Abstracts, Reviews, and Meetings

To develop the following abstracts, the editorial staff searches more than 100 scientific journals, professional and organizational newsletters, conference proceedings, and other resources for information relevant to ecological restoration practice and research. Please send suggested abstract sources to Chris Reyes at cmreyes@wisc.edu.

Grasslands

Carbon Addition Interacts with Water Availability to Reduce Invasive Forb Establishment in a Semi-arid Grassland. 2009. Blumenthal, D.M. (USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Research Unit, Crops Research Lab, 1701 Center Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80526, dana.blumenthal@ars.usda.gov). Biological Invasions 11(6):1281-1290.

To see whether reduction of available nitrogen by carbon addition can impede invasion by non-native plants where water and nitrogen are colimiting, Blumenthal seeded six invasive species into northern mixed-grass prairie communities in southeastern Wyoming and manipulated water, nitrogen, and carbon. Biomass of native species was not limited by water, and carbon addition reduced biomass in all plots. Carbon addition limited invasion only in added-water plots, since ambient water conditions precluded invasion. With added water, nitrogen addition increased aboveground biomass of two invasive species, but the effect was mainly on plant size. Blumenthal concluded that low water availability can limit the effect of carbon addition on invasion, although the availability of nitrogen can become important during wet periods.

The Effects of Fire Frequency and Grazing on Tallgrass Prairie Productivity and Plant Composition Are Mediated through Bud Bank Demography. 2009. Dalgleish, H.J. (College of Natural Resources, Utah State University, 5230 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84321, h.dalgleish@usu.edu) and D.C. Hartnett. Plant Ecology 201(2):411-420.

This study at the Konza Prairie Biological Station LTER site in northeastern Kansas found that belowground populations of meristems associated with perennating organs (the bud bank) mediate the tallgrass prairie response to fire frequency and grazing. Both forbs and grasses responded to these drivers with altered rates of belowground bud formation and tiller emergence, and short- and long-term changes in bud bank density. The size of the grass bud bank was an excellent predictor of long-term aboveground net primary production as well as of short-term variation associated with fire cycles, suggesting that grasslands with large bud banks may be best able to respond to environmental challenges such as climate change and most resistant to non-native plant invasion.

Wild Pollinator Communities Are Negatively Affected by Invasion of Alien Goldenrods in Grassland Landscapes. 2009. Moron, D. (Inst of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Slawkowska 17, 31-016 Kraków, Poland, +48 431 19 63, dawidmoron@poczta.onet.pl), M. Lenda, P. Skórka, H. Szentgyörgyi, J. Settele and M. Woyciechowski. Biological Conservation 142(7):1322-1332.

This study in southeast Poland compared the abundance, species richness, and diversity of wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies between wet meadows invaded and not invaded by the non-native Canada (Solidago canadensis) and giant (S. gigantea) goldenrods. Invasion strongly decreased both diversity and abundance of wild pollinators. No group was resistant, regardless of its nesting and food specialization. Interestingly, there were more honeybees (Apis mellifera) on invaded than noninvaded sites while the goldenrod was blooming, indicating that the domesticated pollinator used the invader as a food source—whereas when butterflies were transferred into invaded meadows, they left and flew to patches without goldenrod. Goldenrods are the most widespread non-native plants in Poland, and the authors see them as a threat to the entire community of wild pollinators.

Woodlands

Restoring Rainforest Species by Direct Seeding: Tree Seedling Establishment and Growth Performance on Degraded Land in the Wet Tropics of Australia. 2008. Doust, S.J. (Australian Antarctic Divn, Dept of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Channel Hwy, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia, susan.dousst@aad.gov.au), P.D. Erskine and D. Lamb. Forest Ecology and Management 256(5):1178-1188.

The authors reported some success and some caveats from seeding trials at three degraded former rainforest sites in northeast Queensland, Australia. Overall, time of seeding (beginning or end of the wet season) had little effect on tree seedling establishment, although later seeding reduced weed competition at some sites, benefiting small-seeded, fast-growing, early-successional species. Large-seeded species showed the most consistent establishment, but their frequently slow growth rate limited their contribution to early site capture. The authors concluded that direct seeding can be successful in rainforest recovery efforts, but the species used and the timing and circumstances of sowing should be tailored to the site, particularly in relation to the extent of weed competition and the level of site maintenance.

Soil Fertility and the Impact of Exotic Invasion on Microbial Communities in Hawaiian Forests. 2008. Kao-Kniffin, J. (Dept of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin, 1525 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1299, jtkao@wisc.edu) and T.C. Balser. Microbial Ecology 56(1):55-63.

The authors investigated whether the invasive plant Hedychium gardnerianum [kahili ginger] altered soil microbial communities in Hawai'ian forests dominated by the native tree Metrosideros polymorpha ['ohi'a lehua]. Invasion had relatively little impact on the overall microbial community, although levels of a saprophytic fungal indicator were significantly increased under the nutrient-demanding kahili ginger when nitrogen or phosphorus was added to older, highly weathered, phosphorus-limited soils. The authors concluded that the mere presence of the invasive plant did not lead to a large alteration in microbial communities. Instead, soil fertility, soil age, and long-term nutrient additions were the major determinants of the general rhizosphere microbial community structure.

Do Restoration Fellings in Protected Forests Increase the Risk of Bark Beetle Damages in Adjacent Forests?A Case Study from Fennoscandian Boreal Forest. 2008. Komonen, A. (Dept of Ecology, SLU, Box 7044, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden, +46 18 672890, atte.komonen@ekol.slu.se) and J. Kouki. Forest Ecology and Management 255(11):3736-3743.

Gap fellings are used in the Fennoscandian region to mimic wind-induced gap dynamics and promote multicohort structures during restoration of boreal forests. This study in a Finnish nature reserve tested the relationship between forest gaps with concomitant woody debris and pine shoot beetle (Tomicus spp.) feeding, as measured by the number of pine shoots fallen to the ground at various distances from gaps. The average density of fallen shoots dropped sharply, from 17 shoots/m2 within 10 m of a gap to 4 shoots/m2 50 m away. The authors concluded that restoration of natural forest structures and dynamics to protect biodiversity need not compromise the health of trees in production forests outside the restoration area, if a 100- to 200-meter buffer zone is maintained around the gap fellings.

Wetlands

Sustainable Finance for State and Tribal Wetland Programs. 2009. Barnes, G. (Environmental Finance Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill). 2009. National Wetlands Newsletter 31(4):14-18.

