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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Interactions between U.S. biofuels policy and the Endangered Species Act

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the primary policy governing the use of biofuels in the United States. Following the 2007 enactment of the RFS, there has been substantial expansion in the use of cropland to produce biofuel feedstocks, including corn and soybeans. Both the conversion of land and the ongoing cultivation of these crops can, depending on management practices, lead to negative environmental outcomes including degraded water quality, increased water use, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and loss or degradation of wildlife habitat. These outcomes have the potential to affect threatened and endangered species protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that an agency's actions are not likely to jeopardize the existence of imperiled species, nor result in the destruction or adverse modification of their habitat. However, formal consultation has not yet been completed between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—the agency charged with implementing the RFS—and the wildlife services, thereby hindering mitigation or remediation of potential impacts. This analysis explores the likely effects of the RFS on land use changes and critical habitat, illustrates example pathways by which threatened and endangered species may be affected, and proposes solutions to help redress this harm. The findings suggest a need for further consultation and assessment of the interactions between the RFS and ESA as well as additional research to support the species-conservation and policymaking processes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Status of Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) contains suitable habitat for three species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA): Mexican spotted owl ( Strix occidentalis lucida ), Jemez Mountains salamander ( Plethodon neomexicanus ), and southwestern willow flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus ). LANL biologists have documented two other species nearby and manage them for any potential impacts. These species are the western distinct population segment of the yellow-billed cuckoo ( Coccyzus americanus ) and the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse ( Zapus hudsonius luteus ).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Trade-offs of forest management scenarios on forest carbon exchange and threatened and endangered species habitat

Management of forest lands under climate warming poses challenges to managers, some of which are difficult to predict. Examining the trade-offs associated with forest stewardship choices is essential to avoid consequences with loss of natural capital. We utilized LANDIS-II process model simulations for three forested sites located in disparate parts of the United States with the purpose of understanding the trade-offs imposed by management choices under climate warming and associated wildfire. There were only small trade-offs that emerged from the simulations, between habitat area for threatened and endangered species (TES), net ecosystem exchange for CO2 (NEE), and risk of wildfire. Stand management in the form of thinning and prescribed burning typically increased NEE while simultaneously increasing habitat for TES, while reducing the risk of wildfire. These benefits were also observed under a climate warming scenario; however, the benefits were greatly outweighed by the negative impacts f warming on both TES habitat and NEE. Balancing these ecosystem services via thinning and burning treatments is a strategic approach to mitigate risks of wildfire both currently and under a warming future climate.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Modeling protected species distributions and habitats to inform siting and management of pioneering ocean industries: A case study for Gulf of Mexico aquaculture

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) provides a process that uses spatial data and models to evaluate environmental, social, economic, cultural, and management trade-offs when siting (i.e., strategically locating) ocean industries. Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food sector in the world. The United States (U.S.) has substantial opportunity for offshore aquaculture development given the size of its exclusive economic zone, habitat diversity, and variety of candidate species for cultivation. However, promising aquaculture areas overlap many protected species habitats. Aquaculture siting surveys, construction, operations, and decommissioning can alter protected species habitat and behavior. Additionally, aquaculture-associated vessel activity, underwater noise, and physical interactions between protected species and farms can increase the risk of injury and mortality. In 2020, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico was identified as one of the first regions to be evaluated for offshore aquaculture opportunities as directed by a Presidential Executive Order. We developed a transparent and repeatable method to identify aquaculture opportunity areas (AOAs) with the least conflict with protected species. First, we developed a generalized scoring approach for protected species that captures their vulnerability to adverse effects from anthropogenic activities using conservation status and demographic information. Next, we applied this approach to data layers for eight species listed under the Endangered Species Act, including five species of sea turtles, Rice’s whale, smalltooth sawfish, and giant manta ray. Next, we evaluated four methods for mathematically combining scores (i.e., Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean, Product, Lowest Scoring layer) to generate a combined protected species data layer. The Product approach provided the most logical ordering of, and the greatest contrast in, site suitability scores. Finally, we integrated the combined protected species data layer into a multi-criteria decision-making modeling framework for MSP. This process identified AOAs with reduced potential for protected species conflict. These modeling methods are transferable to other regions, to other sensitive or protected species, and for spatial planning for other ocean-uses.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Sensitive Resources Assessment and Forest Analysis for the Proposed Versatile Test Reactor, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a leading institution in advanced materials, supercomputing, neutrons, and nuclear science. As a research laboratory managed by UT-Battelle, LLC for DOE, ORNL has national priorities in energy, security, and scientific discovery that necessitate facility improvements and expansions. DOE is also committed to environmental stewardship. The laboratory is located on the ~32,000-acre (~13,000-ha) Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR), much of which is categorized as a National Environmental Research Park (NERP) and a state Wildlife Management Area. DOE works with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), US Department of Agriculture, and other agencies to serve as an effective steward of the ORR. Accordingly, project managers must conform to environmental regulations, agreements, and policies at the federal, state, and institutional levels. Per 40 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1508.14, potential effects on research and science education also represent potential effects of federal actions on the NERP, and impacts on, e.g., deer harvest, must be considered on the Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area when other aspects of the human environment are affected. The United States currently has no fast neutron testing capability to support advanced nuclear research and development. The proposed Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) will take advantage of current investments by the US government and private industry in nuclear reactors to expedite the design and construction process, using proven technology to create a world-class scientific infrastructure. The VTR will take advantage of fast neutrons provided by this proven technology, along with a capability to rapidly insert, conduct, and remove state-of-the-art experiments. An advantage of the VTR is that it can support future innovations in experimental capabilities without modifying the facility. The VTR will support progress in a variety of science and technology areas, including testing and qualification of advanced reactor fuels; testing and qualification of innovative structural materials; testing of innovative components and instruments; validation of advanced modeling and simulation tools; and versatility for future technical missions. Through proven technology, the VTR can take advantage of existing reactor designs and operating experience to reduce the risk, cost, and time for design and construction. The top available resources of DOE laboratories, industry, and universities will be used to expedite reactor design and construction toward developing the scientific infrastructure that affords a strong testing capability that can be sustained over many years. This report summarizes current knowledge of natural and cultural resources primarily within the VTR construction area. At the time of this report, the proposed VTR site design includes a construction area of ~150.4 acres (~69.9 ha), which contains an ~51.3-acre (~20.8-ha) operations area, located within forested natural areas of the ORR. The primary goal of the work presented here was to evaluate potential effects on sensitive resources that might result from development and construction activities associated with VTR. In addition to on-the-ground surveys during spring and summer 2020 by the ORNL Natural Resources Management Program and Aquatic Ecology Group staff, this report makes use of historical (pre-1995) and contemporary (1995 to present) data from additional confirmed sources (e.g., TDEC). Likewise, forest conditions were compiled from a 2011 forest inventory and supplemented with limited ground observations in 2020. The individuals who obtained and compiled the data presented here are familiar with and routinely assess sensitive resources on the ORR. Anyone who references this report must consider that the timing of surveys did not permit a complete delineation of the resources that will be affected. If the VTR project proceeds, additional surveys will be required to account for the seasonal patterns of various threatened and endangered species. Data deficiencies and potential resources that likely went undetected are indicated where possible. Accordingly, this report should facilitate more environmentally sound decisions during planning and 2 development of the VTR site, provide a foundation for further assessment of sensitive and cultural resources, and help project managers better address regulatory guidance and DOE policies on sustainable development in compliance with, for example, the US Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Tennessee Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1985, Tennessee Nongame and Endangered or Threatened Wildlife Species Conservation Act of 1974, several federal and state regulations regarding aquatic resource protection, and site-specific policies as outlined in various ORR management plans developed by ORNL and TWRA for DOE.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Caspian Tern Management to Increase Survival of Juvenile Salmonids in the Columbia River Basin: Progress and Adaptive Management Considerations

Abstract Predation by Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia is a factor limiting the recovery of some Endangered Species Act-listed populations of salmonids from the Columbia River basin, especially steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss. This prompted the development and implementation of two separate management plans, one in the Columbia River estuary and the other in the Columbia Plateau region, to reduce the impact of Caspian tern predation on smolt survival. Caspian terns nesting at managed breeding colonies within the basin were relocated to alternative nesting islands created for terns outside the basin. Both plans were successful in significantly reducing smolt losses to Caspian terns nesting at managed sites; however, new developments have led to regression in smolt survival gains associated with tern management. Adaptive management to prevent terns at managed colonies from relocating to nest elsewhere in the basin and to improve nesting opportunities for Caspian terns outside the basin are needed to maximize the survival benefits to Endangered Species Act-listed salmonids from management. Adaptive management is also necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the Pacific Flyway population of Caspian terns, whose breeding population has declined by more than 50% since the two management plans were implemented.

Collis, Ken↗
DOE OSTI2026

Bat Acoustic Survey Data Collected June 2024 in and near Self Sufficiency Parcel-2 (SSP2) on the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR)

The US Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) is located in Anderson and Roane Counties, Tennessee. A portion of the ORR, known as Self-Sufficiency Parcel 2 (SSP2) is planned for transfer for private use. The SSP2 Site is approximately 670 acres (Figure 1-1), although the current plan is to only clear and develop a portion of this acreage. Any inquiries about the land transfer and future development should be directed to DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management, as this is beyond the scope of the Natural Resources Management Team (NRMT). NRMT records bat data for the entire ORR, including acoustic monitoring, mist netting and cave surveys. A few surveys have previously been conducted for small land transfers adjacent to SSP2 (See Appendix A), but not for the entire SSP2 area. Since bats have a large range, it was decided that collecting data while SSP2 was still accessible would be beneficial for the NRMT dataset. Acoustic data was therefore collected within and near SSP2 during the summer of 2024. This write-up is not a Biological Assessment (BA). However, the data and information provided can be used during the creation of a BA and consultations with US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in order to comply with federal directives of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U. S. C. 153 et seq.). The SSP2 site was surveyed during summer roosting/maternity season of 2024 using ultrasonic acoustic monitors to record calls from all bat species whose home ranges include the ORR. Special note was taken for presence of Federally listed Endangered and Threatened (T&E) bat species, as well as bat species which are Proposed for Federal listing, Candidate for federal listing, and state listed. Summer roosting season, from May 15 to August 15, is crucial to forest-dwelling T&E bat species for rearing young and foraging. Results of these surveys indicate the presence of three Federally listed bat species: Gray bat (Myotis grisescens--Endangered), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis--Endangered), and Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis--Endangered). Two additional bat species were present on the SSP2 Site: Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus--Proposed for Federal listing) and Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus—Candidate for Federal listing).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station Construction Project: Biological Assessment

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 153 et seq.), as amended (ESA or Act) in section 7(a)(1) directs Federal agencies to conserve and recover listed species and use their authorities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species so that listing is no longer necessary (50 CFR §402). Furthermore, the Act in section 7(a)(2) directs Federal agencies to consult (referred to as section 7 consultation) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) when their activities “may affect” a listed species or designated critical habitat. This biological assessment (BA) analyzes the potential effects of the proposed Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station STS construction project on the U. S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) on Federal listed threatened, endangered, proposed, and under consideration for Federal listing bat species, pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the ESA.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

A heuristic tool to assess regional impacts of renewable energy infrastructure on conservation areas

