2000-2001 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

This document is separated into narrative sections for SNARL and Valentine Camp.

For other years, please use these links:

• 2002-2003 Highlights
• 2001-2002 Highlights
  
• 1999-2000 Highlights
• 1998-1999 Highlights

SIERRA NEVADA AQUATIC RESEARCH LABORATORY (SNARL)

RESEARCH:

Habitat Selection, Dispersal, and Spatial Population Dynamics of Stream Fishes

Scott D. Cooper, Steve Rothstein, and Kurt E. Anderson, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara_

The purpose of this project is to examine the effects of individual habitat selection and movement behavior on the overall spatial population distribution of stream fish. As part of our investigations, we are studying the behavior, movements, growth and distribution of trout in the experimental and natural streams at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab (SNARL). The currently planned experiments will examine how physical stream attributes (e.g. flow rate) and competition for territories with other fish effect the movement rate of stream trout and how these movement rates in turn effect their overall spatial population distribution. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Understanding the Population Effects of Heterogeneity in Individual Movement Behavior in Brown Trout

Scott D. Cooper, Steve Rothstein, and Kurt E. Anderson, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

Tom Jenkins, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California at Santa Barbara

The purpose of this project is to examine the effects of individual habitat selection and movement behavior on the overall spatial population distribution of stream fish. As part of our investigations, we are studying the behavior, movements, growth, and distribution of trout in the experimental and natural streams at the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab. The currently planned experiments will examine how physical stream attributes (e.g. flow rate) and competition for territories with other fish affect the movement rates of stream trout and how these movement rates in turn affect their overall spatial population distribution. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Competitive Strategies in a Model System: Energetics of Male Mating Success

Gwen Bachman, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska at Lincoln

The project’s goal is to assess whether and how energy supply limits the reproductive activities of male ground squirrels. I will be conducting observations on Belding’s ground squirrels, which in many ways typify male breeding strategies in other mammals. Males both fight and search for females. Body fat may have a role in fueling their success, but how this fat is acquired and at what cost is unknown. Using a combination of field experiments, observation of behavior, measure of energy expenditures, estimates of body composition, dissection, and measures of metabolic rate, I will be able to address 3 major issues in animal behavior and ecology: 1) the relationship between individual variation in male reproductive success and the allocation of time to different activities, 2) the extent to which individual reproductive activity is limited by stored energy reserves, and 3) the ecological and physiological costs to acquiring the energy used for breeding. This investigation will provide definitive data relevant to the role of energy in male reproductive success, and will provide a firm link between behavior and an individual’s ecological circumstances (food supply, and the risks they take to acquire food). The research site extends from Tioga Pass onto Dana Meadows in Yosemite. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Establishing the Mechanisms for the Establishment and Survival of Chrysathamnus Nauseasus : Analysis of Competition and Facilitation

Rebecca Balogh, Section of Ecology and Evolution, University of California at Davis

Ph.D. Advisor: Catherine Toft, Section of Ecology and Evolution, University of California at Davis

I am investigating the retention, germination, establishment and survival of C. nauseus (Rabbitbrush) at two locations at Mono Lake. I will be investigating both intraspecific competition and faciltation (i.e. nurse plant effects and safe sites) to determine which factors contribute the most to population dynamics and structure. Funding: Self -funded.

Context-dependent Constraints on Sagebrush-herb Dynamics in Sierra Nevada Meadows

Eric L. Berlow, White Mountain Research Station and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California at Berkeley

