[26 Pa.B. 4155]
[Continued from previous Web Page]
Project Submissions Submitted to the Fish and Boat Commission for Funding in 1996 * Title: Food habitats of Amphibians in managed and unmanaged forests in northwestern PA
Objective: Quantify and compare the food habits of amphibians within managed second-growth and old-growth forests and within managed second-growth forests with and without herbicide application.
Sponsor: USDA Forest Service--Dave deCalesta
Cost: $10,300
* Title: Amphibian and Reptile Materials
Objective: Creation of an amphibian and reptile curriculum supplement specific to the Commonwealth's native species and issues involving upper elementary students.
Justification: The Museum's long history of providing information about amphibians and reptiles to the broad audience of the general public and specific groups of elementary students and teachers places it in a unique position to develop such materials.
Sponsor: Carnegie Museum of Natural History/Powdermill Nature Reserve--Terri Kromel
Cost: $6,100
* Title: Writing and Publication of the Freshwater Bivalves of PA
Objective: Fresh water bivalves of PA survey began in 1990. Allegheny River Basin, Monongahela River Basin, Susquehanna River Basin have been completed and the Genesesee, Delaware and Potomac River basins will be surveyed in 1996. This information along with unionids of French Creek, and island survey in the Allegheny River will be added and all data from surveys will be put into database format compatible with GIS ARC-INFO system. A manuscript covering the freshwater bivalves of PA will be provided on disk and hard copy, along with maps generated by GIS.
Justification: This manuscript will combine multiple surveys and put them together in one manuscript on Freshwater Bivalves of PA
Sponsor: Arthur Bogan
Cost: $30,000
* Title: Restoration of Slimy Sculpin to the Stone Run Watershed in northern Clearfield Co.
Objective: Restore a viable population of slimy sculpins to the Stone Run Watershed. Developing techniques that may be useful in similar fish restoration efforts in the future.
Justification: The proposed project will allow resource managers insight into the techniques required to re-establish nongame fish species to habitats they formerly occupied that have been degraded by atmospheric deposition.
Sponsor: Penn State--William Sharpe
Cost: $28,502
* Title: A Survey of Amphibian Populations along the Eastside Access Highway corridor in Erie
Objective: To survey amphibian breeding populations using wetlands that will be affected by construction of the Eastside Access Highway. This project will emphasize Ambystoma maculatum populations.
Justification: Amphibians are globally threatened by habitat loss and alteration. This survey will provide baseline data to assess the impact of road construction on salamanders, and it will be used to help determine how to mitigate wetland loss for the purpose of conserving amphibian populations.
Sponsor: Penn State--Pamela S. Botts
Cost: $6,968.50
* Title: Status survey of Fishes of Special Concern in the Delaware River Drainage of PA
Objective: To more definitively determine, through field survey using a variety of sampling techniques, the current distributional status of eight nongame fishes of special concern native to the Delaware River drainage in PA.
Justification: Since the PA Biological Survey documented the status and plight of this group of fishes, and recommended additional field work on five species, practically no work has been done on this group. The applicant discovered a population of ironcolor shiners in 1995 (the first since 1917) and further work is needed to determine the extent of the population.
Sponsor: Robert Criswell
Cost: $1,595
* Title: Aquatic craneflies of PA: A preliminary checklist and database development
Objective: Expand sampling on Aquatic Craneflys Statewide concentrating on rare, threatened and special concern species and species possibly extirpated; assemble distribution data and distribute database of State records.
Justification: A knowledge of the crane fly fauna will be of great use in the PNDI as crane flies are an easily observed biotic measure for evaluating habitat complexity, rarity and the effects of disturbance.
Sponsor: Academy of Natural Science/Carnegie Museum--Jon Gelhaus/Chen W. Young
Cost: $17,050
* Title: The interactive effects of deforestation and acidic atmosphere's deposition on terrestrial amphibians
Objective: Use a tiered, multilevel experimental approach to examine the interactive effects of acidic atmospheric deposition and deforestation on terrestrial amphibians in PA.
Justification: Terrestrial amphibians are a large and trophically important component of northeastern forest ecosystems. Preserving abundant, diverse amphibian populations is therefore essential to maintaining the overall health of forest ecosystems in the NE U. S.
Sponsor: Penn State--Wm. Dunson/Matthew Laposta
Cost: $8,859
* Title: Juvenile growth rates in PA Turtles
Objective: To measure growth rates in three PA turtle species during the first 18 months of life, then release these turtles into the wild and monitor their survival.
Justification: Little is known about the juvenile growth rate of turtles, which may represent a critical factor in a species' ability to adapt to a changing environment. This project would allow data compilation on juvenile growth rates and assess the possible benefits of a headstart program for certain native PA turtle species.
Sponsor: St. Joseph's Univ.--Scott McRobert
Cost: $18,000
* Title: Status of Indigenous Lampreys in Pennsylvania
Objective: Develop distribution maps for the native lampreys, prior to lampricide application and other anthropocentric stresses; conduct extensive surveys to document spawning of lampreys, sample ammocoetes during summer, develop a recovery plan for selected species.
Justification: The biological diversity of our globe is being reduced drastically. Freshwater fishes are particularly vulnerable to extirpation as a result of anthropocentric stresses. Populations of small lampreys which are indigenous to PA have been drastically reduced because of habitat alterations and the application of lampricide to control the parasitic sea lamprey.
Sponsor: Penn State--Jay R. Stauffer
Cost: $40,705
* Title: Conservation and Management of fish, herptiles and aquatic species--special projects.
Objective: Complete series of specific projects related to the monitoring, research and management of nongame fish, amphibians, reptiles and aquatic organisms.
Justification: 46 fishes, 12 amphibians and reptiles and two freshwater mussel species are presently on the PA endangered, threatened and/or candidate lists. Project reviews, special studies and data management to adequately address the conservation of these species will be accomplished by these special projects.
Sponsor: Fish and Boat Commission--Andrew Shiels
Cost: $40,000
* Title: Herptile Atlas Pilot Project
Objective: The atlas is an effort to determine in detail the Statewide distribution of all species of amphibians and reptiles occurring within the borders of PA.
Justification: Pilot project will act as a proving ground to test procedures such as setting up the volunteer network, reporting results, and sending out program reports. The pilot project is designed to last for 2 years and survey Armstrong, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties in western PA.
Sponsor: Indiana University--Arthur C. Hulse
Cost: $13,000
* Title: In Situ video of PA's freshwater fish fauna
Objective: Underwater observations and video taping of in situ behaviors in each of the major drainage basins in the Commonwealth.
Justification: Final product will be a tape that contains representatives of each of the State's major drainages and will include a series of the fishes that occupy different habitat guilds.
Sponsor: Penn State--Jay R. Stauffer
Cost: $17,607
* Title: Trichoptera (caddisfly) and Plecoptera (stonefly) distribution in PA by physiographic province.
Objective: Adapt a GIS software program to plot the species of previous surveys by physiographic province. This is a more realistic biologic boundary than county borders.
Justification: This information will be useful in determination of how widely distributed species of caddisflies and stoneflies are in relation to their physiographic habitat. It could be very helpful in conservation efforts of rare species.
Sponsor: Penn State--Behrend College--E C Masteller
Cost: $5,670
* Title: Completion and Implementation of a Comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan
Objective: Develop an implementation plan to guide enactment of recommendations of the Comprehensive Management Plan and produce a glossy publication to promote in-State funding.
Justification: Agencies must proactively manage nongame fish and wildlife while meeting an increasing public demand for wildlife conservation, recreation and education opportunities.
Sponsor: Fish and Boat Commission--Brian Barner
Cost: $15,000
* Title: Identification of Mussell Glochidia and Host Fish Associations in the Upper Allegheny River Drainage
Objective: Gain general insights into unionid-host fish relationships through intensive study of the upper Allegheny River ecosystem by expanding the existing key to the mussel glochidia of French Creek.
Justification: Efforts to preserve and enhance mussel populations continent-wide are a high priority in conservation biology, but success of the effort is hampered by the inability to identify the glochidia. Unionids have an obligate association with a suitable vertebrate host to complete development. In North America, larval mussels called glochidia attach to host fish for a period of 1 week to several months before dropping off to begin their life in the substrate. The nature of the glochidium-host relationship is not well understood, but is critical to successful reproduction of all unionid species.
* Title: Application of Geographical Information System Technology to Fish Conservation in PA
Objective: Document changes in distribution and abundance of ETC species in PA over the past 30 years, to review current classifications of ETC species to ensure they are appropriately categorized and consider other species that should be added to the ETC species listing, and to identify streams that historically supported or currently support diverse assemblages of fish in each of the six major sub-drainages in PA and develop a priority list of streams in each drainage that merit special consideration.
Justification: To accurately represent PA's ETC species, databases from the Fish and Boat Commission, Penn State Univ. Fish Museum, Cornell Univ., Fish Museum, and the Philadelphia Academy of Science will be assimilated. Once in place fish records of the past 100 years will be centrally located allowing for data queries, and spatial and temporal analyses of several databases.
Sponsor: Penn State--Robert Carline
Cost: $24,726
Projects Submitted to the Game Commission for Funding in 1996 * Title: Wild Action Grant
Objective: Provide financial and technical support to schools and nonprofit youth organizations who are improving habitat for wildlife for school and community grounds and using these sites as environmental learning areas.
Justification: PA schools and youth organizations are interested in improving habitat for wildlife, many schools and groups need financial as well as technical support to implement habitat improvement projects. This program has been successful 1994, 1995, 1996. Further funding is needed to continue the program in 1997.
Sponsor: Game Commission--Theresa Alberici
Cost: $3,000
* Title: Status and Distribution Study of the Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher
Objective: Determine the status, natural history traits, and habitat requirements of the Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher by surveying likely nesting location, monitoring breeding populations, observing breeding pairs, and analyzing vegetation and physical characteristics of nesting habitat in PA.
Justification: The Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher is a threatened species in PA and one of its rarest and most poorly known nesting species. It is considered one of PA's rarest nesting species. All Yellow-Bellied Flycatchers have been found in unmanaged sections of large-scale forests.
Sponsor: Ecology III--Douglas Gross
Cost: $5,000
* Title: Monitor Populations of Louisiana Waterthrush in acidified and unpolluted stream habitats.
Objective: Study possible effects of stream acidification on the breeding biology of Louisiana Waterthrushes by comparing the availability of stream macroinvertebrates with breeding densities, foraging behavior, and nesting success in polluted and unpolluted forested stream habitats located on Powdermill Nature Reserve.
Justification: Degradation of riparian habitats in PA such as that caused by acid mine drainage and acid precipitation, for the breeding biology of Louisiana Waterthrushes is unknown. Knowledge of the possible effects of stream acidification on the population ecology and population dynamics of this species will enhance conservation efforts in the State.
Sponsor: Carnegie Museum of Nat. History/Powdermill Nature Reserve--Robert S. Mulvihill
Cost: $12,000
* Title: Protection of significant bat maternal site and restoration of adjacent farm fields
Objective: Restabilize barn foundation and roof of existing barn colonized by little brown bats as a brood rearing site, plant native warm-season grasses for upland fowl nesting habitat and install interpretive signs on ecological importance of bats and the significance of this old farm site in providing habitat for them and upland waterfowl. This bat brood rearing site is adjacent to the Allegheny National Wild and Scenic River, US 62.
Justification: The winter of 1995/96 saw many old barns in the State of PA fall down or be rendered unusable by bats because of heavy snows and severe spring storms. This colony has been visited by the GC and representative of Bat Conservation International, Inc. They consider this site a significant maternal colony that needs to be protected.
Sponsor: Allegheny National Forest--Brad Nelson
Cost: $25,000
* Title: Community ecology of the parasites found in the northern and southern flying squirrel: Evidence for Biological Warfare?
Objective: Define the species pool of parasites infecting both northern and southern flying squirrels. Determine the distribution of parasites within the gut of northern and southern flying squirrels for habitat studies, monitor changes in infection of individual hosts over collection periods, determine the possibility that Strongyloides robustus may be a positive factor in competitive exclusion between the northern and southern flying squirrel.
Justification: Host-parasite relationships and how these relationships effect host populations with regard to effective management of squirrel populations will be studied, along with the possible threat of species exclusion by parasite mediated competition.
Sponsor: Seton Hill College-Dr. Michael Patrick
Cost: $10,100
* Title: Small mammal community structure and dynamics in old growth forests: A long term ecological study
Objective: To continue a proposed long-term ecological research project to document the characteristics and dynamics of small mammal communities in old-growth forests in PA and compare these characteristics to those of small mammal communities in second-growth forests.
Justification: We know virtually nothing regarding the characteristics of small mammal communities in old-growth forests in PA and elsewhere in North America. This research will permit us to assess how the conversion of old-growth forests to second-growth forests may influence the structure and dynamics of small mammal communities and thereby the entire forest.
Sponsor: Shippensburg University--Dr. Gordon Kirkland
Cost: $10,000
* Title: Special concern mammal species research and management
Objective: Gather baseline data on special-concern mammals and provide these data to the appropriate State agencies that they can formulate sound management practices for these species.
Justification: Mammal species of concern have not received adequate efforts to understand their status and distribution patterns in PA. Maintaining the State's biodiversity requires the baseline date on these species to effect their long-term survival.
Sponsor: The Nature Conservancy--Jim Hart
Cost: $44,990.62
* Title: PA bayscapes wildlife habitat demonstration and workshops
Objective: Educate citizens about backyard practices that enhance biological diversity and protect water quality. Workshop/field day will be presented to interested public audiences within the watershed. Emphasize the environmental and economic values and benefits of highly-managed, cultivated landscape areas into more natural areas.
Justification: In cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service the Bayscapes Program was developed and conducted numerous workshops, seminars, field trips and outreach programs primarily in Maryland and Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Alliance would like to continue and expand the Bayscapes message in PA.
Sponsor: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Cost: $10,000
* Title: Survey of bats at Canoe Creek State Park with Special Emphasis on the ''Little Brown Bat''
Objective: To begin long-term monitoring of bats, elucidate the bat community within Canoe Creek State Park, determine demographic population structure of bats within the park.
Justification: Canoe Creek is an area of special concern regarding bats. These data will be used in making future management decisions regarding bats in this park.
Sponsor: Penn State--Dr. Michael Gannon
Cost: $6,087
* Title: Northern flying squirrels and northern water shrews as indicators of habitat quality in sensitive ecosystems of northeast PA
Objective: Further define the distribution of northern water shrews and northern flying squirrels in northeastern PA and assess patterns of macro and micro-habitat use as they relate to these distribution patterns.
Justification: The northern water shrew and the northern flying squirrel are inhabitants of northern boreal forests that exhibit a limited distribution in PA. Study is designed to evaluate the link between habitat quality and the distribution and abundance of the two species and to provide important information on their behavior and ecology.
Sponsor: Wilkes Univ.--Michael Steele
Cost: $11,856
* Title: Effect of Border-edge cuts on bird communities in farm woodlots in southwestern PA
Objective: Determine the effects of border-edge cuts have on avian species by comparing bird abundance, species richness, and nesting success between edges modified by border-edge cuts and abrupt (uncut) edges.
Justification: Results of this study should provide information on the benefits of this habitat management technique to edge-and shrub-nesting birds.
Sponsor: California University--Dr. Bill Giuliano, Dr. C. Allan Miller, and Kathy Fleming
* Title: Long-term ecological research: Small mammals as indicators of the health of PA Forest Ecosystems
Objective: Data derived from long-term population study of small mammals at Powdermill will accomplish: a baseline to understand factors contributing to the stability and resiliency of ''typical'' mixed-deciduous forest ecosystem in PA, and delimit population dynamics of ''indicator'' species of small mammals deemed essential to contributing to the health of a PA forest ecosystem.
Sponsor: Powdermill Environmental Station--Dr. Joseph Merritt
Cost: $9,000
* Title: Maintenance of the Official List of the Birds of PA
Objective: To maintain Official List, review status of all species, archive copies of slides, review new records, publish results to hold committee meetings.
Justification: PA Ornithological Committee is a sub-committee of the PA Biological Survey's Ornithological Committee which is an official advisory group to the PGC was founded to maintain the Official List of Birds of PA, determine authenticity of rare or unusual bird sightings, original bird records, publish data on all records, provide a means by which sight records can gain acceptance as credible scientific data, establish standards in the methods of collecting and submitting quality field data.
Sponsor: PA Ornithological Records Committee--Paul Schwalbe
Cost: $2,000
* Title: Young Ornithologists--research that educates
Objective: Staff will work with Bowman's Hill volunteers to study the impact of white-tailed deer on the diversity and productivity of plants and birds.
Justification: The Academy recognizes the critical importance of education in our quest to study and preserve the natural world and its biodiversity. To teach teenagers about ornithology and to encourage vocations and avocations in field biology we have designed Young Ornithologists using birds as the vehicle.
Sponsor: Academy of Natural Science--Dr. Robert Ridgeley/Sally Conyne
Cost: $12,212.04
* Title: An adopt-a-kestrel-nestbox program of PA school children
Objective: Develop an adopt-a-nestbox program for schools. The program will have interested classes of middle-school students build and erect a kestrel nestbox near the school, which the students will subsequently monitor. The kestrel will serve as the focus for lessons in wildlife biology.
Sponsor: Hawk Mtn.--Keith Bildstein, Bill Hilton
Cost: $17,850
* Title: Preparation and Curation of special concern mammals and bird specimens generated by Game Commission and Wild Resource Conservation Fund research
Objective: Help defray the costs of preparing and curating specimens of mammals and birds collected by PA Game Commission personnel or researchers studying special concern mammals and birds in PA.
Justification: Institutional funds are not allowed to defray the costs of preparing and curating specimens collected and deposited in the Vertebrate Museum by Game Commission personnel. This also applies to specimens collected during WRCF sponsored research carried out by individuals not employed by the Vertebrate Museum.
Sponsor: Shippensburg Univ.--Dr. Gordon Kirkland
Cost: $2,442
* Title: Stabilization of bat nursery church
Objective: Make repairs to the exterior of the bat church in order to preserve the building which houses the largest known nursery colony of little brown bats in PA.
Justification: This structure was purchased with WRCF monies in 1993 is being preserved and managed cooperatively by the Game Commission and the Bureau of State Parks. Plans are being formulated to use the church as a research and education center about bats. Repairs must be done to keep the building, which provides a safe, secure place for bat rearing, from deteriorating for personal safety and aesthetic appeal. Repairs will be done during appropriate times of the year to minimize disturbance during nursery care. Labor for repairs will be provided by Canoe Creek State Park and Game Commission, Bureau of Non-Game Species employees.
Sponsor: Bureau of State Parks, Canoe Creek State Park--Terry Wentz
Cost: $5,000
* Title: Wildlife Biodiversity associated with a new forestry practice in PA
Objective: Compare alpha (site-specific) diversity and population abundance of wildlife communities (breeding birds, terrestrial salamanders, and butterflies/skippers) among EAR stands of two size classes in the Valley and Ridge Province of PA.
Sponsor: Penn State--Richard Yahner
Cost: $25,956
* Title: PA recovery and management program for the long-eared owl
Objective: Identify wintering and breeding habitat for long-eared owl in PA; develop a monitoring program for the conservation of the long-eared owl in PA.
Justification: The PA Partners in Flight Program has identified the long-eared owl as a priority species for the development of a monitoring program in the Commonwealth.
Sponsor: Penn State--Richard Yahner
Cost: $13,000
* Title: Effects of warm season grass re-establishment on grassland bird communities in agriculture areas of southwestern PA
Objective: To determine what effects farmland planted with warm season grasses has on the abundance, species richness, nest density and nest success of grassland bird communities.
Justification: Breeding bird surveys have shown declines for many game and nongame grassland species in PA. Warm season grass fields planted by farmers through a wild pheasant habitat restoration project may provide suitable habitat for many of the declining species. Investigating this practice may determine that warm season grass fields can benefit wildlife as well as farmers.
Sponsor: California University--Dr. Wm. Giuliano
Cost: $9,840
* Title: Radiotelemetry study of experimental recolonization of an Allegheny woodrat
Objective: Radio-collared Allegheny woodrats will be released at Waggoners Gap, Cumberland County where the woodrat population was recently extirpated. Radiotelemetry will allow documentation of the fates of the experimental recolonizers so as to evaluate hypotheses for causes of Allegheny woodrat decline in PA and to assess artificial recolonization as a conservation practice for this species.
Justification: Causes for the decline of the Allegheny woodrat are still unclear. Our years of background at this site set us up well to assess the fate of an experimental recolonization and use it to understand which factors are acting in woodrat decline.
Sponsor: Dickinson College--Janet Wright
Cost: $4,135
* Title: Landscape modification and changes in breeding bird communities: Analysis of Breeding Bird Survey data from PA
Objective: Analyze breeding bird survey data from two physiographic regions of PA which differ in their rates of landscape modification: a heavily forested province in south-central PA and a rapidly urbanizing province which includes metropolitan York and Harrisburg. Quantify historic changes in landscape attributes and bird community structure between the two regions.
Justification: Developing a standardized methodology for assessing bird population trends and rates of landscape change at large scales may be applied throughout Pennsylvania and potentially Nationwide.
Sponsor: Penn State--Robert Brooks, Timothy O'Connell
Cost: $26,842
* Title: Biodiversity Conservation of Butterflies and Skippers in PA
Objective: Develop and test a survey protocol for butterflies and skippers in three landscapes of central PA, determine and compare biodiversity of butterflies and skippers in three landscapes, determine seasonal and species-specific use of native and exotic nectar plants by butterflies and skippers in central PA, develop management recommendations for the biodiversity conservation of butterflies and skippers in PA.
Justification: Butterflies and skippers have declined over the past few decades. These organisms are not only aesthetically important, but are major plant pollinators, barometers of environmental changes, major components of the food chain, occur in a variety of habitats and landscapes and are of major interest from a biodiversity conservation perspective.
Sponsor: Richard Yahner
Cost: $7,500
* Title: Avian nesting success, species diversity and guild composition in fenced and unfenced riparian habitats in southwest PA
Objective: To determine if fencing streams and wetlands in pastures has an effect on local bird communities.
Justification: Streams and wetlands provide much needed habitat for nesting and food resources. Streams with well developed vegetation, also provide corridors between fragmented woodlots. This study will be used to determine if fencing increases nesting success, species diversity, and guild composition.
Sponsor: California University of PA--Gary Popotnik
Cost: $10,282
* Title: Status and Distribution of reintroduced river otter and fisher populations in PA
Objective: To evaluate the initial success of otters and fishers. Establish protocols for monitoring otter populations. Send a questionnaire survey to all wildlife conservation officers to obtain reports of fisher sightings and accidental captures during trapping season. Track surveys conducted during the winter throughout fisher reintroduction areas, establish protocols for monitoring reintroduced fisher populations.
Justification: By the early 1900's the combination of habitat loss and unregulated harvest had caused the otter and fisher populations to suffer sever declines throughout the Commonwealth. Otters are currently classified as ''At Risk'' and fishers as ''Endangered/extirpated'' in PA. Implementation of modern wildlife and habitat management programs have improved conditions and resulted in renewed potential for otters and fishers to be reintroduced. Monitoring of the reintroduced species is now required.
Sponsor: Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $33,955
* Title: Reintroduction of Fishers to the Allegheny National Forest in Northwestern PA
Objective: Obtain fishers for reintroduction from New Hampshire and New York, implement captive care and evaluation program, evaluate and monitor fates of reintroduced fishers, establish a public relations program.
Justification: Improved wildlife and forest management techniques have enabled State wildlife agencies to successfully reintroduce fishers to portions of their former range.
Sponsor: Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $27,741
* Title: Feasibility of Reintroducing Pine Martens in PA
Objective: Literature review into the feasibility of reintroducing pine martens into its former range, habitat evaluation, public relations program, establish a source of martens, establish trapping, transporting and caring for protocols for captive management and veterinary care.
Justification: Habitat with potential to support marten populations will be identified and mapped from GIS databases. Most marten populations were eliminated from the Commonwealth by the early 1900's because of unregulated harvest and cutting of forested habitats. Martens are now classified as endangered/extirpated in the State. Because of improvements in furbearer and timber management practices, conditions may be once again suitable habitat for PA.
Sponsor: Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $7,591
* Title: An Evaluation of the genetic composition and degree of inbreeding in PA's Elk herd--considerations for Long-term management.
Objective: Apply modern genetic technology to evaluate genetic diversity and levels of genetic relatedness (inbreeding) in PA's elk herd.
Justification: Offer practical applications for the use of population genetics in designing elk reintroduction projects and managing reintroduced elk populations
Sponsor: Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $10,642
* Title: Genetic Structure as an Indicator of Community Stability in Small mammal populations occurring in old-growth and managed timber habitats
Objective: Use genetic data to evaluate the temporal stability and spatial dynamics of small mammal assemblages occurring in a landscape mosaic of managed and old-growth forests.
Justification: The impact that the decline of old-growth forest has had upon wildlife species is poorly understood.
Sponsor: Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $4,368
* Title: Genetic Variations in Reintroduced Fishers in PA
Objective: Identify variable microsatellite loci in fishers, determine the initial genetic diversity and spatial structure of PA's reintroduced fisher populations using variable microsatellite loc.
Justification: We have been provided a rare opportunity by obtaining samples of DNA from fishers prior to their release, to assess changes in genetic parameters (inbreeding, genetic diversity, gene flow) that occur over time in this reintroduced fisher population. No molecular level genetic markers exist for fishers at this time. Genetic molecular markers will be identified for fishers. Overall monitoring will allow wildlife managers to assess, from a genetic perspective, the costs and benefits of stocking strategies used in the Commonwealth.
Sponsor: Purdue University--Dr. Olin E. Rhodes, Jr./Penn State--Tom Serfass
Cost: $27,837
* Title: PA Important Bird Areas Project
Objective: The National Audubon Society proposes to enlist the cooperation of ornithologists, bird watchers, local Audubon chapters and other organizations and governmental agencies to identify ''Important Bird Areas'' (IBA in PA as a prototype for a Nationwide ''IBA'' program.) An IBA is critical habitat used by birds in their nesting migration cycle.
Justification: An IBA is a site that supplies essential habitats for one or more species of birds and which, on some basis, can be distinguished from surrounding lands. IBA's must be chosen on the basis of criteria that are substantially objective, which would be developed along with a how to manual, nominated sites, quarterly newsletter, electronic database use in GIS.
Sponsor: Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of National Audubon--Walter Pomeroy
Cost: $25,000
Projects Submitted to the WRCF for Funding in 1996 * Title: Interpretative Exhibit at the Elk Viewing Area
Objective: Promote public awareness and appreciation of elk natural history, elk history in PA and the elk research management. To promote the elk viewing area and the watchable wildlife program in PA.
Justification: Elk viewing is an integral part of our watchable wildlife program. The elk viewing area allows general public to observe elk in their natural habitat in a safe manner. Currently there is no medium on site to provide the public with accurate information about what they are viewing.
Sponsor: Game Commission--Theresa Alberici
Cost: $15,000
* Title: Promote Awareness of Wild Resource Conservation Fund
Objective: Continue promotion and awareness of PA's Wild Resource Conservation Fund. Make items available such as videos, T-shirts, posters, ''Keystown Wild Notes'' newsletter, and other sale items and education materials directly to the citizens of PA.
Justification: With a limited staff and funds keeping the WRCF in the public awareness has been difficult. This project will allow the general public to learn of the Fund's accomplishments and past and future projects directly with minimal costs.
Sponsor: Robert and Thelma Clark
Cost: $15,980
Projects Submitted which Cover Multi-Agencies for Funding in 1996 * Title: Women's expedition for the environment education workshops
Objective: Develop a historic perspective of the environment in PA by visiting cultural sites and connecting the past to present environmental situation. Unite 28,000 members and 25 chapters of Audubon in PA, unite sister and government organizations for a common cause.
Justification: Recognize the role of women in environmental protection, and promote a positive role model to the young women of the Commonwealth by providing programs for Girl Scouts, Big Sisters and similar organizations.
Sponsor: Audubon Council of PA--Marci Mowery
Cost: $15,000
* Title: Development of an on-line reference guide to terrestrial vertebrates of PA
Objective: Provide the public with an on-line, world wide web based resource for basic identification information about mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians of PA in an easily updatable electronic form.
Justification: Provide public access to collection-based data on terrestrial vertebrates of PA primarily accumu-lated over the last 100 years of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. On-line publication of this guide would increase its availability via the Internet to the public audience using computers available in homes, schools and public libraries and reduce the cost of periodic republication of updated information.
Sponsor: Carnegie Museum of Natural History--Bernadette G. Callery
Cost: $31,370
* Title: Schoolyard Habitat Facilitator Training Workshops
Objective: Train facilitators to conduct habitat creation and improvement workshops. Increase the number of schools with functional habitat areas. Develop an educational slide program and planting plans.
Justification: Schoolyard habitat areas provide a means by which teachers can meet Chapter Five requirements for environmental education. Currently the demand for workshops exceeds our ability to meet.
Sponsor: Audubon Council of PA--Marci Mowery
Cost: $15,000
* Title: Biodiversity in PA: A curriculum supplement for PA Middle Schools
Objective: Develop and disseminate a biodiversity curriculum supplement for PA middle schools.
Justification: Dept. of Education survey to middle school teachers indicate that they are interested in incorporating concepts concerning biodiversity into their classroom curriculum. The Education Technical Committee of the PA Biological Survey has chosen the development and dissemination of materials for middle school teachers and students as a priority project.
Sponsor: PA Biological Survey--Theresa Alberici
Cost: $15,000
PETER A. COLANGELO,
Chairperson
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-1421. Filed for public inspection August 23, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
