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Brining Science to the Adirondacks and the Adirondacks to Science

Current Research Projects

Abstracts of many research projects including graduate student theses and dissertations can be found on the AEC Publications Page.

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ESF Graduate Student and Faculty Research

 

Dr. Colin Beier - Dendroecology of Adirondack old-growth conifer forests

Objectives are to collect long-term records of tree growth using increment cores, for a variety of analyses, including (1) tree responses to climatic variation, (2) tree responses to mercury deposition, (3) tree responses to acid deposition, and (4) relationships between watershed hydrology, winter processes, and tree growth (in Arbutus watershed).  Methods: Trees will be cored using 1.8mm diameter increment borers, at approximate breast height.  Either two partial cores (bark to pith) or one full penetrating core (bark to pith to bark) will be collected from a maximum of 20 randomly selected trees in each stand.  Tree height and DBH will also be recorded.  Beeswax applied to borer will be used to seal holes left behind after coring, to minimize subsequent insect or fungal damage.  Cores will be mounted in the field and analyzed using standard methods.

Dr. Annette Kretzer - Population genetic structure in Suillus pictus

The idea behind the project is to compare fragmented and non-fragmented forests in terms of the population structure in an ectomycorhizal fungus, Suillus pictus. The greater Adirondack Park will be surveyed by Yazmin Rivera (PhD student) for the non-fragmented populations. Small forests outside the park will be surveyed for fragmented forests by Kathleen Pitcher (MS student). The null is that there will be no difference in population structure (inbreeding) between fragmented and non-fragmented populations. Collected pieces of S. pictus mushrooms for DNA analysis. Microsatellite markers will be used to identify individuals.

Phil-Goo Kang (PhD) - Variation of stable sulfur and oxygen isotopes of sulfate during various discharge periods in the Arbutus Lake watershed

The major aim of the study is to provide the background data about sulfate concentration and isotopic value due differences in hydrological regime at Arbutus Lake Watershed. A particular focus of this work will be the development of quality assurance (QA) procedures for measuring stable isotope of sulfur and oxygen.  This further development of QA is an important prerequisite for planned future studies including analyses of the discrepancy of sulfur budgets at Northern Eastern forests.Methods: Water samples will be studied to evaluate dynamics of sulfate using stable isotopes of sulfur and oxygen during various discharge patterns in Arbutus Lake watershed (e.g. inlet, outlet and inlake at Arbutus Lake, and discharges from S14, S15 and wetland).

Lisa Kurian (MS) - The impact of changing climate on winter nitrogen export from a forested watershed of the Adirondack Mountains

The overall objective of our study is to understand how climatic and hydrological factors interact to influence NO3- dynamics in forested watersheds during the winter season and how changes in winter climate impact rates of NO3- export in streams. Climatic and hydrological factors include air temperature, duration and depth of snowpack, soil temperature, soil freezing and flowpaths during rain-on-snow events, mid-winter thaws and snowmelt. Climatic variables, including air temperature, snow depth and liquid water equivalent precipitation, will be recorded hourly, year-round, at a new Huntington Forest meteorological station to be located near S14 and S15 at "Ackerman Clearing." In addition to remote climatic data collection, bothsubcatchments (S14 and S15) will be instrumented to measure air and soil temperature at four locations, for a total of eight sites. At these sites, during the winter (November through April), we will simultaneously measure air and soil temperatures at various depths. Also, snow depth and water content will be measured at two snow courses, one in each watershed, by taking snow cores to calculate snow water equivalent along transects. Temperature data collection will be automated, recording soil and air temperatures hourlythroughout the winter using iButton data loggers, which automatically record temperatures.  Soil moisture will be monitored using automated Time Domain Reflectometry and soil freezing will be monitored using frost depth tubes .Snow and soil water samples will be collected using soil tension and snow lysimeters using the same design employed by Campbell et al. [2006] in S14 and S15. Ground water samples will be collected using wells installed at the field site. Water samples will be obtained from lysimeters and mini-piezometers for major ion and nutrient analysisStream water hydrology and chemistry will be monitored using existing instrumentation in the Arbutus Lake watershed. The outlet of the Archer Creek watershed (the Arbutus Lake inlet) is gauged with a V-notch weir, equipped with a pressure transducer and data logger and the outlet of Arbutus Lake is gauged at an H-flume, also equipped with a pressure transducer and data logger.

Matthew C. Smith (M.S.) - Ecology, seasonal movements, and social organization of the white-tailed deer population in the Central Adirondacks and Huntington Wildlife Forest

The presence and health of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in New York State (NYS) are extremely important to an enormous number of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts across the state. Wildlife managers depend heavily on the presence of a healthy, harvestable population because on an annual basis, nearly 800 million dollars is cycled through the state's economy by these interest groups. This money is used for management and habitat preservation for many other species besides the white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer have been diagnosed in multiple states throughout the United States with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease that has the potential to spread into New York. Deer in the Northern Forest system, specifically in the Adirondack Park, perform long distance migrations to winter ranges for a variety of benefits resulting in contact between otherwise isolated social groups. This research will examine the specifics of this migration, including landscape features that may influence path choice and winter range location, creating a complex network of contact across the landscape. The results will aid managers in determining the probable avenues of disease spread and the potential geographic extent of that spread among subpopulations within one year. The goal is to provide managers with a risk-assessment model to assist in delineating boundaries for management action when a diseased animal is detected.

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Outside Agency Research Projects

 

Biodiversity Research Institute - Dr. David Evers - Developing an exposure profile for mercury and calcium in New York songbirds and bats; Understanding methylmercury availability in herpetofauna of New York

This pilot field-sampling effort in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains of New York State will be conducted to determine the mercury exposure of songbirds and bats foraging within the insectivorous pathway, relationships with available calcium for insectivorous birds and bats, and to identify geographic areas and habitats that pose the greatest risk. This effort will be linked with a broader network across the Appalachian Mountains. A pilot field-sampling effort will also be conducted for selected herpetofauna to establish an exposure profile of mercury in amphibians and reptiles for selected sites to establish interspecies relationships; identify species that may be at high risk and sample them opportunistically; identify habitats and geographic areas that are highly sensitive to methylmercury production and availability that may create a risk for amphibians and reptiles; and integrate sampling efforts with foodweb models developed for the common loon mercury monitoring program. Even though many species of amphibians and reptiles have declined in recent years, very few studies have documented the potential connection with methylmercury contamination. This project will represent the most comprehensive assessment of mercury in herpetofauna for the Northeast.

Cornell University - Christine Goodale (PhD) - The response of soil carbon to elevated nitrogen deposition in northeastern forests:  Measurements across six fertilization experiments

At Huntingon Forest, Myron Mitchell established a nitrogen fertilization experiment fertilizing 10m x 10m plots with (NH4)2SO4 at a rate of 28 kg/ha/yr.  I wish to collect soils from his fertilization experiment for a cross-site comparison of the impact of nitrogen fertilization on soil carbon dynamics.Markings: Plots are designated with corner stakes and a string boundary around the edge.  Objectives: The goal of my research is to quantify the size and cause of changes in soil carbon (C) in response to nitrogen (N) fertilization.  This work consists of measurements across six existing N fertilization experiments in northeastern forested research sites, laboratory experiments using soils collected from these sites, and ultimately, application of a forest ecosystem model.  Specifically, I will address three objectives :Objective 1. Evaluate the response of "faster" (decadal scale turnover time) and "slower" (>100 years turnover time) soil carbon pools to N fertilization across all sites.Objective 2. Quantify transient changes in soil respiration, DOC and N leaching, microbial abundance, and microbial enzymatic activity with N fertilization. Objective 3.   Apply empirical results to an ecosystem model, to integrate soil C responses across sites with other ecosystem processes at the landscape scale. I will collect 12 "plugs" of surface organic soil, and 12 mineral soil cores 3cm diameter x 15cm deep from the High N plots and an unfertilized control.I will bring the soil to the lab in Ithaca, where I will incubate it for 1 year, during which time I will measure CO2, I will add a 15N tracer and a lab N fertilization, and I will measure some extracellular enzymes involved in decomposing carbon substrates.

Institute of Ecosystem Studies- Dr. Charles D. Canham - Watershed-scale analyses of phosphorus, nitrogen and organic carbon in Adirondack lakes

We will be collecting water samples for measurement of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon. The data will be used for an analysis of watershed controls on variation in lake chemistry, using a new spatially-explicit, mass-balance based modeling approach we developed several years ago with initial funding from EPA. Our approach provides quantitative estimates of the export of a particular chemical constituent (N, P, DOC, etc.) from different upland and wetland vegetation types within the watershed, and allows us to quantify whether the loading to the lake varies as a function of distance from a source area in the watershed, and as a function of the nature and composition of nearshore and riparian communities.

NYS DEC - Paul Jensen- Ecology of American marten in New York State

Objectives: 1.  Characterize marten habitat selection at several spatial scales, including: a) landscape-scale(Adirondack region); ; stand-scale (home range); and c) fine-scale (within home range), and 2.  Investigate the influence of American beech mast cycles and fluctuating small mammal populations on home range, foraging, and harvest dynamics of martens. Beginning in 2007 and over a 2-3 year period, I will radiocollar a total of 30-40 martens.  This will include 15-20 animals in the southern Adirondacks and 15-20 animals in the High Peaks region.  I will collect telemetry data on the ground where road/trail access exists and through the use of fixed-wing aircraftusing. Home ranges will be estimated using fixed kernel methods.  Habitat selection at the stand-scale will be modeled using either utilization distributions. If an adequate number of marten relocations can be obtained during both phases of the mast cycle, I will test whether marten home range size and habitat selection differs as a function of prey availability. I will use backtracking techniques during winter to determine marten movements and habitat selection within home ranges Detailed vegetation and habitat structure data (for example, tree composition, dbh, coarse woody debris, understory vegetation) will be collected within established plots along marten track routes (i.e., used resources) and random track routes (i.e., available resources) during the winter and summer.  I will extract habitat data available within a GIS along marten track routes and compare those data to what is available within the home range.  Lastly, data collected at this scale may also be useful for testing hypotheses concerning differences in foraging strategies of martens during the two phases of the mast cycle.

NYS DEC - Ben Tabor - Research, survey and inventory of black bears

The objectives of this study are to 1) estimate the number, sex and age, and physical condition of bears using the Marcy Dam/Lake Colden area of the High Peaks Wilderness Area (HPWA), 2) determine the home ranges, seasonal movements, and habitat use of collared bears in the HPWA, 3) determine the effectiveness of aversive conditioning techniques used on nuisance bears, and 4) develop a management plan to reduce negative bear/human encounters in the HPWA.

SUNY Albany - Joel Ralston - Population genetics of mountain birds

As a part of my phD dissertation work I am studying the population genetics of mountain birds within the Adirondack and Catskill mountains. I am investegating whether "mountain islands" act to isolate populations of birds, or to what extent gene flow between the islands exists.I am also interested in (1) determining the connectivity between breeding and wintering grounds of mountain birds and how that may affect genetic structure, and (2)how migration strategy (migratory vs. non-migratory) affects genetic sturcture.Methods: Birds will be captured via early morning mist netting at high elevations. A blood and feather sample, along with other measurements will be taken from each bird before it is banded and released.

SUNY Cortland - Dr. Christopher P. Cirmo - Archer Creek watershed / Huntington Wildlife Forest wetlands Investigations

Work continues of two grants involving Co-PI's Myron Mitchell (USDA-NRI grant; 1999-2002) and with CO-Pi's Mitchell, McDonnell, Schiff, and Kendall (NSF grant; 2000-2003). Performance on both of these contracts is combined into studies aimed at determining and understanding the role of "interface" wetlands in affecting both hydrology and biogeochemistry of nitrogen as water drains through Archer Creek Watershed past the H-flume and into Arbutus Lake.

Syracuse University - Jason Dittman (PhD candidate) - Mercury and methylmercury export in relation to DOC quality in upland landscapes, northeastern USA

The principal objective of this study is to evaluate the dynamics of total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (CH3Hg+) in stream water at Lake Inlet (Huntington Forest, NY) with respect to changes in carbon quality and SO42- concentrations over a range of hydrochemical conditions.

Syracuse University - Dr. Charles Driscoll - Land-atmosphere dynamics of mercury and ecological implications for Adirondack forest ecosystems

For this proposed research, we have the following objectives: 1.Quantify and contrast pools and fluxes of Hg species in deciduous and coniferous plots at the HF; 2.Compare three techniques to estimate dry Hg deposition at the HF (total ecosystem measurements, deposition to surrogate surfaces and the inferential method). In an area of approx 10m x 10 m two pits will be excavated.  At each pit, five replicate soil samples will be collected by horizon and analyzed for HgT and MeHg and ancillary measurements (e.g., organic C, pH). Soil water from upland soils will be sampled using replicate zero-tension lysimeters (Teflon) placed beneath the Oa and Bh horizons and within the Bs2 horizon at the two pits.  In addition six small flux chambers (each approx 100 cm2), a throughfall collected (1 m2) and several litterfall collectors (each 1 m2).  Monthly foilage samples will be collected.

USDA Forest Service - Forest Inventory and Analysis Project

USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program - Karen Riva Murray- Mercury cycling and bioaccumulation in stream ecosystems

Develop understanding of mercury cycling and bioaccumulation in stream ecosystems. Determine flux and mass balance of aqueous methylmercury, examine role of uplands and riparian uplands in methylmercury production and transport to the stream ecosystem. Determine methylmercury concentrations in key components of the aquatic food web. Compare findings with those in different environmental settings across the Nation.Methods: Periodic collection of water-column, soil, bed sediment, periphyton, macroinvertebrate, and fish samples for analysis of mercury concentrations. Flow measurements, water-sample collection for analyses of major ions, nutrients, and other constituents.

USGS - Jamie Shanley - Continuous in situ measurement of carbon quality as a tool for understanding stream mercury dynamics in northern forests

Objectives: To deploy continuous in-stream monitors for colored dissolved organic matter (cDOM; proxy for dissolved mercury) and turbidity (proxy for particulate mercury) in order to construct accurate stream mercury budgets for an entire water year. To demonstrate the value of in situ monitoring of cDOM (using this relatively new, state-of-the-art generation of sensors). Methods: We will have two sensors in the stream just upstream of the flume, with cables leading to datalogger on the left bank. We will monitor cDOM using fluorometer and turbitidity using optical sensor on sonde. Control measurement, data frequency, and data acquisition by dataloggers. Collect periodic low- and high-flow samples to establish empirical relations between DOC, and dissolved and particulate mercury vs fluorometer and turbidity measurements.

USGS - Laurel Woodruff - Mercury cycling in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

The study area is within the Fishing Brook watershed directly west of the Huntington Forest in the Town of Long Lake.  The study area is the same watershed under study by the U.S. Geological Survey in Troy, NY. The study area will consist of several locations within the 25 sq. mi. watershed where soil samples will be collected for mercury analysis.Markings: No permanent markings will be left at the sampling sites. Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the concentration of mercury in soils. The project aims to determine the spatial variation of mercury in soils in several different landscape types in the Fishing Brook watershed and to estimate the amount of mercury stored in watershed soils. Methods: Primarily surface soils will be sampled at several locations within the Fishing Brook watershed.  Samples will be analyzed for mercury at a commercial laboratory in Canada.

Wildlife Conservation Society - Dr. Nina Schoch - Adirondack Loon Conservation Program

 

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Undergraduate Research Projects

Undergraduates from SUNY ESF and other universities are fortunate to be able to participate in ongoing research projects or conduct their own projects at the Adirondack Ecological Center. This is a sampling of research projects from past years.

2008

  • Calcium Availability and Songbird Communities in Upland Northern Hardwood Forests of the Central Adirondack Mountains, New York - Larisa Bishop-Boros
  • The Effect of Edge Aspect and Distance from Edge on Plant Communities - Jordan Brown
  • The Effects of pH on 3 Adirondack Salamander Species - Aaron Davies
  • Woody Browse Abundance and Use by White-tailed Deer in Relation to Forest Management History in the Central Adirondacks - Mark Jackling
  • Comparison of Hair Snare Design for DNA-based Population Estimates and Analysis of the North American Black Bear - Jasmine Kosonen
  • Land Snail Biomass and Soil Calcium in Upland Northern Hardwood Forests of the Huntington Wildlife Forest in the Central Adirondack Mountains, NY - David Pomeranz
  • Establishing Rating Curves (stream stage vs. discharge) for Two V-notch Weirs in the Arbutus Watershed - Marysol Villanueva
  • Ground Level Vegetation Response to Mechanical Site Preparation - Maxwell Wightman

2007

  • The Structure and Function of Beaver Meadows - William Dunker
  • The effects of White-Tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus on Understory Herbaceous Species of the Northern Hardwood Forest in New York - Justina Fedorchuck
  • Habitat Selection of Common Turtles in the Adirondack Park, NY: Whate is the Role of Beaver Ponds? - Amy Fox
  • Assessment of Wood-inhabiting Fungi in Old-growth and Maturing Stands in the Adirondack Park, New York - Cesar S. Herrera
  • Effects of Liming of Soils on Salamander Occurrence within Huntington Wildlife Forest - Shavaun Jenkins
  • Effects of Nitrate Depostion on Green Frog Tadpoles (Rana clamitans) in the Central Adirondack Mountains of New York - Manuel Santana

2006

2005

  • Impact of Nest Flooding on Reproductive Success of the Common Loon - Charles Foutch
  • White-tailed Deer Activity in the Huntington Wildlife Forest in Relation to Environmental Variables - Daniel Hojnacki
  • Individual Trap Success with Relation to the Summer Home Range of Female White-tailed Deer on the Huntington Wildlife Forest in the Central Adirondacks - Ryhan Sempler
  • Examining Forest Regeneration of the Northern Hardwood Forest in Relation to Relative White-tailed Deer Abundance - Jeffrey Suraf

2003

2002

  • An Assessment of Songbird Habitat on Huntington Wildlife Forest, New York - Leah Burke
  • Flying Squirrel Population Densities and Habitat Assessment at Huntington Wildlife Forest - Madeline Fairbairn
  • Factors Regulating a Declining Snowshoe Hare Population - Meg Klepack
  • Evaluation of Within-stand Differences in Small Mammal Populations and Habitat - Timothy Marvin
  • Relationship between Small Mammals and Habitat on Huntington Wildlife Forest - Shannon Strusz

2001

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updated 3/09 CLD

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