Natural Resources

Old-growth forests provide important habitat elements for many species of wildlife. These forests, however, are rare where lands are managed for timber. In commercial forests, large and old trees sometimes exist only as widely-dispersed residual or legacy trees. Legacy trees are old trees that have been spared during harvest or have survived stand-replacing natural disturbances. The value of individual legacy trees to wildlife has received little attention by land managers or researchers within the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) region where 95% of the landscape is intensively managed for timber production. We investigated the use of individual legacy old-growth redwood trees by wildlife and compared this use to randomly selected commercially-mature trees. At each legacy/control tree pair we sampled for bats using electronic bat detectors, for small mammals using live traps, for large mammals using remote sensor cameras, and for birds using time-constrained observation surveys. Legacy old-growth trees containing basal hollows were equipped with 'guano traps'; monthly guano weight was used as an index of roosting by bats. The diversity and richness of wildlife species recorded at legacy trees was significantly greater than at control trees (Shannon index ¼ 2:81 versus 2.32; species ¼ 38 versus 24, respectively). The index of bat activity and the number of birds observed was significantly greater at legacy trees compared to control trees. We found no statistical differences between legacy and control trees in the numbers of small mammals captured or in the number of species photographed using remote cameras. Every basal hollow contained bat guano and genetic methods confirmed use by four species of bats. Vaux's swifts (Chaetura vauxi), pygmy nuthatches (Sitta pygmaea), violet-green swallows (Tachycineta thalassina), and the longlegged myotis (Myotis volans) reproduced in legacy trees. As measured by species richness, species diversity, and use by a number of different taxa, legacy trees appear to add significant habitat value to managed redwood forests. This value probably is related to the structural complexity offered by legacy trees. The presence of a basal hollow, which only occur in legacy trees, was the feature that appeared to add the greatest habitat value to legacy trees and, therefore, to commercial forest stands. The results of our study call for an appreciation for particular individual trees as habitat for wildlife in managed stands. This is a spatial resolution of analysis that, heretofore, has not been expected of managers. The cumulative effects of the retention of legacy trees in commercial forest lands could yield important benefits to vertebrate wildlife that are associated with biological legacies. #

We monitored the movement of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts with acoustic transmitters from freshwater, through the freshwater/ estuary ecotone, through the estuary, and to ocean entry to determine residence time and habitat use in Humboldt Bay, California. Tagged fish were monitored with a fixed receiver network and mobile tracking conducted from a boat. Coho salmon observed during the two-year study resided in Humboldt Bay beginning at least as early as late April and resided through the beginning of July. Coho salmon smolts spent more time in the freshwater/estuary ecotone compared to the lower estuary and spent an average of 10-12 days migrating to Humboldt Bay. Coho salmon smolts resided in Humboldt Bay, a marine embayment, for an average of 15-22 days prior to leaving the bay for the open ocean. Coho salmon smolts, as observed from mobile tracking, used deep channels and channel margins more often than floating eelgrass mats, pilings, and docks. In addition, tagged fish were more often detected in the central portions of Humboldt Bay characterized by deep channels with narrow intertidal margins. There were fewer detections in other portions of the bay characterized by shallow channels with large intertidal mudflats and eelgrass meadows. Relatively short transmitter life (70 days) precluded determining the latest date of coho salmon smolt residency in Humboldt Bay. In addition, tag size limited use to the largest emigrating smolts and may not represent the behaviors of the smaller-sized smolts which were more abundant.

In recent years, a new business sector has emerged: social enterprise. Social enterprises focus on a social or environmental mission rather than simply maximizing profits.  In the UK, social enterprise is understood to be unlike a charity in that it has a profit motive. But it is unlike a traditional corporation in that its primary directive is to further its social or environmental mission.  The aim of social enterprise is not to maximise profits for external shareholdres, but rather to improve wellbeing for humans and the natural world. Income comes from trading activity, grants, donations, or other sources. This paper proposes that social enterprise is a business form especially well‐suited to Buddhists, given its ethical foundation of commitment to social or environmental missions. It explores what social enterprise is, some of its distinguishing characteristics, and its relevance to Buddhism. The paper further proposes several ways in which the Buddhist community and social enterprises might look to identify and strengthen connections for mutual benefit.

The intermittent presence of large Pleistocene lakes in the southwestern interior of North America, a region that is now a semi-arid desert, suggests repeated oscillations between profoundly different climatic conditions. The origin of these shifts is still unresolved due to inconsistencies in existing climate proxy data (for example, pollen, lake levels, and oxygen isotopes in speleothems). To resolve the inconsistencies in the water balance over the last 10 to 60 kyr, we use uranium isotopic variations in secondary soil minerals to quantify net infiltration and precipitation along a north-south transect in western North America. We show that winter infiltration increased by 30 to 100 percent, and precipitation by a lesser amount, in the valleys of the Great Basin and Mojave deserts between 60 and ϳ26 ka. This increase in infiltration and precipitation preceded the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the timing of most lake highstands in the region by 5 to 10 kyr, respectively, suggesting a possible Last Precipitation Maximum (LPM) that coincided with a minimum in winter insolation. Subsequent decreases in infiltration and precipitation after the LGM can be reconciled with the timing of lake highstands if colder summer temperatures due to a minimum in summer insolation reduced lake evaporation. The soil records, combined with a range of proxy data, suggest that seasonal insolation is the long-term driver for large shifts in both precipitation and surface water variability in the region.

The Point Arena mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa nigra) is a federally listed endangered species, but has been the subject of few studies. Mountain beavers use burrows that include a single subterranean den. Foremost among the information needs for this subspecies is a description of the above-ground habitat features associated with dens. Using telemetry we located dens of 23 individuals in Manchester State Park, Mendocino County, California. We measured vegetation and topographic variables directly above the dens and at two available sites within the same burrow system. Alternative resource selection functions, based on multivariate expressions of important ecological characteristics, were developed to model features associated with dens. The best model contained three variables: MEANDENS (mean vegetation density), PAMBTOP4 (cover of the four plant species most frequently used), and COSASPECT (cosine aspect). Interestingly, PAMBTOP4 was negatively associated with dens, indicating that dens were not chosen for their proximity to important plant species. Topography plays an important role in that western and northern aspects were favored and SLOPE was included in the second-highest ranked model. Cross validation indicated moderate stability for the top model suggesting that potentially important predictors that were excluded from the analysis (e.g., soil characteristics, social context) may be influential. Nonetheless, we demonstrated that dense vegetation and aspect/slope considerations are more important predictors of Point Arena mountain beaver den selection than proximity to cover of important plant species. Our results apply to Point Arena mountain beaver populations in coastal shrub communities; den selection may be different farther inland, in forests.

Given the limited information available on trees used by Vaux's Swifts (Chaetura vauxi)in the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) zone of California, we gathered information regarding site, tree, and nest characteristics at nest and roost trees that were found opportunistically by various observers. All 14 nest trees and four roost trees were redwoods. Twelve of the nests were found in basal

We investigated the use of individual legacy old-growth redwood trees by wildlife and compared this use to randomly selected commercially-mature trees within stands managed for timber production. Legacy trees have, for one reason or another, been spared during harvest or have survived stand-replacing natural disturbances. We hypothesized that wildlife activity would be greater at legacy trees compared to other non-legacy trees. Our goal was to provide scientific information about the use of legacy trees that can be applied to conservation planning and forest management on public and private lands in the redwood region. During the spring of 2001 and 2002 we selected and paired 30 individual legacy trees with 30 control, non-legacy trees for sampling and analysis. At each legacy/control tree pair we sampled for bats using electronic bat detectors, for small mammals using live traps, for large mammals using remote sensor cameras, and for birds using time-constrained observation surveys. We chose these groups of animals for study, because they possess sufficient mobility to move within the environment and to select from a variety of habitat elements. Legacy old-growth trees containing basal hollows were equipped with 'guano traps'; monthly guano weight was used as an index of roosting by bats. In addition, 100 guano pellets were selected for species identification using new genetic techniques. We collected vegetation data to characterize the stand characteristics in the immediate vicinity of each legacy and control tree. The diversity and richness of wildlife species recorded at legacy trees was significantly greater than at control trees (Shannon index = 2.85 vs. 2.16; species = 41 vs. 24, respectively). The index of bat activity was significantly greater at legacy trees compared to control trees. Every basal hollow and every fire-scarred cavity sampled contained some guano and genetic methods confirmed their use by 4 species of bats. We observed 24 species of birds and mammals at legacy trees compared to 10 species at control trees, as a result of the timeconstrained observation surveys. There were a greater number of individuals (primarily birds of the bark gleaning foraging guild) observed at legacy trees compared to control trees and they spent a greater amount of time at legacy trees compared to the controls. Vaux's swifts, pygmy nuthatches, and violet-green swallows were observed nesting in legacy trees. We found no statistical differences between legacy and control trees in the numbers of small mammals captured or in the number of species photographed using remote cameras, though insectivores were captured more often at the base of legacy trees. As measured by species richness, species diversity, and use by a number of different taxa, legacy trees appear to add important habitat value to redwood forests managed for timber. The use of legacy trees by wildlife was demonstrated by evidence of their nesting, roosting and resting, which were not observed at control trees. This difference is probably related to the structural complexity offered by legacy trees. The presence of a basal hollow, which only occur in legacy trees, was the feature that appeared to add the greatest habitat value to legacy trees, and to commercial forest stands. Basal hollows were used by every taxa sampled, but appear to be particularly important to bats and birds. Because of their rarity in commercial forests, the first step in the management of legacy trees is to determine their locations and protect them from logging or from physical degradation of the site. Because legacy redwoods with basal hollows are even more rare, locating and protecting these should be the highest priority. The re-introduction of fire will be necessary to ensure the future recruitment of basal hollows. The results of our study call for an appreciation for particular individual trees as habitat for wildlife in managed stands. This is a spatial resolution of analysis that, heretofore, has not been expected of managers. Our results suggest that the cumulative effects of the retention, and recruitment, of legacy and residual trees in 2 commercial forest lands will yield important benefits to vertebrate wildlife and other species of plants and animals that are associated with biological legacies.

