Progress 10/01/07 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1) Examine the role of N and P availability in regulating invertebrate communities and ecosystem function in Maine streams. This objective is being met through three key research areas: A) Biogeochemical research at the Bear Brook watershed in Maine: Two postdoctoral fellows, one Ph.D. student, two undergraduate students, and one high school student have conducted research projects that measures the consequences of atmospheric nitrogen and acid deposition on whole-watershed biogeochemistry. Research to date has demonstrated that acidification exacerbates phosphorus limitation in nitrogen enriched watersheds and that carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles are strongly interconnected. A suite of variables are highly responsive to altered watershed biogeochemistry. A new project is using whole-watershed stable isotope tracer additions to track N cycling from input to stream output at the BBWM.Research is funded through three major NSF grants (>$2 million) and several smaller grants. Two papers are published, two are in review, and several others are in preparation. B) Urban streams research: One PhD student is conducting research that examines the influence of landuse on carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in a suite of streams across Maine. Research to date has shown that urbanization changes the chemical composition of dissolved organic matter in addition to altering inorganic nutrient availability. Research is now focusing on the consequences of those changes for stream ecosystem processes. Research is funded through the NSF EPSCoR grant supporting the Sustainability Solutions Initiative.Results have been presented at the Maine Water Conference and at an international conference. C)Biomanipulation of fish for remediation of algal blooms in Maine lakes One PhD student is conducting research on the role of white perch, a common an sometimes invasive fish, on lake nutrient cycling and trophic status. The project is conducted in collaboration with Maine DEP and centers around a whole-lake biomanipulation that attempts to reduce algal bloom frequency. Research has shown that nutrient effects override biomanipulation attempts. Comparative work across many lakes shows that invading fish rapidly diverge and interact strongly with lake trophic status.Objective 2) Examine the extent of nutrient limitation and potential role of migratory fish as potential sources of MDN in Maine streams.One M.S. student (Demi 2010) completed a thesis focusing on the influence of alewives on lake and stream response to alewives in Maine. The research focused on lake plankton and stream invertebrate response to shifting resource availability as driven by alewife. The work focused on a suite of systems spanning a gradient in lake productivity. One manuscript is in review and one is in preparation.One M.S. student (K. Norris) is currently measuring changes in nutrient limitation and stable isotopes of animals in a suite of Maine lakes with and without alewives. The research directly documents influence of alewife on lake nutrient cycling and plankton response. Research will be completed in Spring 2012. PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Anderson was a MAFES technician who provided support on this project including sampling and analysis. Lee Demi, Kristin Ditzler, Quenton Tuckett, Katie Norris and Thomas Parr are graduate students who worked on the projects, conducted sampling and analysis and presented results and were trained on the project. Chad Rigsby, Catherine Herr, Mellissa Kierman, Kara Ray, Britnee Dilorenzo, and Shawna Carleton are undergraduate research assistants who were trained during the project. Dr. Damon Ely and Dr. Madeleine Mineau were post doctoral fellows trained in the project and conducted research. The following people also collaborated in the research and outreach: Dr. Stephen Coghlan (U. Maine), Dr. Ivan Fernandez (U. Maine), Dr. Stephen Norton (U. Maine), Dr. Maury Valett (U. Montana), Dr. Michael Kinnison (U. Maine), Dr. Dave Haliwell (Maine DEP), Mr. Ed Lindsey (Old Town High School), Mr. Rory Saunders (NOAA). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included natural resource managers, citizens and students (graduate, undergraduate and high school). Direct interaction with managers, presentation of research at stakeholder and scientific meetings, and publications in journals were used to disseminate information. Teaching activities in university courses and development of teaching tools were used for educational purposes. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: An additional project objective regarding the role of invasive fish in nutrient cycling and water quality in lakes was added to the project. An opportunity arose for collaboration with state regulatory agencies that included funding so the project was pursued.
Impacts
Several outcomes from this project have centered on student learning at the college and high school level including: 1) five graduate students have learned experimental design, data collection and data analysis skills and have worked directly with state and federal management staff on applied environmental issues 2) two undergraduates and one high school student learned experimental design and analysis in addition to basic watershed biogeochemistry and 3) 8 undergraduate research assistants participated in field sampling, processing and data analysis. 3) Thirty students in undergraduate ecology classes learned about the effects of nutrient enrichment and depletion through pollution and dam effects through class activities and field trips to research sites. 4) One high school teacher has begun using modeling concepts and is designing their use for high school science education through our collaboration in Objective 1 of this research. The students enhanced skills related to experimentation and learned about nutrient cycling and human influences on those cycles. Direct communication with state (Maine Department of Environmental Protection) and federal (NOAA) managers resulted in managers being informed on the outcomes of restoration actions via invasive fish manipulation and barrier removal for migratory fish. In addition, approximately seventy stakeholders (general public, state and federal resource managers, conservation agencies) were educated about lake response to migratory fish restoration at two different local, stakeholder conferences. These actions help inform the public about outcomes of restoration actions and assist managers in decision making regarding restoration strategies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Research activities included multiple field experiments and sampling campaigns regarding 1) alewife effects in multiple lakes and streams in Maine, 2) role of white perch biomanipulation and evolution on lake trophic state, 3) watershed response to chronic nitrogen and acid deposition. Work included experiments, surveys and long-term monitoring. UMaine/Fields Pond Audubon center: Alewife related research was shared with the public at an Audubon sponsored field trip day (February 2011). Approximately 10 adults and 12 children helped collect samples and learned about the role of migratory fish in Maine lakes and streams. UMaine/Acadia National Park (ANP) relations: research regarding alewife effects on lakes and streams has been conducted in ANP in collaboration with park staff. Data are being shared and developed for public outreach to park visitors and regional teachers. One high school student, conducted an independent research project focusing on microbial response to shifting nutrient availability and acidification. The student helped design the project, conducted the laboratory assays and is collaborating in data analysis and development of a manuscript. Two undergraduates conducted independent research projects on support from the REU program of NSF. The students designed, conducted and analyzed the research and are collaborating on manuscript development. Conference presentations: 1. Simon, K. S.; Rigsby, C. M.; Ely, D. T.; Mineau, M. M.; Ohno, T.; Fernandez, I. J.; Norton, S. A.; Valett, H. M.; Microbial response to altered dissolved organic matter chemistry arsing from watershed nitrogen enrichment and acidification. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 2. Parr, T. B.; Cronan, C.; Ohno, T.; Simon, K.; Patterns of dissolved organic matter composition along an urbanization gradient in Maine. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 3. Demi, L. M.; Simon, K. S.; Coghlan, S. M.; Saunders, R.; Anderson, D.; Top-down trohpic cascades and their influence on phytoplankton biomass in lakes along a trophic gradient. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 4. Mineau, M. M.; Simon, K. S.; Ely, D. T.; Rancatti, R. L.; Fernandez, I. J.; Norton, S. A.; Valett, H. M.; Effects of chronic nitrogen enrichment and acidification on coupled nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in streams: insights from multiple spiraling techniques. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 5. Rancatti, R. L.; Simon, K. S.; Anderson, D.; Fernandez, I. J.; Norton, S. A.; Valett, H. M.; Effects of watershed acidification on abiotic and biotic phosphorus uptake by dominant streambed compartments. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 6. Tuckett, Q.M., K.S. Simon, M.T. Kinnison and J.E. Saros. Population Level Variation in Fish Excretion of Nutrients along a Trophic Gradient. Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society. Providence, Rhode Island, May 2011 PARTICIPANTS: Ivan Fernandez, Professor, PSE, U. Maine, collaborator Steve Coghlan, Assistant Professor, WLE, U. Maine, collaborator Mike Kinnison, Associate Professor, SBE, U. Maine, collaborator Jasmine Saros, Associate Professor, SBE, U. Maine, collaborator Steve Norton, Professor emeritus, ERS, U. Maine, collaborator Tsutomo Ohno, Professor, PSE, U. Maine, collaborator H. Maury Valett, Professor, Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, collaborator Jon Harding, Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology, Canterbury University, New Zealand, collaborator Partner organizations: Maine DEP, NOAA Graduate Students trained during the project: Kristin Ditzler, Lee Demi,Regina Rancatti, Quenton Tuckett, Thomas Parr Undergraduates trained: 2 conducted independent studies, 8 others collaborated in field and laboratory research. One high school student conducted and independent study. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Several outcomes from this project have centered on student learning at the college and high school level including: 1) five graduate students have learned experimental design, data collection and data analysis skills and have worked directly with state and federal management staff on applied environmental issues 2) two undergraduates and one high school student learned experimental design and analysis in addition to basic watershed biogeochemistry and 3) 8 undergraduate research assistants participated in field sampling, processing and data analysis. 3) Thirty students in undergraduate ecology classes learned about the effects of nutrient enrichment and depletion through pollution and dam effects through class activities and field trips to research sites. 4) One high school teacher has begun using modeling concepts and is designing their use for high school science education through our collaboration in Objective 1 of this research. The students enhanced skills related to experimentation and learned about nutrient cycling and human influences on those cycles. Direct communication with state (Maine Department of Environmental Protection) and federal (NOAA) managers resulted in managers being informed on the outcomes of restoration actions via invasive fish manipulation and barrier removal for migratory fish. In addition, approximately seventy stakeholders (general public, state and federal resource managers, conservation agencies) were educated about lake response to migratory fish restoration at two different local, stakeholder conferences. These actions help inform the public about outcomes of restoration actions and assist managers in decision making regarding restoration strategies.
Publications
- Long, A., W. Ashe, K. Ravana and K. Simon. 2011. The effects of water velocity and sediment size and heterogeneity on Acroneuria drift. Aquatic Insects 33(2):105-112.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs Objective 1) Examine the role of N and P availability in regulating invertebrate communities and ecosystem function in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from two years of work on a project focusing on the effects of chronic nitrogen addition and phosphorus limitation on Maine streams. Outputs Include: 1. Research associated is ongoing. Two seasons of stable isotope tracer studies, a series of phosphorus uptake studies and a dissolved organic carbon study have been completed. 2. A post-doctoral fellow initiated and completed a series of field isotope experiments. 3. A Ph.D. student continues work on the project, focusing on phosphorus sorption kinetics and biotic uptake capacity instreams. She completed field sampling and presented preliminary results at an international meeting. 4. Funding from the National Science Foundation was obtained to support an undergraduate researcher. The student completed an independent research project and is working toward a manuscript. 5. A collaboration with a local high school science teacher continues with the goal of producing a modeling exercise to teach biology and chemistry in the context of this project objective. Objective 2) Examine the extent of nutrient limitation and potential role of migratory fish as potential sources of MDN in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from three years of a project that will monitor the outcome of dam removal and migratory fish restoration on a linked lake-stream system. In addition, research has been expanded to address the role of an invasive fish (White Perch) on lake nutrient dynamics and water quality. Ouputs include: 1. Three years of bi-weekly, pre-dam removal data in a restored system and 4 reference systems have been collected. An additional set of 4 systems that span a productivity gradient have also been sampled on a seasonal basis. 2. One graduate student (L. Demi) completed a M.S. degree and produced a thesis describing the influence of alewives on lake-stream linkages. The student conveyed preliminary results to the scientific and management community at multiple regional and international conferences. 3. One graduate student (K. Ditzler) completed a M.S. degree and produced a thesis describing the influence of white perch on lake water quality and ecology on contemporary and historic time frames. She has presented her research at multiple international and national meetings. 4. One graduate student (Q. Tuckett) continues Ph.D. research on trophic and biogeochemical effects of white perch in lakes. He completed a series of comparative field studies and a mesocosm experiment. In addition, he presented his research at an international scientific conference and at multiple meetings with local stakeholders. 5. A collaborative grant with another MAFES researcher was obtained to expand the research to address lamprey effects in streams and the first year of field work has been completed. 6. The research project has been used as a teaching demonstration laboratory for an undergraduate level course in ecology (River Ecology, BIO463, University of Maine). PARTICIPANTS: Dennis Anderson was a MAFES technician who provided support on this project including sampling and analysis. Lee Demi, Kristin Ditzler and Quenton Tuckett are graduate students who worked on the projects, conducted sampling and analysis and presented results and were trained on the project. Chad Rigsby, Catherine Herr, Mellissa Kierman, Kara Ray, Britnee Dilorenzo, and Shawna Carleton are undergraduate research assistants who were trained during the project. Dr. Damon Ely was a post doctoral fellow who was trained in the project and conducted research. The following people also collaborated in the research and outreach: Dr. Stephen Coghlan (U. Maine), Dr. Ivan Fernandez (U. Maine), Dr. Stephen Norton (U. Maine), Dr. Maury Valett (U. Montana), Dr. Michael Kinnison (U. Maine), Dr. Dave Haliwell (Maine DEP), Mr. Ed Lindsey (Old Town High School), Mr. Rory Saunders (NOAA). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included natural resource managers, citizens and students (graduate, undergraduate and high school). Direct interaction with managers, presentation of research at stakeholder and scientific meetings, and publications in journals were used to disseminate information. Teaching activities in university courses and development of teaching tools were used for educational purposes. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: An additional project objective regarding the role of invasive fish in nutrient cycling and water quality in lakes was added to the project. An opportunity arose for collaboration with state regulatory agencies that included funding so the project was pursued.
Impacts
Several outcomes from the first two years of this project have centered on student learning at the college and high school level including: 1) four graduate students have learned experimental design, data collection and data analysis skills 2) an undergraduate student at a predominantly undergraduate institution was hosted and learned experimental design and analysis in addition to basic watershed biogeochemistry and 3) 5 undergraduate research assistants participated in field sampling, processing and data analysis. 3) Twelve students in an undergraduate ecology class learned about the effects of nutrient enrichment and depletion through pollution and dam effects through class activities and field trips to research sites. 4) One high school teacher has begun using modeling concepts and is designing their use for high school science education through our collaboration in Objective 1 of this research. The students enhanced skills related to experimentation and learned about nutrient cycling and human influences on those cycles. Direct communication with state (Maine Department of Environmental Protection) and federal (NOAA) managers resulted in managers being informed on the outcomes of restoration actions via invasive fish manipulation and barrier removal for migratory fish. In addition, approximately fifty stakeholders (general public, state and federal resource managers, conservation agencies) were educated about lake response to migratory fish restoration at two different local, stakeholder conferences. These actions help inform the public about outcomes of restoration actions and assist managers in decision making regarding restoration strategies.
Publications
- Simon, K.S., M.A. Chadwick, A.D. Huryn and H.M. Valett. 2010. Stream ecosystem response to chronic deposition of nitrogen and acid at the Bear Brook Watershed, Maine. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 171:83-92. DOI 10.1007/s10661-010-1532-2
- Lee Demi (2010) Anadromous alewives in linked lake-stream ecosystems: Can trophic interacations in lakes influence streams Thesis submitted for completion of M.S. in Ecology and Evironmental Sciences. University of Maine.
- Simon, K S ; Anderson, D S; Fernandez, I J; Norton, S A; Valett, H M; Ely, D T; Chronic watershed nitrogen enrichment enhances phosphorus limitation of stream microbes and changes the stoichiometry of microbial ecoenzymes. Joint meeting of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography and the North American Benthological Society. Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 2010.
- Simon, KS, L Demi, S Coghlan and R Saunders. 2010. Lake and Stream response to alewife restoration at Sedgeunkedunk stream. 2010 Penobscot Science Exchange (PSE) Meeting, Orono, ME
- Simon, KS. 2010 Lake response to alewife restoration at Fields Pond. Fields Pond Audubon Center field
- Demi, L M; Simon, K S; Coghlan, S M; Saunders, R; Anderson, D; Anadromous alewives in linked lake-stream ecosystems: can trophic interactions in lakes influence streams Joint meeting of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography and the North American Benthological Society. Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 2010.
- Ditzler, K E; Saros, J E; Simon, K S; Kinnison, M T; McGowan, S; Impacts of white perch introductions on lake plankton: combining paleolimnological and whole-lake biomanipulation approaches. Joint meeting of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography and the North American Benthological Society. Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 2010.
- Rancatti, R L; Simon, K S; Anderson, D; Fernandez, I J; Norton, S A; Valett, H M; Ely, D T; Effect of watershed acidification on abiotic and biotic uptake of phosphorus by stream sediment Joint meeting of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography and the North American Benthological Society. Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 2010.
- Tuckett, Q M; Simon, K S; Kinnison, M T; Saros, J E; Evolutionary divergence of consumer stoichiometry in lakes spanning a trophic gradient. Joint meeting of the American Society for Limnology and Oceanography and the North American Benthological Society. Santa Fe, New Mexico, June 2010.
- Ditzler, K.E., J.E. Saros, K.S. Simon, M. T. Kinnison. Impacts of White Perch Introductions on Food Web Dynamics: Paleolimnological and Experimental Analysis of Zooplankton Grazing and Nutrient Cycling. 2010 Maine Water Conference Augusta, Maine. March 17, 2010
- Demi L., K. Simon, S. Coghlan, R. Saunders and D. Hart. 2009. Can trophic interactions in lakes influence food particle availability in streams The Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network Science Meeting 2009: Restoration of Diadromous Fishes and Their Ecosystems: Confluence of Science and Restoration
- Ditzler, K.E., J.E. Saros, K.S. Simon. Impacts of White Perch Introductions on Food Web Dynamics: Paleolimnological Record of Zooplankton Grazing and Nutrient Cycling. University of Nottingham Environmental and Geomorphological Sciences Research Seminar Series Nottingham, United Kingdom. November 25, 2009
- Ditzler, K.E., J.E. Saros, K.S. Simon, M. T. Kinnison. 2010 Impacts of White Perch Introductions on Food Web Dynamics: Paleolimnological and Experimental Analysis of Zooplankton Grazing and Nutrient Cycling. 29th International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society Hartford, Connecticut.
- Ditzler, K.E., J.E. Saros, K.S. Simon. 2010 Impacts of White Perch Introductions on Food Web Dynamics: Paleolimnological Record of Zooplankton Grazing and Nutrient Cycling. 17th Annual Harold W. Borns Symposium, Climate Change Institute University of Maine Orono, Maine.
- Fatemi, FR., IJ. Fernandez, KS Simon, and DB Dail. 2009. Soil extracellular enzyme activities as indices of microbial nutrient limitation and soil CNP dynamics. Soil Ecology Society Conference. Burlington, Vermont.