In collaboration with Dr. Carla D'Antonio (UC Berkeley), we are investigating the problem of sagebrush expansion in the montane meadows in the Kern Plateau. Like many areas of the western United States, large montane meadows in the Sierra Nevada of California have experienced dramatic expansion of woody shrubs (here sagebrush), a reduction in herbaceous species cover, and aridification since the introduction of livestock grazing in the late 1800's. In the meadows of the Kern Plateau, conversion of herbaceous wet meadows to dry sagebrush terraces, with coarse, erodible soil not only reduces meadow productivity for livestock, but also threatens the health of streams which are the last remaining native habitat of the Golden Trout. Our goal is to provide current meadow restoration plans with basic ecological information about the interaction of abiotic and biotic processes that control sagebrush expansion/persistence and that constrain meadow recovery in this system. Ultimately, we hope that our research will contribute to broader questions about woody shrub expansion that are pervasive throughout rangelands of the American West. In addition, we hope to contribute to more widespread questions about how to link general ecological theory to local concerns and site-specific management issues. Funding: National Science Foundation

Advanced Remote Sensing of Snow Cover and Ground State & Integration into Water Corps Control Systems

Robert E. Davis, Department of Geophysical Sciences, United States Army CRREL

Walter Rosenthal, United States Army CRREL & MMSA, University of California at Santa Barbara

Susan Burak, United States Army CRREL_Ceretha MacKenzie, Department of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara

Mike Colee, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

Tom Painter, Department of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project investigate the energy and mass budgets of alpine and subalpine snow cover. The project develops improved techniques for integrating remotely sensed information on snow distribution with emerging models of the spatial distribution of snow processes. The investigations range from basic research on the details of atmospheric interactions with snow in complex terrain, applying this understanding to improve models of snow processes, to establishing new methods to forecast runoff during extreme events. Funding: U.S. Army Corps Sacramento District; University of Arizona; N.A.S.A.

Hydrology, Hydrochemical Modeling and Remote Sensing in Seasonally Snow-covered Alpine Drainage Basins

Jeff Dozier, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

John M. Melack, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project will use Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to measure snow properties and compare field measurements with remotely sensed measurements from coincident Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) flights. Location of field work is at Mammoth Mountain. Funding: NASA.

Hydrogeochemistry of a Portion of the Loner Mammoth Pramlage Basin

Aaron Epstein, Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Northridge. Funding: Self-funded.

Molecular Genetic Analysis of a Lek Mating System

Robert Gibson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska

This project investigates the relationship between social behavior and genetic relatedness in a lek-breeding bird, the Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). This species serves as a model system for the analysis of mate choice in animals because breeding takes place at easily observed "leks", groups of males visited by females for mating. The project has the following specific objectives: 1) determine relationships between male breeding behavior and reproductive success, 2) identifying factors affecting mating patterns of females and 3) surveying patterns of genetic relatedness within and across social groups. This research combines field studies of the behavior of marked individual birds with measurement of paternity of offspring and relatedness among adults by genetic analysis (DNA fingerprinting) of blood samples in the laboratory. Funding: National Science Foundation.

The Influence of Introduced Trout on the Diversity and Structure of Native Aquatic Invertebrate Communities in High Sierra Streams

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Scott D. Cooper, and Erik Silldorff, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

Tom Kennedy, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California at Santa Barbara

The objective of the proposed research is to compare the composition of invertebrate communities in streams lacking introduced trout with paired nearby streams containing trout. The research will involve surveys of aquatic invertebrate diversity, behavior and distribution, along with an inventory of their food sources and physical habitat. Analyses of these data will permit an evaluation of the impacts of trout on the organization and diversity of stream communities, and interactions with environmental conditions that may modify the effects of fish. Fish stocking and its impacts on high elevation aquatic ecosystems is a controversial topic currently under review in California by a variety of public and private organizations. The proposed study will provide essential scientific input to policy development through 1) the evaluation of the impact of non-native trout on the biodiversity and ecological integrity of Sierran Streams 2) the development of criteria for identifying aquatic diversity management areas for conserving native species and 3) the establishment of baseline biological indicators for the monitoring of programs designed to restore stream biodiversity. Funding: UC Water Resources Center.