Wind and hydropower are important renewable components of national energy portfolios, but their infrastructure negatively affects biodiversity. Regional development requires identification of scenarios that minimize the cumulative impacts of multiple facilities. We introduce the cumulative impact plot (CIP) to quantify cumulative impacts of renewable energy development within a region. Summed impacts of facilities are plotted as a function of the number of facilities, with facilities ranked by increasing (the best-case scenario) or decreasing (worst-case scenario) individual impact. These curves represent lower and upper bounds to which alternative development scenarios (e.g., facilities ranked by generating capacity) can be compared. We used CIPs to assess overlap of potential wind and hydropower facilities with two types of conservation area in the United States: (1) federally protected lands and (2) critical habitats of federally threatened and endangered species. Here, we evaluated two alternative scenarios: facilities ranked by (A) decreasing generating capacity and (B) increasing distance from urban centers. Differences between the best-case and worst-case scenarios were large, thus revealing opportunities to develop facilities with limited impact on conservation areas. Alternative scenarios maximizing energy density generally resulted in conservation area overlap intermediate to best-case and worst-case scenarios. CIPs can also identify the proportion of wind versus hydropower favored under alternative scenarios. Build-out scenarios aimed at minimizing conservation area overlap favor hydropower, whereas alternative scenarios favor wind power. We conclude that CIPs can (1) complement—but should not replace—project-level environmental impact assessment, (2) integrate strategic, cumulative, and scenario-based assessments, and (3) harness rapidly growing geospatial data.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

2018 Report on Rare Plant Monitoring and Restoration at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s Experimental Test Site (Site 300)

This document meets the reporting requirements of LLNL’s California Endangered Species Act Scientific, Educational, or Management Permit (No. 2081 (a)-15-005-RP) for 2018. Section A describes monitoring and field activities conducted by LLNL biologists at the Site 300 native and experimental populations and the Carnegie Canyon native population of the federally-endangered plant, Amsinckia grandiflora (the large-flowered fiddleneck), between January 2018 and December 2018. In addition, monitoring and field activities conducted by LLNL biologists at the Site 300 native populations of the rare plants Eschscholzia rhombipetala (the diamond-petaled California poppy) and Blepharizonia plumosa (the big tarplant) between January 2018 and December 2018 are described in Sections B and C, respectively. Both plants have a California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) of 1B, which includes species that are rare or endangered throughout their range. California macrophylla (the round-leaved filaree), formerly had a CRPR of 1B, but was downgraded to CBR (Considered But Rejected) in December 2017, as the species was “too common statewide: counties that contain small, localized populations under severe threat should track C. macrophylla as a species of local concern” (California Native Plant Society, 2018). As C. macrophylla is widespread at Site 300 (Carlsen and Paterson, 2018), 2018 will be the final year of monitoring C. macrophylla at Site 300, the results of which are described in Section D. Monitoring of the Navarretia nigelliformis ssp. radians (adobe navarretia), a CRPR 1B species, is planned, and results will be included in future reports.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Cumulative effects of piscivorous colonial waterbirds on juvenile salmonids: A multi predator-prey species evaluation

We investigated the cumulative effects of predation by piscivorous colonial waterbirds on the survival of multiple salmonid ( Oncorhynchus spp.) populations listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and determined what proportion of all sources of fish mortality (1 –survival) were due to birds in the Columbia River basin, USA. Anadromous juvenile salmonids (smolts) were exposed to predation by Caspian terns ( Hydroprogne caspia ), double-crested cormorants ( Nannopterum auritum ), California gulls ( Larus californicus ), and ring-billed gulls ( L . delawarensis ), birds known to consume both live and dead fish. Avian consumption and survival probabilities (proportion of available fish consumed or alive) were estimated for steelhead trout ( O . mykiss ), yearling Chinook salmon ( O . tshawytscha ), sub-yearling Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon ( O . nerka ) during out-migration from the lower Snake River to the Pacific Ocean during an 11-year study period (2008–2018). Results indicated that probabilities of avian consumption varied greatly across salmonid populations, bird species, colony location, river reach, and year. Cumulative consumption probabilities (consumption by birds from all colonies combined) were consistently the highest for steelhead, with annual estimates ranging from 0.22 (95% credible interval = 0.20–0.26) to 0.51 (0.43–0.60) of available smolts. The cumulative effects of avian consumption were significantly lower for yearling and sub-yearling Chinook salmon, with consumption probabilities ranging annually from 0.04 (0.02–0.07) to 0.10 (0.07–0.15) and from 0.06 (0.3–0.09) to 0.15 (0.10–0.23), respectively. Avian consumption probabilities for sockeye salmon smolts was generally higher than for Chinook salmon smolts, but lower than for steelhead smolts, ranging annually from 0.08 (0.03–0.22) to 0.25 (0.14–0.44). Although annual consumption probabilities for birds from certain colonies were more than 0.20 of available smolts, probabilities from other colonies were less than 0.01 of available smolts, indicating that not all colonies of birds posed a substantial risk to smolt mortality. Consumption probabilities were lowest for small colonies and for colonies located a considerable distance from the Snake and Columbia rivers. Total mortality attributed to avian consumption was relatively small for Chinook salmon (less than 10%) but was the single greatest source of mortality for steelhead (greater than 50%) in all years evaluated. Results suggest that the potential benefits to salmonid populations of managing birds to reduce smolt mortality would vary widely depending on the salmonid population, the species of bird, and the size and location of the breeding colony.

Evans, Allen F.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Gaps in global wildlife trade monitoring leave amphibians vulnerable

As the biodiversity crisis continues, we must redouble efforts to understand and curb pressures pushing species closer to extinction. One major driver is the unsustainable trade of wildlife. Trade in internationally regulated species gains the most research attention, but this only accounts for a minority of traded species and we risk failing to appreciate the scale and impacts of unregulated legal trade. Despite being legal, trade puts pressure on wild species via direct collection, introduced pathogens, and invasive species. Smaller species-rich vertebrates, such as reptiles, fish, and amphibians, may be particularly vulnerable to trading because of gaps in regulations, small distributions, and demand of novel species. Here, we combine data from five sources: online web searches in six languages, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) trade database, Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS) trade inventory, IUCN assessments, and a recent literature review, to characterise the global trade in amphibians, and also map use by purpose including meat, pets, medicinal, and for research. We show that 1215 species are being traded (17% of amphibian species), almost three times previous recorded numbers, 345 are threatened, and 100 Data Deficient or unassessed. Traded species origin hotspots include South America, China, and Central Africa; sources indicate 42% of amphibians are taken from the wild. Newly described species can be rapidly traded (mean time lag of 6.5 years), including threatened and unassessed species. The scale and limited regulation of the amphibian trade, paired with the triptych of connected pressures (collection, pathogens, invasive species), warrants a re-examination of the wildlife trade status quo, application of the precautionary principle in regard to wildlife trade, and a renewed push to achieve global biodiversity goals.

Hughes, Alice C.↗
DOE OSTI2026

White Rock Canyon Riparian Monitoring

Land and natural resources within the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) complex are owned and managed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The Laboratory’s eastern boundary is in White Rock Canyon (WRC) along the Rio Grande within Technical Areas (TAs) 70 and 33, with approximately 4 miles of property along the river (Figure 1). In 1999, the riparian corridor from the mesa tops down to the river was designated as the White Rock Canyon Reserve by former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and is recreationally open to the public (DOE 1999). This area provides viable foraging and stopover habitat for many species of wildlife, including the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, both of which are federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Deep Learning for Fish Identification from Sonar Data (CRADA 481 Final Report)

In eastern regions of the United States, the American eel is a species of management and regulatory concern because of significant population declines, despite the species’ previous abundance in all tributaries of rivers flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. The American eel is also a candidate for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. While hydropower construction and operation are only one of several factors contributing to this population decline, such a listing could impose additional regulatory challenges for a large number of hydropower projects. In this CRADA project, we improved technologies for identifying migrating eels with the goal of reducing the cost and time required for future American eel hydropower impact assessment and mitigation studies, while maintaining accuracy. We built on results from a previous FOA project (FOA# DE-FOA-0001662), led by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), which developed a highly accurate, deep-learning method for identifying migrating eels from imaging sonar data. The current study aimed to further optimize this deep-learning model, originally designed for image classification, and to develop an object detection software capable of identifying fish from sonar videos in real time, enabling the detection of events like fish migrations and specific species, such as the American eel, at hydropower dams. The data conversion algorithms were packaged as software with a graphical user interface, and the software is evaluated by external collaborators. We focused on the American eel in this project and explored the transferability of the developed deep learning models to the sea lamprey, given the similar body shape and swimming behavior between the two species.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Restoration Hydro: A Watershed Approach to Standard Modular New Hydropower

The objectives of FOA DE- FOA-0001836- “Standard Modular Hydropower” included designing a standardized, modular, and environmentally compatible hydropower schematic for implementation in greenfield sites that generate up to 10 MW of capacity. Utilizing funds competitively awarded under DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office, the Natel Energy team developed a concept for modular new stream reach (NSR) hydropower that incorporates multi species upstream and downstream fish passage, improved river channel connectivity, and recreational modules. The in-stream design of the collective modules minimized site specific design and maximized the opportunities for modularity. Financial data was also presented using actual costs from regional suppliers, with figures provided in 2022 dollars. While the project team did not address potential permitting process improvements, the site selection criteria did consider established barriers to hydropower development such as tribal and preserved lands, interconnection proximity, and endangered species to exclude or deprioritize. The project’s design schematic met the objectives of the FOA, and presented a unique solution that targets alluvial pockets as natural features for sustainable development. Natel’s concept also incorporated the company's fish-safe Restoration Hydro Turbine for safe downstream passage, while featuring a rock arch that integrates fish passage, water, recreation, and grade control modules (including sediment). Alignment with the Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) “Innovative Design Concepts for Standard Modular Hydropower and Pumped-Storage Hydropower” Program: According to the Hydropower Vision (DOE, 2016), approximately 16 GW of hydropower growth is possible with the development of technology solutions that balance efficiency, economics, and environmental sustainability. The desired outcome of the SMH program is transformational innovation specifically in the site identification, conceptual, and detailed design phases of technology development lifecycles (DOE, 2018). In developing the SMH design schematic, the team aimed to address the opportunities outlined in the Vision through an inverted design philosophy; rather than singularly prioritizing efficiency and power production, the team focused on integrating hydropower with restoration of degraded streams to optimal ecosystem function and provision of exceptional recreation value as design criteria. To achieve this, Restoration Hydro incorporates the principles of nature-based engineering (WWAP, 2018) and biomimicry (Biomimicry NL.) to strategically deploy complementary combinations of permanent, semi-permanent, and ephemeral low-head structures - such as natural and engineered log jams - that harness geomorphological and hydrological processes at the landscape-scale. Primary applications of Restoration Hydro include: 1) restoration of degraded watersheds’ natural ecological function and enhancement of hydrological connectivity; and 2) creation of associated co-benefits to hydro production, including increased groundwater recharge, improved sediment transport and management, improved water security and water quality. Restoration Hydro projects build upon proven watershed restoration engineering techniques by integrating hydropower turbines into low-head structures using innovative and evolving civil works concepts that facilitate fish and sediment passage, and in some cases create additional revenue-generating recreational opportunities. Powering low-head structures creates a directly monetizable layer of economic value in the form of flexible, reliable, renewable energy on top of the already high-value water, environmental and recreational benefits of watershed and river restoration. The approach aims to create a virtuous, self-reinforcing cycle whereby Restoration Hydro projects support the scaling of ecosystem restoration activities, creating a water-energy-carbon multiplier effect that, through the principles of adaptive change management: 1) improves the resilience of landscapes and downstream population centers for changing hydrological cycles; 2) creates a reliable energy resource that facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable power sources into grids; and 3) supports climate change mitigation through grid decarbonization and enhanced ecosystem carbon capture and retention.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Large Game Distribution Camera Study at Los Alamos National Laboratory

The unique habitats at the Laboratory support a diverse community of wildlife. The habitat types that include Pinon Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, and Mixed-conifer forests each provide different resources important for a variety of species. Wildlife monitoring for large game animals can be challenging because they avoid interactions with humans, and prefer undeveloped areas. This study was conducted to analyze the distribution of predators and other game animals seasonally across the Laboratory. This research informs decisions regarding wildlife management recommendations for conservation and protection. This study utilized game cameras to remotely monitor wildlife. As camera technology has advanced, game cameras have become adequate for documenting individuals, and are commonly used in wildlife studies on predation, abundance, occupancy, diversity, and endangered species detection. Twenty cameras were placed across the LANL landscape using a modified systematic sampling design. They were deployed in February 2018 and retrieved in January 2019, thus each camera sampled for one full year. All images were reviewed and the species, number, age, and sex of all animals in the photo were recorded. Here we present data for the most abundant species encountered: deer, elk, coyote, bear, bobcat, mountain lion, and fox respectively. The data were summarized by species and season. Future work will include occupancy modelling for each species. This will allow the development of heat maps showing species distributions across the Laboratory.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Large Game Distribution Camera Study at Los Alamos National Laboratory [Poster]

The unique habitats at the Laboratory support a diverse community of wildlife. The habitat types that include Pinon Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, and Mixed-conifer forests each provide different resources important for a variety of species. Wildlife monitoring for large game animals can be challenging because they avoid interactions with humans, and prefer undeveloped areas. This study was conducted to analyze the distribution of predators and other game animals seasonally across the Laboratory. The data gathered will be used to make recommendations regarding wildlife management for conservation and protection. Utilizing game cameras to remotely monitor wildlife was determined to be the most effective, noninvasive method to gather the necessary data. As camera technology has advanced, game cameras have become adequate for documenting individuals, and are commonly used in wildlife studies on predation, abundance, occupancy, diversity, and endangered species detection. Twenty cameras were placed across the LANL landscape using a modified systematic sampling design. They were deployed in February 2018 and retrieved in January 2019, thus each camera sampled for one full year. All images were reviewed and the species, number, age, and sex of all animals in the photo were recorded. Here we present data for the most abundant species encountered: deer, elk, coyote, bear, bobcat, mountain lion, and fox respectively. The data were summarized by species and season. Future work will include occupancy modelling for each species. This will allow the development of heat maps showing species distributions across the Laboratory.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Predation probabilities and functional responses: How piscivorous waterbirds respond to pulses in fish abundance

Abstract How predators respond to changes in prey abundance (i.e., functional responses) is foundational to consumer–resource interactions, predator–prey dynamics, and the stability of predator–prey systems. Predation by piscivorous waterbirds on out‐migrating juvenile steelhead trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) is considered a factor affecting the recovery of multiple Endangered Species Act‐listed steelhead populations in the Columbia River basin. Waterbird functional responses, however, may vary by predator species and location, with important implications to predator management strategies. We used a 13‐year dataset on waterbird abundance across seven breeding colonies (three Caspian tern [ Hydroprogne caspia ], two double‐crested cormorant [ Nannopterum auritum ], and two California and ring‐billed gull [ Larus californicus and Larus delawarensis ] colonies) and steelhead tag‐recovery data (>645,000 tagged and >32,000 recovered steelhead) to quantify weekly predation probabilities and functional responses across waterbird species, colonies, and years. Weekly predation probabilities were highly variable, ranging from 0.01 to 0.30 at tern colonies, 0.01 to 0.20 at cormorant colonies, and 0.03 to 0.13 at gull colonies. Per capita predation probabilities were an order of magnitude higher at inland tern and cormorant colonies relative to estuary colonies of the same species. Terns displayed Type II functional responses across colonies and years, where predation probabilities peaked at low steelhead abundances and declined as steelhead abundance increased (i.e., predator swamping). Cormorants nesting at the large estuary colony (several thousand birds) displayed a Type III functional response, but cormorants nesting at the smaller inland colony (several hundred birds) displayed a Type II response. Consumption probabilities of steelhead by gulls remained consistent across a large range of steelhead availability, suggesting a Type I or a Type III functional response, but a lack of colony abundance data prevented quantifying functional responses. The level of tern predation combined with Type II functional responses indicate possible population‐level impacts that could destabilize small or declining prey populations. Conversely, the apparent Type III functional responses of gulls and estuary nesting cormorants are indicative of prey switching behaviors targeted at periods of high steelhead abundance. Our results illustrate the complexity of predator–prey interactions and the importance of quantifying predator‐ and location‐specific functional responses when predicting the efficacy of management strategies to enhance prey populations.

Hostetter, Nathan J.↗