- Kristin Ditzler (2010) Effects of white perch Introductions on food web dynamics: combining paleolimnological and whole-lake biomanipulation approaches. Thesis submitted for completion of M.S. in Ecology and Evironmental Sciences. University of Maine.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1) Examine the role of N and P availability in regulating invertebrate communities and ecosystem function in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from two years of work on a project focusing on the effects of chronic nitrogen addition and phosphorus limitation on Maine streams. Outputs include: 1)A field study that examined interactions between N and P availability on stream nutrient uptake were analyzed and the results are in press in a scientific journal. 2) A long term experiment that examined the influence of N and P availability on leaf decomposition and microbes was completed and data are being analyzed. 3)A large National Science Foundation grant (~$800k) was obtained to support research in this objective. The project expands the collaboration to two other states (VA, WV), another university and US Forest Service personnel. The first season of data collection has commenced. This expanded project explicitly integrates soil and stream responses to catchment disturbance and expands to the scope of the project to an integrated watershed perspective. 4) A Ph.D. student has commenced work on the project and has completed one experiment. 5) A collaboration with a local high school science teacher has begun with the goal of producing a modeling exercise to teach biology and chemistry in the context of this project objective. A small grant was obtained to develop a modeling teaching tool for this purpose and for undergraduate and graduate education. Work on model construction has commenced. Objective 2) Examine the extent of nutrient limitation and potential role of migratory fish as potential sources of MDN in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from two years of a project that will monitor the outcome of dam removal and migratory fish restoration on a linked lake-stream system. Ouputs include: 1)Two years of bi-weekly, pre-dam removal data in a restored system and 4 reference systems have been collected. An additional set of 4 systems that span a productivity gradient have also been sampled on a seasonal basis. 2) One graduate student has completed one year of research, collected samples, and is analyzing data. The student conveyed preliminary results to the scientific and management community at a regional conference on diadromous fish restoration. 3) A collaborative grant with another MAFES researcher was obtained to expand the research to address lamprey migration and research planning is in progress. 4) The research project has been used as a teaching demonstration laboratory for an undergraduate level course in ecology (River Ecology, BIO463, University of Maine). 5) Preliminary results of the research were communicated by the graduate student at a meeting of scientists and managers focused on diadromous fish restoration. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Dennis Anderson was a MAFES technician that provided research support on the project including sampling and laboratory analyses. Mick Demi, Quenton Tuckett, Kristin Ditzler were graduate students that worked on the project and provided sampling, sample analysis, data analyis, and presentation of results. Dr. Steve Coghlan (Dept. of Wildlife Ecology), Dr. Ivan Fernandez (Dept. of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences), Dr. Michael Kinnison (School of Biology and Ecology)Dr. Maury Valett (Virginia Tech), Dr. Mary Beth Adams (US Forest Service), Rory Saunders (NOAA), Dr. Dave Haliwell (Maine DEP) collaborated on research development and conduct of the research. Mr. Ed Lindsey (Old Town High School) collaborated on developing high school educational outreach programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences included natural resource managers and students (university and high school levels). Direct interactions with managers, presentation of data at meetings and publication of results in applied sciences journals were used to deliver information to managers. Teaching activities in university courses and development of mathematical models were used to deliver information to students. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Managers and scientists learned new knowledge about how acidification and nutrient availability interact through information published in a journal of applied ecology. Several outcomes from the first two years of this project have centered on student learning at the college and high school level including: 1) Two graduate students have learned experimental design, data collection and data analysis skills. 2)Five students in a senior level capstone course conducted a research project related to Objective 1 in this project. The students enhanced skills related to experimentation and learned about nutrient cycling and human influences on those cycles. 3)Twelve students in an undergraduate ecology class learned about the effects of nutrient enrichment and depletion through pollution and dam effects through class activities and field trips to research sites. 4) One high school teacher has begun using modeling concepts and is designing their use for high school science education through our collaboration in Objective 1 of this research.
Publications
- Simon K.S., M.A. Simon and E.F. Benfield. 2009. Variation in ecosystem function in Appalachian streams along an acidity gradient. Ecological Applications 19(5):1147-1160.
- Demi L., K. Simon, S. Coghlan, R. Saunders and D. Hart. 2009. Can trophic interactions in lakes influence food particle availability in streams The Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network Science Meeting 2009: Restoration of Diadromous Fishes and Their Ecosystems: Confluence of Science and Restoration July 2009, Orono, Maine
- Coghlan Jr. SM, S Ratten, C Gardner, J Zydlewski, K Simon. 2009. Barrier removal and range expansion of sea lamprey: quantifying habitat conditioning in small streams. The Diadromous Species Restoration Research Network Science Meeting 2009: Restoration of Diadromous Fishes and Their Ecosystems: Confluence of Science and Restoration July 2009, Orono, Maine
- Fatemi, Farrah R., Ivan J. Fernandez, Kevin S. Simon and David B. Dail. 2009. The effect of nutrient availability on soil extracellular enzyme activity and CNP dynamics. (Paper 113-2). Presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings. Pittsburgh, PA. November 1-4.. [CD-ROM].
- Farrah R. Fatemi, Ivan J. Fernandez, Kevin S. Simon, D. Bryan Dail and Lindsey E. Rustad. Oct 6 2008. Response of Forest Soil CNP Dynamics to N Enrichment at the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine: Clues from Extracellular Enzyme Activities. Soil Science Society of America, Houston TX
- Fernandez, Ivan J., Stephen A. Norton, Lindsey E. Rustad, G. Bruce Wiersma and Kevin Simon. 2008. New Challenges for the Third Decade of Whole-Ecosystem Experimental Manipulations at the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine (BBWM) Soil Science Society of America (8 October 2008)
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1) Examine the role of N and P availability in regulating invertebrate communities and ecosystem function in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from one year of work on a new project focusing on the effects of chronic nitrogen addition and phosphorus limitation on Maine streams. Outputs include: 1. Field experiments were conducted and data were collected regarding whole-stream N uptake and the influence of P availability on N uptake. Results from this research has been analyzed, compiled in a manuscript that is in review and the data have been presented at an international conference. 2. An ongoing experiment is analyzing the influence of long-term P addition on decomposition in reference and chronically N-enriched streams. Preliminary data are complete and analysis is ongoing. Objective 2) Examine the extent of nutrient limitation and potential role of migratory fish as potential sources of MDN in Maine streams. Outputs for this objective stem from one year of a new project that will monitor the outcome of dam removal and migratory fish restoration on a linked lake-stream system. Ouputs include: 1. A collaborative team of academics and a NOAA manager was assembled to address a dam removal/river restoration project. This team recieved a grant that has facilitated a research project to collect data, mentor students and disseminate knowledge about dam removal and river restoration in Maine. 2. One year of pre-dam removal data in a manipulated system and 4 reference systems have been collected that will serve as a basis for subsequent monitoring after fish access has been restored. 3. One graduate student is being mentored on the research project. The student is collecting and analyzing data and collaborating on developing new research plans 4. The research project has been used as a teaching demonstration laboratory for an undergraduate level course in ecology (River Ecology, BIO463, University of Maine). 5. The presence of this research and initial results have been communicated to a NOAA fisheries manager and a meeting of interested stakeholders (Town of Brewer managers, environmental groups (e.g. Audubon)). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: PI: Kevin Simon - Lead project director, designed and coordinated research, obtained funding, organized research teams and communicated with stakeholders, mentored graduate student Dennis Anderson, Research associate/MAFES technician - assisted with field and laboratory research, 6 person/months Partner Organizations: Rory Saunders, Fishery Biologist, NOAA Field Station - Stakeholder collaborator who is co-investigator on grant funding dam removal research, assisted in disseminating project information to other stakeholders Collaborators: David Hart, School of Biology and Ecology and Mitchell Center, U. Maine -co-investigator on grant funding dam removal research Ivan Fernandez, Plant Soil and Environmental Sciences Department, U. Maine - co-investigator and co-PI on NSF proposal Steve Norton, Earch Sciences, U. Maine - co-investigator and co-PI on NSF proposal H. Maurice Valett, Virginia Tech - co-investigator and co-PI on NSF proposal Mary Beth Adams, U.S. Forest Service - co-investigator and co-PI on NSF proposal Training: Mick Demi - gradate student TARGET AUDIENCES: Undergraduate students - Students in an undergraduate course in river ecology participated in a laboratory that used field sites and the dam removal project as a learning excercise about the importance of freshwater-marine connectivity and river restoration practices. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Nineteen undergraduate students gained knowledge about the importance of freshwater-marine connectivity through a field experience using one of the study sites used in current research evaluating stream restoration through dam removal. The project design and data from the project contributed to the educational experience of the students.
Publications
- K.S. Simon and H.M.Valett. 2007. Influence of chronic nitrogen loading and phosphorus-limitation on in-stream nitrogen dynamics. 30th Congress of the International Association of Theoretical and Applied Limnology. August, 2007.
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