By Theme:Arts and Literature | Campus Sustainability | Community Perspectives | Development | Economic Analysis | Ecosystem Analysis | Education | Energy | Environmental Justice | Food Systems | Geology of the Watershed | Green Architecture | Green Business | History of the Watershed | Invasive Species | Land Use Patterns | Public Policy | Recreation | Transportation | Water Quality
Invasive Species
Effect of Zebra Mussels (Dreissenapolymorpha) on Turbidity
Mary Dunham, Emily Voldstad, and Leanna Westfall (2006)
This study assessed how zebra mussels, an invasive species in Saratoga Lake, impact turbidity, which is a measure of water clarity. We also discuss interactions between zebra mussels and other invasive species, and how these relationships affect water quality in Saratoga Lake.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Water Conflicts and Contradictions: Recreation and Invasive Species in Saratoga Lake
Molly Bergen '06, Leah Wohl-Pollack '08, Michael Ennis-McMillan, Department of Anthropology, and Karen Kellogg, Department of Biology and Environmental Studies Program (2006)
Based on over forty interviews with informed county residents, we discovered that residents' perceptions of Saratoga Lake are influenced by their desire to protect their recreational interests, representing the economic and emotional value they place on Saratoga Lake. We also learned that personal interaction with invasive species influences residents' perceptions of which species are problematic and which species management plans are desirable. Our study indicates that personal interests often overshadow environmental concern for Saratoga Lake.
Full report is not available. Please contact Karen Kellogg for more information.
Erin Kenison '09, Peter Leipzig-Scott '09, and Josh Ness, Department of Biology (2007)
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive weed currently invading the riparian zones of the Kayaderossersas and Battenkill river systems. Our mapping of Knotweed suggests that invaded sites become more common as river size and discharge rates increase, and that the invasion potential varies with stream geomorphology. We conclude that the knotweed invasion is facilitated by a readily available transportation network (flowing rivers) and a paucity of effective natural enemies.
Full report is not available. Please contact Josh Ness for more information.
Distribution and Ecology of Riparian Invaders in the Upper Hudson Watershed
Emily Rollinson 鈥�09, Dan vonAllmen 鈥�09, and Josh Ness, Assistant Professor of Biology (2008)
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a water-borne exotic weed currently invading the riparian zones in the United States and Europe. We mapped the distribution of knotweed in nine Upper Hudson watersheds, and discovered that invasions were more common in larger streams (third to fifth order) and along the depositional banks of meandering stream reaches. We attribute both patterns to within-stream increases in the delivery of plant fragments. We also found that knotweed-invaded riparian zones differed from their non-invaded counterparts, with fewer herbaceous species, fewer woody seedlings, and less light reaching the forest floor. These invasions may reconfigure riparian communities.
Impact of Invasive Diatom on Stream Food Web and Community Structure
Hannah Harris 鈥�10, Emily Stulik 鈥�10, and Cathy Gibson, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies (2008)
In the summer of 2007, Didymospheniageminata, an invasive algae also known as 鈥渞ock snot鈥� was found on the Batten Kill River near Salem, NY. Previous research has shown that invasions of D. geminata can alter the structure of the macroinvertebrate community by contributing to the decline of other species such as mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. To determine the impact of the invasion on the macroinvertebrate community of the Batten Kill, we sampled four similar sites with varying levels of invasion. Both the diets and the community structure of D. geminata were analyzed. Preliminary results suggest that some species may be capable of limiting the growth of D. geminate through grazing, and that the presence of D. geminata, even at low levels, decreases the abundance of macroinvertebrates in the river.
Weather or Knot: The Impact of Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbances on Japanese
Knotweed
Daniel vonAllmen, Peter Leipzig-Scott, Erin Kenison (2009)
Japanese knotweed is an aggressive invader of riparian habitats. Our study investigates how natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including flooding, human land use and natural stream channel migration, affect the distribution of knotweed. These disturbances had differing effects on knotweed presence. A large percentage of plants were damaged over winter months, which may contribute to plant fragmentation and subsequent dispersal.
Full report is not available. Please contact Cathy Gibson for more information.
Saratoga Lake Landowner Survey: Assessing Behaviors, Perceptions and Opinions
Andrew Clinard, Jennifer Hubert, and Bradford Nesbitt (2009)
Our survey of Saratoga Lake residents revealed that most respondents think water quality is acceptable and affects property values, but is threatened by invasive species. While opinions varied on who should maintain the lake, most opposed land use regulations. Future studies and public outreach should focus on these subjects.
Full report is not available. Please contact Bob Turner for more information.