In 2016, GBI entered into a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Land Management to assist with the monitoring of greater sage grouse populations and restoration of their habitat throughout northern California. Of course, in addressing the needs of one species, one necessarily looks at the entirety of an ecosystem and the well-being of all flora and fauna therein. This…
The Great Basin Institute, in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno, (UNR) was recently awarded a 4.9 million grant to support forestry research and ecological restoration on the Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument. Funded by the State of California, the project improves forest health and wildlife habitat by reducing fuels from drought- and beetle-impacted trees on the Hume…
During the average school year, Taylor Creek Visitor Center hosts over 150 students per day to connect classroom curriculum with direct experience with the local aquatic life. One of the highlights of the experience is the Taylor Creek Stream Profile Chamber. When the glass of this underwater viewing chamber broke during routine cleaning last season, staff worried that this educational…
Anyone who has spent significant time in our national parks is familiar with the sight of wayside exhibits, signs that provide background and information about the natural and cultural surroundings. These panels can enhance visitors’ experience in our natural lands by identifying local flora and fauna, explaining geographical formations, and tracing historical events. While we may appreciate the service these…
By Alex Drokin, free lance writer in Austin, Texas. Biologists are now closer to understanding fisher (Pekania pennanti) survival and mortality rates following a multiyear study. New research published in The Journal of Wildlife Management, found that fishers in California’s Sierra National Forest have an annual survival rate of 0.69, with the largest percentage of deaths resulting from predation. The research may…
There are kinds of work that GBI is well known for performing: invasive species control, wildlife monitoring, trails restoration, fuels reduction, travel management, and the like. But every once in a while, our partnerships will take us in some unexpected directions. This is perhaps nowhere more true than at Scotty’s Castle, a villa in Death Valley National Park that dates…
In addition to the work that we do with federal agencies, GBI takes pride in our collaborations with state and local organizations and agencies. Particularly, we have a strong relationship with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), one that has so far lasted some eighteen years. Sara Violett, GBI & NDOW Survey Crew Supervisor, provides the following overview of our…
Here is the third and final installment of our series presenting vegetation technician, Justin Chappelle’s journals, which offer a wonderful personal view of GBI field work. Part One can be found HERE. Part Two can be found HERE. Parashant National Monument: IU Protocol- First Impact 5/14-21/2018 Our first trip was to explore the central region of Parashant National Monument in…
GBI presents the second in a three-part series drawn from the on-the-ground journal of vegetation technician, Justin Chappelle. This installment has a particular focus on the Bat Blitz at Joshua Tree National Park. For part one, click HERE. Justin Chappelle’s Journal 4/26/2018: Mojave National Preserve I decided to work longer hours the previous and present week, so I could take…
In order to ensure regulation compliance, keep our partners informed, and document GBI’s accomplishments, all of our personnel in the field are required to file detailed written reports. This is our typical routine, but one of our Research Associates took this task to the next level, providing an on-the-ground journal of his experiences. In this journal, which we will be…
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