Environmental Conservation Faculty Publication Series

Toward Open Public Administration Scholarship

Schweik, Charles M. et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:07:09 PDT

This essay focuses on the potential of information communication technologies to move the Public Administration (PA) scholarly community into a new information paradigm. We begin with a review of conventional approaches PA scholars use to communicate with each other, students, and practitioners. After illustrating advances in Web applications, we call for an ‘‘Open PA Scholarship’’ in which research, teaching, and engagement are conducted in a more participatory, timely, and effective manner enabled by new technologies. We conclude with a proposal of Online PA Commons, an interactive Web platform that may facilitate the development of such scholarship.

Compatibility of Toothed Ascenders with Arborist Climbing Ropes

Kane, Brian CP — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:07:07 PDT

Climbers are increasingly using ascenders to access trees, both as a substitute for Prusik loops used in footlocking a doubled rope and with the single rope technique. Manufacturers, however, have explicit limitations on use of ascenders, many of which are violated when used in tree climbing. Ascenders were tested on four arborist climbing ropes in a dynamic drop test; impact load and arrest distance were measured. Of 67 tests, arrest distance met the EN 12841-2006 Standard (≤2 m) only 10 times. Impact loads averaged more than five kN, adding a backup friction hitch to the ascender increased impact load to more than six kN. Climbers need to be made aware of the appropriate use of ascenders, and only use compatible ropes.

Dynamic properties of open-grown deciduous trees

Kane, Brian CP et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:07:06 PDT

Natural frequency (f) and damping ratio (ζ) are important dynamic parameters that affect the likelihood of tree failure. Much work has investigated these parameters on conifers, but few data exist for open-grown deciduous trees. Considering the risk to people and property from tree failures in residential areas, a better understanding of f and ζ for open-grown deciduous trees is warranted. We measured free vibrations of Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne. ‘Bradford’) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus L.) to calculate f and ζ. Subsequently, we remeasured trees after pruning and leaf-drop to investigate the effect of each treatment on f and ζ. While testing one species, an ice storm provided a serendipitous opportunity to investigate the effect of ice accretion on f and ζ. For both species, f did not differ with respect to the cycle for which it was measured or the direction in which the tree swayed. Different types of pruning variably affected f and ζ, but the effect of leaves superseded the effect of pruning, as well as ice accretion. Pruning trees to reduce the likelihood of wind-induced failure may thus be of limited value if significant wind events typically occur when trees are leafless.

Measuring urban forestry performance and demographic associations in Massachusetts, USA

Kane, Brian CP et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 14:07:05 PDT

The United States Forest Service measures successful management of the urban forest by the number of communities that have achieved some or all of four parameters described by the Community Accomplishment Reporting System. The four parameters address whether a community has: (1) a management plan, (2) professional staff, (3) urban forestry ordinances/policies, and (4) an advocacy/advisory organization. We surveyed tree wardens in the Massachusetts communities to determine how many communities met each parameter, as well as other indicators of urban forest management. Nearly all responding communities met 1 performance parameter, but only 15% met all 4 parameters. Communities with greater population were more successful in achieving the parameters than those with smaller population.

Architectural Design with SketchUp - Component-Based Modeling, Plugins, Rendering, and Scripting

Schreyer, Alexander C. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:57:12 PDT

SketchUp is the tool of choice for architects, interior designers, and construction professionals. Though the basics are simple to understand, getting the most out of it requires deeper instruction and guidance. Architectural Design with SketchUp uses easy-to-understand tutorials to describe both common and advanced process, illustrated throughout with full-color renderings.

Climate Responsive Design and the Milam Residence

Hoque, Simi T. et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:55:19 PDT

Energy conservation and efficiency is an essential area of focus in contemporary building design. The perception that the designers of buildings during the Modernist period of architecture ignored these principles is a false one. The present study, an examination of Paul Rudolph’s Milam Residence, a masterpiece of American residential architecture, is part of a larger project endeavoring to create a knowledge base of the environmental performance of iconic modernist homes. A critical examination of the Milam House allows insight into specific design characteristics that impact energy efficiency and conservation. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the Milam Residence was constructed in 1962. It was the last of a series of Florida residences designed by Rudolph, Chairman of the Department of Architecture at Yale University (1958–1965). The structure’s form is strongly related to its location on a subtropical beachfront. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the building’s solar responsiveness. Specifically, we examine design strategies such as orientation and sunscreening and their effect on daylighting, shading, and heat gain. The analysis is based on parametric energy modeling studies using Autodesk’s Ecotect, an environmental analysis tool that allows simulation of building performance. While the initial target of the program was early design, the program allows the input of complex geometries and detailed programming of zones, materials, schedules, etc. The program's excellent analyses of desired parameters are augmented by visualizations that make it especially valuable in communicating results. Our findings suggest that the building, as built and situated on the site, does take advantage of daylighting and solar shading and does so in both expected and unexpected ways.

Global change, global trade, and the next wave of plant invasions

Bradley, Bethany et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:02:54 PDT

Many non-native plants in the US have become problematic invaders of native and managed ecosystems, but a new generation of invasive species may be at our doorstep. Here, we review trends in the horticultural trade and invasion patterns of previously introduced species and show that novel species introductions from emerging horticultural trade partners are likely to rapidly increase invasion risk. At the same time, climate change and water restrictions are increasing demand for new types of species adapted to warm and dry environments. This confluence of forces could expose the US to a range of new invasive species, including many from tropical and semiarid Africa as well as the Middle East. Risk assessment strategies have proven successful elsewhere at identifying and preventing invasions, although some modifications are needed to address emerging threats. Now is the time to implement horticulture import screening measures to prevent this new wave of plant invasions.

Will extreme climatic events facilitate biological invasions?

Bradley, Bethany et al. — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:02:51 PDT

Extreme climatic events (ECEs) – such as unusual heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts – can dramatically affect ecological and evolutionary processes, and these events are projected to become more frequent and more intense with ongoing climate change. However, the implications of ECEs for biological invasions remain poorly understood. Using concepts and empirical evidence from invasion ecology, we identify mechanisms by which ECEs may influence the invasion process, from initial introduction through establishment and spread. We summarize how ECEs can enhance invasions by promoting the transport of propagules into new regions, by decreasing the resistance of native communities to establishment, and also sometimes by putting existing non-native species at a competitive disadvantage. Finally, we outline priority research areas and management approaches for anticipating future risks of unwanted invasions following ECEs. Given predicted increases in both ECE occurrence and rates of species introductions around the globe during the coming decades, there is an urgent need to understand how these two processes interact to affect ecosystem composition and functioning.

Ferret badger Melogale moschata activity, movements, and den site use in southeastern China

Wang, HB et al. — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:57:52 PST

Relative importance of early-successional forests and shrubland habitats to mammals in the northeastern United States

Fuller, TK et al. — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 06:51:09 PST