Article
Forestry
Stacy L. Clark, Enrico Marcolin, Maria Sameiro Patricio, Veronica Loewe-Munoz
Summary: This paper provides a synthesis of traditional and novel silvicultural systems for sweet chestnut and American chestnut, highlighting their cultural and ecological significance, existing scientific knowledge, and knowledge gaps. Divergent strategies are needed to sustain the conservation values of these two species. Active forest management, such as even-aged regeneration and coppicing, is crucial for maintaining or restoring populations of both species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Madeline S. Montague, Simon M. Landhausser, Gordon G. McNickle, Douglass F. Jacobs
Summary: Non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are crucial for tree survival, but accurately predicting NSC levels for specific tree species remains challenging. This study evaluated NSC dynamics in American chestnut trees and found that NSC concentrations and pools varied across different phenological stages, with coarse roots being the main reservoir.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lisa M. Smith, Erin M. Reschke, Justin J. Bousquin, James E. Harvey, J. Kevin Summers
Summary: This paper proposes a conceptual approach to characterize ecological suitability, emphasizing the importance of ecological and social indicators in restoration and revitalization efforts. Using a structured literature review, the authors identify existing restoration frameworks and indicators, and apply them to prioritize and evaluate restoration effectiveness, as exemplified in estuaries. The holistic conceptual approach complements existing restoration evaluations and provides a novel way to incorporate ecological and social information for ecosystem managers and stakeholders.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Quanqin Shao, Shuchao Liu, Jia Ning, Guobo Liu, Fan Yang, Xiongyi Zhang, Linan Niu, Haibo Huang, Jiangwen Fan, Jiyuan Liu
Summary: We propose a theoretical framework to evaluate the ecological benefits of key national ecological projects in China. Through ground survey and remote sensing data, we generated a dataset of primary and secondary indicators related to ecosystem structure, quality, and services. Our study found that areas with higher degrees of ecological restoration were mainly located in specific regions, and the contributions of climatic factors and ecological projects to changes in vegetation and water erosion were quantified. The study highlights the importance of considering climate conditions and implementing comprehensive measures to maximize the benefits of ecological investment funds.
JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Stacy L. Clark, Scott E. Schlarbaum, Arnold M. Saxton, Steven N. Jeffers, Richard E. Baird
Summary: The American chestnut is at risk due to two nonnative diseases, chestnut blight and Phytophthora root rot. Field reintroduction trials are important for testing blight-resistant trees and quantifying their survival and performance in managed stands. In a trial in Tennessee, Chinese chestnut had the highest survival rate, while the advanced hybrid generations showed improved growth traits of both American and Chinese chestnut. The study also highlighted the importance of genetic effects and refined nursery production for restoration efforts.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mark A. Ditmer, George Wittemyer, Stewart W. Breck, Kevin R. Crooks
Summary: This study quantified and mapped the tolerance for wolves among citizens in Colorado using voting records, and combined it with spatial data to estimate the conflict risk between wolves and humans. The results showed that around 56% of the area had relatively low conflict risk and ecologically suitable habitat for wolves. These findings can inform targeted management strategies to facilitate human-carnivore coexistence and the success of carnivore restoration efforts.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lei Jia, Yuanjie Deng, Mengyang Hou, Yuanyuan Li, Zhenmin Ding, Shunbo Yao
Summary: Payment for ecosystem services (PES) plays a vital role in balancing socio-economic development and ecological protection. This study focused on China's Sloping land conversion program (SLCP) in the Loess Plateau and used the RUSLE model and Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyze the interaction pathways between SLCP, socio-economic development, and ecosystem services. The results showed significant improvements in soil conservation services after SLCP implementation, with different stages of implementation having different effects. The study provides insights for future SLCP implementation and emphasizes the need to consider socio-economic factors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Mark A. Ditmer, Rebecca M. Niemiec, George Wittemyer, Kevin R. Crooks
Summary: Understanding the factors that influence public conservation behaviors is crucial for effective conservation policies. This study analyzes the factors that influenced support or opposition for the restoration of gray wolves in Colorado, USA, using precinct-level data. The results demonstrate a strong relationship between support for wolf restoration and political support for the Democratic candidate in the 2020 election, as well as factors such as age, elk hunting participation, and proximity to the reintroduction region. This highlights the importance of politicization in public conservation action and the need for outreach strategies to mitigate polarization.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaoxing Liu, Jingyi Ding, Wenwu Zhao
Summary: This study comprehensively assesses the impact of different ecological projects (including afforestation and grassland restoration) on ecosystem services (carbon storage, water conservation, soil retention). The results suggest that afforestation increases carbon storage and soil retention, while the effects of grassland restoration are mixed and overall changes in water conservation are negligible. Considering prior land use/measures, implementation age, climate, topography, and other resources is critical for optimizing ecosystem services.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Seth Thomas, Vincent van der Merwe, William Douglas Carvalho, Cristina Harumi Adania, Rok Cerne, Tomislav Gomercic, Miha Krofel, Jeffrey Thompson, Roy T. McBride Jr, Jose Hernandez-Blanco, Anna Yachmennikova, David W. Macdonald, Mohammad S. Farhadinia
Summary: This study analyzes data from 33 translocation projects involving 297 individual animals across 22 countries to assess the success rates of large carnivore translocations. The overall success rate for large carnivores was 66%, higher than that of other terrestrial vertebrates. However, only 37% of individuals were observed engaging in reproductive behavior, highlighting the need to differentiate success of translocation from population establishment. Key decisions in translocation implementation, such as soft-releases, selecting younger animals, unfenced release locations, and sourcing wild-born individuals, can increase the likelihood of success.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
HuiBo Xu, SongTao Wu, Jessica Ann Diehl
Summary: This study quantitatively evaluates the construction factors of artificial ecological corridors (AECs) and their impact on soil quality. Based on the analysis of soil samples from different recovery times and locations, the results suggest that AECs have great potential in restoring soil quality in mollisols areas. The study offers ideas and a scientific basis for governments worldwide to formulate restoration policies for mollisols.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Congcong Wang, Xiongdong Zhou, Mengzhen Xu, Linyuan Zhang, Xinjue Hou, Zhongsuo Wang, Yao Yang, Yaqi Luo
Summary: Urban water bodies globally are facing ecological pressures that impact freshwater ecosystem services and aquatic biodiversity. A study in Beijing, China, investigated the macroinvertebrates in different water types and identified environmental factors that affect their spatial distribution. A multimetric index (MMI) model based on macroinvertebrates was developed to assess ecological quality, revealing variations in different water types and providing recommendations for ecological protection. This study contributes to urban ecological planning and sustainable development.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jian Peng, Hui Tang, Chong Su, Hong Jiang, Jianquan Dong, Dongmei Xu
Summary: The widespread degradation of natural ecosystems globally has led to various ecological problems. Ecological restoration is considered a global priority to address ecosystem degradation and enhance ecosystem services. However, few studies have focused on how to define the reference state for ecological restoration, especially in the context of a changing climate. This study assessed ecosystem services under homogeneous climate conditions in Guizhou Province, China, and defined the optimal ecosystem services as the reference state for restoration. Restoration suitability was evaluated using a comprehensive framework, and ecological restoration priority areas (ERPAs) were identified by integrating restoration suitability and conservation priority areas. The results showed minimal increases in water conservation and habitat maintenance services from 2001 to 2018. Identified ERPA covered a significant area, primarily located in the eastern part of Guizhou. The proposed approach for defining the reference state and the framework for identifying ERPAs can provide valuable scientific guidance for large-scale ecological restoration planning.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Linan Niu, Quanqin Shao, Jia Ning, Shuchao Liu, Xiongyi Zhang, Tingjing Zhang
Summary: China has established the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project to combat desertification and improve the ecological environment. Through comprehensive assessment using remote sensing data and calculation models, it was found that the land cover pattern has been optimized, vegetation ecological quality has improved, sand-fixing service has significantly improved, but water retention and soil retention service have degraded in some areas. The ecological engineering plays an important role in promoting ecological restoration by changing land use types.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Jiayu Xia, Duyuzheng Ren, Xuhui Wang, Bo Xu, Xingyao Zhong, Yajiang Fan
Summary: This study focuses on Suide County, a representative area of the Loess Plateau, and constructs a model based on ecosystem quality assessment and restoration strategies. The results show a spatial pattern of high ecosystem quality in the south and low in the north, with the southern area accounting for 44.45% of the total area. The study also identifies dense ecological corridors in the south and sparse in the north, with significant path overlap. Restoration measures can improve the ecosystem quality of key areas and have a positive impact on Suide County as a whole.
Article
Forestry
Owen T. Burney, Douglass F. Jacobs
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2018)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eric J. Gustafson, Brian R. Sturtevant, Arjan M. G. de Bruijn, Nathanael Lichti, Douglass F. Jacobs, Daniel M. Kashian, Brian R. Miranda, Philip A. Townsend
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Forestry
Jeff G. Skousen, Kara Dallaire, Steffany Scagline-Mellor, Alexis Monteleone, Lindsay Wilson-Kokes, Jessica Joyce, Calene Thomas, Travis Keene, Curtis DeLong, Thomas Cook, Douglass F. Jacobs
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daoming Wu, Xiaoli Yu, Shuangshuang Chu, Douglass F. Jacobs, Xiaohua Wei, Cai Wang, Fengling Long, Xiaoyang Chen, Shucai Zeng
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2018)
Article
Forestry
Taher Mechergui, Marta Pardos, Douglass F. Jacobs
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daoming Wu, Jiayi Feng, Shuangshuang Chu, Douglass F. Jacobs, Xin Tong, Qian Zhao, Xiaoyang Chen, Shucai Zeng
Article
Forestry
Alberto Maltoni, Barbara Mariotti, Andrea Tani, Sofia Martini, Douglass F. Jacobs, Roberto Tognetti
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Magnus Lof, Palle Madsen, Marek Metslaid, Johanna Witzell, Douglass F. Jacobs
Article
Forestry
Martin-Michel Gauthier, Douglass F. Jacobs
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST RESEARCH
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Daniel P. Soto, Klaus J. Puettmann, Claudio Fuentes, Douglass F. Jacobs
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Andrei Toca, Juan A. Oliet, Pedro Villar-Salvador, Rodrigo A. Martinez Catalan, Douglass F. Jacobs
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Emily C. Thyroff, Owen T. Burney, Douglass E. Jacobs
Article
Forestry
Kyle M. E. Rose, James B. Friday, Douglass F. Jacobs
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2019)
Article
Forestry
Douglass F. Jacobs, Anthony S. Davis, R. Kasten Dumroese, Owen T. Burney
Review
Forestry
Caleb H. Redick, Douglass F. Jacobs