Association of Rhabdocline needle blight and epicormic branching in Douglas-fir

In northern Utah, Douglas-firs ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) with symptoms of Rhabdocline needle blight had a significantly higher frequency of epicormic branching than did healthy trees. It is not known whether Rhabdocline infection stimulates epicormy, or whether the proliferation of epicormics increases resistance to the disease.     

Occurrence of ticks on mule deer in central Utah

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Douglas-fir beetle ( Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, Coleoptera: Scolytidae) brood production on Douglas-fir defoliated by western spruce budworm ( Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Logan Canyon, Utah

Douglas-fir beetle brood production was studied on Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb. ] Franco)trees defoliated by the western spruce budworm between 1983 and 1985. Tallies were made of the number of attacks, total length and number of egg galleries, number of eggs deposited, number of larval tunnels, number of pupal chambers, and number of emerging beetles (per female and per unit area). Data analysis showed no significant differences among the three years studied. The number of emerging beetles per female parent was 0.59, and emergence per 90 cm 2 was 2.32 beetles. Egg, larval, and pupal survivals were 47.5%, 30.0%, and 15.5%, respectively.     

Habitat use and subspecific status of Merlins, Falco columbarius , wintering in central Utah

Most ornithological literature for Utah reports the status of the Merlin ( Falco columbarius ) as rare or scarce. Only the most recently published checklists (Behle and Perry 1975, Behle et al. 1985) record it as uncommon. Likewise, a 1998 printed checklist (Utah Ornithological Society 1998) list it as uncommon. Also misrepresented in the literature are the status and distribution of the 3 rather distinct subspecies, each of which occupies dissimilar habitats during the breeding season. We made random observations of Merlins in northern Utah beginning in the 1950s and then studied them continuously between 1992 and 1997 in Utah County, Utah. During the 1992-1997 period, we were able to clearly allocate 95 males and 76 females to subspecies, including within our count 58 falcons trapped (some fitted with radio telemetry). The winter habitat in which they occurred was categorized as either urban (mainly dense residential area) or rural (agricultural lands, dairy farms, or scattered homes). There was a statistically significant ( X 2 F. c. columbarius frequenting urban areas 68% of the time, and prairie parkland-breeding F. c. richardsonii frequenting rural habitats 78% of the time.     

Effects of dwarf mistletoe on growth and mortality of Douglas-fir in the Southwest

The effects of dwarf mistletoe ( Arceuthobium douglasii ) on growth and mortality of Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) were studied on 387 plots in mixed-conifer stands in three national forests in New Mexico and two in Arizona. Analyses of 8,570 trees showed that low infection ratings (dwarf mistletoe classes 1 or 2) had no significant effect on tree growth, but that losses increased markedly as infection severity increased. Average volume growth losses for trees over 10 inches in diameter were: dwarf mistletoe class 3, 10%; class 4, 25%; class 5, 45%; and class 6, 65%. Mortality of Douglas-fir in stands severely infested with dwarf mistletoe was three to four times that of healthy stands. These high losses confirm the need for silvicultural control of Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe in the Southwest.     

Notes on the Swainson's Hawk in central Utah: insectivory, premigratory aggregations, and kleptoparasitism

A premigratory flock of Swainson's Hawks numbering at least 213 individuals was observed during July and August of 1984. Aerial feeding on grasshoppers was noted and kleptoparasitism was recorded between the Swainson's Hawk and the American Kestrel.     

Productivity, food habits, and associated variables of Barn Owls utilizing nest boxes in north central Utah

Productivity and food habits of the Barn Owl ( Tyto alba ) utilizing nest boxes in Juab, Utah, and Salt Lake counties, Utah, During 1979-1984 were examined. Average clutch size was 5.8 eggs for the 6-yr period; mean number fledged was 3.9 young per successful nest. While severe weather during the 1981-82 winter did not result in significant decrease in productivity during the 1982 breeding season, it may have resulted in a significant overproduction of female young. Barn Owls in north central Utah fed almost exclusively on mammalian species, particularly Microtus spp. Difference in clutch size between areas and years may be a response to availability as well as abundance of prey.     

Prevalence of Elaeophora schneideri and Onchocerca cervipedis in mule deer from central Utah

Thirteen of 265 deer (4.9 percent) from central Utah were positive for Elaeophora schneideri, and 180 (67.9 percent) were infected with Onchocerca cervipedis. The rate of infection for E. schneideri and O. cervipedis increased significantly with age of the host (chi - square of 17.5 and 15.5, respectively, p     

Computerized reduction of meteorologic measurements from irrigated and nonirrigated plots in central Utah

Two FORTRAN IV computer programs were developed to facilitate reduction of meteorologic data from irrigated and nonirrigated plots at Provo, Utah. The first program compiles and tabulates daily, monthly, and yearly summaries of precipitation as rain and/or snow, snowfall, total snow cover, soil moisture, dew, relative humidity, potential evaporation, cloud cover, and wind. Temperature values are tabulated for measurements taken in a standard weather shelter. 5 cm beneath soil surface under grass cover, at soil surface under grass cover, and on bare ground. The second program enables complete computerized (Calcomp) construction, labeling, and graphing of 10 different meteorologic measurements and 3 calculated comparisons of temperature means. Advantages of the first computer program relate generally to that obviously noticeable with any computerized tabulation. Those of the second program relate more specifically to the greatly reduced cost of computerized graphs compared with those produced manually, as well as to the marked reduction of errors compared with the number frequently associated with the usual tedious and laborious plotting of voluminous weather data. Meteorologic data collected for the year demonstrated the beneficial effect of irrigation in the creation of microenvironments for living organisms.     

Behavior and habitat preferences of ring-necked pheasants during late winter in central Utah

Ring-necked pheasant behavior and habitat preferences were studied during late February along benches of the Wasatch Mountains in central Utah. Seven behavioral categories were used to classify pheasant activities during three time periods of the day. Eating, alert, and movement behavior were the most frequent activities during all periods of the day. Significant differences (p < .01) were found between morning and midday behavior and between midday and evening behavior. Pheasants fed in open areas during morning hours then retreated into heavy cover during midday periods. The birds remained in heavy cover until late afternoon. Pheasants then moved away from heavy cover into semiopen areas to feed as evening approached.     

Comparative habitat and community relationships of Atriplex confertifolia and Sarcobatus vermiculatus in central Utah

Thirty-four study sites were established in shadscale ( Atriplex confertifolia [Torr. & Frem.] Wats.) and greasewood ( Sarcobatus vermiculatus [Hoov. Torr. in Emory) communities bordering Utah Lake in central Utah. Differences in species composition, vegetation, and soil characteristics were assessed. Significant differences in soil factors between the two communities were found for sand, calcium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Soluble salts and sodium concentrations were generally higher in the greasewood type, but differences were not significant. Major differences were found in understory species, with burr buttercup ( Ranunculus testiculatus Grantz) showing significantly greater cover in the shadscale community and cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum L.) showing significantly greater cover in the greasewood community.     

Naturalization and habitat relationships of bitter nightshade ( Solanum dulcamara ) in central Utah

Ten plant communities containing bitter nightshade ( Solanum dulcamara ) were studied and the ecology and naturalizing relationships of bitter nightshade in central Utah area were investigated. Biotic and abiotic factors from each area were statistically analyzed. The data indicated that bitter nightshade was negatively correlated (P &nbsp;     

Winter nutrient content and deer use of gambel oak twigs in north central Utah

We examined winter nutritional quality of current-year bud and stem tissues from burned and unburned stands of Gambel oak ( Quercus gambelii Nutt.). Nutritional analyses were based on the amount of forage consumed by wintering mule deer. Deer use along the Utah Valley foothills averaged 6.25-10.7 cm of current-year growth. Of the tissues examined, post-fire bud tissue had the highest nutrient content, with a mean of 9.51% crude protein, 0.19% phosphorus, and 34.0% in vitro digestibility. Composite values (bud + stem) for unburned stands were slightly higher in crude protein and phosphorus and lower in digestibility than those reported in previous studies. Nutrient values from burned stands were significantly higher than those of unburned stands for all three measures. Tannin content of the burned-area regrowth was also higher. Overall forage value of Gambel oak to wintering mule deer is relatively low.     

Parasites of mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard, from five locations in Utah and Wasatch counties, Utah

Between 1983 and 1985, 97 mottled sculpin, Cottus bairdi Girard, were examined from five collection sites in central Utah for parasites. Eight different species of parasites were observed, representing seven genera of Protozoa ( Plistophora, Myxidium, Myxobolus, Ichthyophthirius, Trichodina, Apiosoma, Eimeria ) and one genus of Nematoda ( Rhabdochona ). The highest number of parasites was found in sculpin from the Provo River near residential areas, while the lowest number was recorded from Hobble Creek, a nearby pristine area. A complete list of parasites for C. bairdi with literature citations is presented. Each observed parasite is discussed emphasizing pathogenesis to the host.     

Influence of experimental habitat manipulations on a desert rodent population in southern Utah

This paper addresses how habitat manipulations in a black sagebrush ( Artemisia nova ) -dominated area, John's Valley of southern Utah, affected resident desert rodent populations. Rodents studied included the deer mouse ( Peromyscus maniculatus ), Great Basin pocket mouse ( Perognathus parvus ), sagebrush vole ( Lagurus curtatus ), Ord's kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys ordii ), and least chipmunk ( Eutamias minimus ). The experimental design involved analyses of treatment and control (nontreatment) plots rather than pre- and posttreatment of all plots. Habitat manipulations emphasized cutting of shrubs (rotobeating), treatment of plants with a herbicide (2,4-D), and reseeding with a mixture of grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Posttreatment trapping indicated the deer mouse was the most abundant rodent in treatment and control plots. Data indicate the prescribed habitat treatments had no significant negative affects on the deer mouse demes on the control or treatment plots. Habitat treatments may have negatively impacted recruitment in pocket mice. Least chipmunks were not captured in plots treated by rotobeating. Our habitat manipulations may have contributed to interspecific competition in this rodent community through the reduction of both food and cover.     

The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus and other taeniid cestodes in sheep dogs of central Utah

Fifty-one of 62 sheep dogs in central Utah were successfully purged for diagnosis of cestodes in 1981. Tapeworms were identified in the purged fecal samples of 33 (64.7 percent) animals. Minimum infection rates in the dogs which were purged were; 9.8 percent for Echinococcus granulosus , 29.4 percent for Taenia pisiformis , 27.5 percent for T. ovis krabbei , 27.5 percent for T. hydatigena , and 2.0 percent for T. serialis . The prevalence of E. granulosus decreased from 27 percent in 1971 to 9.8 percent in 1981.     

Differential effects of cattle and sheep grazing on high mountain meadows in the Strawberry Valley of central Utah

Species diversity, niche metrics, cover, frequency, and soil relationships were studied on high mountain meadows on adjacent cattle and sheep allotments in Strawberry Valley, Wasatch County, Utah. The cattle allotment vegetation was predominantly Mountain bluebell (Mertensia ciliata) , and the sheep allotment vegetation was predominantly Smallwing sedge (Carex microptera) . Other species of importance on both areas included Letterman needlegrass (Stipa lettermanii) , Mountain bromegrass (Bromus carinatus) , and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) . Tall forbs were most abundant on the cattle allotment, and low forbs, perennial grasses, and sedges were most abundant on the sheep allotment. Vegetation composition on the two allotments was significantly different. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;     

Home-range fidelity and use of historic habitat by adult Colorado pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus lucius ) in the White River, Colorado and Utah

Twelve wild adult Colorado pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus lucius ), captured in the tailwaters of Taylor Draw Dam on the White River, Colorado, were implanted with radio transmitters and their movement patterns monitored from 1992 to 1994. The spawning migration of these fish was extensive. In 1993, the only full year of the study, the fish migrated an average of 658 km from the White River to spawning sites in the Yampa or Green rivers and back to the White River. Eight of these fish were translocated in the river upstream of the dam in April 1993. These fish and the 4 others below the dam remained in the river until May 1993. All 12 had migrated down the White River to spawning sites in the Green and Yampa rivers by July 1993. The fish that were located above the dam successfully passed over the dam during their downstream migration. Seven fish migrated upstream toward the Yampa River Canyon spawning site and 5 migrated downstream toward the Green River Desolation/Gray Canyon spawning site. Five of 7 Yampa River fish were found at the spawning site. The other 2 were found 5-8 km downstream of the site. One of 5 Green River fish was found at the spawning site, the other 4 between 16 and 62 km upstream of the site. All fish migrated back to the White River by August 1993 and were found near the dam by October 1993. Two fish were recaptured and translocated above the dam in September 1993. Five fish were located below the dam and 2 above the dam in April 1994. By July 1994 seven of the same fish that had migrated toward the Yampa River in 1993 were found at the Yampa Canyon spawning site. At the same time, 3 of 5 fish that migrated toward the Green River in 1993 were found at the Desolation/Gray Canyon spawning site. This included 2 fish that had been found upstream of the site in 1993. The 12 fish traveled an average of 6 km d -1 (range: 4-10 km d -1 ) during the migration period from May through October 1993. Generally, fish moved faster to the spawning site than back from the site to the White River. These fish moved very little within their home ranges in the White River. Six fish tagged in 1992 moved only 0.1-2.3 km in the tailwater reach below Taylor Draw Dam from September 1992 through April 1993. All fish, after their spawning runs, had moved up to or near the dam by October 1993. These fish were not tracked again until April 1994. Their movement patterns in April 1994 were similar to those observed in April 1993. The greatest amount of fish movement in the White River was displayed by the 8 fish placed above Taylor Draw Dam in April 1993 and the 2 placed in Kenney Reservoir in September 1993. They moved 1.1-40.6 km in the river before and after their spawning migration in spring and autumn 1993. These spawning migrations suggest that adult Colorado pikeminnow in the White River were recruited from both Green and Yampa river spawning populations and were presumably imprinted to these respective spawning sites. Those fish placed above Taylor Draw Dam established home ranges in habitats previously occupied by Colorado pikeminnow before the dam was completed. They remained there until they migrated downstream during the spawning period. Although we did not study fish passage, our study demonstrates that adult Colorado pikeminnow will use habitat if access is provided. Translocation of wild adult fish into historic but unoccupied habitats may be a valuable recovery option.     

Comparative floral biology of Penstemon eatonii and Penstemon cyananthus in central Utah: a preliminary study

A comparison of the floral visitors of two closely related plant species, Penstemon cyananthus and P. eatonii suggests that flower shape and color may affect the number and type of pollinators, and the ability of the plant to set fruit. Penstemon cyananthus, which is most attractive to hymenopteran visitors, has a blue flower, large in diameter, that is positioned as a convenient &ldquo;landing pad.&rdquo; Although many types of insects visit the flower, the transport of pollen directly to flowers of another individual of the same species is somewhat inefficient, since fruiting success is low (66.7 percent). The tubular red flowers of P. eatonii are narrow and droop downward from the stem. The nectar is accessible to a specific and well-adapted visitor, the hummingbird. This less promiscuous, bird-pollinated species sets fruit more successfully (82.4 percent) than P. cyananthus.     

Habitat and community relationships of cliffrose ( Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana ) in central Utah

Cliffrose ( Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana [Torr.] Jepson) community measurements were taken in central Utah. Data revealed a high between-site similarity of 78.5%. Soil analysis for sites showed most macronutrients, and some micronutrients, relatively low. Cover of cliffrose was found to increase with increases in soil magnesium (p &le; 0.01). Plants growing on the sites have adapted life cycles to exploit moisture and nutrients during seasons of maximum availability. Prevalent species in the community were cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ), cliffrose, madwort ( Alyssum alyssoides ), and bluebunch wheatgrass ( Agropyron spicatum ). Annual grasses were the most important life form to community composition; the second was shrubs. Ratios between soil nutrients and cliffrose tissue nutrients indicate active transport of some elements. Data indicated a steady decline in establishment of new cliffrose individuals on the sites since 1957. This lack of reproductive success is most likely due to a combination of factors but appears most influenced by the elevated levels of annual plants (mainly cheatgrass) on the sites. If the cliffrose communities in central Utah are to be maintained, special attention to their management must be considered and implemented.