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- Arkansas Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-11-29)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Arkansas. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
- Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project -- Social Science Report: Land Manager SurveyComber, Carolyn; Dayer, Ashley A. (2019-08-26)
- Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project -- Social Science Report: Understanding Beach RecreationistsComber, Carolyn; Dayer, Ashley A. (2019-08-26)
- Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project Phase 2: Biological Data Collection ReportGibson, Daniel; Hunt, Kelsi L.; Catlin, Daniel H. (2021)Human disturbance is a significant threat facing shorebirds throughout the annual cycle, and threats to shorebird habitats may be exacerbated by increased human use (e.g., beach recreationists, off-leash dogs), reducing the amount of coastal habitat that is functionally available to shorebirds. We worked with partners across the Atlantic flyway to develop a standardized protocol for data collection to evaluate the effects of human disturbance on six Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative (AFSI) focal species (American Oystercatchers [AMOY; Haematopus palliates], Piping Plovers [PIPL; Charadrius melodus], Red Knots [REKN; Calidris canutus], Sanderling [SAND; Calidris Alba], Semipalmated Sandpipers [SESA; Calidris pusilla], and Wilson’s Plovers [WIPL; Charadrius wilsonia]).
- Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project: Social Science Report - Part III: Dog Zoning and Regulation DevelopmentEverly, Jillian; Comber, Carolyn; Dayer, Ashley A. (2021)
- Atlantic Flyway Disturbance Project: Social Science Report: Part IV - Understanding Beach WalkersComber, Carolyn; Dayer, Ashley A. (2021-06-28)
- Catawba Sustainability Center and Catawba Hospital Renewable Energy Site Planning Process StudyMeyers, Ron; Carstensen, Laurence W.; Ford, W. Mark; Grant, Elizabeth J.; Klopfer, Scott D.; Schenk, Todd; Taylor, Adam (Virginia Tech, 2020-09-29)The transdisciplinary Renewable Energy Facilities Siting Project produced a white paper outlining their proof-of-concept using a case study from the Catawba Valley.
- Colorado Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pausley, Emma R.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-02-28)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Colorado. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
- A Comprehensive Overview of Environmental Education: Best Practices for Promoting Belonging, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (BEID) in Environmental EducationSchmidt, Amelia R.; Sinkular, Emily N.; Holcombe, Brogan E.; Jennings, Kelsey K.; Theberge, Kaitlyn (Virginia Tech, 2022-11-30)Environmental education is the process of growing understanding, skills, and attitudes toward the environment in order to engage individuals in environmental problem-solving. Environmental education efforts were established in the early 1970s as environmental concerns were recognized. Historically, environmental education has not been equitable, inclusive, and diverse, especially in youth programs. Insufficient diversity in environmental education organizations and programs creates a diminished sense of belonging for underrepresented groups in environmental fields. To understand this history and consolidate current research, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on environmental education efforts to highlight common practices in environmental education to determine approaches that would best contribute to a heightened sense of belonging for all participants in environmental education programs. We examined the basics of environmental education–the historical perspectives, curricular aspects, and associated definitions–before moving on to look at the best practices–or instructional standards which contribute to positive results–for environmental education overall. After an in-depth analysis of these two aspects of environmental education, we identified five best practices for increasing belonging, inclusion, equity, and diversity (BEID) in environmental education. Based on the literature, environmental education programs can boost BEID by maintaining flexibility in lesson materials and facilitation, promoting valued instruction through relevant content, acknowledging barriers, performing varied evaluations, and facilitating mentorship opportunities. The practices consist of various instructional, cooperative, and social strategies to enhance already established instructional methods in environmental education so that BEID aspects are emphasized and established. Each of the five practices for BEID are rooted in the best practices for environmental education identified in the second step of our review. All in all, both of these best practice categories have the same core; the only difference is whether or not they are viewed through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These best practices for BEID tailor programs toward the target audience, making the material more applicable and engaging. A collective solution is required to mitigate modern environmental issues, and this can not occur if only one segment of the population is represented, thus, creating belonging in environmental education is crucial.