Striking is a typical antipredator defense exhibited by many species of snakes. While trapping Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam, we observed that snakes most frequently struck at an approaching person at a site where snakes had been trapped, marked, and handled in the past. Using a combination of between-sites and withinsite comparisons, we assessed if the propensity to strike was correlated with capture histories (both recent and longterm), snake size, body condition (a proxy to nutritional stress), sex, or tail condition (broken or intact), while controlling for confounding variables. We confirmed that propensity to strike was higher at the site where we had been conducting capture-mark-recapture for several years. However, we were unable to demonstrate a correlation between striking tendencies and individual recent or long-term capture histories. The only morphological covariate that had an effect on strike propensity was sex, with females striking more often than males. After removing the site effect from our model, we found that snakes missing parts of their tails were more likely to strike than snakes with intact tails. We have yet to identify the factor(s) that cause the pronounced difference across sites in snake propensity to strike, and data from additional sites might help elucidate any geographical patterns.

This paper examines Buddhist teachings as they relate to economics, a central aspect of worldly life, and focuses on capitalism as it is a highly influential modern economic system. To what extent is a capitalist economy compatible with Buddhist teachings, and how do teachings of the Pāli Canon inform engagement with it? These questions are addressed centering on lay activity in the lay economy.

This paper takes a ‘fundamentalist’ view of Buddhist ethics as described by Keown (2001, pp.xiv-xv), considering not only Pāli Canon scriptures but also what Buddhaghosa termed ‘in conformity with scripture’ (Keown, 2001, p.14). So although the Buddha never addressed macroeconomics as it exists today, from his guidance on household management one can extrapolate much that is relevant to modern economics.

Section I of this paper aims to clear up a serious and longstanding misunderstanding about the basic Buddhist orientation towards wealth. Section II examines core aspects of capitalist economies and their compatibility with Buddhist teachings of the Pāli Canon. Section III provides guidance from those Buddhist teachings that inform engagement in modern capitalism and includes examples from Japan and the UK.

The Mahā-Maṅgala Sutta (Sn 258-269) is an important Buddhist text well-known and oft-used in Asia, but it is much less familiar to Western Buddhists. Through documents-based research of primary and secondary sources in English, Pāli, and Chinese, as well as interviews with senior Western Dhamma teachers, this dissertation aims to provide greater understanding of the Mahā-Maṅgala Sutta (MMS) by addressing the content and contexts of the Mahā-Maṅgala Sutta, exploring its authenticity, historical and current uses, and assessing its potential for greater integration into Western Buddhist practice.

Placement of the Mahā-Maṅgala Sutta and its closely-related texts in the Pāli Canon is outlined, and the authenticity of the MMS as an early text is analysed. Historical context of the sutta (sūtra) is presented, focusing on transmission and its use in edification and devotional practice in Southern Buddhism. The existence and significance of related Tibetan and Chinese texts are reviewed.

Discussion of hermeneutics focuses on four elements of 'improvisational hermeneutics’: author and author’s intention, text, interpreter, and interpretive community (Benson, 2006: 200-204). These elements are considered in the context of an ‘improvisational Buddhist hermeneutic’ and applied to the MMS, using early Buddhist texts to identify key themes in the Buddha’s early teaching, addressing challenges in translating the MMS into English, reviewing previous MMS interpretations, and broadly overviewing how Buddhist interpretive communities currently use the sutta.