Biological Monitoring of Changes in Stream Habitat Quality Associated with Livestock Grazing Management

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

The objectives of this project are to provide baseline and trend monitoring information to verify the effectiveness of watershed restoration efforts, and to support other key programs of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Tasks include a) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Upper Truckee River livestock fencing project, including baseline monitoring of geomorphic features and aquatic invertebrate assemblages, and responses of those indicators; and b) an evaluation of the effectiveness of livestock grazing improvements in the upper West Walker River watershed, including baseline monitoring of geomorphic features and aquatic invertebrate assemblages, and responses of those indicators. Funding: California Regional Water Quality Board.

Stream Bioassessment Monitoring for Development of Water Quality Biocriteria and TMDL's (Total Maximum Daily Loads) in the Lahontan Region

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

The objectives of this project are to provide baseline and trend monitoring information to verify the effectiveness of watershed and wetlands restoration efforts, and to support other key programs of the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. The work consists of the following: 1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of wetlands restoration projects within the Lahontan Region via baseline and post-project monitoring of geomorphic features and aquatic invertebrate assemblages, and establishment of permanent stations to facilitate trend monitoring in future years. 2) Establishment of long-term monitoring stations and evaluation of baseline conditions of aquatic invertebrate communities to facilitate the development of regional biotic indices. 3) Establishment of long-term monitoring stations, evaluation of baseline conditions of aquatic invertebrate communities, and establishment of numeric targets to facilitate the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Funding: California Regional Water Quality Board.

Upper Truckee River Erosion Control Monitoring

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

The objectives of this project are to provide biomonitoring information to assist the California Regional Water Quality Control Board in its goal of restoring and maintaining the biological integrity of surface waters in the Lahontan Region. The project will consist of 1) Collection of aquatic invertebrate samples and associated physical habitat data in the watershed of the Upper Truckee River, and identification of aquatic invertebrate assemblages present at those locations; and 2) Calculation of appropriate metrics for assessment of stream habitat conditions. Funding: California Regional Water Quality Board.

Development of Regional Biological Criteria for Stream Water Quality Standards

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

The objectives of this project are to provide baseline and trend monitoring information to assist the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region (RWQCB), in determining the ambient quality of the Region's waters. Tasks will be: 1) Collecting data on the geomorphic features and associated physical habitat of stream systems throughout the Lahontan Region, and establishment of permanent stations to facilitate trend monitoring in future years, and 2) Collection and evaluation of baseline data on the ambient conditions of aquatic invertebrate communities to facilitate the development of indices of biological integrity. Funding: California Regional Water Quality Board.

Biomonitoring of Stream Habitat Restoration and Grazing Management on the West Walker River Watershed (Mono County, California)

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Historical livestock overgrazing along some Sierra Nevada stream corridors has resulted in the degradation of habitat due to the loss of protective vegetative cover, bank erosion, and sediment deposition. Enhancement and restoration of riparian and channel habitat is the goal of new exclosure fencing projects for grazing management under implementation on streams in the West Walker River watershed on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Measurement of the efficacy of these practices will require procedures for assessing the condition of riparian vegetation, physical channel features, and the biological integrity of stream ecosystems. This study involves surveying methods to provide data on the physical and biological structure of project and reference stream habitats that will establish a monitoring baseline and enable evaluation of this restoration program. The data will be at nine treatment sites and will be compared to existing stream surveys from the project area. Funding: UC Santa Cruz.

Kings River Project

David B. Herbst, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Funding: U.S. Forest Service

Monitoring of Pedicularis crenulata Population

Ann Howald, Department of Life Sciences, Santa Rosa Junior College

This project's focus is demographic monitoring of Pedicularis crenulata , a perennial in the lousewort family. This rare plant's only known location in California is within the fenced boundary of Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory. Funding: Self-funded.

Ecology Of Viruses of Mono Lake

Sunny Jiang, Environmental Analysis and Design, University of California at Irvine

Water sample from Mono Lake will be collected for isolation of bacteria and viruses. Water sample will also be preserved and shipped back to the home lab for direct enumeration of bacteria and viruses. Funding: Self-funded

Control of Broom Trout Recruitment through Manipulation of Spawning Habitat

Roland Knapp, Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California at Davis

The focus of this study is the reproductive and population biology of a non-native species of trout (Salvelinus fontinalus) that has been stocked in alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada. By attempting to determine what controls these populations we hope to better understand how to control them or potentially eliminate them. Currently I am studying the possibility that spawning habitat in Alpine lakes without streams is limiting. Next year I will begin a manipulative experiment in which I will attempt to limit recruitment by physically preventing access to Redd sites. Ultimately, I hope to eventually restore some lakes to their pre-stocking, fishless condition. Funding: Self-funded.

