ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst
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Publication Fisher Population Dynamics in North-Central Massachusetts(1996-02)Literature was reviewed to summarize fisher (Martes pennanti) population dynamics parameters. These parameters were included in a simple population model to estimate the annual finite rate of population change. Models combining lowest, unweighted mean, and weighted mean values of each parameter all indicated decreasing finite rates of population change, suggesting that most populations that have been studied rely on immigrationto remain viable. From 1992 to 1995 we studied the population dynamics of a lightly harvested fisher population in north-central Massachusetts. We captured nad radio-collared 92 (38 M, 55 F) fishers to estimate survival, reproduction and dispersal rates. Fishers dispersed 10-107 km (x̄ = 32 km) from area of capture. Dispersing fishers had a lower monthly survival rate than similar aged animals remaining in the study area and fishers that had completed dispersal. Territories of resident radio-marked fishers were mapped (approximately 55% of all territories), those of unmarked fishers were identified and the total number indicated an overall density of about 19 and 23 resident fishers/100 km2 for 1994 and 1995 respectively. Results from automatic camera, mark-recapture surveys also suggested a slight increase in the population from 1994 (16± 4 fishers/100 km2) to 1995 (25 ± 6 fishers/100 km2). Fisher track counts and numbers of fisher photographs also increased over the 2-year period. Survival, reproduction, and juvenile dispersal rates were incorporated into a simple population model and indicated a stable population (lambda = 1.0) However, an observed change in density (+ 21 %) over the period of study, confirmed observations that some immigration occurred. High adult female survival and reproduction combined with high dispersal rates suggest that this population is a "source" population for other areas with lower fisher densities or higher mortality rates. We implanted PIT tags in young kits (6-8 weeks old), juvenile (4-12 months old) and adult fishers (> 1 year old). When recaptured all PIT-tagged fishers had retained the PIT tag. However, 2 of 7 kits and 8 of 35 adults recaptured had lost both eartags, and 13 of 92 adult fishers shed their radio collar.Publication Low-Carbon Climate Resilience Opportunities in Small Limited Resource Cities(Lincoln Institute for Land Policy, 2025-01)As many communities pursue low-carbon, climate-resilient futures, medium to large cities have often taken the lead, supported by organizations like the C40 Network, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the former Rockefeller 100 Resilient Cities initiative. However, smaller communities, especially those with median or below-median income levels, frequently lack access to these resources and opportunities. This gap is significant, as more Americans reside in smaller cities and communities than in large cities. This report examines the unique opportunities and challenges faced by smaller cities, particularly those with limited financial resources and specialized staff. This case study explores how Northampton, Massachusetts—a small city with a population of just under 30,000—has navigated these challenges by setting ambitious climate targets, aligning its planning and capital improvement efforts with sustainability and resilience goals, and establishing a dedicated climate action department. Northampton's achievements, which include the highest score in the former Massachusetts Commonwealth Capital sustainability program, the first 5-STAR rating in the Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating Communities, and a LEED for Cities Gold certification, provide valuable insights into how small, median-income cities can make meaningful progress on climate change. The lessons learned from Northampton’s successes and setbacks offer actionable guidance for other smaller communities aiming to address climate resilience and sustainability.Publication Town Identity and Its Relationship to Planning Practices(2003-05)This project explores the various factors that contribute to the identity of Greenfield, Massachusetts, to provide insights for town planners seeking to strengthen that identity. By examining historical, geographical, occupational, cultural, and social elements, the study identifies how Greenfield’s identity has evolved. The town’s former industrial strength, particularly in the mill industry, and its strategic location along major rivers were once central to its identity. However, the decline of industry, lack of historic preservation, and shifting perceptions have diminished these influences in the town's current image. Today, Greenfield’s identity is shaped by a diverse range of social networks and community-based movements, including natural foods, alternative medicine, and environmental initiatives. These networks create meaningful places that foster a strong sense of place among residents. However, many of these contributions are under-recognized by local governance. This project suggests that planners should identify and support these community assets to foster a more inclusive and resonant town identity. By understanding the lived experiences, special places, and evolving perceptions of its residents, Greenfield can develop a more cohesive and dynamic identity grounded in both its history and its present-day community fabric.Publication Collaborations Between Land Trusts for Regional Land Preservation(2002)Land trusts are non-profit organizations crucial in the preservation of millions of acres of land in the United States today. Land trusts can be small, covering one municipality, or large, covering an entire state. However, most land trusts throughout the country are small and have limited resources for funding land preservation projects, paying staff, dealing with day-to-day expenses, etc. Most land trusts tend to stick to their geographical boundaries and often do not consider lands outside these boundaries. Connectivity of lands is crucial to establish wildlife and plant corridors and allow for the preservation of ecosystems beyond municipal jurisdictions. Collaboration between land trusts for the preservation of regional lands is key and provided the basis for this project. Specific methods land trusts collaborate are established in this project, and 8 land trust case studies were used in western Massachusetts to see which of these methods were being used in this region. It is important to understand not only how land trusts are collaborating but also what the incentives are to local collaborations and what the drawbacks are to collaborating. Most of the land trust collaborations going on in western Massachusetts are with state agencies, and less between other surveyed local land trusts. Lack of funding is a key constituent of why land trusts are partnering with state agencies. The land trusts that are partnering with other local land trusts are finding it helpful in regional land preservation. Land trusts in western Massachusetts do want to pursue more local collaborations if possible, for regional land connectivity. The local land trusts saw collaboration with other local land trusts as positive and something worthwhile for pursuing regional lands. Land trusts in western Massachusetts need to continue with this beneficial collaborative work and establish more working relationships with other land trusts in the region. By establishing collaborations, more parcels of land can be evaluated for their availability to be part of a contiguous landscape within the region. Through collaboration, land trusts can share priorities and plans to create regional connections of land. Land trusts in western Massachusetts need to pursue collaborations more with other local land trusts, and less with state agencies, to allow more spreading of local resources and less time waiting for state money. State agencies have been helpful partners to land trusts in western Massachusetts, but most of the surveyed land trusts agreed that working with the state to get funding was a much longer process. Ultimately, collaboration among land trusts is crucial to link protected lands and expand protection of lands across municipal borders. Connectivity of lands allows for better wildlife and plant habitat, species diversity, and provides better coverage and travel corridors for wildlife.Publication A Critique of Planning, Development, and Progress(1986)This project offers a critical-historical evaluation of water resources planning (WRP) in Iran, approached through a multidisciplinary lens encompassing technical, historical, economic, social, political, and cultural perspectives. Initial research revealed the complex interplay between traditional WRP practices and broader socio-economic and ecological systems, highlighting contradictions in development planning shaped by political ideology, state interests, and technocratic limitations. Fieldwork and interviews with Iranian officials and planners underscored the gap between planning ideals and political realities, raising questions about the meaning and effectiveness of ‘development’ and ‘progress.’ The study further reflects on the role and identity of planners within societal structures and critiques centralized planning institutions that overlook local realities and community participation. Drawing on insights from the Iranian Revolution and global modernization crises, the research argues for a deeper understanding of the underlying logic and motivations in planning systems, emphasizing collective responsibility and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Ultimately, this work aims to transcend specialized academic discourse by fostering accessible, critical reflection on planning, development, and progress in the context of both Iran and broader global challenges.
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