Aquatic Natural Areas Analysis and Evaluation: Oak Ridge Reservation

Baranski, Michael J.

doi:10.2172/1023838

Cited by 4 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Accordingly, substantial efforts have been made on inventory and understanding the connectivity of surface and subterranean aquatic features (Figure 2). Thus, we first reviewed previous aquatic resource delineation efforts and reports to determine locations of known streams, wetlands, and seeps within the VTR construction area (e.g., Rosensteel, 1996;Baranski 2011Baranski , 2018. We then used these data alongside new quantitative hydrology models to focus current fieldbased mapping.…”

Section: Aquatic Resourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We focused on the topographic/habitat extremes because the preliminary review indicated that potential sensitive flora and fauna within the review area were associated either with aquatic or ridgetop features or were more easily detected via alternative methods (Figure 3). VES transects were generated in ArcMap 10.7 (ESRI, 2018) based on previous habitat and aquatic resource mapping efforts (Rosensteel 1996;Baranski 2009Baranski , 2011Baranski , 2018. Transects and search methods were prioritized according to their level of connectivity (e.g., hydrologic or contiguous natural area) to areas with known records of rare and sensitive wildlife outside of the VTR construction area (Wade and Carter 2020;Wade, DeRolph, and Carter, in preparation).…”

Section: Wildlife Surveysmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Carter

Byrd

Herold

et al. 2020

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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.

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Section: Aquatic Resourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Wildlife Surveysmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Carter

Byrd

Herold

et al. 2020

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“…Accordingly, substantial prior effort was placed on inventory and understanding the connectivity of surface and subterranean aquatic features. Thus, we first reviewed previous aquatic resource delineation efforts and reports to determine locations of known streams, wetlands, and seeps within the SSP-2A parcel (e.g., Rosensteel 1996;Baranski 2009Baranski , 2011Baranski , 2018. We then used these data alongside new quantitative hydrology models to focus current field-based mapping.…”

Section: Aquatic Resources Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Movement of water was modeled as a function of elevation and known karst features (sinks, springs, macropores, and outcrops). Model was initially trained on known aquatic features (e.g., Rosensteel 1996;Baranski 2009Baranski , 2011Baranski , 2018 and continually retrained using aquatic and karst features as they were mapped. Teal regions indicate WWCs and/or expected routes of subsurface flow.…”

Section: Aquatic Resourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since 2010, approximately 300 acres of previously declared natural area (Baranski 2009(Baranski , 2011(Baranski , 2018 on the ORR and ORNERP has been lost to new project development, and 243 acres are currently slated for deforestation and development (Figure 4). Thus far, the cumulative effects of these projects have not been considered alongside new development and land use changes.…”

Section: Cumulative Impactsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sensitive Resources Assessment and Forest Analysis for The SSP-2A Parcel and Proposed Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC), Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Carter¹,

Byrd²,

McCracken³

et al. 2020

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Advancing wildlife connectivity in land use planning: a case study with four‐toed salamanders

et al. 2023

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Stable habitat connections that wildlife can safely traverse are essential to biodiversity conservation and healthy ecosystems. We developed high‐resolution landscape connectivity models to predict resistance to movement by a threatened wetland‐obligate amphibian, the four‐toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum), and identified priority management areas on the 13,000‐ha Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) from 2019 to 2022. We developed a resistance surface based on aerial light detection and ranging data (LiDAR), >30 years of field‐based mapping of forest, hydrologic, and geologic features, and contemporary population surveys, alongside derived predictors at <1‐m resolution. We then modeled predicted movement corridors using a circuit theory‐based modeling approach. We worked closely with land management and natural resources personnel to integrate ecological modeling with broader land use priorities, monetary costs, and feasibility. We identified important terrestrial and aquatic areas on ORR and simulated management scenarios to promote stable connections for four‐toed salamanders. This approach allowed us to narrow down a list of 438 potential habitat manipulation sites to 10 sites where open‐bottomed culverts and buffers could be implemented. This smaller‐scale restoration approach produced a similar increase in landscape connectivity while costing <20% of a larger‐scale approach based on barrier removal. We successfully identified feasible, cost‐effective management strategies that integrated knowledge from a variety of sources. We offer a strategy that permitted integration of wildlife management goals into infrastructure upgrades wherein wildlife was not an initial consideration.

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Aquatic Natural Areas Analysis and Evaluation: Oak Ridge Reservation

Cited by 4 publications

References 4 publications

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

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

Sensitive Resources Assessment and Forest Analysis for The SSP-2A Parcel and Proposed Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC), Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Advancing wildlife connectivity in land use planning: a case study with four‐toed salamanders

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