Effects of Exotic Eradication on the Recovery of Ecosystem Structure and Function

Roland Knapp, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Ace Sarnelle, Biology Department, Michigan State University

The introduction of exotic (non-native) species has caused both extinctions of native species and large changes in the functioning of ecosystems. Although the effects of exotic species introduction have been studied widely, quantitative studies of ecosystem recovery after exotic species eradication are exceedingly rare. Such studies are essential to determine whether ecosystems typically return to their natural condition after a perturbation is removed, and how long such recovery takes. In addition, much can be learned about the natural process of community assembly from experimental study of exotic eradication. In alpine lakes of the Sierra Nevada, the widespread stocking of non-native trout is a major factor implicated in the decline of the mountain yellow-legged frog Rana muscosa. In addition, several species of invertebrates are driven to extinction when trout are stocked in to previously fishless lakes. Our first objective is to determine natural rates of recovery of these species after the eradication of exotic trout. Species recovery will be studied with both a whole-lake experiment, and a broad-scale survey of Sierra lakes that vary in the length of time since trout populations naturally die out. The experiment will be conducted in Humphreys Basin, John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest and the broad-scale survey will be conducted in Kings Canyon National Park. The experiment will compare three lakes in which exotic trout are removed to three similar lakes in which trout continue to be stocked. Our second objective asks how changes in species composition after trout eradication alter the functioning of these lake ecosystems. To this end, we will measure the relative contributions of algae in the water column versus on the substrate to overall lake productivity. Changes in these contributions may have dramatic effects on the food webs of these lakes. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Effects of Non-native Trout on Amphibian and Invertebrate Communities in Yosemite and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks

Roland Knapp, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory and Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara

Aspen Leaf-loss Induced by Leaf-rolling Caterpillars

Joshua Ladau, Cornell University

Several species of caterpillars roll Aspen leaves and then inhabit those rolls. Preliminary observations suggest that the Aspen trees may drop rolled leaves to reduce herbivory. The purpose of the proposed experiment is to begin testing this hypothesis by comparing death rates of leaves exposed to caterpillars, caterpillar frass, and caterpillar silk. Specifically, leaves will be exposed to each of these treatments (and a control) using mesh sleeves in the field. After ten days, death rates will be assessed visually. Funding: Self-funded.

Environmental Influences on Hormone Behavior Interactions to Mate Fidelity

Rachel Levin, Department of Biology, Pomona College

The purpose of this project is to study how environmental cues can influence vertebrate reproductive behavior and physiology. Specifically, we are interested in the effects of latitude and altitude on mate fidelity and the degree to which hormones control behavior. These environmental factors can affect reproductive biology directly, or have an indirect effect by influencing the length of the breeding season. We are testing these possibilities by comparing mate fidelity, levels of reproductive behavior, and plasma hormone levels in populations of house wrens, Troglodytes aedon, at two different altitudes over a three year period. We have been working at one of our sites, Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory, since 1997. Here we have noticed that the length of the breeding season and the degree of extra-pair behaviors vary between years. Starting in 2000, we plan to work with a second population of birds at the Valentine Reserve. We anticipate that the breeding season at Valentine will be shorter than that at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory due to its higher altitude, permitting a within year comparison of adjacent sites with different altitudes and breeding seasons. Funding: Hirsch Research Initiation Award.

Plant Responses to Climate Change in the Western United States

Michael E. Loik, Department Environmental Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz

The goals of this project are, first, to investigate how climate change will affect ecosystem recovery and efforts by humans to facilitate this recovery process. Second, to understand responses to increased precipitation for arid and semi-arid ecosystems across the southwestern United States. Funding: Center for Field Studies, Earthwatch.

Late-quaternary Climate Change: Sierra Nevada, California

Glen MacDonald, Geography, University of California, Los Angeles

This summer's research is an extension of research carried out over the last two years in Kings Canyon National Park (1998) and Inyo and Toiyabe National Forest (1999). Last summer surface sediment and water samples were collected from 50 lakes in the Inyo and Toiyabe National Forests. We are in the process of analyzing this sediment for elemental and isotopic geochemistry, larval chironomid remains, diatoms, pollen, and conifer stomates. Using a calibration set approach we will attempt to link in lake chemistry, chironomids, diatoms, pollen, and stomates to lake air and water temperature, lake depth, precipitation and vegetation. This summer we would like to 1) expand the additional gradient of the calibration data set and 2) recover late-quaternary sediment from high, mid and low elevation lakes in the Inyo and Toiyabe National Forests. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Turbulent Mixing: Effects on Resource Supply and Primary Productivity of Lakes Boundary Mixing Over Sloping and Rough Topography: Pathways of Energy Flux

Sally Mac Intyre, Institute for Computational Earth System Science, University of California at Santa Barbara

John Melack, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology , University of California at Santa Barbara

Stephen Monismith, and Geoffrey Schladon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University

Turbulence in lakes is critical for supply of light and nutrients for phytoplankton growth. Our recent studies have documented that the processes that generate turbulence are localized in space and time. In fact, in Mono Lake, turbulent mixing occurs near the lateral boundaries at times when internal wave amplitudes are large. Sloping boundaries or submerged peninsulas steepen the internal waves cresting instability._We have two projects in Mono Lake. In one, we are exploring the connection between the dynamics of these internal and nutrient supply to the deep chlorphyll maximum and to phytoplankton in the upper part of the euphotic zone. In the second project, we are further exploring the interaction of basin scale waves. That is, waves whose wavelengths are the length of the lake, with topographic features. Our goal is to determine the pathway by which the energy from the basin scale waves is dissipated as turbulence. To this end, we will be using thermistor chains to collect data to describe wave amplitudes and current meter data to determine the energy in the internal wave field at various scales. We will be measuring turbulence in the water column with temperature-gradient microstructure profilers to quantify the dissipation and to determine where it is highest. We will be putting these results into context using state-of-the-art three dimensional models that include bathymetry. Results from this project are useful not only to physical oceanographers and physical limnologists interested in turbulence and internal waves, but also to biologists interested where turbulent mixing and the resulting fluxes of nutrients are highest. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Mechanisms of Social Recognition in Ground Squirrels

Jill Mateo, Department of Psychology, Cornell University

The general focus of this research at Sierra Nevada Aquatic Reserve Laboratory is to describe the mechanisms of social recognition in ground squirrels, focusing on olfactory cues as a means of discrimination. Belding's ground squirrels produce at least three individually distinct odors (secretions from oral, dorsal, and anal glands), which may be used for individual identification. These odors are generalized, in that squirrels do not differentiate between two odors (such as oral and dorsal) from the same individual. This suggests a higher-order representation of familiar individuals. Preliminary data indicate that oral and dorsal glands also produce kin-distinct odors. That is, odors that are more similar among relatives than non-relatives. Thus ground squirrels could use these odors as markers of relatedness to facilitate kin recognition. Pilot data suggest that squirrels can, in fact, discriminate odors from unfamiliar individuals varying in relatedness to them (such as grandmother, aunt, half-aunt). Squirrels continue to recognize their kin after a species-typical period of hibernation of eight months. However, they no longer recognize previously familiar non-kin in the spring, suggesting that familiarity (e.g. of neighbors or colony members) must be reestablished each year. Data from free-living animals demonstrate that adult females use olfactory communication to demarcate and defend their burrow systems. In addition, mutual investigation of oral glands often preceded both amicable and agnostic social interactions. Funding: National Science Foundation.