Information based on interviews with seven senior Dhamma teachers is presented, including: current uses and key aspects of the sutta, obstacles and challenges to its use, and opportunities. Opportunities are related to Benson’s improvisational hermeneutics and include: improving translations, fostering fuller understanding of the role of ethics, reframing ‘simple’ as worthwhile, and encouraging openness and diligence. The strength of the MMS as a key teaching is affirmed by the respondents’ average rating of the MMS as 9.36 of 10.00 for potential usefulness in teaching. This study concludes that the MMS is a highly useful and currently under-utilised text in terms of Western Buddhist practice.

An essential part of forest stewardship involves the careful planning and management of young trees and seedlings. When an opening has been created in the forest canopy, either from timber harvest or following a natural disturbance event such as windstorm or fire, there is an opportunity to influence what plants or trees will become established and thrive. In some situations, natural regeneration will occur in the opening when nearby trees drop seed, reducing the need to plant. In other situations, planting seedlings may be of value. Ensuring adequate regeneration and sustained productivity is at the heart of any scientific silvicultural system. The California Forest Practice Act requires that landowners regenerate their forest after a timber harvest or leave it in a stocked condition with reserved trees. It is required that a stand have a minimum number of trees within 5 years following harvest, and stand conditions are monitored by a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) inspector. Planning before harvest will go a long way toward reducing costs and quickly securing adequate regeneration, as today' s seedlings will become tomorrow' s crop trees. Re S oURC eS Public agencies Several public agencies can offer information or assistance on vegetation management issues and restoration. California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). A state agency that manages California' s wetlands, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems. See their Web site at http://www.dfg.ca.gov. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). A state agency that provides fire protection and natural resource management services. They have seedlings available for sale. Local units can be reached under the State Government listings in the telephone book or at the CAL FIRE Web site, http://www.fire.ca.gov.

We photo-verified the presence of a wolverine (Gulo gulo) in California for the first time in 86 years during February 2008. Herein we document the process of determining the origin of this wolverine using genetic, stable carbon (13 C) and stable nitrogen (15 N) isotope information. The wolverine's origin was significant because it is a state-threatened species and California represents a historically unique genotype of wolverines in North America. We obtained both photographs and noninvasively-collected genetic evidence (scat and hair). DNA analysis revealed the animal was a male and not a remnant of a historical California population. Comparison with available data revealed the individual was most closely related to populations from the western edge of the Rocky Mountains. This represents the first evidence of connectivity between wolverine populations of the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges.

 We developed two-dimensional hydraulic models at three study sites in the Klamath River. This report describes the data collection, calibration, and validation performed to build the models and test their performance. The hydraulic models showed excellent agreement between predicted and observed water surface elevations, area of inundation, and spatial distributions of depth and velocity both at calibration and independent validation discharges. Water surface elevations were predicted within an average of 0.048 m at calibration streamflows and 0.076 m at validation streamflows. Water inundation extent was predicted within an average of 0.39 m at calibration streamflows and 0.31 m at validation streamflows. The predicted depth and velocity patterns generally matched observed data, with 90% of predicted depths within 0.15 m of observed values and 90% of predicted velocities within 0.45 m/s of observed values. Fine-scale velocity, depth, and shear stress predictions computed by the h...

The relationship between WILDLIFE HABITAT RELATIONSHIPS habitat designations by Mayer and Launderslayer (1988), and habitats descriptions given by Fox et al. (1997). Functional (nesting, roosting, foraging) habitat use was based on tree size and canopy cover.

Ecosystem engineers often have cascading impacts on the ecosystems in which they occur. Understanding the factors that contribute to their habitat selection can provide valuable information on how ecosystems function. Our study investigates the habitat distribution of desert woodrats (Neotoma lepida) in the Eastern Mojave Desert. We show that there is a difference in desert woodrat abundance among habitats, and found that specific aspects of these environments are associated with woodrats. These aspects include grass cover, shrub richness, and especially substrate architecture. Our findings indicate that woodrats may facilitate plant productivity within this arid environment.

The Mission of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is to manage California’s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. Pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 703.3, resource management decisions of the CDFW should incorporate adaptive management to the extent possible. It is CDFW’s intent to improve the management of biological resources over time by incorporating adaptive management principles and processes, as appropriate, into conservation planning and resource management. This includes: