Current Research Projects
Nesting Surfbird Ecology in the Steese National Conservation Area
Collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management near Fairbanks, AK.
Small Mammal Population Genetics
Collaboration with National Park Service and Nebraska CFWRU in Denali National Park.
Factors Influencing Dall Sheep Population Dynamics
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game near Kotzebue, AK.
Effects of Human Visitation on Bear Activity
Collaboration with the USFS at the Anan Bear Observatory near Wrangell, AK.
Multi-Species Monitoring in Southeastern Alaska Using Remote Cameras
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast AK.
Causes of Moose Population Declines in the Seward Peninsula
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game on the Seward Peninsula near Nome, AK
Wolf-Caribou Spatial Ecology in the Fortymile Caribou Herd
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Region III.
Moose Population Dynamics on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
Collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service Inventory and Monitoring Program.
Completed Research Projects
Quantifying beaver impacts and population status using satellite imagery
Beavers are among the most important wildlife species in North America due to their disproportionate ability to impact ecosystems. Beavers also represent an economically important furbearer that are widely harvested. Despite these factors, our ability to monitor their impacts and population status at large spatial scales remains limited due to the fact that they often inhabit areas that can be difficult to access and survey. We explored the utility of using satellite imagery as a tool to quantify beaver relative abundance using supervised and unsupervised classification schemes. We also explored the use of change-detection methods to determine long-term trends in beaver populations and ecological impacts. Funding for this project came from the University of Wisconsin's Consortium for Extension and Research in Agriculture and Natural Resources. We are also partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the National Park Service on this project.
River otter monitoring and population dynamics in Wisconsin
River otters are a highly valuable furbearer that are widely harvested in North America. In Wisconsin, river otters represent one of the most intensively harvested furbearers in the state. However, our understanding of their spatial and population ecology is limited. Similarly, our current monitoring program provides only limited information on population trends. We are using a combination of remote cameras and citizen science data to develop a spatially explicit monitoring program centered on the application of occupancy models. Additionally, we are exploring the utility of integrated population models and statistical population reconstruction as a means of determining otter abundance. This project is the focus of Christi Heun's M.S. project and is a collaborative effort with Nathan Roberts (WDNR) and Janelle Taylor (UWSP undergrad). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the UWSP College of Natural Resources.
Camera trapping to monitor wildlife populations on the Apostle Islands
Monitoring wildlife populations is a challenging task even under ideal circumstances, but can be made even more challenging when logistical issues constrain the methods that can be applied. In areas with dense vegetation it can be virtually impossible to monitoring wildlife with approaches such as aerial surveys. At the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, resource managers require robust estimates of wildlife population size in order to assess the efficacy of management programs designed to conserve rare plant communities. As part of a collaborative research team, we are investigating methods for enumerating wildlife populations on these islands through the use of remote cameras including the development of novel analytical approaches. We are also exploring the ecology of predator communities on the archipelago through a combination of remote camera surveys and noninvasive genetics. This project is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW), Erik Olsen (Northland College), and Julie Van Stappen (NPS). Funding for this project comes from the National Park Service and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Spatial patterns of deer mortality in relation to agricultural production
Understanding the interactions between predators and prey is imperative for successful management of prey species. In Wisconsin, wolves are often considered by the public to be a primary source of ungulate mortality, although the scientific evidence for this is inconclusive. We are embarking on a study to determine how spatial patterns of deer mortality, specifically from predation, are affected by the agricultural production and how agriculture may interact with predator populations to affect deer mortality patterns. This research is the focus of Lucas Olson's M.S. project and is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW), Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR) and Dan Storm (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.
Developing wolf monitoring protocols in Wisconsin
When wolf populations in Wisconsin were removed from the US Endangered Species list, there emerged a need to develop effective monitoring protocols in the absence of federal funds associated with endangered species monitoring. Previously, wildlife managers had relied on expansive and labor intensive territory mapping procedures that, under current budgetary constraints, are no longer feasible. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, I am assisting with the development and implementation of several alternative monitoring protocols that have the potential for providing robust estimates of wolf distribution, population size, and population dynamics in Wisconsin. By simultaneously evaluating numerous procedures, we will have the unique ability to directly compare monitoring methods from both logistical and statistical standpoints. Additionally, we are applying recently developed modeling procedures to retrospectively assess the utility of citizen science data for estimating wolf distribution and abundance. This project is the focus of Glenn Stauffer' post-doc and is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW-Madison), Bradley Swanson (CMU), Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR), and Dave MacFarland (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin DNR.