- Distribution and Life History of Clinch Dace (Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori) in the Upper Clinch River Watershed, VirginiaWhite, Shannon; Orth, Donald J. (Virginia Tech, 2013-03)In 1999 Clinch dace, Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori, was discovered in the Tennessee drainage of Virginia. Subsequent sampling of southwest Virginia and portions of Tennessee indicated that Clinch dace populations are small, fragmented, and of question viability. Further, riparian landuse and mining posed significant threats to critical habitat. As such, Clinch dace were listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier II- Very High Conservation Need. A management plan and species description for Clinch dace is of utmost importance, but data on distribution and life history is needed before these objectives can be realized." "The objective of this study was threefold: 1) more narrowly describe the distribution of Clinch dace in the upper Clinch River watershed, particularly in Russell and Tazewell counties, Virginia, 2) describe internal and external morphology to determine diet and life history characteristics, and 3) make in-situ breeding observations to determine timing and mode of reproduction. To complete these objectives, we sampled 60 streams and measured 12 habitat" "variables in 2011 and 2012. During sampling, we preserved 82 specimens which were used tomeasure internal and external morphological characteristics. We also used streambank observations and underwater videos to document spawning behavior. We conclude that Clinch dace are restricted to eight small tributaries to the Clinch River. Multivariate analysis of habitat correlates indicated that Clinch dace most commonly inhabit small, high elevation streams with gravel substrate and forested watersheds. Morphologic, meristic, and size-at-age characteristics were similar between Clinch dace and other Chrosomus; however, significant differences in digestive anatomy suggest Clinch dace occupy a different trophic niche than congeners. Like many Chrosomus, Clinch dace had an observed nest association with central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum); however, gonad weight and mature egg counts were significantly lower for Clinch dace compared to congeners. Small population sizes coupled with several habitat threats suggest that Clinch dace viability is low in the present condition. As such, a proactive management protocol must be implemented in an attempt to conserve and recover remaining populations. We suggest that management be approached from three outlets including continued research, implementing conservation initiatives, and listing at the state and federal level. Future studies should focus on assessing perceived threats, in particular watershed development and barriers to connectivity, while maintaining a routine sampling protocol to determine spatial and temporal trends in populations. Conservation of Clinch dace habitat through preservation of riparian land and removing barriers to migration will increase juvenile viability and recruitment. Further, additional listing at the state and federal level could offer more legal protection for Clinch dace and allow for mandated riparian conservation.
- Dynamics and Role of Non-native Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in Virginia’s Tidal RiversOrth, Donald J.; Jiao, Yan; Schmitt, Joseph; Hilling, Corbin; Emmel, Jason; Fabrizio, Mary (Virginia Tech, 2017-12)This report summarizes progress on research on the population dynamics and trophic role of nonnative Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus in Virginia’s tidal rivers. The research has been organized in three parts. First, we quantify the diets of Blue Catfish in terms of relative importance of diet items across freshwater, oligohaline, and mesohaline zones of the James, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock Rivers and examine factors related to variability in Blue Catfish diets. Second, we analyze demographic trends and population size in Blue Catfish based on commercial harvest (VMRC) and electrofishing catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) surveys. Finally, we integrate our findings on diet and population biomass to derive estimates of consumption of major species of concern and examine what management strategies may be appropriate.
- Ethical Guidelines for Publication of Fisheries Research Publications Overview Committee, American Fisheries SocietyKocovsky, Patrick M.; Gaunt, Patricia S.; Peoples, Brandon K.; Frimpong, Emmanuel A. (2019-09)
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Children's Signs at Reducing the Threat of Human Disturbance to Coastal BirdsComber, Carolyn; Dayer, Ashley A. (2019)
- Exploring Post-CRP Decision-Making in the Southern Great PlainsBarnes, Jessica C.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2021-11-30)The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal program that incentivizes the re-establishment of vegetative cover on formerly cropped land across the United States, has contributed significantly to soil health, water quality, and the status of wildlife populations. However, because CRP contracts are time-limited, the land use decisions made by landowners when their contracts end determine the durability of CRP’s benefits for soils, water, and wildlife, as well as the efficiency of federal expenditures. In order to understand the factors that might catalyze the persistence of CRP grasslands after contracts end, we conducted a two-phase, multi-year social science study of landowners’ experiences before, during, and after CRP in the southern Great Plains. Phase I, which was conducted from 2017-2019, included qualitative data collection through participant observation and interviews with landowners in the region, focus groups with current CRP contract holders, and a mail survey administered to landowners with current CRP contracts as well as those with contracts that had expired between 2011 and 2017. This report presents methods, results, and recommendations from Phase II, which was conducted from 2019-2021. Phase II was designed to follow up on and further explore key survey findings from Phase I through workshops with conservation practitioners and in-depth, qualitative interviews with landowners from the study area. Our conversations with landowners highlighted the intersecting biophysical, socio-economic, and institutional factors that shape decision-making about post-CRP land use in the southern Great Plains. In light of these factors, we make seven recommendations for the design and delivery of CRP that may promote the persistence of grasslands and associated environmental benefits after program participation ends.
- Florida Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (2022-11-08)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report is the results from the survey in Florida. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Fragmentation and Genetic Diversity in Clinch Dace PopulationsBourquin, Rebecca M.; Orth, Donald J.; Hallerman, Eric M. (Virginia Tech, 2019-07-25)In 1999 Clinch Dace, Chrosomus sp. cf. saylori, was discovered in the Tennessee drainage of Virginia. Subsequent sampling of southwest Virginia and portions of Tennessee indicated that Clinch Dace populations are small, fragmented, and of questionable viability. Further, riparian land use and mining pose significant threats to critical habitat. As such, Clinch Dace were listed as a Federal Species of Concern and on Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan as Tier I - Critical Conservation Need. A management plan and species description for Clinch Dace is of utmost importance, but data on distribution and life history are needed before these objectives can be realized. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Monitor known populations of Clinch Dace to characterize at fine-scale distribution and status. The latter will be addressed in terms of relative abundance. 2) Analyze distribution data using geographic information systems and other approaches to identify habitat and landscape features that isolate Clinch Dace and associated fish populations, 3) Map stream crossings and assess likely barriers to upstream passage and measurements of specific conductance, 4) Screen molecular genetic markers in order to define demographic and any evolutionarily significant units for the species. Molecular genetic variation will be screened at nuclear microsatellite loci to assess levels of molecular genetic variability and population-level differentiation. We will examine the effect of geographic distance on genetic differentiation (Botta et al. 2015). Habitat use will be compared to assess whether genetic differentiation relates to any observed differences in adaptive characters among populations. 5) Use these findings to define demographic and evolutionarily significant units for the species and work toward estimating effective population size and protocols for translocating individuals. We sampled 29 reaches on ten streams for fish with a three-pass depletion method and measured eight habitat variables which might inform conservation actions. We also conducted statistical analyses on six habitat and fish community variables to determine whether habitat rather than fragmentation was influencing Clinch Dace presence and abundance. We conclude that seven Clinch Dace populations vary in their degree of isolation, with some populations showing signs of recent admixture and others not. Populations with the least admixture, such as Hurricane Fork and Hart Creek in Russell County, may represent distinct management units. However, they are also among the largest populations found in 2017 and may therefore be the best candidates for donor population for translocations. The effects of road crossings in our study area was minimal and most crossings were not obvious barriers to fish passage. Instream habitat metrics that we measured also seemed to have little effect on Clinch Dace presence and abundance. We recommend that further management actions be taken with an adaptive management approach, as it is not clear from our results that translocations should be ruled out, but rather undertaken initially as a pilot study with follow-up monitoring to determine whether outbreeding depression is taking place as a result of moving locally adapted fish. Stream restoration activities may not be warranted, as the Clinch Dace shows some resilience to habitat degradation, such as sedimentation and lack of woody debris. We only found one culvert on Hart Creek which could be considered for a retrofit and that does seem to be acting as a barrier to Clinch Dace movement. Further research could measure temporal changes in abundance and characterize the relationship between population size and extinction risk and identify minimum viable population thresholds. Further monitoring should include the seven populations characterized as well as nine streams (Hess, Indian, Laurel, Left Fork Coal, Mudlick, Pine, Town Hill, and West Fork Big Creeks).
- Georgia Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-08-29)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
- Idaho Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencySinkular, Emily N.; Pausley, Emma R.; Pototsky, P. Christy; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2023-03-17)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This report contains results from the survey in Idaho. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Idaho Fish and Game.
- Inclusion for disabled wildlife viewers: A literature reviewMcGregor, Freya A.; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (2024-05)The Dayer Lab of Human Dimensions at Virginia Tech has been working closely with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group since 2020 to better understand wildlife viewers across the U.S., with the overarching goal of helping wildlife agencies better connect with their constituents in order to increase engagement with their agencies and support for conservation. In 2021, as part of this work, we conducted a national survey of wildlife viewers which had more than 4,000 respondents (http://hdl.handle.net/10919/111539) and found that 39% reported experiencing accessibility challenges while participating in wildlife viewing. If one in three wildlife viewers experience accessibility challenges, how can agencies ensure they are engaging and supporting wildlife viewers with disabilities? Disability is part of the human experience, but not much is known about disabled wildlife viewers. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA; 1990) states that Title II entities must ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in all programs they offer. And yet, disabled wildlife viewers reported experiencing a wide range of barriers. This literature review was developed by an occupational therapist and two social scientists, all of whom identify as wildlife viewers with past or current experience with accessibility challenges when wildlife viewing due to disability or injury. This literature review provides a quick overview of published information about people with disabilities, wildlife viewing, and barriers to and facilitators of wildlife viewing for people with disabilities. It also collates best practices, based on the literature, to support the inclusion of disabled wildlife viewers.
- Indiana Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey: Enhancing relevancy and engaging support from a broader constituencyPototsky, P. Christy; Sinkular, Emily N.; Dayer, Ashley A. (Virginia Tech, 2022-09-26)Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States, with significant implications for the work of wildlife agencies. While important insights have emerged piece-meal from a number of surveys, agencies lack generalizable information about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. Through a 2021 AFWA MultiState Conservation Grant, Virginia Tech and the AFWA Wildlife Viewing and Nature Tourism Working Group conducted national and state level surveys to gather more data on wildlife viewers. This work was funded by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Multistate Conservation Grant Program (grant # F21AP00617-00) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources.