Sourcebook: Spring 2021, Volume 2 Issue 1

TEXAS A&M NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE

SOURCEBOOK SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

RESEARCH REPORTS

SPRING 2021 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES

ABOUT

ABOUT THE NRI SOURCEBOOK Each season, the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute (NRI) publishes a digital collection of the recently published, peer-reviewed scientific publications, research reports, and science-based resources developed to support the improvement of conservation, natural resource management and private land stewardship. Through interdisciplinary and applied research, education and policy, we are committed to solving natural resource issues and engaging land managers, citizens and policymakers throughout the process. Each item in the Sourcebook can be accessed on the NRI website, nri.tamu.edu.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 2, Issue 1

PUBLICATIONS Effects of Hurricane Irma on the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit

1

Population abundance and range use of Desmarest’s hutia in southeastern Cuba

2

A comprehensive approach uncovers hidden diversity in freshwater mussels with the description of a novel species

3

Phylogeographic structure of the dunes sagebrush lizard, an endemic habitat specialist

4

Linking flow and thermal tolerances of freshwater mussel species from the southwestern United States

5

Modeling Louisiana pinesnake habitat to guide the search for population relicts

6

Linking life history strategies and historical baseline information shows effects of altered flow regimes and impoundments on freshwater mussel assemblages

7

Diurnal and nocturnal habitat use in reticulate collared lizards Clearing up cloudy waters: A review of sediment impacts to unionid freshwater mussels

8 9

REPORTS Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program: 2020 evaluation report

10

Promoting coastal resilience through partnerships and planning: Communities, Sea Grant programs, SERPPAS, and military installations

11

Participation equals conservation: Why diversity matters in sustaining our natural resources

12

RESOURCES A 2020 report on REPI Program outcomes and benefits to military mission capabilities

13

Private land stewardship education

14

PUBLICATIONS EFFECTS OF HURRICANE IRMA ON THE ENDANGERED LOWER KEYS MARSH RABBIT

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Sylvilagus palustris hefneri (Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit [LKMR]) is an endangered subspecies of marsh rabbit found only in the Lower Florida Keys. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma was measured as a Category 4 storm when it passed through the center of the LKMR range

causing

significant

damage

to

human

infrastructure and natural habitats.

To assess the impact of Hurricane Irma to LKMR and its habitat, we compared pre- and post-hurricane monitoring data. Overall, 82% of LKMR habitat patches were abandoned, the average number of pellets per sampling plot decreased 94%, and average patch pellet density decreased by 84% following Hurricane Irma. Generally, pellets were found in plots with greater open cover, an intermediate amount of herbaceous

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and woody cover, and areas with more standing water post-Hurricane Irma. We also observed a slight decrease in signs of Procyon lotor (Raccoon) and

AUTHORS ANDREA MONTALVO ISRAEL PARKER ALISON LUND

NOVA SILVY ROEL LOPEZ SANDRA SNECKENBERGER KATHERINE WATTS

CITATION Montalvo, A.E., I.D. Parker, A.A. Lund, N.J. Silvy, R.R. Lopez, S.I. Sneckenberger, K.G. Watts. 2020. Effects of Hurricane Irma on the endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbit.

Southeastern Naturalist 19:759-770.

Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum). The decrease in rabbit pellets detected after Hurricane Irma is likely attributed to both direct mortality from the storm and flooding, as well as indirect mortality from the loss of critical, salt-sensitive herbaceous cover. Because climate-change models suggest increases in future flooding and hurricane frequency, we recommend that wildlife managers continue to closely monitor the recovery of LKMR populations and their habitat to determine if more active management actions (e.g., habitat

remediation,

translocations,

or

captive

breeding) are necessary.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Research indicates substantial Lower Keys marsh rabbit patch abandonment following Hurricane Irma, likely attributed to both direct mortality from the storm flooding and indirect population impacts from saltsensitive herbaceous cover. Continued monitoring is serving to determine the response of both rabbit populations and their habitat, and whether more aggressive management such as translocation and habitat restoration are needed.

Funding, historic data, and support were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

PAGE 1

PUBLICATIONS POPULATION ABUNDANCE AND RANGE USE OF DESMAREST’S HUTIA (CAPROMYIDAE: CAPROMYS PILORIDES) IN SOUTHEASTERN CUBA

JOURNAL ABSTRACT The Desmarest’s hutia (hereafter hutia, Capromys pilorides) is a rodent endemic to the Republic of Cuba (hereafter Cuba) and its associated islands. There is little recent research focused on hutia population abundance and range use in southeastern Cuba. We evaluated the current status of the hutia population in southeastern Cuba through (1) estimation of population density via walking and driving surveys, and (2) hutia spatial ecology via Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Driving surveys indicated lower mean hutia density (¯x = 0.14 hutias/ ha) than walking transects (¯x = 1.13 hutias/ha). Three of 13 GPS-collared hutias provided sufficient data for range analyses as 10 hutias severely damaged their GPS units. Ranges were relatively small (50% Core Area, ¯x = 0.50 ha; 95% Range, ¯x = 2.63 ha) and individuals tended to stay very close to tree cover, only emerging at night to

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forage. We recommend continued monitoring of hutia populations due to their influence on rare vegetative communities and importance as a significant food

AUTHORS ISRAEL PARKER ANDREA MONTALVO BRIAN PIERCE

source for the Cuban boa (Chilabothrus angulifer).

GEORGE KENNY CHRISTOPHER PETERSEN MATTHEW CRAWFORD

ROEL LOPEZ

CITATION Parker, I.D., A.E. Montalvo, B.L. Pierce, R.R. Lopez, G. Kenny, C. Petersen and M. Crawford. 2020. Population abundance and range use of Desmarest’s hutia (Capromyidae: Capromys pilorides) in Southeastern Cuba. Caribbean Journal of Science 50: 258-264.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Research informed the distribution of hutia population as being locally overabundant and with restricted ranges in areas of southeastern Cuba. As hutias serve as a critical food source for the endemic threatened Cuban boa, research on the relationship between hutias and their primary predators will benefit Navy resource managers in improved population management.

Funding for this project was provided by the U.S. Navy.

PAGE 2

PUBLICATIONS A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH UNCOVERS HIDDEN DIVERSITY IN FRESHWATER MUSSELS (BIVALVIA: UNIONIDAE) WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NOVEL SPECIES

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Major

geological

processes

have

shaped

biogeographical patterns of riverine biota. The Edwards Plateau of central Texas, USA, exhibits unique aquatic communities and endemism, including several species of freshwater mussels. Lampsilis bracteata (Gould, 1855) is endemic to the Edwards Plateau region; however, its phylogenetic relationship with other species in the Gulf coastal rivers and Mississippi River basin

is

unknown.

We

evaluated

phylogenetic

relationships, shell morphologies and soft anatomy characters of L. bracteata and a closely related congener, Lampsilis hydiana (Lea, 1838) throughout their ranges. Our results showed the presence of an undescribed

species:

Lampsilis

bergmanni

sp.n.

Lampsilis bracteata and L. bergmanni sp.n. share similar shell morphologies and soft anatomy characters; however, they are genetically distinct. Geological processes, such as faulting and sea-level changes

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during the Miocene to Pliocene, are likely to have facilitated diversification of Lampsilis species, resulting in isolation of L. bracteata on the Edwards Plateau and

AUTHORS KENTARO INOUE JOHN HARRIS

diversification between L. bergmanni sp.n. and L. NATHAN JOHNSON CHARLES RANDKLEV

CLINTON ROBERTSON

hydiana. We conclude that L. bracteata range is restricted to the Colorado River basin, whereas L. bergmanni sp.n. occurs only in upstream reaches of the Guadalupe River basin. Conservation actions are

CITATION Inoue, K., J.L. Harris, C.R. Robertson, N.A. Johnson and C.R. Randklev. 2020. A comprehensive approach uncovers hidden diversity in freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) with the description of a novel species. Cladistics 36:88-113.

warranted for both species due to their restricted distributions and potential anthropogenic threats.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Research involving shell morphologies, phylogenetic relationships and soft anatomy characteristics revealed an undescribed species genetically distinct from a similar species.

Reclassification warrants conservation action given the restricted distributions of both species.

PAGE 3

PUBLICATIONS PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE OF THE DUNES SAGEBRUSH LIZARD, AN ENDEMIC HABITAT SPECIALIST

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Phylogeographic divergence and population genetic diversity within species reflect the impacts of habitat connectivity, processes

demographics, in

both

the

and

recent

landscape and

distant

level past.

Characterizing patterns of differentiation across the geographic range of a species provides insight on the roles

of

organismal

evolutionary

and

divergence

environmental and

future

traits

in

population

persistence. This is particularly true of habitat specialists where habitat availability and resource dependence may result in pronounced genetic structure as well as increased

population

vulnerability.

We

use

DNA

sequence data as well as microsatellite genotypes to estimate

range-wide

phylogeographic

historical

population

connectivity,

and

divergence, historical

demographics in an endemic habitat specialist, the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus). This species is

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TOBY HIBBITTS

sand within the shinnery oak-sand dune ecosystem of southeastern New Mexico and adjacent Texas. We find

AUTHORS LAUREN CHAN CHARLES PAINTER MICHAEL HILL

found exclusively in dune blowouts and patches of open

evidence of phylogeographic structure consistent with DANIEL LEAVITT WADE RYBERG DANIELLE WALKUP LEE FITZGERALD

CITATION Chan, L.M., C.W. Painter, M.T. Hill, T.J. Hibbitts, D.J. Leavitt, W.A. Ryberg, D. Walkup and L.A. Fitzgerald. 2020.

Phylogeographic structure of the dunes sagebrush lizard, an endemic habitat specialist. Plos One 15: e0238194.

breaks and constrictions in suitable habitat at the rangewide scale. In addition, we find support for a dynamic and variable evolutionary history across the range of S. arenicolus. Populations in the Monahans Sandhills have deeply divergent lineages consistent with long-term demographic stability. In contrast, populations in the Mescalero Sands are not highly differentiated, though we do find evidence of demographic expansion in some regions and relative demographic stability in others. Phylogeographic history and population genetic differentiation in this species has been shaped by the configuration of habitat patches within a geologically

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

complex and historically dynamic landscape. Our findings

Research findings indicate the shinnery oak-sand dune habitats of Mescalero Sands and Monahans Sandhills have experienced severe habitat degradation and fragmentation, particularly in the southern portions of the range. Results suggest these habitat regions be considered distinctive conservation units as current treatments decrease connectivity among populations and interrupt metapopulation dynamics, contributing to local population extinctions.

identify regions as genetically distinctive conservation units as well as underscore the genetic and demographic history of different lineages of S. arenicolus.

Funding for this project was provided by the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard/ Lesser Prairie Chicken Candidate Conservation Agreement Research Funds administered by CEHMM, the USA Bureau of Land Management and the State Comptroller of Public Accounts.

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PUBLICATIONS LINKING FLOW AND THERMAL TOLERANCES OF FRESHWATER MUSSEL SPECIES FROM THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

JOURNAL ABSTRACT 1. Freshwater ecosystems are experiencing shifts in the natural range and variation of water temperatures due to anthropogenic activity, and these shifts can negatively affect survival, growth, and reproduction of aquatic species. Among the groups most affected are freshwater mussels of the family Unionidae. Knowledge of sublethal and lethal effects on mussels from changes in water temperature are largely unknown, especially for species from arid and semi-arid regions such as the southwestern U.S.A. This limits the ability to assess, forecast, and adaptively manage this threat for those species and to understand how temperature influences population performance and community structure.

2. To determine the effects of elevated water temperature on mussels from the southwestern U.S.A., we evaluated the upper thermal tolerances of adults of three species (Amblema plicata, Cyclonaias necki, and Fusconaia mitchelli) from the

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JACK DUDDING MICHAEL HART

tested across a range of experimental temperatures (30-39°C) in standard acute (96-hr) and chronic (10-day) laboratory

AUTHORS JENNIFER KHAN

Guadalupe River. Mussels were acclimated to 27°C and then

CLINTON ROBERTSON ROEL LOPEZ CHARLES RANDKLEV

tests. The acute and chronic thresholds identified in thermal tolerance testing were then related to in situ water temperature and flows using a uniform continuous abovethreshold

analysis,

which

evaluates

the

duration

and

frequency of continuous events above a specified temperature

CITATION Khan, J., J. Dudding, M. Hart, C.R. Robertson, R. Lopez and C.R. Randklev. 2020. Upper thermal limits of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from the Guadalupe River, Texas: Linking flow and thermal tolerances of freshwater mussel species from the southwestern United States. Freshwater Biology 65:2037-2052.

threshold.

3. Median lethal temperature in 96-hr tests averaged 36.4°C and ranged from 33.7 to 37.5°C, while the chronic 10-day tests averaged 35.9°C and ranged from 32.4 to 37.5°C. Thermal tolerances of F. mitchelli were significantly lower than both A. pli-cata and C. necki, and the uniform continuous above-threshold analysis showed that temperature affecting 5% of the population thresholds were exceeded for F. mitchelli in the Guadalupe River at both acute (96-hr) and chronic (10-

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Analysis of thermal events in the lower Guadalupe River combined with estimates of upper thermal tolerance limits demonstrate mussels are likely experiencing sublethal thermal stress at acute and chronic levels during Texas summer months. These effects are likely to compound, leading to population declines, though in situ lab experiments suggest potential mitigative strategies.

day) values (30.5 and 28.4°C, respectively).

4. Findings from this study indicate that freshwater mussels from the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwest U.S.A. are already at risk from rising environmental temperatures and altered hydrology. However, by incorporating laboratory thermal tolerance estimates with in situ temperature and discharge data, we provide a range of hydrologic thresholds to inform environmental flow recommendations and potentially mitigate thermal stress occurring during periods of low flow.

Funding for this research was provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and Texas A&M AgriLife Research

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PUBLICATIONS MODELING LOUISIANA PINESNAKE HABITAT TO GUIDE THE SEARCH FOR POPULATION RELICTS

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Pituophis ruthveni (Louisiana Pinesnake) is one of the rarest snakes in the United States. Efforts to refine existing habitat models that help locate relictual populations and identify potential reintroduction sites are needed. To validate these models, more efficient methods of detection for this rare species must also be developed. Here we expand recent habitat suitability models based on edaphic factors to include mature Pinus (pine) stands that have not been cut for at least 30 years and likely have vegetation structure with the potential to support the species. Our model identified a total of 1652 patches comprising 180,050 ha of potentially suitable habitat, but only 16 (1%) of these patches were more than 1000 ha and considered worthy

of

conservation

attention

as

potential

reintroduction sites. We also visited potentially suitable

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SHELBY FRIZZELL DALTON NEUHARTH

traps to survey for relictual populations at 7 areas in Texas. We observed 518 snakes of 18 species in

AUTHORS AMANDA ANDERSON WADE RYBERG KEVIN SKOW BRIAN PIERCE

habitat, as determined by our model, and used camera

8,388,078 images taken from April to October 2016, CONNOR ADAMS TIMOTHY JOHNSON JOSH PIERCE D. CRAIG RUDOLPH ROEL LOPEZ TOBY HIBBITTS

but no Louisiana Pinesnakes were detected. The patchiness of the habitat model and failure to detect Louisiana

Anderson, A., W.A. Ryberg, K.L. Skow, B.L. Pierce, S. Frizzell, D. B. Neuharth, C.S. Adams, T.E. Johnson, J.B. Pierce, D.C. Rudolph, R.R. Lopez. 2020. Modeling Louisiana pinesnake habitat to guide the search for population relicts.

Southeastern Naturalist 19: 613-626.

corroborate

independent

small, isolated, probably in decline, and possibly extirpated. In the context of this extreme rarity, we believe

CITATION

Pinesnakes

conclusions that most populations of the species are

this

study

will

help

manage

limited

conservation resources by narrowing the search areas for relictual populations, providing a more costeffective method of surveying those areas, and identifying the best sites for future reintroduction efforts.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? A model was created to aid in identifying potential areas supporting relictual populations of this rare snake. Study confirmed the rarity of the species, suggesting current populations are likely small and isolated. Modelling approach can help future population monitoring efforts by geographically narrowing search areas, saving time and money.

Funding for this project was provided by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Photo by Michael Sealy, USFWS.

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PUBLICATIONS LINKING LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES AND HISTORICAL BASELINE INFORMATION SHOWS EFFECTS OF ALTERED FLOW REGIMES AND IMPOUNDMENTS ON FRESHWATER MUSSEL ASSEMBLAGES

JOURNAL ABSTRACT 1. Human impacts on aquatic ecosystems are causing shifts in the composition and distribution of species, leading to subsequent changes in community structure.

However, these changes may not be fully realised because of inadequate baseline information. In Texas, such baseline information is generally lacking for cryptic aquatic species such as unionid mussels, which will be likely to impede identification of impacted populations, potential causal factors, and the setting or achieving of management goals.

2. The Navasota River, located in central Texas, is an exception, having been comprehensively surveyed more

than

40

years

ago,

prior

to

large‐scale

impoundment of this system. Hierarchical cluster analysis, nonmetric multidimensional scaling, and fuzzy set ordination were performed to compare assemblage structure from the 1975 survey to that of a recent

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survey in 2016 at similar sampling locations.

3. Comparing sites based on the presence–absence of mussel species, we found no significant differences

AUTHORS JENNIFER KHAN JACK DUDDING

between the number of taxa and species present; ERIC TSAKIRIS CHARLES RANDKLEV

MICHAEL HART

however, we did find significant filtering of mussel life history strategies. Specifically, prior to impoundment, we found that mussel assemblages were filtered based on longitudinal patterns in life history strategy from taxa

CITATION Khan, J., J. Dudding, M. Hart, E. Tsakiris and C.R. Randklev.

2020. Linking life history strategies and historical baseline information shows effects of altered flow regimes and impoundments on freshwater mussel assemblages.

Freshwater Biology 65:1950-1961.

that are adapted to disturbed habitats to those favoured in more stable habitats with low environmental variation.

4. However, following large‐scale impoundment after 1975, we saw a shift in the hydrologic regime towards consistent,

homogenised

flows

and

a

shift

in

assemblage structure towards equilibrium species. This shift appears to represent a discontinuity, wherein river

WHAT'S THE IMPACT? Research reveals that freshwater mussel composition and species richness remained similar over a 40-year period in unaltered river systems. In contrast, river systems with large-scale impoundments shifted assemblage structure and dominant life history strategies for freshwater mussels. Results provide insights into environmental flow alterations and river impoundments to inform mitigative strategies.

impoundment

alters

physical

parameters

of

the

hydrologic regime and these changes in turn modify biotic patterns and processes.

5. Our results provide another example of how large dams can restructure mussel assemblages, highlight the importance of incorporating reference or baseline conditions wherever possible when evaluating the conservation status of aquatic biota, and provide further evidence for the use of life history theory and the serial discontinuity concept in predicting the consequences of flow alteration and river impoundment.

Funding for this research was provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Brazos River Authority.

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PUBLICATIONS DIURNAL AND NOCTURNAL HABITAT USE IN RETICULATE COLLARED LIZARDS (CROPTAPHYTUS RETICULATUS)

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Patterns of habitat use in animals can vary over time and space in predictable ways. For ectotherms, behavioral

cycles

are

tightly

linked

to

varying

temperatures in the environment such that microhabitat availability

can

constrain

individual

performance,

fitness, and life history. A long history of research on diurnal microhabitat use in lizards exists; however, comparatively

little

is

known

about

nocturnal

microhabitat use that might also constrain individual lizard performance, fitness, and life history.

In this study, we compared diurnal and nocturnal microhabitat sites of the reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus), a threatened species in Texas, to available microhabitat sites. We found significant differences between diurnal and nocturnal microhabitat characteristics, and both of these were

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significantly different from random microhabitat sites available. We observed that C. reticulatus used diurnal and nocturnal microhabitats with a gravel substrate and

AUTHORS TIMOTHY GARRETT WADE RYBERG

scattered boulders that were covered by a short TYLER CAMPBELL TOBY HIBBITTS

CONNOR ADAMS

overstory of woody and succulent plants rather than more heavily vegetated sites with dense grasses and forbs. We also observed that diurnal microhabitats were moderately open, shallow gravel slopes compared with

CITATION Garrett, T.B., W.A. Ryberg, C.S. Adams, T.A. Campbell and T.J. Hibbitts. 2019. Diurnal and nocturnal habitat use in reticulate collared lizards (Crotaphytus reticulatus).

Southwestern Naturalist 63:209-215.

nocturnal microhabitats that contained dense thickets of woody and succulent plants. The open, gravelly characteristics of diurnal microhabitats with occasional vegetative

structure

were

more

consistent

with

microhabitat descriptions of other Crotaphytids, which as a group are visual predators.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

However, the daily shift to dense, thorny plant cover at

Research found differential habitat use between diurnal and nocturnal periods for reticulate collared lizards. The daily shift to dense, thorny plant cover at night appears to be unique to the species compared to other genus members. Study suggests that current private land stewardship is benefiting lizard populations. Future conservation actions for the lizard will be most successful with continued engagement with private landowners.

Crotaphytids in general. This study suggests that

night

appears

unique

to

C.

reticulatus

among

private land stewardship across the C. reticulatus distribution in Texas has benefitted the species by maintaining habitat used by the lizard, and it suggests that future conservation actions for the species will be most successful with continued engagement with private landowners.

Funding for this research was provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the East Foundation.

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PUBLICATIONS CLEARING UP CLOUDY WATERS: A REVIEW OF SEDIMENT IMPACTS TO UNIONID FRESHWATER MUSSELS

JOURNAL ABSTRACT Freshwater unionid mussels are among the most imperiled fauna in North America, and their decline has been partially attributed to sediment from anthropogenic activities. However, there remains a debate regarding the role played by sediment in mussel declines due to a lack of field and laboratory evidence. If sediment is responsible for mussel declines, then a lack of information will likely impede efforts to mitigate species declines and protect remaining habitat. However, if the impacts of sediment are overstated, time and resources may be wasted on a threat that has little bearing on mussel declines or habitat loss. Given this knowledge gap, the purpose of this paper is to review the literature focused on the potential impact of suspended sediment and sedimentation on freshwater mussels. We focused

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our search on suspended sediment, expressed either as suspended sediment concentration (SSC) or total suspended solids (TSS), and sediment deposition and

AUTHORS

scour. We found increases in suspended solids could

AMANDA GOLDSMITH FOUAD JABER

physically interfering with filter feeding and respiration,

HABIB AHMARI CHARLES RANDKLEV

CITATION Goldsmith, A.M., F. Jaber, H. Ahmari and C.R. Randklev.

