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ALAS KA POWER ALm IOR I TY
SUSITNA 4YDROELECCRIC PROJECT
E!WIRON ENTAL STUDIES
PROCEDURES MANUAL
SUBTASK 7.11
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY-
B I RDS Aim NON -GAME KN`T%LS
Terrestrial
Environmental
:pecialiiti, Inc.
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ALASKA POKIER AUn iOR ITY
SUSITNA HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
PROCEDURES MANUAL
SUBTASK 7.111
WILDLIFE ECOLOGY -
BIRDS AND NON -GAME MAMMALS
Submitted by
Terrestrial Enviromental Specialists, Inc.
and
University of Alaska Museum
to
Acres American, Inc.
AVAJ
rntilStudy Manager (TES)
Quality Assurance Cod�dinator (TES)
� � Lt'r-c'z�-z-- �
Environmental Study ctor (TES)
I
-24 /_
Group Leader (TES)
0 July 1980
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This procedures manual is a controlled document. Each copy is
numbered and issued in trust to an individual whose name is
recorded on a distribution log maintained by Terrestrial
Environmental Specialists, Inc., in Phoenix, New York. Amendments
to this document, as they are issued, will be sent to the
authorized holder of each copy. Upon completion of the project
(or by December 31, 1982) all copies of the manual are to be
returned to Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, Inc.
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P ROC EDURES MANUAL
Bird and Non -game Mammal Studies
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
• Introduction 1
Technical Procedures
Selection of intensive plot sites 2
• Animal enumeration procedures
Bird censusing 2
Bird survey 3
• Small mammal trapline sampling 3
Enumeration of other non -game mammals 4
Measurements of habitat variables 5
Data Procedures 6
Quality Control 10
Schedule 10
• Personnel 10
Literature Cited 12
LIST OF FIGURES
• Field Form for Bird Censusing 7
Recording Form for Habitat Measurements 3
Sample Format for Recording Plant Frequencies 9
Activity Schedule 11
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I. INTRODUCTION
The bird and non -game mammal studies of the upper Susitna River
Basin are being undertaken to aid in determining the potential effect
that the proposed Susitna Project might have on the fauna of the
• region. More specifically, we will determine what species of birds
and non -game mammals occur in the upper Susitna :liver Basin and determine,
on a seasonal basis, the manner and extent of their use of the region,
including the habitats in which they are found. These data can then
be used to 1) evaluate habitat potential in the area, 2) provide a
basis for predicting faunal changes based on habitat changes caused by
• environmental alterations, including changes in water level, and 3)
evaluate possible mitigative measures, should they prove necessary.
The bird anc non -game mammal studies are composed of three
interrelated work packages: 1) Avifaunal survey, 2) Bird community -
habitat study, and 3) Non -game mammal studies. Field work on the
• several programs will be shared by all personnel, field schedules will
be coordinated wherever possible, and intensive study sites will be
combined where feasible. Th general objectives of the three work
packages follows:
Avifaunal survev
1. Determine all species of birds using the region.
2. Determine, on a seasonal basis (winter, summer, spring
and fall migration), each species' relative abundance
and general habitat use.
• 3. Determine spring and fall migration dates (earliest,
latest, peak) and, insofar as time permits, the seasonal
chronologies of each species.
4. Determine the extent and type of use of the area by the
Peregrine, Bald Eagle, and Osprey.
• 5. Determine, generally, the use of the region by waterbirds,
including shorebirds and waterfowl.
3ird community -habitat study
1. Determine, for each of the major upland habitats of the
• region, the type and degree of use by birds, and compare
these habitats relative to species composition, density,
dominance, etc.
2. Obtain data relative to species habitat use that can be
used in later analyses on habitat selection by specific
species (Phase II, 1982).
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Non -game mammal studies
1. Determine all species of small and medium-sized mammals
occurring in the region.
2. Determine, for each of the major habitats of the region,
species cosoosition, relative abundance, and habitat
use.
II. TECHNICAL PROCEDURES
SELECTION OF INTENSIVE PLOT SITES
Census plots will be established in each of the major terrestrial
habitats in the vicinity of the proposed dam sites. In so far as
feasible, small mammal traplines will be set up in conjunction with
the bird census plots, although additional small mammal habitats will
also be sampled.
Selection of actual habitats to be sampled and specific plot
locations cannot be made until field work begins in early July 1980.
Avian census plots will be set up in as uniform habitat as is
available and will be selected according to Kessel (1979).
Preliminary indications suggest that it may be possible to establish
bird census plots of sufficient size in the following habitats:
Alpine dwarf shrub mat, dwarf shrub meadow, low shrub thicket, medium
shrub thicket, deciduous forest (cottonwoods at Cold Creek), coniferous
forest, mixed deciduous -coniferous forest, scattered woodland and
dwarf forest, and perhaps tall shrub thicket. In addition, small
mammal traplines will be established in wet meadow habitat and across
some edge (ecotonal) areas.
ANIMAL ENUMERATION PROCEDURES
13ird Censusing
If possible, each bird census site will be a square 10 ha (25
acres) plot, a size above the minimum recommended by the International
Bird Census Committee (1970) and one that can be adequately censused
in 4 hours --the approximate period of maximum bird activity each
morning. ,
Each 10-ha census plot will be divided by a 7x7 grid, resulting
in forty-nine 0.2-ha subplots. Census techniques will be based on the
territory mapping census method (International Bird Census Committee
1970). During the breeding season (approx. 15 May to 5 July), seven
to nine censuses will be conducted on each plot; censuses will be
conducted in pairs of two consecutive days at each plot --partly to
minimize the effects of changing territorial boundaries, and partly to
alleviate transportation problems between plots. Censuses will be
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conducted between 0300 and 0800 Alaska Standard Time (0200-0700
Daylight Savings Time), which is generally within the time of greatest
singing activity.
During a census, the observer will stop at the center of each
subplot to record avian activity. All birds seen or heard will be
recorded and located on a field map of the plot. For each bird seen,
activity, height of bird, and substrate used (including plant species)
will be recorded.
Bird Survev
A comprehensive survey will be conducted within an approximate
10-mile band on either side of the river, from Gold Creek to the
upriver location above which the impoundment will not influence the
avian use of the region. Field work will be more or less continuous
during spring and fall migration and the summer period
(approximately 10 April to mid -October). Winter observations will be
obtained during the winter census period and from reports of other
project personnel spending periods of the winter in the area.
The main procedure will be to walk transects across as much and
as wide a variety of habitats as possible throughout the study area
and to record all observations of all species seen or heard. Wherever
feasible, data will be recorded by habitat. Relative abundance will
be based on the number of birds per unit of time. In addition to
abundance and habitat information, data indicative of seasonal
chronologies will be recorded (migration, nesting, fledging, molting,
etc.), as will specific information on any nests found (habitat,
number of eggs/young, age/condition of young, etc.) or any out -of -the -
ordinary activity.
One or two aerial surveys will be made to search for the evidence
of large, nesting raptors --Osprey, Bald and Golden eagles, Peregrine,
and Gyrfalcon. Raven nests will also be recorded.
Aerial surveys of waterbirds, especially waterfowl, will be
conducted over wetland areas periodically throughout the migration and
summer seasons.
Observations of unusual interest will be solicited from other
project personnel: dates of first and last seasonal sightings, unusual
species, large numbers, nests or other evidence of breeding, etc.
Small Mammal Tra line Sampling (Soricidae, Cricetidae, Za odidae)
A modification of the North American Census of Small Mammals
(Calhoun 1948) will be used to sample shrews, voles, and mice. When
possible, two parallel trapline transects, 289 m long and at least 90
m apart, will be established in all bird census plots and in other
habitats as opportunity permits. Each transect will consist of 2O
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trap stations, spaced every 15.2 m. Two "Museum Special" snap -traps
and one cone pitfall trap will be set within a I m radius of each trap
station centerpoint for three consecutive nights. Snap -traps will be
baited with a mixture of peanut butter, rolled oats, ground walnuts,
and bacon grease. Pitfalls, which are heavy galvanized sheetmetal
• cones measuring 155 mm in diameter and 250 mm in vertical depth, will
be pressed into the soil so that the cone opening is flush or slightly
lower than ground level; they will not be baited.
Trapping periods for all study plots will be as follows: late
August -early September 1980; May 1981; late August -early September
• 1981. For each captured animal the following information will be
recorded: date; trap location (plot, station number); trap type
(snap -trap or pitfall); species (if needed Hall & Kelson, 1959, will
be used for identification); sex; weight (using 50 g and 100 g Pesola
scales); and reproductive condition (males --testes abdominal or scrotal.;
females --pregnant, number and size of embryos, lactating, whether
vaginal opening perforate or imperforate).
A representative sample of study skins and skeletal material will
be preserved and deposited in the University of Alaska Museum.
Enumeration of other Iron -game Mammals
• Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
In each bird census plot, the location of all active squirrel
middens will be mapped in August 1980 and 1981. From these data red
squirrel density will be determined for each major habitat by assuming
one squirrel per midden (after Wolff and Zasada 1975).
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Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus)
Snowshoe hare fecal pellets will be counted and removed from a
permanently marked 1 m x 1 m area at each vegetation sample po_nt on
bird and mammal census plots. To increase sample size in restricted
• habitats (such as riparian shrub thicket, if present), additional
pellet sample stations will be established. Within a 2 m diameter
circle of each sample point, the number of browsed twigs will be
counted to obtain a measure of browse intensity.
Sampling will be done in spring and fall (at the time of small
mammal trapping) to generate a relative use estimate of each area for
winter and summer.
Arctic Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus parrvii)
Sightings of ground squirrel colonies will be solicited from all
field workers in the study area. Minimum information requested of
observers will include colony location and areal extent (for mapping
purposes), habitat type, and a rough approximation of squirrel numbers
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or general magnitude of numbers (1-10, 10-20, 30-40, etc.) as indicated
by animals seen, heard, and/or the density of burrows in the area.
As time and manpower permits, ground squirrel colonies will be
visited to determine animal numbers and general habitat characteristics.
• Upon inspection and an approximate delineation of the colony boundaries,
a permanently marked belt transect, oriented 45°to the direction of
the slope, will be established within the colony area (starting point
randomly determined) and will be censused for all active squirrel
burrows. If colonies are of sufficient size, the transect will be 15
m wide by 1000 m long. Sample size (i.e., the belt transect) will be
checked for adequacy by methods discussed by Cochran (1963) and
• adjusted as necessary.
For each colony area the following data will be recorded: major
habitat type (including soil and non -vegetative characteristics),
slope, and aspect.
• Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
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Sightings of porcupines will be solicited from all field workers
in the study area. Information requested will include date, location,
habitat, activity, and, if appropriate, the species and size of plant
used.
These data, in combination with a measure of relative habitat use
(e.g., number of barked trees and other sign) on the bird and small
mammal study plots, will be used to estimate relative habitat use.
Other Non -game Mammal Species
Sightings of hoary marmots (Marmota caligata), collared pikas
(Ochotona collaris), bat species, and other potentially occurring
non -game mammal species will be solicited from field workers in the
study area.
MEASUREMENT OF HABITAT VARIABLES
The variables chosen to describe the habitats of the intensive
study plots (birds and small mammals) are those that we judge are most
likely to affect, either directly or indirectly, the animal community
structure, species composition, and habitat occupancy levels of these
habitats. Some of these variables have already been tested in central
Alaska by Spindler (1976), Spindler and Kessel (1980), MacDonald
(1980), West (1979), and Wolff (1977).
The bird census subplots and/or small mammal trap stations will
be used as sample units in vegetation analyses. Systematically
located paints will be sampled, using the point -centered quarter
method of Cottam and Curtis (1956), but including more detailed
sampling of ground cover, understory, and shrub vegetation. Sampling
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will be vertically stratified into six layers (after Kessel 1979):
ground cover ( 0 -0.25 m), dwarf shrub (0.25-0.4 m), low shrub (0.5-1.1
m), medium shrub (1.2-2.4 m), tall shrub (2.5-4.9 m), and tree ( >5.0
m) .
Using the point -centered quarter method, the following vegetative
characteristics will be obtained for trees and for the medium and tall
shrubs: distance to nearest tree and to nearest shrub/shrub patch
(density measure); size of shrub patch, if any; height and diameter
of stem/trunk; canopy thickness of trees and of shrubs (lowest live
branch to top of tree/shrub); canopy coverage of shrubs, trees, and
total canopy coverage. Additionallj, the following data will be
obtained from each center point: foliage height density profile,
using a coverboard with squares for four readings per station at
heights of 0.4 m, 0.8 m, 1.8 m, and 3.7 m; and distance to nearest
water and characteristics of water (fluviatile or lacustrine, depth,
length, and width).
Ground cover will be sampled from a 0.5 x 0.5 m square centered
on each point center. Percent cover for each of the following groups
will be estimated: sedge, grass, forb, mat shrubs, litter, moss,
lichen, fungi (including a count of "toadstools"), standing water, and
bare ground; species occurrence of the sedges, grasses, forbs, and
woody plants will be recorded.
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Percent dwarf shrub cover (0.25-0.4 m high) and percent low
shrub cover (0.5-1.1 m) will be estimated from a 3.0 m x 3.0 m square,
as will microtopographic relief (ranked in four classes, based on
average elevational range).
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Other data to be obtained include depth of organic substrate
(four measurements per sample station), depth to*frozen ground, amount
of "edge," and the age of the stand (stem slice or tree auger), slope
(Abney level), and aspect (compass) of the census plot.
III. DATA PROCEDURES
Quantifiable data gathered in the field (examples of recording
sheets attached) will be reduced and analyzed using univariate and
multivariate statistical procedures with the aid of a computer.
Square root and logarithmic transformations of the data will be used
• where appropriate. Statistical procedures we expect to use include
parametric and non -parametric univariate one-way analysis of variance,
multiple stepwise regression, discriminant function analysis, principle
component analysis, and contigency analysis. Computer programs performing
these analysis will be from "Biomedical Computer Programs" (Dixon and
Brown 1979) and/or "Statistical Package for the Social Sciences" (Nie
et al. 1975) .
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Observer
Plot Census # Date
Time Start Time Finish
Temp Weather SP
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FIELD FORM FOR BIRD CENSUSING
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SL'SM.'A B[RD YwIMAL
HABITAT `!EASCREY.ENTS
PLOT STATION DATE I OBSERVER
COVER: Ground WO.25 a) M
„at I I i i fSrandinq Hare
' Shrub j Grass I Sedge Forb Lirrer MOSS Lichen i Fungi Water Soil
CBVDR: Dwarf Shrub (0.25-0.4 m)(x)_ COVES: Law Shrub (0.5-1.1 m)(t)=
MAT DEPTH (cu): MCRO-RELIEF (class I)= EDGE:
I class: ORflac Distance co nearest
1.l.25 m wigs m
Qg 2->O.25eO.50 m Length of edge m
3�?O.SO m
Q4- — DISTANCE TO STAt.'DIhG WATER (m):
ggqqqLacusc. or, { , w t Area
WOPY COVERAGE (_): I I I
Tree
Shrub
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FOLIAGE HEIGHT DENSITY (7 squares visible)=
Ql Q2 Q3 Q -%MP L
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Species
Distance
Canapv_I "stew
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canopy
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SAMPLE FORMAT -HABITAT STUDIES
(Note: A plant species list specific to this project will be compiled for the actual data form to be
used).
PLOT SUBPLOTS
TREES SUBPLOT +
Betula•papyrifera
Larix laricina
Picca glauca
M cea mar►ana
Populus balsamifer?
Paulus tremuloidea
Prunus pc us
TALL SIIRUSS
Alnus incana
Betula glandu loss
Betula Rland. x s
_
5ai►x alaxerisls
Saiix arbusculoides
Saiix bebbians
Saiix brachycarpa
Salix candida
5alix glMica
Saiix wontico13
Saiix novae-angliae
Saiix planifolia
LOW SliRtiBS
Andromeda polifolis
Arctostaphylos rubra
Arct�hylos uva-ursi
Betula nana
Chamacdaphne calyculats
L!pctrnm nigrum
Ledum palustre
Linnaea borealis
Nvrica;ale
Oxycoccus mlcrocarpus
1'otcnti1la fruticosa
Ribes hudsonianum
Rikies triste
Rosa acicularis
Rubus idaeus
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g lix fuscescens
Saiix myrtillifolia
Sherherdia canadensis
Sprraea bcauver tans
Vaccinium uliginosum
vaccinium vitis-idaea
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Vibernum edule
I&RBS
Achillea sibirica
Acunitun deiphinifolium
Amerorchis rat��ndiColla
Anemone richardsonnl
Astragalus sp.
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SUBPLOT ! _I I I SUBPLOT ! _
Brassica rape Potentilla palustris
Calla palustris Pyrola asarifolia -
Caltha natans Pyrola grandiflora
a t a pa ustr,; Pyrola minor
Cardamine sp. _ Pyrola secunda
Castilleja caudate Ranunculus lapponicus
rtlrysosp enFim tetrandrsm — al�cu us rte p y us
Chrysosplenium wrightii Rubus arcticus
CiLuta mackenziesna Rubrrs chamaemorus
Cora TOrrT112a tr a — _ umex arc icus
Cornus canadensis Rumex crispus
Cornus canal, x suecica Saussurea angustifolia
yC pTc ium guttaturm Senecio jugens
Draha sp. Solidago canadensis
Drosera rotundifolia Spiranthes romanzofflans
NplTobium angust o ua _ Stellaria crassitolia
Epilopium palustre Stellaria laeta
RE usoiumisetum arvense Stellaria longifolia
qui' avast e _ 5Ecil arrja long pes
Equisctum paluitre Taraxacum sp.
Equisctum pratense Thalictrum sparsiflorur
riquisaum sctrp'oiaes _ Toffleli!14 pusills
Equisctum silvaticum Trlentalls curopaea
Equisetum variegatum Typha latifulia
Erigcron sp. 9aaertana capitata
Fragaria virginiona vicia sp.
Galeopsis bifida viola biflors
Callum bores a Vila OPIPS114
Calium trifidum
Geocaulon livldun GRASSES. SEDGES. and RUSHES
eocau
fFammar ya pa u osa _ Calamagrostis canadensis
Hippuris vulgaris Caren sp.
Iris setosa _
Lemma minor
Lycopodlum annotinum
Menyanthes trifolints
crFT-'tensia pan cuIata —
Muchringia lateriflora
Moneses uniflora _ MOSSES
Fiyr opfiYlikill sp►catum
Wuphar polysepalum _
OAytropiis campestris
Parnasslap51Ustrts _
Pedicularis labradorica
Petasites frigidus LICIIENS
Pa sites'sngittatus
Pinguicula villosa
Platanthera uhtusata
Vol emnnlum meat► ores
Polygoi,um alaskanum
PoIygunurn pennsyIvanieue
PotentilTa`norvcgica
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IV. QUALITY CONTROL
The primary assurance of quality will be in the selection of qualified
research technicians and in providing them with appropriate supervision and
• guidance in relation to project goals and the necessary data and methods
needed to obtain these goals.
Field data sheets and journals, as well as copies of reduced primary
data will be retained in fireproof files at the University of Alaska Museum.
♦ All specimens collected, including plant voucher specimens, will be
deposited with the University of Alaska Museum..
• (See attached figure)
VI. PERSONNEL
EDWARD T . REED, Group Leader
Environmental Scientist, Terrestrial Environmental Specialists, Inc.
Six years of experience evaluating project impacts on wildlife
populations.
BRINA KESSEL, Principal Investigator
Professor of Zoology and Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrate
Collections, University of Alaska Museum. Twenty-nine years
• studying birds, mammals, and habitats in Alaska.
STE= 0. MACDONALD, Non -game Mammals
Museum Technician I (mammals), Terrestrial Vertebrate Collections,
University of Alaska Museum. Tidelve years of field experience,
including commercial fur trapping in Alaska, and three years of
Alaska research on small mammals and habitat use.
DANK D. GIBSON, Bird Survey
M-useum Technician II (birds), Terrestrial 'vertebrate Collection,
University of Alaska Museum. Fifteen years of experience and
research on birds throughout Alaska, with emphasis on biogeography
• and systematics.
RESEARCH ASSISTANTS, intensive plots and bird survey
Two or three assistants will be hired to help set up intensive plots
and to assist in gathering data on all programs. These assistants must
have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree and be familiar with basic
ecological principles. At least two must be thoroughly familiar with the
• birds of the region, including having ability to identify birds by song;
at least one must be able to identify central Alaskan plants. At least
two will probably be graduate student level assistants.
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V. SCHEDULE
Bird and Non -game Mammal Studies
1980 1981 1982*
ACTIVITY J F M A M J J A S 0 N 1) J F M A M J J A 5 O N D J F M A M J
Bird Survey/Habitat Data X x X% X X X X X X X X ? X X X
Collection
Bird Censusing X X X K X
Mammal Trapping X R X x X x
Data Analysis X X X X X X X X X
Report Prep. x X X X X X X X X X
Reports Due to TES X X X %
* All 1982 field work is Phase II, and not part of the present Scope of Work.
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VII. LITERATURE CITED
Calhoun, J. B. 1948. North American census of small mammals. Release
No. 1, Rodent Ecology Project, Johns Hopkins University,
Baltimore, Maryland.
Cochran, W. C. 1963. Sampling techniques. 2nd ed. John Wiley &
Sons, New York, N.Y.
Cottam, G., and J. T. Curtis. 1956. The use of distance measures in
phytosociological sampling. Ecology 36:451-460.
Dixon, W. J., and M. B. Brown, eds. 1979. Biomedical computer programs,
P-series. University of Calif. Press, Berkley, Calif.
Hall, E. R., and K. R. Kelson. 1959. The mammals of North America.
Vol. 1 and 2. Ronald Press Co., New York, N.Y.
International Bird Census Committee, 1970. Recommendations for an
international standard for a mapping method in bird census
• work. Audubon Field Notes 24:727-736.
Kessel, B. 1979. Avian habitat classification for Alaska. Murrelet
60:86-94.
MacDonald, S. 0. 1980. Habitats if small mammals and birds: evaluating
the effects of agricultural development in the Delta Junction
area, Alaska. Unpubl. report to Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Nie, N. H., C. H. Hull, J. G. Jenkins, K. Steinbrenner, and D. H. Bent.
1975. SPSS, Statistical package for the social sciences. 2nd
ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, N.Y.
Spindler, M. A. 1976. Ecological survey of the birds, mammals, and
vegetation of Fairbanks Wildlife Management Area. M.S. thesis,
Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Spindler, M. A., and B. Kessel. 1980. Avian populations and habitat
use in interior Alaska taiga. Syesis 13: in press.
West, S. D. 1979. Habitat responses of microtine rodents to central
Alaskan forest succession. Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of Calif.,
Berkeley, Calif.
Wolff, J. A. 1977. Habitat utilization of snowshoe hares (Le us
americanus) in interior Alaska. Ph.D. thesis, Univ. of Calif.,
Berkeley, Calif.
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Wolff, J. A., and J. C. Zasada. 1975. Red squirrel response to clearcut
and shelterwood systems in interior Alaska. U. S. Forest
Service Research Note, PNW-255.
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