Irene Vasquez, 2019

Thesis:

Evaluation of restoration techniques and management practices of tule pertaining to eco-cultural use

I'm interested in determining effective management in restoring tribal values for tule (Shoenoplectus) baskets in Yosemite National Park. I want to compare burned and non-burned sites for tule growth, quality and size. Can cutting, tearing tule at different intensities and seasons be an effective management tool to promote growth for cultural purposes? What are the pests or pathogens that attack tules and can prescribed burning be an effective biological control? I will examine historical documents in regards to marsh and riparian burns, as well as interview basket weavers and elders about the qualities, gathering and management techniques of tule for good basket material and other utilitarian purposes and then try to meet those values by implementing a management regime for restoring plants important for cultural preservation.

Linda M. Miller, 2006

Thesis:

Evaluation of low-altitude vertical aerial videography as a method for identifying and estimating abundance of residual trees

Karlee Jewell, 2022

Thesis:

Evaluating science communication efforts and citizen scientists' knowledge of, attitude toward, and behavioral intentions related to the North American river otter

Julie Sorfleet,

Thesis:

Engaging Communities in Planning for Relocation of a Spent Nuclear Fuel Site on Humboldt Bay Subject to Climate and Coastal Hazards

Rosa Cox,

Thesis:

Effects of Sedimentation from Dam Removal on Klamath River Aquatic Food Webs

Rosa’s research focuses on the short-term impacts of dam removal on aquatic food webs in the Klamath River.  Four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River are slated to be removed between the summer of 2023 and fall of 2024. This landmark effort will improve downstream water quality and restore anadromous fish passage to ~420 miles of river habitat above the dams. The dam removal process is expected to release substantial amounts of fine sediment and create short-term impacts to benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities and food availability for juvenile salmonids downstream of the dam sites. Rosa’s work aims to measure these impacts and establish baseline data for future assessments of BMI community shifts/recovery following dam removal.   Results of this study are intended to inform future dam removal efforts in coastal rivers. 

Monique Silva, 2018

Thesis:

Effects of manual and mechanical <em>Ammophila arenaria</em> removal techniques on coastal dune plant communities and morphology

Monique's research examined the effects of two treatment types for removing Ammophila arenaria (European beachgrass) from coastal sand dunes. Her study focused on the effects of manual and mechanical removal of A. arenaria on the native plant population as well as changes to the overall morphology of the dunes between invaded and restored areas. Native vegetation populations were assessed by vegetation surveys at Little River, Prairie Creek and Tolowa Dunes State Parks. Elevation was measured by RTK and UAV measurements at the same parks. This research is intended to assist land managers to choose the removal technique that affords the best long term benefit to the non-target parameters.

Claire Inouye,

Thesis:

Effects of Dam Removal on Klamath River Aquatic Food Webs

Claire’s research examines the changes on the Klamath River now that four hydroelectric dams have been removed. The Klamath dams disrupted the flow and water quality of the river and prevented fish passage for almost a century. The Klamath dams were removed in 2023 and 2024 with the goal of restoring river habitat, improving water quality, and to reinstate anadromous fish passage. Claire is looking at the food availability for juvenile salmonids by sampling benthic macroinvertebrates (BMI) downstream of the former Iron Gate Dam site. By incorporating BMI data and analysis done by graduate student Rosa Cox from 2022-2024, Claire aims to evaluate the data collected before, during, and after the dam removal to examine potential shifts and recovery of the BMI community. The goal of the study is to help advise future dam removals on coastal rivers.

Jennifer Taylor, 2006

Thesis:

Effectiveness of Hands-On Learning in a Children's Interpretive Program

Jesse Laine,

Thesis:

Ecosystem services across a restoration chronosequence in Northern California coastal prairie

Max Kaufman, 2012

Thesis:

Ecosystem service value of water supply benefits provided by forest stands in the Mattole River Watershed, California: A bioeconomic and benefit transfer & spatial analysis application.