Research Support for USACEUSGS Western Ecological Research Center

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RESEARCH CONTACTSA. Keith MilesCenter Directorkeith_miles@usgs.gov

Josh AckermanResearch Wildlife Biologistjackerman@usgs.gov

Erin BoydstonResearch Ecologisteboydston@usgs.gov

Michael CasazzaResearch Wildlife Biologistmike_casazza@usgs.gov

Susan De La CruzWildlife Biologistsdelacruz@usgs.gov

Robert FisherSupervisory Research Biologistrfisher@usgs.gov

Brian HalsteadSupervisory Research Wildlife Biolo-gistbhalstead@usgs.gov

Barbara KusSupervisory Research Ecologistbarbara_kus@usgs.gov

U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey

Our shared projects provide data on listed wildlife, identify toxic pollutants in wetlands — and more.The Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) is a USGS Ecosystems science center serving primarily California and Nevada — the most ecologically diverse geographic region in the U.S. Stationed across these states, our researchers study iconic landscapes like the misty redwoods of the North Coast, the mountain habitats of Yosemite, the arid Mojave Desert, and the suburban wilderness bounding Southern California. We are uniquely situated to provide our clients and federal partners with the research, scientific understanding, and technology needed to support sound management of ecosystems in these regions. Four Science Themes define the research of WERC scientists: Ecosystem Response to Human Activity, Stressors to Species Recovery, Ecosystem Processes and Long-Term Trends, and Applications and Tools for Resource Management Use.

WERC researchers have been invited to participate in planning discussions of concern or interest to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), including the Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration project, Arroyo Seco Restoration project, and Aliso Creek Restoration project. WERC researchers serve on ecosystems teams that collaborate on these important programs along with other federal partners that include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The following page highlights nine current, collaborative projects between WERC and USACE. These studies provide the science for USACE representatives to make sound adaptive management decisions regarding sensitive habitats that support species of con-cern from the Napa-Sonoma marshes to the rivers of San Diego County. Find us online at www.werc.usgs.gov.

Collaborations with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Least Bell’s Vireo/Al SchmiererWaterbird nest at Napa-Sonoma Marshes/USGS Arroyo Toad/USGS

WILDLIFE STUDY FOR SARMPThe ongoing Santa Ana River Main Stem Project (SARMP) provides flood risk reduction for communities along the Santa Ana River from the San Bernardino Mountains to Newport Beach. Since 2009, major construction projects have most likely altered wildlife connectiv-ity between Chino Hills and the Santa Ana Mountains. Erin Boydston is leading studies to determine whether mammalian carnivores (e.g. coyotes and bobcats) and mule deer have experienced changes in movement behavior and population health in response to SARMP. Robert Fisher is assessing habitats for the threatened Santa Ana sucker in this region.

MERCURY AT HAMILTON ARMY AIRFIELDHamilton Army Airfield closed in 1988 and was slated for conversion back to tidal and seasonal wetland by USACE. However, wetlands are a breeding ground for methylmercury. Josh Ackerman is partnering with the USGS National Re-search Program to assess changes in water chemistry and mercury concentrations in sediment, surface water, and fish tissue as tidal action returns to the airfield. The data will steer adaptive management steps for the restoration effort.

NAPA-SONOMA MARSH RESTORATIONSince 1999, Susan De La Cruz has been conducting research on waterbirds and habitat characteristics of former salt pro-duction ponds at Napa-Sonoma Marshes. As part of the final restoration phases, USACE has funded USGS to assess water-bird and habitat changes over time and evaluate the impact of different restora-tion projects on waterbird populations and habitat. USGS will evaluate how salinity has changed as a result of management ac-tions and how this in turn affects waterbird community composition and abundance.

Updated September 2017 Page 2 of 2U.S. Department of the InteriorU.S. Geological Survey

WERC-USACE Research Projects

CASPIAN TERN MITIGATION IN THECOLUMBIA RIVER BASINCaspian terns have emerged as a USACE management issue in the Columbia River basin, given their significant predation on federally listed salmon species. To en-hance habitat elsewhere that would attract and establish new Caspian tern colonies, Josh Ackerman is studying nesting suc-cess requirements and habitat attraction methods (e.g. sound, decoys) to entice displaced Caspian terns.

SAN LUIS REY FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT PROJECT AREAUSACE controls excess vegetation in the San Luis Rey flood control channel to facilitate water flow and prevent floodwa-ters from overtopping levees. However, vegeta tion in the channel provides habitat for federally listed songbirds, such as the least Bell’s vireo. Barbara Kus’ studies assess habitat use and nesting success, providing science-based options (e.g., timing of mowing operations) to minimize potential effects of vegetation control.

DREDGING AND ESTUARINE WILDLIFESusan De La Cruz is assessing the effects of periodic, shallow-water, maintenance dredging on invertebrate prey for benthic fishes. Within the San Francisco Bay estu-ary, benthic macro-invertebrate communi-ties provide important food resources for many economically significant or declin-ing fish species. USGS has consulted with experts and management agencies, and implemented a study to compare the benthic communities in dredged areas and adjacent sites that had not been dredged. These data can inform regulatory and resource agencies on dredging impacts on soft-bottom benthos and essential fish foraging habitat.

GIANT GARTERSNAKE ECOLOGY AND HABITAT USEGiant gartersnakes are a state and federally threatened species that occur in wetlands, rice fields, and canals within California’s Central Valley. Levee maintenance is key to protecting giant gartersnake habi-tats, but has the potential to harm giant gartersnakes sheltering in burrows in and along levees. Brian Halstead and Michael Casazza are conducting radio telemetry studies of these snakes’ habitat use and surveys for giant gartersnake occurrence and abundance. This research will inform management of California and USACE-maintained levees to minimize potential harm to individual giant gartersnakes while maximizing long-term benefits of levee maintenance for giant gartersnake populations and habitats.

ARROYO TOAD, WESTERN POND TURTLE ASSESSMENTS AND CONSERVATIONUSACE is engaged in a critical infrastruc-ture and restoration project that could affect and eventually benefit the endan-gered arroyo toad in the Mojave River of San Bernardino County and the western pond turtle in Orange and Riverside Coun-ties. Robert Fisher is working on several projects where assessing these species’ status across their range will be critical to ensuring their population viability. Fisher is also monitoring the impacts of a trans-location project targeting western pond turtles, which are being considered by the USFWS for listing under the ESA.

Bobcat Using Underpass/USGS Caspian Terns/USGS Giant Gartersnake/USGS

Other partners on these projects include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project • Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties

The Western Ecological Research Center is a USGS Ecosystems Mission Area science center serving California and Nevada. Online at www.werc.usgs.gov