Principal Investigator: Name

Institution: School

Project Starting Date: Date

Objectives:

• Disseminate results of black bear research in Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ) to scientific community and resource managers.
• Refine habitat selection and other analyses using data collected during 2000-2003.
• Complete final report containing management recommendations, and prepare for publication.

Principal Investigator: Kyran Kunkel

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: August 2004

Objectives:

• Determine calving habitat selection and success of moose in Western Arctic National Parklands, primarily Noatak National Preserve

Principal Investigator: Thomas E. Osterkamp

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: September 2004

Abstract:

• Data from Healy bore-holes near Denali National Park will be gathered and analyzed to develop a protocol for use in the NPS monitoring program. The protocol development will be inclusive of Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Yukon - Charley National Preserve. The final report will illustrate types of information that can be obtained from the data, and the use of these data for prediction and anticipation of the impacts of thawing permafrost on ecosystems in the three park units of the Central Alaska Network.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Fix

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Resources Management

Project Starting Date: June 2004

Abstract:

• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (WRST) managers are interested in appropriate site development of the Kennecott Mill Town. Data describing why visitors come to this area of the park and how they would feel if it was changed does not exist, as a systematic survey of the front country visitors to the Kennecott area of WRST has not been conducted. We propose to conduct a study during the summer season 2004 at the Kennecott Mill Town in order to link visitor motivations, trip characteristics, demographics, information preferences and evaluations, and time of visitation (e.g. morning/evening and early/mid season) to preferences towards management actions. The park managers can then use the information gathered to assist in future decisions regarding park interpretation.

Final Report:

• Taylor, S. C. & Fix, P. J. 2005. Visitor preferences for interpretation in the Kennecott Mill Town, Wrangell - St. Elias National Park final report. (PDF)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Fix

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Resources Management
  

Project Starting Date: 2004

Abstract:

• Alaska Residents Statistics Program (ARSP) is designed to be an ongoing research program to gather information to support management of Alaska's public lands and resources. The overall goals of the ARSP are to establish baseline use information that can be used to monitor future use and user trends in Alaska and provide detailed information for management of public land resources. Survey is statewide, project is cooperative with other agencies in Alaska.

Principal Investigator: Thomas C. Shirley

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: June 2004

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Milo Adkison

Institution:

• University of Alaska Southeast
  School of Fisheries

Project Starting Date: May 2004

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Dr. John Litvaitis

Institution: University of New Hampshire

Project Starting Date: February 2004

Objectives:

The status of New England cottontail (NEC) on the Cape Cod National Seashore is unknown. As part of an effort to identify remaining populations of NEC throughout the species historic range, Litvaitis et al. (2003) recently reported that NEC were still present on portions of Cape Cod. However, investigators involved with that study did not search Cape Cod National Seashore. Currently, hunting of all cottontails is permitted on the Seashore. The effects of hunting on remnant populations of NEC are unknown. Likewise, there is no information on what affects hunting may have on populations of eastern cottontails. What is needed is information on the status and distribution of NEC on the Seashore, and an evaluation of how hunting mortality affects the abundance of NEC and eastern cottontails on the Seashore. Therefore, I propose to conduct a field investigation on the Seashore that will address the following objectives.

1. Determine the distribution and relative abundance of New England and eastern cottontails.

2. Determine if hunting mortality is an additive or compensatory form of mortality.

Results of this study should provide new insight on the status of NEC and eastern cottontails and reveal what effects current management activities are having on cottontail populations within the Seashore.

Principal Investigator: Milo Adkison

Institution:

• University of Alaska Southeast
  School of Fisheries

Project Starting Date: July 2004

Abstract:

• Rapid physical and biological change in Glacier Bay's Dry Bay Preserve is likely affecting East Alsek River sockeye salmon productivity and returns. The National Park Service (NPS) seeks to understand the cause of these declines to consider, develop and implement management prescriptions if necessary. This project would forge a partnership between the University of Alaska, School of Fisheries (UAF SOF) and the NPS. There is physical and biological data available on the changes hypothesized to be contributing to declining sockeye salmon. This existing data will be obtained, analyzed, and evaluated to examine these hypotheses. Existing physical and biological information consists of georeferenced aerial photography, fisheries data, uplift rates, seismic activity, Alsek River outburst flooding events and stage-discharge data for the Tatsheshini/Alsek River and similar sized coastal streams. Existing information will be collected, analyzed and evaluated to assess declining salmonid productivity in the East Alsek River.

Principal Investigator: Sue Rosie Rosenberger

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: April 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Dave Verbyla

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  School of Natural Resources & Agricultural Sciences

Project Starting Date: July 2004

Abstract:

• This project will result in the development of protocols to measure the number and size of shallow lakes in the Central Alaska Network and develop a strategy for monitoring lake area over time using radar satellite imagery. Shallow lake drying is a serious concern of park managers because such systems are highly productive areas that provide critical habitat to many species of wildlife. The network is concerned that the rate of change in shallow lake filling and drying is being impacted by anthropogenic global climate change.

Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Dabney

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  University Press

Project Starting Date: June 2004

Abstract:

• Revise, edit and reformat Bill Brown's 1988 two-volume historic resource study for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (GAAR). GAAR cultural resources staff will obtain additional material and work cooperatively with University of Alaska Press editors to prepare volume for eventual re-publication and placement in northern village libraries.

Principal Investigator: Todd O'Hara

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Biology and Wildlife

Project Starting Date: June 2007

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Terrance Cole

Institution:

• University of Alaska
  Office of Public History

Project Starting Date: July 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Mathew Nolan

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Water and Environmental Research Center

Project Starting Date: July 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Catherine F. Cahill

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Project Starting Date: May 2006

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Mark Lindberg

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Biology and Wildlife

Project Starting Date: July 2005

Objectives:

1. Use data collect in 2006 to estimates probability of occupancy and abundance of
brown bears in the surveyed area.
2. Conduct simulations to develop optimal designs for modeling brown bear
occupancy in future surveys.
3. Make recommendations for survey design based on results from objective 2.

Final Report:

• Monitoring Populations of Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) within the Arctic Network Park Units: An Evaluation of Occupancy Models (PDF)

Principal Investigator:

• Daniel Odess
  Curator of Archaeology

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  UA Museum

Project Starting Date: September 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: William Schneider

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Rassmussen Library

Project Starting Date: July 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Mark Lindberg

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Biology and Wildlife

Project Starting Date: August 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Peter McRoy

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Institute of Marine Science

Project Starting Date: July 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Steve Sparrow

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  SNRAS, Plant, Animal and Soil Department

Project Starting Date: September 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Carolyn Parker

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Herbarium, UA Museum of the North

Project Starting Date: September 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Perry Barboza

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Biology and Wildlife

Project Starting Date: August 2007

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Marion Syndonia Bret-Harte

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: June 2006

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Carolyn Parker

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Herbarium, UA Museum of the North

Project Starting Date: August 2005

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Terrance Cole

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Office of Public History

Project Starting Date: June 2006

Objectives:

Principal Investigator: Stefanie Ickert-Bond

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks

Project Starting Date: June 2010

Abstract:

This study will examine, identify, and process plant samples gathered in the Arctic Network (ARCN) of National Park Service.

Principal Investigator: Scott Shirar

Institution:

• University of Alaska Museum of the North

Project Starting Date: April 2010

Abstract:

This project will focus on archeological survey and cultural resource inventory to establish the prehistory of the Chignik-Meshik Rivers region. Together with an emerging record of volcanism and environmental change, archaeological data will help to illustrate a comprehensive picture of human activity in the central Alaska Peninsula with emphasis on the Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve.

Principal Investigator: Scott Rupp

Institution:

• Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning (SNAP)

Project Starting Date: July 2010

Abstract:

This study will develop a sensitivity analysis of the variables that affect the spread of wildfire in Alaska and determine limitations in fire spread prediction.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Fix

Institution:

• University of Alaska Fairbanks
  Department of Resources Management

Project Starting Date: 2004

Abstract:

• Alaska Residents Statistics Program (ARSP) is designed to be an ongoing research program to gather information to support management of Alaska's public lands and resources. The overall goals of the ARSP are to establish baseline use information that can be used to monitor future use and user trends in Alaska and provide detailed information for management of public land resources. Survey is statewide, project is cooperative with other agencies in Alaska.

Principal Investigator: Roman Motyka

Institution: Geophysical Institute

Project Starting Date: August 2004

Abstract:

• The aim of this project is to plan and conduct research involving field installation and measurement of GPS monuments on landslide above the northern side of Tidal inlet, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, resulting in the production of an evaluation of the rate of landslide movement.

Final Report:

• Wieczorek, G. F., Geist, E. L., Motyka, R. J., & Jakob, M. (2007). Hazard assessment of the Tidal Inlet landslide and potential subsequent tsunami, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Landslides, 4(3), 205–215.  (PDF)
• Proceedings of the Fourth Glacier Bay Science Symposium: Landslide-Induced Wave Hazard Assessment—Tidal Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

USGS contact: Jennifer W. Harden
PI: Stephanie A. Ewing, Assistant Professor, Montana State University
Co-PI: Paul C. Stoy, Assistant Professor, Montana State University

Methane emissions from northern peatlands are an important component of the climate system. Extensive peatland degradation has been observed at Innoko Flats Wildlife Refuge in remote western Alaska, where a series of sites has been established to study carbon and water effects of thaw trajectories over 10 to 1000 y in isolated collapse-scar bog features. Previous work at a related site has demonstrated rapid loss of old carbon from similar features with permafrost thaw over timescales of 10 to 100 y. We hypothesize that this rapid loss occurs as a century-scale pulse of methane emissions from isolated bog features, tied to the presence of shallow water tables and mediated by plant community succession and associated thermal effects within thaw features. Our proposed observational strategy to quantify methane efflux is suited to this remote site, focusing on growing season observations of methane and carbon dioxide flux, water table observations, and spatial variability. Our results will elucidate the relationship between permafrost thaw and methane emissions in northern peatland ecosystems. Results will be submitted for publication in the peer reviewed literature, and synthesized as a fact sheet on the research project for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Principal Investigator: Alan Batten

Institution:

• University of Alaska
  Museum of the North

Project Starting Date: September 2004

Abstract:

• The purpose of this project is to expand the number of documented and digitized records for the plants of Alaska through a cooperative effort with the University of Alaska Museum and the USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center (NPDC). The records will be used to develop a distributional data set (both at the level of 1:250,000 quadrangles and boroughs) for the PLANTS Database. The first priority is to finish digitizing the specimens at the recognized Alaska herbaria of species considered noxious or invasive, the secondary objective is to digitize on specimen per taxon per 1:250,000.

Principal Investigator: Thomas Weingartner

Co-PI: Peter Winsor, Robert S. Pickart

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Project Starting Date: April 1, 2012

Abstract:

This proposal is written in response to the Statement of Work (SOW) issued
by BOEMRE to the University of Alaska and the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution, “Characterization of the Circulation on the Continental Shelf Areas of the
Northeast Chukchi and Western Beaufort Seas” AK NSL 12-03. The overall goal
of this SOW is to provide an improved understanding of the physical oceanography
of the NE Chukchi shelf and exchanges between the northeast Chukchi and western
Beaufort shelves and the adjacent basin. These regions may be influenced by offshore
oil development activities on both shelves. The work to undertaken in this SOW
expands upon efforts initiated under the “Application of High Frequency Radar to
Potential Hydrocarbon Development Areas in the Northeast Chukchi Sea” in which
ConocoPhillips and Shell were co-sponsors with BOEM.

The program includes using high-frequency, shore-based, surface current mapping radars
(HFR), autonomous underwater vehicles (gliders), satellite-tracked drifters, year-round
moored oceanographic instruments, and hydrographic data from shipboard measurements
to measure the time-varying surface and sub-surface circulation and hydrography of
the northeast Chukchi and western Beaufort shelves and shelfbreak. Several specific
objectives are proposed to meet the overall SOW goal and these include:

1.Determining vertical and horizontal coherencies in the currents,

2.Verifying model-predicted clockwise circulation around Hanna Shoal, including
southwestward flow over the shelf between the Barrow Canyon and the Shoal;

3.Understanding the complex circulation structure in the Wainwright - Pt. Lay
region;

4.Estimating the mass transport contributions across the various shelf pathways that
feed the transport in Barrow Canyon;

5.Assessing the mesoscale dynamics and spatial and temporal variability that drive
shelf-basin exchanges due to wind-forcing, instabilities, and shelf waves;

6.Establishing the connections between the circulation on the northeast Chukchi
shelf, the flow of water into/out of Barrow Canyon, and the shelfbreak exchange
processes at the mouth of and to the east and west of Barrow Canyon;

7.Constructing local momentum balances, and, where and when possible, how the
pressure field adjusts for given wind conditions and/or mesoscale flows.

In aggregate the results can be used to guide the development and evaluation of oil spill
trajectory models likely to be used for this region and provide insights on processes
relevant to the functioning of this marine ecosystem.

The project includes three field years (2012 – 2014) and involves site-specific
measurements along the Chukchi and Beaufort shelfbreaks, around Hanna Shoal, and
over the northeast Chukchi Sea including over the length of Barrow Canyon. Nearly
all of the proposed measurements will occur within the HFR mask established by 4
radars sited onshore along the Chukchi and western Beaufort Sea coast. The project
also involves a number of committed and potential partners who will contribute data
and support measurements and logistics. In addition we have invited the oil industry to
provide additional financial and logistical support toward this effort.

Principal Investigator: Gary Kofinas

Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks

Abstract:

This research design is responsive to the BOEMRE Statement of Work entitled, “Dynamics of Distribution and Consumption of Subsistence Resources in Coastal Alaska” (NSL-AK-05-04). The proposed project uses multiple methods to assess the vulnerabilities of two North Slope Alaska coastal communities and one interior rural Alaskan community to the effects of oil and gas (O&G) development. The study is undertaken with a focus on the resilience of social networks of sharing that are part of Alaska Native subsistence-cash economies, using survey research methods, ethnographic analysis, and a participatory research approach involving residents of each community. The project’s use of social network analysis represents a novel approach in the a priori assessment of Arctic O&G development impacts on indigenous communities (i.e. formulated before actual experience). The information gathered is intended to inform agencies and participating communities of the resilience of social systems of the North Slope villages to changes that may result from future oil and gas development. The data gathered in the project also serve as baseline for future studies. Researchers and leaders of participating communities will compare their resilience and vulnerabilities with other communities through the activities of the Community Adaptation and Vulnerability in Arctic Regions (CAVIAR), an initiative of the International Polar Year.

Principal Investigator: Guido Grosse

Institution:

• Geophysical Institute Permafrost Laboratory (GIPL)

Project Starting Date: July 1st, 2010

Objectives:

• Classify North Slope lakes by their relative susceptibility to drainage via processes related to climate warming and permafrost degradation
• Generate maps identifying potential candidate lakes for drainage during the next 50 years for the Alaska North Slope, using remote sensing data, GIS-based layers of digital elevation models and surface geology, remote sensing-based lake expansion, coastal erosion, and stream channel migration rates.

Principal Investigator: Jessica Cherry

Institutions:

• International Arctic Research Center (IARC)
• Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC)

Project Starting Date: April 15, 2010

Objectives:

• Inventory and acquisition of hydrologic and related data held by entities such as the USFWS, BLM, USGS, NSF, DOE, MMS, UAF, ADNR, ADFG, ADEC, other state and federal agencies, and the private sector.
• Design a public database that will house data and metadata related to hydrology and climate in arctic Alaska and begin to populate with metadata.
• Design and host a simple webpage with metadata, project description, and access to a GIS file with the station locations from the inventory.
• Participate in FWS-or agency discussions on North Slope hydrology and hydrologic data.

Principal Investigator: Douglas L. Kane

Institution: Institute of Northern Engineering - Water and Environmental Research Center (WERC)

Project Starting Date: July 1st, 2010

Objectives:

• Link climate, hydrology, and fish biology and develop methodologies to effectively predict impacts of environmental change.
• Understand how hydrologic response to climate forcing acts to limit or facilitate seasonal fish migration in the Upper Kupanuk River.
• Identify "critical" river reaches based on previous occurrence of minimal flow depth along known conveyances between seasonal fish habitats
• Establish the relationship between measured streamflow and depth of surface flow within the critical reaches
• quantify the frequency, timing, duration, and magnitude of low flow periods over the historical record

Principal Investigator: Nancy Fresco

Institution:

• Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning (SNAP) at UAF
  

Project Starting Date: April, 2010

Objectives:

• Within six months of initiating this project, develop climate and vegetation based biomes for Alaska using compatible AVHRR landcover classes for Alaska and Canada, historical climate data, and cluster analysis methodology
• Using the biomes developed above, identify areas within Alaska that are least likely to change, and those most likely to change over the next 100 years based on the   down-scaled climate models for Alaska, all 12 months of climate data, and multiple climate scenarios to predict future distributions.

Principal Investigator: Scott Rupp

Institution:

• Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning

Project Starting Date: February 2010

Objectives:

This agreement builds upon three collaborative efforts already underway.   1) Boreal-ALFRESCO modeling work that predicts how fire regimes and vegetation classes may change in response to the predicted climate changes.   FWS has been closely involved in the development and application of this model to date and is interested in expanding the model to incorporate grassland vegetation to better assist both land and fire managers understand potential changes in the near future.   2) Connecting Alaska Landscapes into the Future and WildREACH are both collaborative projects that set the stage for developing “Regional Response Models” that predict changes for different modeling subjects.   FWS has been a co-lead on these efforts and are interested in developing rigorous models possible with the data that are available today these new regional response models can be used by FWS and other land and conservation agencies to develop strategic management plans in response to climate change.

Principal Investigator: Todd Brinkman

Institution: Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning (SNAP) and Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Abstract: The Fort Wainwright Tanana Flats Training Area (TFTA) contains high densities of moose and is thought to encompass critical calving habitat. The area also experiences high levels of natural and military disturbance. Since 2000, wildfires have burned large portions (approximately 40%) of this area and routine military activity frequently occurs within the TFTA. Very little is known about how these disturbances may impact calving habitat. The Army seeks to improve the way in which it designs, manages, and uses its ranges and training lands to ensure long-term environmental sustainability. Therefore, we propose a study to facilitate these efforts by identifying the relationship between landscape disturbance (wildfire and military) and calving habitat in the TFTA. More specifically, our objectives are to: 1) document habitat selection and calving sites by adult female moose during the calving season, 2) identify differences in calving habitat between burned and unburned areas, and 3) determine the extent of spatial overlap between important calving habitat and military activity during the calving season. Addressing these objectives will help facilitate moose management and may assist planning of military activity in the area. Our study will not directly evaluate behavioral responses of moose to military activity. However, the degree of overlap determined during objective 3 will provide data to evaluate whether a behavioral study may be warranted in the future.