Black bear population dynamics and harvest management in Wisconsin
Black bear harvest in Wisconsin in consistently among the highest of any state in the country. As black bear population continue to expand in Wisconsin, there is a growing need for understanding their population dynamics. Likewise, expansion into previously unoccupied areas strains current monitoring programs that are limited in their geographic extent. We are using a 30-year time-series of age-at-harvest data from Wisconsin black bears to develop statistical population reconstructions of black bear populations in Wisconsin. Using these data we hope to develop models that will elucidate drivers of black bear population growth and harvest vulnerability. Additionally, we are exploring the utility of using age-at-harvest models to guide harvest management for black bears by modeling year-to-year effects of harvest quotas on black bear population growth, This project is the focus of Max Allen's post-doc and is a collaboration with Tim Van Deelen (UW) Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR) and Dave MacFarland (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin DNR.
Effects of recovering bald eagles on avian communities in Voyageurs National Park
The recovery of bald eagle populations in the United States represents one of the major success stories in wildlife conservation. Although widely lauded by wildlife managers, this recovery has had unintended consequences. In Voyageurs National Park (VNP), for example, precipitous declines in other avian species (great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, osprey, common loon) have mirrored bald eagle recovery. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eagles are having a direct effect on these avian species, yet no formal analysis has demonstrated this. We are evaluating long-term monitoring and short-term research data to determine the effects of recovering bald eagles on avian species at VNP with the hope of quantifying the strength of trophic effects and identifying key gaps in current monitoring efforts. This project is the focus of Jen Cruz's post-doc and is a collaboration with Ben Zuckerberg (UW), Wayne Thogmartin (USGS), and Steve Windels (NPS). Funding for this project comes from the National Park Service and the US Geological Survey.
Furbearer population status in the St. Louis River estuary
The St. Louis River estuary was once among the most degraded aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes region. After years of extensive restoration efforts, much of the estuary is beginning to return to its previous conditions, with much of the estuary now displaying quality habitat. However, whether or not these efforts have led to a concomitant recovery of wildlife populations is unknown. Using a combination of remote cameras and aerial surveys, we assessed the population status of four semi-aquatic mammals (river otter, beaver, mink, muskrat) in the estuary and comparing the status of these species to those in non-degraded reference sites, specifically Boulder Lake reservoir and the St. Croix river. Ultimately, this study provided a key piece of information regarding the efficacy of ongoing restoration efforts in the estuary and may also help guide furbearer monitoring efforts in the region. This project was the focus of Bryn Evan's M.S. research and was a collaboration with Tim Van Deelen (UW) and Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project came from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin DNR.
Forest management and wildlife ecology in the central Appalachians
The forest products industry represents one of the largest economic sources in the Appalachian region. However, historically high densities of white-tailed deer throughout the region have in many cases limited the regeneration capacity of forests following timber harvest, thus reducing the long-term financial prospects for many forestry operations. As part of a large research team, I led an investigation into the effects of changes in white-tailed deer population density on wildlife ecology and forest regeneration patterns. We found that landscape level changes in deer abundance could lead to improved forest regeneration by reducing browsing pressure in recent timber harvest areas. We also found that deer appeared to exhibit changes in space-use patterns that were not driven by resource availability, but rather by optimal foraging.
Modeling the effects of climate change on montane forest communities
Plant communities in mountainous regions are some of the most vulnerable to climate change due to their isolated geography and the often extreme conditions that already persist in these areas. Predicting how future climate change may affect plant communities requires an understanding of how past climate change has affected the extant communities we have today. Using an extensive dataset of historical and modern forest vegetation surveys from the mountains of California, I led several investigations into the effects of climate change on montane forests and our ability to predict these changes over time. We found that geographic shifts in plant distributions are driven primarily by water availability and drought stress as opposed to temperature, which has been the dogmatic thinking regarding climatic influences on plant distributions. We also showed that our ability to predict the future distribution of plant species is contingent on the modeling algorithms that are used and that, in certain situations, the influence of climate may override the influence of disturbance processes thought to be critical for plant regeneration and survival.
Nesting Surfbird Ecology in the Steese National Conservation Area
Collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management near Fairbanks, AK.
Small Mammal Population Genetics
Collaboration with National Park Service and Nebraska CFWRU in Denali National Park.
Factors Influencing Dall Sheep Population Dynamics
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game near Kotzebue, AK.
Effects of Human Visitation on Bear Activity
Collaboration with the USFS at the Anan Bear Observatory near Wrangell, AK.
Multi-Species Monitoring in Southeastern Alaska Using Remote Cameras
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast AK.
Causes of Moose Population Declines in the Seward Peninsula
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game on the Seward Peninsula near Nome, AK
Wolf-Caribou Spatial Ecology in the Fortymile Caribou Herd
Collaboration with Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Region III.
Moose Population Dynamics on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
Collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife Service Inventory and Monitoring Program.
Completed Research Projects
Quantifying beaver impacts and population status using satellite imagery
Beavers are among the most important wildlife species in North America due to their disproportionate ability to impact ecosystems. Beavers also represent an economically important furbearer that are widely harvested. Despite these factors, our ability to monitor their impacts and population status at large spatial scales remains limited due to the fact that they often inhabit areas that can be difficult to access and survey. We explored the utility of using satellite imagery as a tool to quantify beaver relative abundance using supervised and unsupervised classification schemes. We also explored the use of change-detection methods to determine long-term trends in beaver populations and ecological impacts. Funding for this project came from the University of Wisconsin's Consortium for Extension and Research in Agriculture and Natural Resources. We are also partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the National Park Service on this project.
River otter monitoring and population dynamics in Wisconsin
River otters are a highly valuable furbearer that are widely harvested in North America. In Wisconsin, river otters represent one of the most intensively harvested furbearers in the state. However, our understanding of their spatial and population ecology is limited. Similarly, our current monitoring program provides only limited information on population trends. We are using a combination of remote cameras and citizen science data to develop a spatially explicit monitoring program centered on the application of occupancy models. Additionally, we are exploring the utility of integrated population models and statistical population reconstruction as a means of determining otter abundance. This project is the focus of Christi Heun's M.S. project and is a collaborative effort with Nathan Roberts (WDNR) and Janelle Taylor (UWSP undergrad). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the UWSP College of Natural Resources.
Camera trapping to monitor wildlife populations on the Apostle Islands
Monitoring wildlife populations is a challenging task even under ideal circumstances, but can be made even more challenging when logistical issues constrain the methods that can be applied. In areas with dense vegetation it can be virtually impossible to monitoring wildlife with approaches such as aerial surveys. At the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, resource managers require robust estimates of wildlife population size in order to assess the efficacy of management programs designed to conserve rare plant communities. As part of a collaborative research team, we are investigating methods for enumerating wildlife populations on these islands through the use of remote cameras including the development of novel analytical approaches. We are also exploring the ecology of predator communities on the archipelago through a combination of remote camera surveys and noninvasive genetics. This project is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW), Erik Olsen (Northland College), and Julie Van Stappen (NPS). Funding for this project comes from the National Park Service and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Spatial patterns of deer mortality in relation to agricultural production
Understanding the interactions between predators and prey is imperative for successful management of prey species. In Wisconsin, wolves are often considered by the public to be a primary source of ungulate mortality, although the scientific evidence for this is inconclusive. We are embarking on a study to determine how spatial patterns of deer mortality, specifically from predation, are affected by the agricultural production and how agriculture may interact with predator populations to affect deer mortality patterns. This research is the focus of Lucas Olson's M.S. project and is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW), Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR) and Dan Storm (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station.
Developing wolf monitoring protocols in Wisconsin
When wolf populations in Wisconsin were removed from the US Endangered Species list, there emerged a need to develop effective monitoring protocols in the absence of federal funds associated with endangered species monitoring. Previously, wildlife managers had relied on expansive and labor intensive territory mapping procedures that, under current budgetary constraints, are no longer feasible. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, I am assisting with the development and implementation of several alternative monitoring protocols that have the potential for providing robust estimates of wolf distribution, population size, and population dynamics in Wisconsin. By simultaneously evaluating numerous procedures, we will have the unique ability to directly compare monitoring methods from both logistical and statistical standpoints. Additionally, we are applying recently developed modeling procedures to retrospectively assess the utility of citizen science data for estimating wolf distribution and abundance. This project is the focus of Glenn Stauffer' post-doc and is a collaborative effort with Tim Van Deelen (UW-Madison), Bradley Swanson (CMU), Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR), and Dave MacFarland (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin DNR.
Black bear population dynamics and harvest management in Wisconsin
Black bear harvest in Wisconsin in consistently among the highest of any state in the country. As black bear population continue to expand in Wisconsin, there is a growing need for understanding their population dynamics. Likewise, expansion into previously unoccupied areas strains current monitoring programs that are limited in their geographic extent. We are using a 30-year time-series of age-at-harvest data from Wisconsin black bears to develop statistical population reconstructions of black bear populations in Wisconsin. Using these data we hope to develop models that will elucidate drivers of black bear population growth and harvest vulnerability. Additionally, we are exploring the utility of using age-at-harvest models to guide harvest management for black bears by modeling year-to-year effects of harvest quotas on black bear population growth, This project is the focus of Max Allen's post-doc and is a collaboration with Tim Van Deelen (UW) Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR) and Dave MacFarland (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project comes from Wisconsin DNR.
Effects of recovering bald eagles on avian communities in Voyageurs National Park
The recovery of bald eagle populations in the United States represents one of the major success stories in wildlife conservation. Although widely lauded by wildlife managers, this recovery has had unintended consequences. In Voyageurs National Park (VNP), for example, precipitous declines in other avian species (great blue heron, double-crested cormorant, osprey, common loon) have mirrored bald eagle recovery. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eagles are having a direct effect on these avian species, yet no formal analysis has demonstrated this. We are evaluating long-term monitoring and short-term research data to determine the effects of recovering bald eagles on avian species at VNP with the hope of quantifying the strength of trophic effects and identifying key gaps in current monitoring efforts. This project is the focus of Jen Cruz's post-doc and is a collaboration with Ben Zuckerberg (UW), Wayne Thogmartin (USGS), and Steve Windels (NPS). Funding for this project comes from the National Park Service and the US Geological Survey.
Furbearer population status in the St. Louis River estuary
The St. Louis River estuary was once among the most degraded aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes region. After years of extensive restoration efforts, much of the estuary is beginning to return to its previous conditions, with much of the estuary now displaying quality habitat. However, whether or not these efforts have led to a concomitant recovery of wildlife populations is unknown. Using a combination of remote cameras and aerial surveys, we assessed the population status of four semi-aquatic mammals (river otter, beaver, mink, muskrat) in the estuary and comparing the status of these species to those in non-degraded reference sites, specifically Boulder Lake reservoir and the St. Croix river. Ultimately, this study provided a key piece of information regarding the efficacy of ongoing restoration efforts in the estuary and may also help guide furbearer monitoring efforts in the region. This project was the focus of Bryn Evan's M.S. research and was a collaboration with Tim Van Deelen (UW) and Nathan Roberts (Wisconsin DNR). Funding for this project came from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin DNR.
Forest management and wildlife ecology in the central Appalachians
The forest products industry represents one of the largest economic sources in the Appalachian region. However, historically high densities of white-tailed deer throughout the region have in many cases limited the regeneration capacity of forests following timber harvest, thus reducing the long-term financial prospects for many forestry operations. As part of a large research team, I led an investigation into the effects of changes in white-tailed deer population density on wildlife ecology and forest regeneration patterns. We found that landscape level changes in deer abundance could lead to improved forest regeneration by reducing browsing pressure in recent timber harvest areas. We also found that deer appeared to exhibit changes in space-use patterns that were not driven by resource availability, but rather by optimal foraging.
Modeling the effects of climate change on montane forest communities
Plant communities in mountainous regions are some of the most vulnerable to climate change due to their isolated geography and the often extreme conditions that already persist in these areas. Predicting how future climate change may affect plant communities requires an understanding of how past climate change has affected the extant communities we have today. Using an extensive dataset of historical and modern forest vegetation surveys from the mountains of California, I led several investigations into the effects of climate change on montane forests and our ability to predict these changes over time. We found that geographic shifts in plant distributions are driven primarily by water availability and drought stress as opposed to temperature, which has been the dogmatic thinking regarding climatic influences on plant distributions. We also showed that our ability to predict the future distribution of plant species is contingent on the modeling algorithms that are used and that, in certain situations, the influence of climate may override the influence of disturbance processes thought to be critical for plant regeneration and survival.