2021. Clearing up cloudy waters: A review of sediment impacts to unionid freshwater mussels. Environmental Reviews 29:100-108.

impact

mussels

by

decreasing

food

availability,

and impeding various aspects of the mussel–host relationship. We also found mussel–sediment thresholds, wherein certain concentrations of sediment caused significant declines in population performance, which could serve as reference points for ecological research and management. Specifically, we found clearance rates (a measure of feeding) were negatively impacted by TSS concentrations >8 mg/L, and respiratory stress occurred at ∼600 mg/L. Declines in fertilization success and glochidial

(i.e.,

mussel

larvae)

development

were

observed at TSS values of 15 mg/L, and reproductive

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

failure occurred at 20 mg/L. Impacts on host fish

Research confirms that increases in suspended sediment or solids impact mussels by decreasing food availability, interfering with filter-feeding and respiration, and impeding various aspects of the mussel–host relationship. Research defined mussel–sediment thresholds that cause declines in population performance, which can directly be used in future water planning efforts.

concentrations of 1250–5000 mg/L. Impacts on fish

attachment and glochidial encystment occurred at TSS varied depending on the biological endpoint but typically occurred at TSS values ranging from 20 to 5000 mg/L. We also found mussels were sensitive to smothering and mortality occurred at depths as low as 0.6–2.5 cm of substrate. Finally, we found relative shear stress (RSS) values >1, which is a measure of substrate stability in response

to

scour

and

entrainment,

resulted

in

significant declines in mussel biodiversity.

PAGE 9

REPORTS

TEXAS FARM AND RANCH LANDS CONSERVATION PROGRAM: 2020 EVALUATION REPORT

REPORT IN BRIEF The vast expanse of Texas lends itself to encompass some of the most diverse and ecologically rich landscapes in the United States.

Much of the land is characterized as open-space and falls under the designation of privately-owned working lands, or farms, ranches, and forestlands that support agricultural systems, foster healthy environments, and support recreational and other intrinsic needs.

Despite their importance, working lands in Texas are under threat of increasing land conversion and fragmentation pressure, due in large

AUTHORS ALISON LUND GARRETT POWERS ROEL LOPEZ ADDIE SMITH LORI OLSON LUCAS GREGORY

part to rapid population growth and rising land market values.

To help safeguard the public benefits derived from working lands, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands

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Conservation Program (TFRLCP) in 2005, with the purpose of

CITATION

funding agricultural conservation easements on private lands.

Lund, A.A., G.W. Powers, R.R. Lopez, L.A. Smith, L.M. Olson, and L.F. Gregory. 2020. Texas farm and ranch lands conservation program: 2020 evaluation report. Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Research Report Number 20201. College Station, Texas, USA.

Conservation easements are a voluntary tool that support the permanent conservation of private lands—through perpetually restricting development rights on contracted properties while enabling the continuation of agricultural practices. The goal of this report was to examine the ecological and economic values of conservation easements executed under the TFRLCP. Results suggest protection of working lands enrolled through the program resulted in a high rate of return for Texas taxpayers.

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REPORTS

PROMOTING COASTAL RESILIENCE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING: COMMUNITIES, SEA GRANT PROGRAMS, SERPPAS, AND MILITARY INSTALLATIONS

REPORT IN BRIEF With similar and overlapping goals to help installations and communities on the coast be more resilient in the face of hurricanes, sea-level rise, flooding and more, SERPPAS and the Georgia GA Sea Grant Law Program hosted a meeting in August 2019 titled Collaborating Towards Coastal Resilience in the Southeast, with the overall goal to understand challenges and explore opportunities to collaborate on coastal resilience to benefit military readiness and the

AUTHORS AMELIA STEVENS SHANA JONES (ADDIE THORNTON)

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surrounding communities. The meeting was also designed to build a critical link among Sea Grant programs, military

CITATION

installations, and the regional natural resources leaders in

A. Stevens, Jones, S. 2020.

Promoting coastal resilience through partnerships and planning: Communities, Sea Grant programs, SERPPAS, and military installations. Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal 10:2. http://nsglc.olemiss.edu/sglpj/rece ntarticles/10- 2/stevens-jones.pdf.

the Southeast.