GPS Measurements of Deformation Within Long Valley Caldera and the Adjacent Sierran Block

Susan Owen, Department of Geology and Geophysics/ Earth Sciences, University of California at Berkeley/ University of Southern California

Long Valley caldera, in the eastern Sierra, is both volcanically and seismically active. It has recently experienced an increase in seismic activity and surface deformation that may be related to magma migration. While there is some continuous strain monitoring equipment already in place, the region where the most recent activity has occurred is not well covered by the existing permanent networks and must be covered by periodic campaigns. The area south of the resurgent dome is where most of the seismicity and possibly most of the surface deformation has been occurring. I propose to initiate a pilot study to investigate the surface deformation in this region using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. This work should provide better constraints on the magmatic intrusions and faulting processes. It is necessary to study these processes to evaluate the potential for future eruptions and earthquakes in Long Valley and to gain better understanding of how volcanic calderas work. Funding: University of Southern California.

Snow Spectral Albedo and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function in Alpine Terrain

Thomas Painter, Department of Geography, University of California at Santa Barbara

This project is part of the project with Dr. Jeff Dozier titled Hydrology, Hydrochemical Modeling and Remote Sensing in Seasonally Snow Covered Alpine Drainage Basins. Funding: N.A.S.A.

Temperature Tolerance of Native California Shrub Purshia tridentata in a Changing Global Climate

Gitane Royce, Department of Environmental Studies, University of California at Santa Cruz

This project will study the ability of Purshia tridentata to withstand thermal extremes. In particular, the integrity of cellular and chloroplast membranes will be assessed once plants are subjected to high temperature treatments in the lab. In addition, in situ, non-destructive data collection will be collected across an elevation gradient along Rock Creek drainage. Funding: Richard A. Cooley Friends International Award.

Hydrological Survey of Mammoth Creek and Lakes

Prem Saint, Department of Geological Sciences, California State University at Fullerton

This project investigates the hydrological budget and water quality variations in the Mammoth Creek. Investigations will also be made into a comparison of thermal stratification conditions between Convict Lakes and Upper Mammoth Lakes during Summer and Fall 2001. Funding: Self-funded

Collaborative Research: Microbial Observatory at an Alkaline, Hypersaline, Meromictic Lake (Mono Lake, California)

Grieg F. Steward, and Jonathan P. Zehr, Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California at Santa Cruz

This project will include collection of bacteria from Mono Lake to determine presence, diversity and expression of genes for nitrogen fixation. Funding: National Science Foundation.

Effects of Heterogeneity in Abiotic Resources on Stream Communities

William Keith Taulbee, and William Murdoch, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California at Santa Barbara

I propose to conduct two three-part experiments in a set of 24 artificial stream channels placed at the conflux of stream sections 3 and 4. In the first set of experiments, I will create a six level gradient of light intensity with 4 replicates per treatment, to quantify the functional response of algae to a light gradient. At the end of this experiment (~3 weeks), I propose to add Baetid mayfly larvae to half of the channels to measure the functional responses of invertebrates on algae, as well as the immigration and emigration rates of Baetids as a function of algal levels. This second experiment will run for 2-3 days. Finally, I will conduct a 24 hour experiment by subdividing at least 6 of the channels and measuring Baetid drift distances as a function of algal levels. In the second set of experiments, I will substitute a nutrient (N+P) gradient for light, but will otherwise repeat the experiments described above with light manipulations. I anticipate a three week setup prior to the first set of experiments and a week in between the two sets of experiments. Funding: National Science Foundation

VALENTINE CAMP

RESEARCH:

Affairs with Bears

Jay Majer, Deptartment of Cinema-Television, University of Southern California

I will make a documentary exploring unique relationship between the people of Mammoth Lakes, and the local Black Bear community. The focus of the project is to discover the truth about this fascinating animal, and to discuss the potential of human co-existence with wildlife. Funding: Self-funded

Page last updated Wednesday, October 29, 2003