This article is one of three that address the issue of sustainable finance. Barnes argues that the funding base for state and tribal wetland programs should be diversified and presents a framework for sustainable financing illustrated by examples of innovative approaches. States and tribes should first determine the program areas and goals most applicable to their particular circumstances and then seek all appropriate federal funding. This should be combined with funds generated at state level (from taxes, bonds, or fees) or tribal level (e.g., from grants or individual donors). Partnership with other government units or nongovernmental organizations, besides supplying additional dollars, can improve interagency cooperation and provide expertise, political capital, and economies of scale.

North American Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Policies. 2009. Gardner, R.C. (Inst for Biodiversity Law and Policy, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL 33707, gardner@law.stetson.edu). Wetlands Ecology and Management 17(1):1-2.

This paper introduces a special issue that examines aspects of wetland mitigation and restoration policy linking science, management, policy, and economics. Clayton Rubec and Alan Hanson summarize Canada's experience with wetland mitigation and compensation in its ten provinces and three territories. Palmer Hough and Morgan Robertson trace the development of mitigation policies under Section 404 of the U.S. Clean Water Act. Then Morgan Robertson offers two case studies of entrepreneurial wetland mitigation banks to illustrate the economic, ecological, and regulatory challenges of this approach. Jessica Wilkinson evaluates 38 in-lieu fee programs for the administrative and procedural changes required for compliance with new federal mitigation regulations. Finally, Kevin Erwin discusses how climate change may affect mitigation policies and how restoration projects can contribute to mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.

Ecosystems Recovery across a Chronosequence of Restored Wetlands in the Platte River Valley. 2008. Meyer, C.K. (Center for Ecology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901-6509, clintonm@siu.edu), S.G. Bair and M.R. Whiles. Ecosystems 11(2):193-208.

This study assessed functional recovery in restored wetlands of the Platte River Valley, Nebraska, over a three-year period. The authors measured above- and belowground plant biomass, soil physical and chemical properties, and carbon and nitrogen pools in sloughs (deeper habitats) and margins (higher elevations) of six restored wet meadows and, for comparison, three natural wetlands. They found the most change in structure and function in the upper 10 cm of soil during the first decade after restoration, and recovery varied with small differences in elevation and plant community structure. Because they were correlated with many other variables, soil organic matter and bulk density were good indexes of recovery. These two variables failed to recover in the margins of restored wetlands.

Lakes, Rivers & Streams

Experimental Evidence for the Conditions Necessary to Sustain Meandering in Coarse-Bedded Rivers. 2009. Braudrick, C.A. (Dept of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, xian@berkeley.edu), W.E. Dietrich, G.T. Leverich and L.S. Sklar. PNAS 106(40):16936-16941.

The authors designed channels in the laboratory to explore mechanisms at play in meandering rivers. After a stabilization period, they were able to maintain meandering with nearly constant channel width during repeated cutoff and regeneration of meander bends, while the channel migrated both laterally and downstream. Enhanced bank strength relative to sand and deposition of sediment in troughs between bars and the floodplain were necessary for successful meandering. Although sinuosity was lower than in natural channels, the processes of bar growth, bank erosion, and cutoff were similar to those in gravel bed meanders in the field. These results can be used to test theories of meandering that model inner bank sediment accretion and predict channel width.

Alternative Reference Frames in River System Science. 2009. Doyle, M.W. (Dept of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC, mwdoyle@email.unc.edu) and S.H. Ensign. BioScience 59(6):499-510.

There is a continuum of reference frames in river system science, from observing flux past a point or through a spatially bounded region (Eulerian) to tracking specific objects through time (Lagrangian). Most reference frames are neither purely Eulerian nor purely Lagrangian. Using sediment transport, fish migration, and river biogeochemistry as examples, the authors illustrate how the reference frame influences the type of information obtained and the new questions generated, and how alternative questions and perspectives arise from alternative reference frames. They argue that at a minimum, awareness of the underlying reference frame for a particular research agenda will increase appreciation of that agenda's fundamental advantages and limitations.

Competitive Abilities of Tamarix aphylla in Southern Nevada. 2009. Hayes, W.E., II (School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154-4004, willhayes2@hotmail.com), L.R. Walker and E.A. Powell. Plant Ecology 202(1):159-167.

In a nursery experiment, the authors planted all combinations of one to three rooted cuttings of Athel tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) alone or with one to three cuttings of saltcedar (T. ramosissima) or the native Goodding's willow (Salix gooddingii). Other pots contained only saltcedar or Goodding's willow. Single plants of the willow developed the highest root-to-shoot ratios and biomass. In combinations, saltcedar and Athel tamarisk both outcompeted the willow, but saltcedar held a slight advantage. This may partly explain why Athel tamarisk is less widespread than its congeners, but the authors warn that it may nevertheless be as serious a threat to riparian ecosystems as saltcedar, especially considering the propensity of tamarisks to hybridize.

Rehabilitating China's Largest Inland River. 2009. Li, Y. (Key Lab of Oasis Ecology and Desert Environment, Xinjiang Inst of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 83001, China, yiqing@hawaii.edu), Y. Chen, Y. Zhang and Y. Xia. Conservation Biology 23(3):531-536.

In 2000, the Chinese government began to release water from upstream dams to restore and protect the dried-up lower reaches of the Tarim River. By 2006, groundwater levels and vegetative cover had increased significantly at all monitoring sites. The mean canopy size of the endangered bahan (Populus euphratica) had doubled, and some rare migratory birds had returned to the restored wetlands. The biggest challenge is to balance water allocation and water rights sustainably between agriculture and conservation, to protect both the livelihood of local residents and the endangered ecosystem. The authors recommend public education and compensation for users who employ water-saving practices as part of adaptive water policies and strategies yet to be developed.

Coastal & Marine Communities

A Conceptual Model of Coastal Dune Ecology Synthesizing Spatial Gradients of Vegetation, Soil, and Geomorphology. 2009. Kim, D. (Dept of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3147, geokim@geog.tamu.edu) and K.B. Yu. Plant Ecology 202(1):135-148.

Western Korea's Sindu coastal dune has well-developed foredunes, dune slack, and secondary dunes within an area extending less than 300 m. It is experiencing a rapid expansion of invasive species. The authors developed a model that visualizes and integrates the causal interactions among floristic, edaphic, and topographic data across a single dunefield. It should aid the development of dune management strategies—particularly in the dune slack, which requires protection of the landform and vegetation of the foredune.

Bringing Coral Reefs Back From the Living Dead. 2009. Normile, D. Science 325(5940):559-561.

The science of restoring and stabilizing coral reefs is in its infancy, but various approaches are showing promise. Workers in the Philippines break off pieces of healthy coral and wedge them into cracks in bleached reefs. In Japan, cages containing ceramic disks are placed on the sea floor to trap larvae; they are then moved to sheltered waters, where the larvae mature before the disks are cemented into bleached reefs. A similar project uses ceramic disks to trap larvae and transplant them to an unhealthy reef. Elsewhere, scientists are studying coral reproduction in the laboratory and attempting to establish coral "nurseries." The challenge will be to reduce the cost of these efforts and show that they can be scaled up.

Oysters Booming on New Reefs, But Can They Survive Disease? 2009. Stokstad, E. Science 325(5940):525.

Most efforts to restore native oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in Chesapeake Bay have been relatively unsuccessful, largely because the thin layers of shells deposited to create new reefs sink and become mud covered within a few years. In 2004, 35 ha of larger reefs were constructed in the Greater Wicomico River, which drains into the bay. Three generations of oysters have inhabited the reefs, which are accumulating new shell debris and will likely grow taller—suggesting that the population may be sustainable. The concern is whether it will survive a disease caused by the protozoan Haplosporidium nelsoni, which kills many oysters in the Chesapeake Bay and has already killed some in the Greater Wicomico.

Other Communities

A New Tree-Planting Technique to Improve Tree Survival and Growth on Steep and Arid Land in the Loess Plateau of China. 2008. Cao, S., L. Chen, Z. Liu and G. Wang (College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agriculture University, Beijing 100094, China, +86 10 6273 1163, guosheng@cau.edu.cn). Journal of Arid Environments 72(7):1374-1382.

This paper reports that lining planting holes with biodegradable plastic to retain soil moisture is a promising, cost-effective technique for reforestation and soil conservation in arid regions. The new planting method was tested in a hilly, erosion-prone area of China's Shaanxi Province using one-year-old bareroot seedlings (14 species) and two-year-old containerized seedlings (one species). Compared to conventional planting, the liner technique resulted in a significantly greater ten-year survival for nine species. Significant increases in branch growth (five species), tenth-year canopy area (seven species) and canopy density (nine species) were also seen. For all species, planting with the liners produced better root distribution at shallow depths and greater root mass. The best results were for species least able to withstand drought.

Interacting Effects of Grass Height and Herbivores on the Establishment of an Encroaching Savanna Shrub. 2009. Hagenah, N. (Dept of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa, nhagenah@zoology.up.ac.za), H. Munkert, K. Gerhardt and H. Olff. Plant Ecology 201(2):553-566.

The leguminous shrub Dichrostachys cinerea invades South African savannas. The authors studied the role of grass height and grazing in D. cinerea establishment at a game park in KwaZulu-Natal. They sowed seeds or transplanted seedlings of D. cinerea in mesic and arid study plots where grazing intensity and grass height were manipulated. Seeds germinated earlier where large herbivores were excluded; and the earlier they germinated, the longer they usually survived. Grass clipping increased germination, growth, and survival—suggesting competitive inhibition, whereas effects of herbivore exclusion were site-dependent. For transplanted seedlings, treatment had no effect on survival but growth was greater with clipping. There were also interactions with site. Results show that managers should consider interactions among grazing, grass cover, and rainfall.

Characterizing the Microhabitats of Exotic Species in Illinois Shale Barrens. 2009. West, N.M. (School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0118, westn@bigred.unl.edu), D.J. Gibson and P.R. Minchin. Plant Ecology 200(2):255-265.

This study identified a subset of habitats occupied by non-native species in three southern Illinois shale barrens. Both the species found and the factors that characterized their habitats varied among sites. Non-native species tended to occupy edges, where soil temperature was relatively low and litter cover high. Factors that varied among favored habitats included soil moisture and distance to the nearest tree—not surprising, as different species were involved. The authors suggest that site conditions restrict the establishment of non-native plants to a subset of habitats, and knowledge of these and which species establish in them can inform the development of management plans. In general, maintaining open conditions may discourage encroachment by non-native species.

Propagation & Introduction

The Survival of Captive-Born Animals in Restoration Programmes—Case Study of the Endangered European Mink Mustela lutreola. 2009. Maran, T. (Species Conservation Lab, Tallinn Zoological Gardens, Paldiski Rd 145, 13522 Tallinn, Estonia, +372 6943318, tiit.maran@tallinnlv.ee), M. Põdra, M. Põlma and D.W. Macdonald. Biological Conservation 142(8):1685-1692.

The authors monitored 54 captive-bred, radio-collared European mink released on a Baltic island. Most deaths occurred during the first 20 days, and about half of the animals died within 40 days, but some were caught in live-traps after more than three years. Predation by carnivores and raptors caused more than three-fourths of the deaths, and female mortality was greater than male mortality. Releasing pregnant females was unsuccessful, as the litters disappeared even though the mothers survived. Recommendations for subsequent releases included releasing a higher proportion of females to compensate for their greater mortality, housing the animals in naturalistic enclosures before release to acclimatize them to conditions in the wild, and focusing actions to enhance survival on the first six weeks after release.

Consequences of Dry-Season Seed Dispersal on Seedling Establishment of Dry Forest Trees: Should We Store Seeds until the Rains? 2008. Vieira, D.L.M. (Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Av Beira Mar 3250, Jardins, 49025-040 Aracaju, SE, Brazil, +55 79 4009 1318, dvieira@cpatc.embrapa.br), V.V. de Lima, A.C. Sevilha and A. Scariot. Forest Ecology and Management 256(3):471-481.

Seeds of eight tree species were sown in a greenhouse in September (natural dispersal time, dry season) or stored and sown in November (rainy season) under various light levels and a watering regime simulating the rainfall in a central Brazilian dry forest. Germination was differentially affected by sowing time, light, and their interaction. Germination and early survival improved with "shade," but growth was greater under full light. For seeds having a dormant period, September sowing under "full sun" did not reduce germination. November planting was advantageous for establishment of fast-germinating species. However, seedling survival rates did not correspond with germination rates for most species. The authors concluded that sowing seeds after the dry season might increase the establishment of fast-germinating species.

Control of Pest Species

The Crucial Role of Information Exchange and Research for Effective Responses to Biological Invasions. 2009. Browne, M. (IUCN Species Survival Commission, Invasive Species Specialist Group, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand, +64 937 375 99 x86814, m.browne@auckland.ac.nz), S. Pagad and M. De Poorter. Weed Research 49(1):6-18.

This paper discusses the growing understanding of how to fight back against invasive species. Prevention, the first line of defense, requires surveillance (New Zealand's weed surveillance system), risk analysis and response (New Zealand's Border Control Programme for freshwater aquatic weeds), risk assessment (Hawai'i's Weed Risk Assessment system), and effective information exchange (Pacific Ant Prevention Programme). Because the environmental impacts of invasive species are complex, an adaptive, ecosystem management approach such as the Nature Conservancy's Global Invasive Species Initiative is necessary. Recognition of the importance of stakeholder participation as another key to success is widening the scope of research to include the human dimension of invasive species management. Global-scale sources of invasive species information are provided.

Is Patience a Virtue? Succession, Light, and the Death of Invasive Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus). 2009. Cunard, C. and T.D. Lee (Dept of Natural Resources, University of New Hampshire, 215 James Hall, 56 College Rd,/ Durham, NH 03824, tom.lee@unh.edu). Biological Invasions 11(3):577-586.

Factors affecting the persistence of glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) at three sites in southeastern New Hampshire forests were evaluated in 26 living and 26 dead shrubs 16-18 years old. Dead buckthorn was associated with greater basal area of shade-tolerant species, lower photosynthetically active radiation in the vicinity of the shrub crown, and decreased soil concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The authors concluded that once glossy buckthorn has invaded young forests, light and perhaps nutrients may limit its survival as the forest matures. Thus active removal of the shrub may not be necessary to reduce its abundance in late successional stages.

Soil Recovery after Removal of the N₂-Fixing Invasive Acacia longifolia: Consequences for Ecosystem Restoration. 2009. Marchante, E. (Centre for Functional Ecology, Dept of Botany, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal, moguita@ci.uc.pt), A. Kjøller, S. Struwe and H. Freitas. Biological Invasions 11(4):813-823.

Areas in the Portuguese coastal dunes invaded by Sydney golden wattle (Acacia longifolia) for more than 20 years had higher water content and levels of organic carbon and total nitrogen than areas invaded for less than ten years. This was evident more than four years after wattle alone or wattle and surface litter were removed. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio tended to be lower in recently invaded areas, but in neither invaded area did treatment affect the ratio. Microbial biomass and basal respiration tended to be lower in recently invaded areas. Soil properties recovered more slowly than microbial properties to values approaching those in noninvaded areas. Management practices for restoration of invaded areas, such as reducing nitrogen availability, were discussed.

We Can Eliminate Invasions or Live with Them.Successful Management Projects. 2009. Simberloff, D. (Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, dsimberloff@utk.edu). Biological Invasions 11(1):149-157.

Simberloff believes there is unnecessary pessimism surrounding invasive species control, due partly to widely publicized failures and underpublicizing of successes. He cites many examples of successful eradications, such as the Oriental fruit fly (Dacus dorsalis)—Guam; giant African snail (Achatina fulica)—south Florida; sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus)—Laysan; and nutria (Myocaster coypus)—Great Britain. Key elements of success are early detection and quick action; adequate resources for implementation and follow-up; an enforcement authority; knowledge of the target's vulnerabilities; and persistent project leaders. When eradication is not feasible, maintenance management can frequently control a species at low densities. Various eradication and management strategies and some issues of prevention are discussed.

Wildlife Habitat

Declines in Woodland Salamander Abundance Associated with Non-native Earthworm and Plant Invasions. 2009. Maerz, J.C. (Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, jmaerz@warnell.uga.edu), V.A. Nuzzo and B. Blossey. Conservation Biology 23(4):975-981.

To see whether plant or earthworm invasions were associated with amphibian declines, a mark-recapture study of woodland salamander abundance was conducted in five New York forests invaded by garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and five Pennsylvania forests invaded by Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Traps were set on each side of the plant-invasion front. There was no independent significant relationship between invasive plant cover and salamander abundance. However, salamander abundance had a direct exponential relationship with leaf litter volume, which decreased as earthworm biomass increased. Prey abundance (small arthropods) also decreased along with leaf litter. These findings show that earthworm invasions threaten woodland amphibians in the Northeast and that plant invasions may be a symptom of degraded amphibian habitat rather than a cause.

Effects of a Habitat-Altering Invader on Nesting Sparrows: An Ecological Trap? 2009. Nordby, J.C. (Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Inst of the Environment, University of California, La Kretz Hall, Ste 300, Box 951496, Los Angeles, CA 90095, nordby@ucla.edu), A.N. Cohen and S.R. Beissinger. Biological Invasions 11(3):565-575.

This study documents the effect of non-native Atlantic cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) on nesting success of Alameda song sparrows (Melospiza melodia pusillula), a California Species of Special Concern, in San Francisco Bay tidal marshes. The most important ecological variable determining nesting success was whether the nest was placed in Atlantic cordgrass. Nests so placed had a success rate 30% lower than nests in native vegetation. Because the densest stands of cordgrass were at the lowest elevations relative to the tides, nests in these stands were the most likely to fail during tidal flooding. Thus Atlantic cordgrass may be an ecological trap for San Francisco Bay's song sparrows, attracting them to sites where nests often fail.

Effects of Weed-Management Burning on Reptile Assemblages in Australian Tropical Savannas. 2009. Valentine, L.E. (School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia, leonie.valentine@gmail.com) and L. Schwarzkopf. Conservation Biology 23(1):103-113.

Reptile assemblages in riparian and adjacent woodland habitats were evaluated before and after burning to control rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora) invasions. Within 12 months the skink Carlia munda was more abundant in burned sites, but overall reptile assemblages were associated with habitat type rather than burning. Within three years, however, the gecko Heteronotia binoei was rarely observed in dry-season burned sites, litter-associated species were rarely seen in any burned habitat, and wet-season burned sites had fewer species, suggesting that fire reduces resource availability for some species. Because both invasive plants and burning for weed control can adversely affect native biodiversity, land managers must identify the most desired conservation goal and consider ways to mitigate undesired consequences.

Ecological Dynamics

Soil Microbial Communities and Restoration Ecology: Facilitators or Followers? 2009. Harris, J. (Dept of Natural Resources, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK). Science 325(5940):573-574.

Although measurements of the soil microbial community accurately describe the status of restored systems relative to target systems, it is not always clear whether the microbial community is driving recovery or following it. For example, when intensive land use is decreased, the ratio of fungal to bacterial biomass increases as more complex organic matter enters the soil and succession proceeds, suggesting that the microbial community follows what is happening aboveground. However, establishing an appropriate mycor-rhizal community may be a prerequisite for establishing a target plant assemblage; in this case, the fungal community drives recovery. More research is needed on the role of the soil biological community and its interactions with aboveground components and abiotic factors in the context of restoration.

Modes of Crown Vetch Invasion and Persistence. 2009. Losure, D.A., K.A. Moloney and B.J. Wilsey (39034 105th St, Frederick, SD 57441, david.losure@nd.usda.gov). American Midland Naturalist 161(2):232-242.

The authors characterized the spatial age structure in several crownvetch (Coronilla varia) patches at two sites in Iowa by counting annual growth rings in roots. They also examined sexual and vegetative reproduction through seed bank sampling and greenhouse experiments. They found little spatial age structuring (most roots being two or three years old), although younger roots tended to occur near the patch edge. There was no evidence of a large seed bank. However, there were extensive underground rhizome systems, indicating prolific vegetative spread, and even small rhizome fragments could regenerate. It appears that while crownvetch invasions may be initiated by seed, vegetative reproduction is the major factor in the persistence and resilience of established patches.

Predicting Reproductive Success of Insect- versus Bird-Pollinated Scattered Trees in Agricultural Landscapes. 2009. Ottewell, K.M. (School of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia, +61 8 8303 3946, kym.ottewell@adelaide.edu.au), S.C. Donnellan, A.J. Lowe and D.C. Paton. Biological Conservation 142(4):888-898.

The authors asked whether increasing isolation of two Australian eucalypts, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (insect pollinated) and E. leucoxylon (bird and insect pollinated) influences their reproductive potential. For neither species was seed production related to distance from nearest neighbor, nor was there an effect of distance on seed germination rate. Outcrossing rates varied from 5% to 100%, but again, there was no significant relationship between outcrossing and isolation distance. The authors concluded that pollination systems in fragmented and degraded landscapes can be more resilient than previously thought, and even isolated trees of the species studied produce enough high-quality seed to contribute to restoration and ecosystem functioning.

Tools & Technology

Mapping Northern Wetlands with High Resolution Satellite Images and LiDAR. 2009. Maxa, M. and P. Bolstad (Dept of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, pbolstad@umn.edu). Wetlands 29(1):248-260.

The authors evaluated the accuracy of Wisconsin Wetland Inventory (WWI) maps and maps obtained from high-resolution satellite (IKONOS) images and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data against data obtained from field visits, for a wetland in northern Wisconsin. The WWI maps, based on a vegetation and hydrology classification derived from aerial photographs, underestimated both the number and extent of wetlands and were less accurate than IKONOS/LiDAR maps (56% vs. 74.5%) in classifying areas according to WWI categories (e.g., water, wet meadow, evergreen shrub). The IKONOS/LiDAR maps better distinguished between upland and wetland classes—largely owing to LiDAR's ability to provide accurate elevation data—and among the wetland classes. The most common confusion in both maps was among lowland coniferous species and among shrub classes.

Plant Bar Code Soon to Become Reality. 2009. Thomas, C. Science 325(5940):526.

"Bar coding," or using specific genetic sequences for identification of species and genera, is well advanced for animals but has lagged for plants. A successful bar code would open the way for large-scale systematic projects. Recently, sequences from two chloroplast genes have been proposed as the official plant bar code. Overall they assign 72% of plants to the correct species and 100% to the correct genus, and many investigators have already begun to use them. Research continues to find better reagents for recognizing the targeted genetic sequence. The success of existing reagents ranges from 90% for flowering plants to about 80% for cone-bearing plants to only 10% for plants such as ferns and mosses.

Climate Change

Responses of Insect Pests, Pathogens, and Invasive Plant Species to Climate Change in the Forests of Northeastern North America: What Can We Predict? 2009. Dukes, J.S. (Dept of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, dukes@stanfordalumni.org), J. Pontius, D. Orwig, J.R. Garnas, V.L. Rodgers et al. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 39(2):231-248.

Ecological principles predict at varying confidence levels how future climates may affect the range and consequences of problem species in North American forests. Hemlock woolly aphids (Adelges tsugae) will very likely spread unimpeded, but predictive uncertainty for forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma disstria) is moderate. Root rot fungi (Armillaria spp.) are unlikely to increase their range, but their consequence for climate-stressed trees within their range is moderately certain to be dire. Both range and impact of the scale insect (Cryptococcus fagisuga) and its associated fungi (Neonectria spp.) that cause beech bark disease are moderately certain to increase greatly. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is expected to increase its range but not its impact, whereas neither range nor impact of glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is likely to increase; confidence in these predictions is low. More quantitative and geographically relevant projections are needed.

Modeling of Sea-Level Rise and Deforestation in Submerging Coastal Ultisols of Chesapeake Bay. 2009. Hussein, A.H. (24 Marshall Dr, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, pedon@dnamail.com). SSSAJ 73(1):185-196.

Hussein has developed a model for determining the past, present, and future rates of lateral migration of coastal marshes and sequestration of nutrients based on the transformation of forest soils to marsh soils. Applicable on a regional scale, it has important environmental implications. For two Maryland coastal marshes, the rate of sea level rise increased approximately from 0.82 to 2.4 mm/y in the last 200 years; the rate of lateral marsh migration (deforestation) increased from 0.18-1.27 to 3.5-6.8 m/y, and the predicted rate for the next century ranges up to 33 m/y. Up to two centuries may be needed for the transformation of forest soils to marsh soils. On this basis, the nutrient sequestration potential of new marshes is only half the capacity of existing marshes.

Translocation Experiments with Butterflies Reveal Limits to Enhancement of Poleward Populations under Climate Change. 2009. Pelini, S.L., J.D.K. Dzurisin, K.M. Prior, C.M. Williams, T.D. Marsico, B.J. Sinclair and J.J. Hellmann (Dept of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, hellman.3@nd.edu). PNAS 106(27):11160-11165.

Growth-chamber and field experiments tested whether peripheral poleward populations of a species might drive range change as climate warms. Propertius duskywing (Erynnis propertius) and anise swallowtail (Paplio zelicaon) butterflies differ in host specialization and interpopulation genetic differentiation. Summer temperatures of the range center enhanced summer performance of all duskywing populations, but warmer winter temperatures reduced survivorship and fitness, counteracting the summer benefit for peripheral populations adapted to colder winters. Lack of host plants would also prevent this species' poleward expansion. The fitness of all anise swallowtail populations decreased under extreme summer temperatures at the range center; interactions between temperature and host plants also mediated the fitness of peripheral populations. The authors conclude that facilitation of poleward range shifts by enhancement of peripheral populations is unlikely in either species.

Management & Monitoring

A Realistic Assessment of the Indicator Potential of Butterflies and Other Charismatic Taxonomic Groups. 2009. Fleishman, E. (National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State St, Ste 300, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, fleishman@nceas. ucsb.edu) and D.D. Murphy. Conservation Biology 23(5):1109-1116.

The authors state that probably few individual species or groups of species provide scientifically valid, cost-effective measures of an environmental phenomenon that is difficult to measure directly. However, some species have distributions, abundances, or demographic characteristics that respond to known environmental changes. These can be satisfactory indicators if what they are indicating is defined explicitly, ecological relationships between this "target" and the potential indicator are well understood, and there are enough data to distinguish between causal and chance responses. These situations exist, but are less common than would appear from the public appeal-driven acclaim of and abundant literature concerning charismatic taxa as indicators.

Ecological and Socioeconomic Correlates of Plant Invasions in Denmark: The Utility of Environmental Assessment Data. 2009. Thiele, J. (Dept of Agriculture and Ecology, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 21, 1958 Frederiksberg C., Denmark, jat@life.ku.dk), J. Kollmann and U.R. Andersen. Ambio 38(2):89-94.

The authors examined the distribution of non-native plant invasions at more than 1,200 sites representing eight habitat types in relation to site-specific factors (e.g., area, proximity to roads) and factors operative over a larger spatial scale (e.g., human population, nitrogen deposition). The most invaded habitat types were ruderal sites, heathlands, and man-made habitats; the least invaded were riparian habitats and swamps. The number of invasive species was positively associated with disturbance, proximity to traffic corridors, and sulfur deposition (indicating urbanization) and negatively associated with income tax rate and nitrogen deposition (indicating agricultural land use). The authors concluded that in Denmark, plant invasions are largely an anthropogenic phenomenon and suggested that this sort of data would be useful in predicting invasions and planning management programs.

Urban Restoration

Back to Its Roots: Manhattan Salt Marsh Restoration Brings Nurture to Urban Nature. 2009. Drusano, S. (The Cannon Group, sdrusano@thecannongroup.us). Land & Water 53(1):44-47.

Drusano describes a 0.4 ha salt marsh constructed at Randall's Island. The first concern was achieving proper elevations to accommodate the differing water requirements and salt tolerance of species to be planted. Then, after construction of protective berms and establishment of an undulating grade to improve drainage and regulate flooding, the East River tide could properly flood the marsh and planting could begin. Species such as smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and spike grass (Distichlis spicata) were selected for the lowest elevations. Groundsel tree (Baccharis halmifolia), seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), and lavender thrift (Limonium carolinianum) were planted higher because they thrive in dry, salty conditions. Drusano discusses things that would be done differently "next time" and how the project fits into larger plans to rejuvenate Randall Island.

Endangered Species

Mast and Weather Influences on Population Trends of a Species of Concern: The Allegheny Woodrat. 2009. Manjerovic, M.B., P.B. Wood (U.S. Geological Survey West Virginia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Div of Forestry and Natural Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, pbwood@wvu.edu) and J.W. Edwards. American Midland Naturalist 162(1):52-61.

The authors investigated possible factors in the decline of the Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) in northcentral West Virginia. Using data from five years of trapping, they found a yearly decrease in numbers of total woodrats and adult females, but no significant changes for males or juveniles. Capture rates for adult females were related to the availability of hard mast the previous year and soft mast in the current year, suggesting that the energy requirement of reproduction makes breeding females most vulnerable to food limitation. Although numbers of summer-trapped juveniles increased with warmer temperatures the preceding winter, female summer-capture rates decreased with warmer spring temperatures, suggesting that the effects of warming may pose a threat to this species.

Restoring Landscapes of Fear with Wolves in the Scottish Highlands. 2009. Manning, A.D. (Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia, +61 2 6125 55415, adrian.manning@anu.edu.au), I.J. Gordon and W.J. Ripple. Biological Conservation 142(10):2314-2321.

Wolves (Canis lupus) have been absent from the Scottish Highlands for at least 250 years, making it difficult to assess the feasibility of their reintroduction to control native red deer (Cervus elaphus). One option would be to observe analogous ecosystems elsewhere, where wolves exist. Another would be controlled reintroduction experiments in the area of interest as a forerunner to full introduction. Because wolves affect deer populations by both preying on deer and causing deer to avoid wolf-inhabited areas, fewer wolves may be needed than indicated by predator-prey models. The authors recommend research on the lethal and nonlethal effects of wolves on deer and restoration in the Scottish Highlands and set out a long-term strategy to provide ecological evidence for decisionmakers considering the reintroduction of wolves.

Use of Monitoring Data and Population Viability Analysis to Inform Reintroduction Decisions: Peregrine Falcons in the Midwestern United States. 2009. Wakamiya, S.M. (Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, 120 Chatham Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22405, 540/654-5538, sarah_wakamiya@nps.gov) and C.L. Roy. Biological Conservation 142(8):1767-1776.

The authors evaluated 18 reintroduction models for the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) plus a no-reintroduction situation. Considering habitat and demographic parameters, they simulated scenarios with various cohort sizes, supplementation schedules, and number of reintroduction sites. Although the peregrine falcon remains restricted to urban areas and has not yet recolonized natural cliffs in much of the lower Midwest, the population is not in danger of extinction, and the model suggested that cliff recolonization is likely to occur without reintroduction. Even the most cost-effective strategy would result in only two additional breeding pairs in the southern Illinois study area. The authors conclude that management funds would be best used for habitat preservation, relying on natural dispersal for recolonization.

Economics & Ecosystem Services

Ecology in Times of Scarcity. 2009. Day, J.W., Jr (Dept of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, School of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, johnday@lsu.edu), C.A. Hall, A. Yáñez-Arancibia, D. Pimentel and W.J. Mitsch. BioScience 59(4):321-331.

The authors argue that energy scarcity, climate change, resource depletion, and population growth will drastically affect ecology and its role in society. The human economy will become more dependent on ecosystem services, and ecology's primary role will be the sustainable management of ecosystems. Both restoration and preservation will be important. Energy-intensive micromanagement will not be feasible; rather, ecological engineering and self-design will be appropriate bases for sustainable management. Ecological research will emphasize applied research on highly productive ecosystems, including agroecosystems. The Mississippi-Ohio-Missouri River basin is discussed as an example of a degraded area that will require energy efficient restoration and sustainable management based on ecosystem functioning.

Costs of Alien Invasive Species in Sweden. 2009. Gren, I.-M. (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden, ing-marie.gren@ekon.slu.se), L. Isacs and M. Carlsson. Ambio 38(3):135-140.

The authors calculated the costs of 13 non-native invasive species classified as threats to Swedish aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial biodiversity, human health, forests, or "other." Taxonomic groups from mammals to the HIV virus were represented. The estimated annual cost to Sweden was 1,620 million to 5,080 million SEK (roughly US$227 million to US$711 million), or 175-565 SEK per capita—the same order of magnitude as costs for programs addressing climate change and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. These estimates are similar to estimates for other countries, although costs for the agricultural and forestry sectors dominate in most studies whereas costs in Sweden are more evenly divided among categories.

Hopping on One Leg—The Challenge of Ecosystem Disservices for Urban Green Management. 2009. Lyytimäki, J. (+358 400 148 856, jari.lyytimaki@ymparisto.fi) and M. Sipilä. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 8(4):309-315.

In northern Europe, ecosystem disservices (ecosystem functions perceived as negative for human well-being) are increasingly influencing how urban green areas are experienced, valued, used, managed, and developed. Such disservices include 1) direct costs of damage from bird excrement, tree roots, or animal nesting holes; maintenance problems or unwanted shading by tall trees; and control of invasive species and 2) indirect costs from prevention of more profitable use of space. Both ecosystem disservices and urban ecosystems are continuously changing, complicating the management of urban green areas. The authors state that the concept of ecosystem services can be a more useful management tool if disservices are properly assessed.

Restoration of Ecosystem Services for Environmental Markets. 2009. Palmer, M.A. (Chesapeake Biological Lab, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, MD 20688, mpalmer@umd.edu) and S. Filoso. Science 325(5940):575-576.

Ecosystem service markets can potentially help solve environmental problems, especially if they provide incentives for conservation. However, the authors are concerned that interest in ecosystem markets supplied by restoration is ahead of the science and practice of restoration. They point out the frequent failure of restorations to provide the full suite of ecological services and the need to understand why this is so. Until we can improve restoration success and understand why only direct measurements of the biophysical processes that support ecosystem services can guarantee the success of environmental markets, such markets can actually accelerate environmental degradation.

Education

Training Tomorrow's Environmental Problem Solvers: An Integrative Approach to Graduate Education. 2009. Moslemi, J.M. (Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca NY, jmm257@cornell.edu), K.A. Capps, M.S. Johnson, J. Maul, P.B. McIntyre et al. BioScience 59(6):514-521.

Solutions to environmental problems require an interdisciplinary approach for which traditional scientists are not prepared. Here, students from Cornell's Biogeochemistry and Environmental Biocomplexity Program (BEB) describe their training, contrasting it with that of students in traditional programs. The BEP students, from multiple departments and institutes, have the advantage of mentors and resources from many departments; visiting scientists with diverse expertise; significant input to and control of their training; creative workshops, retreats, and other networking opportunities; and varied funding sources and internships. The perceived benefits of their program include broadened scientific perspectives and understanding of scientific concepts, improved ability to collaborate and communicate with others, "belonging" to a diverse social and scientific community, and increased self-confidence.

The Professional Science Master's: The MBA for Science. 2009. Musante, S. (AIBS, smusante@aibs.org). BioScience 59(4):285.

Musante discusses the Professional Science Master's degree (PSM) as an alternative terminal degree to the PhD for those interested in nonacademic careers in the biological sciences. An increasing number of students are enrolled in these programs at numerous institutions. The programs require both business courses and credits in a specific scientific discipline, and an internship or other practical experience. This emphasis on interdisciplinary, real-world learning promotes productive interaction between academia, government, and industry.

Botanical Literacy: What and How Should Students Learn about Plants? 2009. Uno, G.E. (Dept of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, guno@ou.edu). American Journal of Botany 96(10):1753-1759.

Uno maintains that the study of plants suffers from technologically advanced but intellectually disengaged students, poor instruction, and infrequent precollege exposure to plants or botany; but the popularity of gardening and importance of agriculture, burgeoning interest in biofuels, and concern for the environment suggest a "disconnect." Learning theory supports his advocacy of inquiry-based instruction for all science courses. For botanical literacy, both precollege and college teachers should use examples from plants, rather than animals, to illustrate biological concepts. Also, to prepare botanically literate citizens, teachers should use students' misconceptions to advantage and emphasize critical thinking, process skills, and an understanding of concepts rather than simply learning botanical content.

Collaborations

Getting Everyone to "Play Ball": Ecology Took the Lead and Made Peace between Some Very Disparate Stakeholders. 2008. Land & Water 52(5):40-45.

The restoration of the Johnson Creek watershed in Arlington, Texas, is an unlikely story of collaboration among the Dallas Cowboys football team, the Texas Rangers baseball club, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, local politicians and developers, citizen and environmental groups, and an ecological consulting company. These partners agreed to replace a 1999 flood-control plan that failed to address erosion, sedimentation, and damaged recreation potential with a plan stressing improvement of the creek's ecological condition. It calls for environmentally sensitive channel work, a vortex weir, stone and coir blanket revetments, erosion control and stabilization with blanketing and native plants, hard armoring, and natural area restoration. Phase 1 restores 1.6 km of creek connecting the two sports venues. Despite daunting problems, ecology and goodwill continue to unite the disparate groups in a common purpose.

Successfully Implementing a Citizen-Scientist Approach to Insect Monitoring in a Resource Poor Country. 2009. Braschler, B. (DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, South Africa, b.braschler@sheffield.ac.uk). BioScience 59(2):103-104.

South Africa's Iimbovane Outreach Project (academic.sun.ac.za/Iimbovane) combines biodiversity monitoring with education by training high school teachers and students to collect and report data on ant assemblages. The data are used to address ecological questions like whether plant diversity in the Cape Floristic Region is reflected by ants (which play a central role in seed dispersal), and they help South Africa to fulfill its monitoring and education obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The project is noteworthy for overcoming common obstacles to citizen science in resource-poor countries, bringing the citizen-science approach to sectors of society otherwise unlikely to participate in biodiversity monitoring.

Are We Missing the Boat? Collaborative Solutions for North American Fish Wars. 2009. Gleason, M. (The Nature Conservancy California, 99 Pacific St, Suite 200G, Monterey, CA 93940, mgleason@tnc.org), C. Cook, M. Bell and E. Feller. Conservation Biology 23(5):1065-1067.

In this editorial, the authors state that despite progress, new collaborative partnerships and innovative business models are still needed to safeguard North America's fisheries. They believe that fisheries policy relies too heavily on top-down management and too little on the best available science, and collaborative solutions are impeded by the competing interests of stakeholders. Casualties of the resulting "fish wars" are consumers, the environment, coastal communities, and small-scale fishers. However, long-term economic viability requires healthy stocks and marine habitats, setting the stage for partnerships between environmental NGOs and fishers. Several of these nascent partnerships are discussed. The authors conclude that the greatest impediment to fishery reform is the unwillingness of key stakeholders to work together.

Planning & Policy

Principles and Guidelines for Ecological Restoration in Canada's Protected Areas. 2007. National Parks Directorate, Parks Canada. www.pc.gc.ca/eng/docs/pc/guide/resteco/index.aspx

This guide, developed by Canadian and international experts and managers, delineates national principles for restoring and maintaining ecological integrity using practical and economical methods. It discusses cultural heritage values; problem definition; development of restoration goals, objectives, and plans; implementation; and monitoring and reporting. It offers guidelines for interventions to restore natural disturbances; control invasive species; re-create native communities or habitat; reintroduce locally extirpated species; restore landforms, hydrology, and water quality; and enhance landscape connectivity. It provides a basis for informed decisionmaking to improve biological diversity, increase populations and distribution of rare and threatened species, improve the availability and sustainability of environmental goods and services, and develop partnerships between Parks Canada, native peoples, and other groups.

Reversing a Tree Regeneration Crisis in an Endangered Ecoregion. 2009. Fischer, J. (Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia, joern.fischer@anu.edu.au), J. Stott, A. Zerger, G. Warren, K. Sherren and R.I. Forrester. PNAS 106(25):10386-10391.

Tree cover is threatened in the southern part of Australia's temperate grazing region. This is due to failure of regeneration, which is largely caused by regimes of continuous grazing and heavy fertilizer application that favor establishment of non-native plants. This study identified a win-win solution for tree regeneration and commercial grazing: short, intensive grazing episodes followed by long rest periods permitted regeneration comparable to that in ungrazed areas. The authors suggest that new policies promoting low-input, fast-rotational grazing are necessary to ensure sustainability, because short-term farm profitability is highest under conventional management, whereas long-term profitability and ecosystem health depend on an intermediate level of tree cover.

Unleashing an Army to Repair Alien-Ravaged Ecosystems. 2009. Koenig, R. Science 325(5940)562-563.

South Africa's Working for Water program has recruited nearly 30,000 part-time workers in more than 300 projects to remove non-native plants that have clogged waterways, degraded farmland, and increased wildfire threat. Imported insects have also been deployed to eat invasive plants. Government funding is maintained by the argument that removing water-hungry non-native plants and restoring native ecosystems is less expensive than building reservoirs to hold water and offers additional benefits for the environment and people. The program provides an integrated approach to controlling invasive species, safeguarding water supplies, and creating jobs in a country with 25% unemployment. Three related programs are Working on Fire, Working for Wetlands, and Working for Energy.

Holistic Planning for Flooding and Water Quality. 2009. Mulder, K. (Water, Wetlands, and Pesticides Div, EPA Region 7, Kansas City KS). National Wetlands Newsletter 31(4):10-13.

Traditional flood-control measures frequently exacerbate problems. Recommending watershed-based and holistic planning for future development, Mulder cites a plan for stormwater management in the Kansas City metropolitan area that reduces the number of planned dams, includes construction of strategically placed wetlands, and incorporates a setback and buffer ordinance for development. She discusses a comprehensive checklist of considerations to be used in holistic planning, developed in EPA Region 7, that ranges from air quality and climate change to cultural issues, transportation needs, low-impact development and green solutions, scenic rivers and wildlife, and watershed health, and includes Special Area Management Plans and Advanced Identification of Resources. The list should facilitate solutions that protect resources and accommodate development.

Issues & Perspectives

Arboretum 75th Anniversary Seminar: A Galaxy of Speakers Addressed the Future of Restoration Ecology. 2009. Arboretum Leaflets Summer.

This issue summarizes the perspectives of 14 speakers on how restoration might meet coming challenges as land use and climate continue to change, from specific strategies of the Nature Conservancy to general, philosophical remarks. Some speakers took a historical approach; others addressed modeling, control of invasive species, particular restoration projects, use of new technology, the adaptive approach, and the need for better ways to assess ecosystem function.

Spurious Certainty: How Ignoring Measurement Error and Environmental Heterogeneity May Contribute to Environmental Controversies. 2009. Biggs, R. (Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, Sweden, oonsie.biggs@stockholmresilience.su.se), R. Carpenter and W.A. Brock. BioScience 59(1):65-76.

The complexity of environmental systems and the limitations of statistical tools frequently lead to conflicting results among studies, reflecting different partial views of a system rather than the "correctness" of findings. Using heuristic simulations of very simple systems, the authors show how different research groups may reach conflicting conclusions owing to differences in measurement error or environmental variability. They use hierarchical Bayesian probability analysis to demonstrate the value of pooling results from multiple studies (meta-analysis) to generate a better understanding of system dynamics and a better estimate of uncertainty, and discuss other new information pooling approaches.

Ecological Restoration in the Light of Ecological History. 2009. Jackson, S.T. (Dept of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, jackson@uwyo.edu) and R.J. Hobbs. Science 325(5940):567-569.

Although ecological restoration looks to ecological history to identify appropriate restoration targets, many of these targets will be unreachable or unsustainable owing to the extent and sources of environmental damage and to ongoing climate and environmental change. Moreover, the notion of "natural" is being revised with growing awareness of how native peoples have shaped their environment for millennia. It is important to study the nature and timing of ecosystem responses to disturbance, both historical and paleoecological, and to determine when predisturbance targets are worthwhile. Today restoration emphasizes management for change, and interventions seek to ensure the sustainability of environmental goods and services. Nevertheless, the authors argue for continued restoration of historical ecosystems—perhaps in a mosaic of historical and engineered systems.

Rapid Recovery of Damaged Ecosystems. 2009. Jones, H.P. (School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven CT, holly.jones@yale.edu) and O.J. Schmitz. PLoS ONE 4(5):e5653. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.005653.

The authors searched the primary literature for the years 1910 through 2008, finding 240 studies on the recovery of human-scale ecosystems (not study plots) after cessation of perturbations such as logging, agriculture, mining, or overfishing. In contrast to dire predictions that human-inflicted damage will be irreparable on any relevant time scale, these studies provided evidence that most ecosystems can recover from major perturbations in a matter of decades if people limit the perturbation and actively manage the system. About half of the ecosystems and measured variables recovered completely or nearly completely within 50 years. Recovery was most rapid in aquatic systems and slowest in forests. The authors find hope for a transition to sustainable use of ecosystems.

What's Next for Science Communication? Promising Directions and Lingering Distractions. 2009. Nisbet, M.C. (School of Communication, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, nisbet@american.edu) and D.A. Scheufele. American Journal of Botany 96(10):1767-1778.

The authors debunk some myths about public communication, most notably that ignorance is at the root of social conflict over science. They stress the importance of dialogue, rather than simple transmission of facts, and the role of message "frames" (interpretative storylines that communicate what is at stake in a societal debate and why it matters) in engaging the public. Controversies surrounding climate change, evolution, plant biotechnology, and nanotechnol-ogy illustrate how most policy debates relevant to science and emerging technologies are decided at the intersection of politics, values, and expert knowledge. It is important for communicators to connect to public values, go beyond elite audiences, and build a participatory public media infrastructure for science and environmental information.