The article, written to capture the outcomes of the meeting, demonstrates part of this achievement by outlining learnings that happened across the different sectors of participating agencies, organizations and experts. The various tools, resources and expertise that both the military and the Sea Grant Network bring to the coastal resilience table are explored and described in this article.

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REPORTS

PARTICIPATION EQUALS CONSERVATION: WHY DIVERSITY MATTERS IN SUSTAINING OUR NATURAL RESOURCES REPORT IN BRIEF A previous article in The Wildlife Professional described the importance of diversity in sustaining our natural resources. Many significant events have occurred since then, including recent attention and support for cultural and racial movements. Within this context, the report determined (1) What progress have been made over the last 10 years within the wildlife profession?, and (2) What are some next steps?

Ecologists recognize the value of ecosystem biodiversity. By reason then, natural resource professionals must also recognize the value of workforce diversity and its role in sustaining our natural resources. But for what purpose?

Ecologists will respond, “because it is right.”

Pragmatists would say, “because we want to be relevant.”

The natural resource profession faces a simple

AUTHORS ROEL LOPEZ COLUMBUS BROWN ANGELICA LOPEZ

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truth: Unless we diversify our ranks and become more representative of changing demographics, the profession and the resources we protect will not survive. This reality does not hinge on a philosophical debate about whether achieving diversity is the right thing to do. It’s simply the smart thing to do. And it’s consistent with the premise of the North American Model — to conserve our diverse natural resources for the benefit of all.

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RESOURCES

2020 REPORT ON REPI PROGRAM OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS TO MILITARY MISSION CAPABILITIES The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) program is a key tool for combating encroachment that can limit or restrict military training, testing, and operations.

The REPI program facilitates cost-sharing partnerships between the Military Departments, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private conservation organizations to help relieve or avoid land use conflicts near military installations and address regulatory restrictions that inhibit military activities. These partnerships, authorized by Congress in 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 2684a, preserve and enhance military readiness by providing base and range commanders with the flexibility necessary to optimally conduct their critical missions. This report leverages data submitted by the Military Services to demonstrate the REPI program’s outcomes and benefits to military readiness

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RESOURCES

PRIVATE LAND STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION FEATURED VIGNETTES For landowners, educators, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists, NRI launched a series of online research-based Private Land Stewardship vignettes teaching about vegetation, wildlife and natural resource management in ways that are accessible at any time. Each quarter, NRI releases new interactive publications on platforms that are easy to navigate and diverse for every stage of learner. Access the experiences below to join our virtual community of practice.

The Field to Table Safety Precautions for Wild Pigs — Learn the safety precautions aimed at minimizing risks associated with wild pig management including transport and sale as well as field and food safety considerations when handling, processing or consuming wild pigs.

Virtual Plant I.D. from the M.J. Hanna Ranch — Learn how to identify common range plants found throughout the state as an important hands-on skill to help make critical land management decisions associated with livestock or wildlife management, water conservation, and other natural resources activities.

How Wild Pigs Negatively Impact Water Quality: Implications for land and Watershed Management — Gain an understanding of some of the impacts wild pigs have on water quality based on their behavior, biology and

ACCESS THE VIGNETTES

preferred habitat.

Ten Things Landowners in Texas Need to Know — Learn the top ten things you should know as a landowner in Texas from what a healthy habitat looks like to understanding how to map your property and get to know your neighbors.

Learn about Texas Longleaf Landscapes — From the history of longleaf, the diversity of management practices and rich conservation value, we developed a Story Map to bring you through the historic southeast range and restoration practices underway.

Interspecific Competition Between Invasive Wild Pigs and White-tailed Deer — Take a look at this researchbased overview of the potential impacts that wild pigs have on white-tailed deer through interspecific competition.

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TEXAS A&M NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE

SOURCEBOOK SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

RESEARCH REPORTS

SPRING 2021 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES