure of the communities that stabilized under each treatment regime. There were 114 species on biennial winter~burned plots, compared to 104 on spring- and summer-burned and 84 with no burning. The woody understory biomass «1 centimeter diameter at breast height) increased with all treatments compared with 1982. Grass and legume biomass increased with winter and spring burning. Forb biomass decreased across treatments. keywords: biomass, longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, plant response, prescribed fire, south Alabama, understory. Citation: Kush, 1.S., R$. Meldahl, and W.D. Boyer. 2000. Understory plant community response to season of burn in natural longleaf pine forests. Pages 32-39 inW Keith Moser and Cynthia F. Moser (eds.). Fire and forest ecology: innovative silviculture and vegetation management. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings, No. 21. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL.
    [Show full text]
  • DIRECT TESTIMONY of PHILIP B. BEDIENT, Ph.D., P.E
    No. 142, Original In The Supreme Court of the United States STATE OF FLORIDA, Plaintiff, v. STATE OF GEORGIA, Defendant. DIRECT TESTIMONY OF PHILIP B. BEDIENT, Ph.D., P.E. October 26, 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY OF OPINIONS .......................................................................................................... 1 BACKGROUND AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS .................................................. 6 ANY CHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OR TIMING OF STATE-LINE FLOW MUST BE COORDINATED AND EXECUTED BY THE CORPS ............................................................... 7 I. The Corps Operates the Federal Reservoir Projects in the ACF Basin as a Single, Integrated System to Balance Multiple Project Purposes ................................................... 9 II. The RIOP Controls Basin-Wide Storage and Releases of Water in the Federal Reservoirs ......................................................................................................................... 17 III. The Corps Operates Its Reservoir System as a Single Unit, and Under Low-Flow Conditions Offsets Increased Flint River Flows by Decreasing Chattahoochee River Releases ................................................................................................................... 25 IV. Increases in Basin Inflow Would Not Increase State-Line Flows into Florida During Low-Flow Conditions or Drought Operations...................................................... 26 REDUCTIONS IN GEORGIA’S WATER USE WOULD NOT RESULT IN INCREASED STATE-LINE FLOWS
    [Show full text]