For California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), a dominant species on the California coast, understanding foraging is essential for understanding impact of population growth on the coastal environment. California sea lion numbers have increased steadily at a rate of 5% from the mid 1970's to 1995. In recent years, the populations have expanded at a rate of 6.2%. The impact of this increase on the surrounding environment is not completely understood. Conversely, the conflict between fisheries and sea lions over a limited resource is evident. Negative effects are apparent on both sides, from monetary loss to potential loss of a sustainable resource for fishermen and injury to mortality for the sea lions. By locating precise feeding areas, there is the potential for wildlife managers to reduce or avoid these interactions in the future. In addition, by understanding the rate of consumption of these animals, researchers can better predict the impact on the fish stock and environment that will result as this population growth continues.
Stomach temperature technology provides a tool to better understand the foraging behavior of California sea lions. Using adult females from the Channel Islands population tagged with satellite tags, time-depth recorders, and stomach temperature telemetry, we will attempt to precisely identify when and where foraging occurs. These data will also be used to obtain an estimate of foraging efficiency (catch per unit time) and time spent foraging. These measures of foraging success will be a key factor in recognizing the impact of pinnipeds in the marine environment and promising tool to monitor population status. As California sea lion populations increase, estimates of foraging efficiency will provide valuable information to predict the current and future effects on the coastal environment.
Protected wildlife species that utilize the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridges and structures may be susceptible to impacts from routine maintenance and inspection activities. In response to community-driven concerns related to the conservation of protected terrestrial species and due to the lack of existing guidance for bridge related activities, WSDOT expanded their Highway Maintenance Environmental Compliance Guidance for Protected Terrestrial Species to include guidance for bridges. Two documents were developed, one document specific to bridge inspection activities, and one specific to maintenance activities. The guidance is performance outcome based, and requires that inspection and maintenance activities avoid adverse impacts to nesting protected birds and other wildlife. The guidance has been implemented and is successfully being used by bridge inspection and maintenance staff.
This article examines the complicated and at times hostile relationship between Italian Futurism and the photographic medium with a particular focus on the movement's later uses of the iconic portrait and systems of montage.
Problem Statement There are 10 species of plants in Washington State that are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. One species, showy stickseed Hackelia venusta, occurs within the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) right-of-way of SR 2, in Tumwater Canyon, along with four other rare plant species. Tumwater Canyon is located in the Wenatchee National Forest (WNF), and a portion of the canyon has been designated the Tumwater Botanical Area, which is managed as a Special Interest Area. The potential for conflicts between the management of rare plants and public transportation has long been recognized for this section of the canyon. Project Objective The objective of this project was to move the management of this species beyond a project-by-project basis, by developing a management plan to cover necessary highway maintenance activities.
This article is a literature review of empirical research on the relationship between exposure to nature and the well- being of city inhabitants. Two scales of nature are discussed – urban green space and wilderness. Urban green space may reduce physiological stress levels, restore mental abilities, and foster neighborhood social ties. Wilderness experiences may provide the stress-reducing and attention- restoring benefits of everyday nature in a longer-lasting way. They are also associated with a variety of spiritual/ transcendent experiences that provide benefits such as greater self-confidence, a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself, and renewed clarity on “what really matters.” At each scale, the article considers the physical features key to the natural area’s benefits on well-being and the implications of the research for urban planning. The article concludes that providing both types of restorative natural environments in cities will make urban life more livable and environmental protection more instinctual.