• Engineering and Legislative Options for Improved Timber Haulage in Scottish Forests
The forest industry in Scotland depends for its economic survival on the efficiency with which it can get the felled timber to the mill. This efficiency is shown to depend on pavement quality, particularly the aggregates used; the truck fleet available to extract the timber; and the interaction of these two factors and the legislative regime, including taxation, under which the forest traffic operates. Although there is a high degree of cooperation within the forest industry—pavement constructors, haulage companies, public and private forest owners, and local government authorities—there is need for a more comprehensive assessment of the interaction of the various factors affecting... (pdf 841KB)
• In situ Replication of Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
The concern of persistent loss of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies worldwide since 2006, a phenomenon referred to as colony collapse disorder (CCD), has led us to investigate the role of imidacloprid, one of the neonicotinoid insecticides, in the emergence of CCD. CCD is commonly characterized by the sudden disappearance of honey bees (specifically worker bees) from hives containing adequate food and various stages of brood in abandoned colonies that are not occupied by honey bees from other colonies. – March 13, 2012 (pdf 1.21MB)
• Wood Utilization Options for Urban Trees Infested by
The introduction and spread of non-native invasive species are causing significant ecological and economic damage to U.S. urban and rural forests. The National Invasive Species Management Plan (2008) defines invasive species as a “species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” As a result of infestation from invasive species, particularly emerald ash borer (EAB) but also Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), gypsy moth, and thousand canker disease, tremendous numbers of infested trees are being killed and removed each year for control and ultimate eradication of the pests... – 2012 (pdf 2.49MB)
• Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy
The Gulf of Mexico boasts rich culture, vital natural resources, billions of dollars in economic activity, and generations of unique history – all of which make it an indispensable part of our nation. The millions of people who call the region home as well as visitors from across America and around the world are drawn to the Gulf Coast’s abundant natural resources, its diverse communities and cultures, and a way of life that is truly one-of-a-kind. – December 2011 (pdf 4.61MB)
• What Lives in the Sea?
Census of Marine Life Publishes Historic Roll Call of Species in 25 Key Ocean Areas – August 2, 2010 (pdf 894KB)
• Global Honey Bee Colony Disorders and Other Threats to Insect Pollinators
Current evidence demonstrates that a sixth major extinction of biological diversity event is underway. The Earth is losing between one and ten percent of biodiversity per decade, mostly due to habitat loss, pest invasion, pollution, over-harvesting and disease. Certain natural ecosystem services are vital for human societies... – 2010 (pdf 3.26MB)
• The Sustainability of Freshwater Species and Water Resources Development Policy of the Army Corps of Engineers
Documentation of increasing rates of species extinction and imperilment has caused widespread concerns over future global loss of biodiversity (e.g., Wilson and Peters 1988, Lubchenco et al. 1991). The genesis of species conservation concerns goes back more than a century in the United States and elsewhere to a time when the major recognized threat to species viability in the United States was unregulated hunting and fishing. – April 2009 (pdf 1.02MB)
• A World Without Biodiversity?
"Take your pick: A world in which we all dress the same, speak the same language, eat the same food and listen to the same music. All our natural areas are ploughed up for roads, buildings and corn plantations, and all that’s left of wildlife are battery-farmed chickens and dairy cows-a world without diversity.
Or, a world that is prosperous, peaceful, healthy, colourful, vibrant and resilient–in short, a diverse and sustainable world." – January 2008 (pdf 2.95MB)