fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology...fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology 2 a...

INDEX

Barkalow lecture 4Atlantic white cedar project at Bull Neck Swamp 5-6Graduate student abstracts 7-8Helping turtles in the Gulf 9Study abroad in Namibia 10List of graduate students 11-13Almni Eco-tours 14-16Publications/presentations 21-23

Photo by Aimee Rockhill Back row (L-R), Martin Stephenson, Chris Perrin, Will Wood, Cody Stone, James Trammel, David Sebring, Thomas Haynes, Chris Ratliff, Chelsea Daystar, Alex Parker, Ian Dudley, Gene Johnson, Matt Parker, Adam Keene; Middle row (L-R), Dr. DePerno, Lauren Landsdowne, Rachel Conley, Kara Dziwulski, Leanna Wallace, Tommy Cameron, Morgan Parks, Byron Levan, Janice Parker, Angela White, Brooke Weaver, Colter Chitwood (TA), Brandon Sherrill (TA), Kelly Dempsey, Jimmy Dodson (Assistant Forest Manager), Simeon Ogburn, Nick Heglar, Wesley Martin, Aimee Rockhill (TA), Front row (L-R), Kaitlin Stahl, Emily Olivo, Zenda Iannetti, Felicia Nawn, Ryan Davis, and Robert Delph.

2010 SuMMER CAMPFIshErIEs, wIlDlIFE, aND coNsErvatIoN bIology stuDENts tEst thEIr kNowlEDgE DurINg summEr camp – Page 2

The name of the Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Program and all undergraduate and graduate degree titles have been changed to Fisheries, Wildlife, and Con-servation Biology. While it is critical the Program, its faculty, and its students maintain an emphasis on the traditional applied principles related to fish and wild-

life conservation, the new name better represents the diverse interests of current faculty and students, including human di-mensions of wildlife, animal and human health, landscape ecology, conservation policy, non-game and threatened and en-dangered species conservation, and fish and wildlife genetics.

NCSU Program and Degrees Get New Name

program Information and Faculty achievementsFisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

NC STaTe UNIVeRSITY

ONliNe at httP://CNr.NCSU.eDU/Fer/FiShWilD/FWNeWS.html VOlUme 7, iSSUe 3 SePtemBer 1, 2010

2Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

A total of 34 Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology students attended the 6-week summer camp program. The Fisheries and Wildlife camp was taught by Dr. Chris DePerno, Dr. Tom Kwak, and Dr. Jeff Buckel with guest lectures from too many people to count. The course was TA’d by M.S. student Brandon Sherrill (his 5th year as a TA) and Ph.D. students Colter Chitwood and Aimee Rockhill.

The students spent a week at the Duke Marine Lab and participated in ma-rine sampling and coastal ecology. At Hill Forest, the students spent time learning bird songs, plant identification, and the wildlife value of important plants. The students mist netted and banded birds, conducted a cover board/habitat project, pit-tagged reptiles, and sampled fish and insects. The class had field trips to Caswell County game lands, the Fork Farm in Albemarle, and the Sandhills Game Land, and spent a week at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont in Tennessee. Thank you to all faculty, staff, and students who made the 2010 Summer Camp a great success!

2010 Fisheries and WildliFe summer Camp

Photos by Aimee Rockhill Kara Dziwulski, Ian Dudley, Zenda Iannetti, and Chris Perrin preparing to set a beach seine.

Prescribed burn at the Sandhills Game Land.

34 Fisheries and Wildlife students attend the six-week summer camp program

Leanna Wallace holds a grey fox kit found during summer camp at Hill Forest.

Photos by Aimee Rockhill Students backpack electrofishing in the Flat River.

Sim Ogburn holds a white-tailed deer fawn found at Fork Farm.

Students enjoy fishing during marine week.



Dr. JOel BerGer 2010 FrED aND JoaN barkalow DIstINguIshED lEcturEr

aBStraCtOcean giants, insects, birds, bats, and terrestrial

animals can be awe inspiring in their own ways, particularly due to their migratory spectacles. It’s obvious that animals move yet boundaries of protected areas do not. Such discord underscores a fundamental conservation challenge of our times. As the earth continues to be more impacted by humans, habitats become more fragmented and the difficulty of animals to pass from one area to another increases. My talk, using reality and ecological symbolism, will illustrate why my colleagues and I believe it is possible to find creative solutions to enhance protection for migratory species. Examples from North America to Central Asia will be used to try to make the case.

BiOGraPhyDr. Joel Berger is Professor and John J. Craighead Chair of Wildlife Conservation at the university of Montana. Dr.

Berger has authored or co-authored 5 books and over 100 scientific articles. His efforts to research and conserve wildlife have taken him around the globe to places like Mongolia, Namibia, Argentina, and the western Arctic. His work has been featured in Newsweek, People, Smithsonian, Scientific American, New Scientist, Discover, National Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation, and Outside magazines.

CAN WE CONSERvE ANIMAL MIGRATIONS?eCologICal SYmbolISm:

moRe oNlINe: http://cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/alumfri/barkalow_lecture.html.

The FRedeRICk aNd JoaN baRkalow dISTINgUIShed CoNSeRVaTIoNIST leCTURe

wedNeSdaY, SePT. 29Th NC WRC CENTENNIAL CAMPuS CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDuCATION

ReCePTIoN FRom 3-4 Pm – PReSeNTaTIoN FRom 4-5 Pm


Contributed by Aimee Rockhill

Since the early 1920’s, Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest has been valued for its timber. Richmond Cedar Works was one of the first timber companies to harvest Atlan-tic white cedar (Chameacyparis thyoides) from the property using railroads. Today, visitors to the property will see numerous sight-ings of railroad remnants from the 1900’s. In the 1960’s, West Virginia Pulp and Paper Co. built the first permanent road on the forest, Deep Creek Landing. The property switched hands between various

timber companies every two to six years until the North Carolina Natu-ral Heritage Program identified the 6,158 acre tract as a critical natural area during a 1990 Albermarle-Pam-lico Estuarine Ecosystem Study. In 1994, Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest was acquired by North Caro-lina State University with grants ob-tained through the Natural Heritage Trust Fund. Approximately 2,317 acres of designated preserve make up the tract, which serves as an area of conservation, education, and man-agement demonstration.

Peatland Atlantic white cedar was once the dominant community type

on Bull Neck Swamp. However, due to continuous logging in the early 1900’s combined with a lack of regeneration efforts, continuous white-tailed deer (Odocoileus vir-ginianus) browsing, fire suppres-sion, and competition by fetterbush (Lyonia lucida), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), and various un-derstory shrubs and hardwoods, At-lantic white cedar has failed to suc-cessfully regenerate on the property. Nevertheless, the Natural Heritage Trust Program placed 185 acres of

Phase i of atlantic white cedar regeneration at Bull Neck Swamp research Forest complete

photo courtesy of aimee rockhillA 75-acre hardwood stand was cleared leaving scattered Atlantic white cedar trees to aid in regeneration.

please see, Cedar page 5


the property in an Atlantic White Cedar Preserve and strongly urged the replanting of Atlantic white cedar in suitable cutover areas. Depending on conditions, Atlan-tic white cedar can retain its seed bed for a number of years and disturbance can encourage regeneration. Throughout Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest, natural Atlantic white cedar regeneration is evident along the roadsides and we believe that a well-established seed bed exists throughout the property, making regeneration ef-forts feasible.

In 2009, the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program received a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in the first Atlantic white cedar regeneration project on Bull Neck Swamp Re-search Forest. Funds generated through hunting leases and timber sales aid in the management of the prop-erty and in-conjunction with the grant will help re-store the native habitats and improve habitat diversity. Ph.D. candidate Aimee Rockhill and Associate Pro-fessor Dr. Christopher S. DePerno have worked close-ly with collaborators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, N.C. Forest Service, and N.C. Wildlife Re-sources Commission to identify potential harvest and regeneration sites throughout the property.

In August, 2010, a 75-acre hardwood stand was har-vested using shovel logging techniques. Scattered At-lantic white cedar trees were retained as seed trees to aid in the regeneration. During spring and fall of 2011, we will evaluate sapling regeneration and determine the need for supplemental plantings on the site. If nec-essary, plantings of Atlantic white cedar seedlings will occur in 2011 and 2012. Herbicide treatment is necessary for the survival of Atlantic white cedar, but applying herbicide too early may leave the trees over-exposed and vulnerable to deer and rabbit browse. The first herbicide treatment is planned for fall 2012 to con-trol competition from hardwoods and shrubs and allow the Atlantic white cedar to grow large enough to toler-ate browse from wildlife. Similar management strate-gies have been successfully applied to Atlantic white cedar stands at the Great Dismal Swamp, North Caro-lina and we hope to follow these guidelines for success-ful regeneration at Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest.

Although little research has focused on wildlife value of Atlantic white cedar communities, reports from the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicate that young thick-ets provide important cover and browse for rabbits (Syl-vilagus spp.) and white-tailed deer. Also, cover may be valuable for a variety of birds as well as bobcat (Lynx rufus) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). In fact, over 39 species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians were reported to use Atlantic white cedar communities in the Great Dismal Swamp and throughout Dare Coun-ty, North Carolina. Also, over 46 species of birds have been observed visiting or nesting in Atlantic white cedar stands and 23 species of birds have been identified as defending territories in cedar stands.

The Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Pro-gram at NCSU is committed to conserving this tract of land for the benefit of imperiled species and ecosystems. Both the Program and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have similar goals for restoring native habitats and im-proving habitat diversity to benefit species of special concern.

Cedar continued from page 5

The Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program received a grant from the Fish and Wildlife Service to aid in the first Atlantic white cedar regeneration project on Bull Neck Swamp Research Forest.


Nutria are South American rodents that were first imported to North America for the fur trade during the early 20th Century. Populations be-came established in the wild because of accidental escapes or intentional re-leases after fur markets collapsed in the 1940’s. They are considered a seri-ous pest species in the U.S. because they eat a variety of wetland and agri-cultural plants and their burrowing damages stream banks, impound-ments, and drainage systems. At least 16 states report problems with feral nu-tria populations. Louisiana and Mary-land have attributed extensive degra-dation and loss of coastal marsh habitats to the presence of large nutria popula-tions along their coasts. Despite the

potential for damage to North Caroli-na’s coastal wetlands, little data are available to document population loca-

tions or densities in the state, even for locations where nutria are acknowl-edged to have become well established. I conducted a brief internet based sur-vey distributed to state wildlife man-agement agency personnel to collect information on nutria occurrences and herbivory or burrowing damages. Sur-vey responses indicate nutria occur in at least 44 coastal and eastern pied-mont counties in the state and nutria burrowing in impoundments is the most common form of damage. Re-view of scientific literature published on management strategies and tech-niques used world-wide for nutria con-trol indicates concentrated trapping ef-forts have been the most successful and least costly method.

photo courtesy of cindy carrcindy carr

the state of nutria in North CarolinaaBStraCt: CiNDy SimPSON Carr

(UNDer the DireCtiON OF Dr. riCharD a. laNCia)

photo courtesy of fws.govat least 16 states have reported problems with feral nutria.


Stocking surface waters with hatchery-reared trout spe-cies (Salmonidae) is common practice among state and fed-eral agencies. Given the interest and expenditures associ-ated with trout angling, fisheries managers are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between managing for a recreational fishery, while also conserving native species and preserving ecological integrity. The negative effects that nonnative trout species exert on native trout species are well documented and include changes in emigration, com-petitive interactions, habitat use, and production. However the effects that nonnative trout may have on the nongame fish assemblages are not understood.

Our objectives were to quantify the effects of trout stocking on native nongame fish assemblages (1) intensively on one newly stocked river, the North Toe River, North Carolina, and (2) extensively on several other North Carolina streams that are annually stocked with trout paired with an unstocked reach. To address objective 1, we utilized a BACI (before-af-ter-control-impact) experimental design to detect any short term effects on the nongame fish assemblage, and we found no significant differences in fish density, species richness, species diversity, or fish microhabitat use associated with trout stocking. However, we observed differences in fish mi-crohabitat use between years, suggesting they responded to environmental changes, such as the flow regime, which in-fluences available microhabitat.

We addressed objective 2 by sampling paired stocked and unstocked stream reaches to detect any long-term effects from trout stocking; however, we detected no differences in fish density, species richness, species diversity, or population size structure between paired sites. Our results reflect high inherent system variation caused by natural and anthropo-genic factors that appear to overwhelm any effect of stocked trout. Furthermore, these hatchery-reared trout may be poor competitors in a natural setting and their impact on native fish assemblages is minimal or undetectable.

We examined the accuracy of snorkeling techniques for es-timating fish populations using prepositioned areal electro-fishing in conjunction with snorkeling in a medium sized riv-er during summer and fall seasons. We found high snorkeling efficiencies with central stoneroller (Campostoma anoma-

lum) and river chub (Nocomis micropogon), and lower effi-ciencies with suckers (Catostomidae). Furthermore, snorkel-ing efficiencies were overall higher in pool and riffle habitats compared to run habitat, and they were higher for all fish guilds in the summer compared to the fall. We found strip-transect count estimates and line-transect distance sampling estimates to be highly conservative estimates of fish density when compared to our adjusted strip-transect counts esti-mate, which were corrected using our data from preposi-tioned areal electrofishing, our best estimate of the true fish population. Transect count or distance sampling estimates may be empirically adjusted using snorkeling efficiency esti-mates according to fish guild. Our analyses reveal several factors that influence snorkeling detection probability, includ-ing season, fish guild, and habitat type. Our results demon-strate that while snorkeling, a large percentage of fish go un-detected and that multiple sampling methods may be required to determine what fishes are being missed.

These findings provide quantitative results necessary to as-sist agencies in strategic planning and decisions associated with trout fisheries and stream management. Sound manage-ment practices with a biological basis are the most efficient means to developing sustainable sport fisheries, improving angling opportunities, as well as maintaining the highest lev-el of biodiversity in stream ecosystems.

photo courtesy of Daniel marc weaverDaniel marc weaver studied the effects of trout stocking on nongame fish.

effects of stock trout on non-game fishesaBStraCt: DaNiel marC WeaVer

(UNDer the DireCtiON OF thOmaS J. KWaK.)


Dr. Craig Harms, Dr. Greg Lewbart, and Research Technician Shane Christian have been involved in oiled sea turtle cleaning and rehabilitation efforts in response to the BP Deepwa-ter Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. They have worked at intake and treatment facilities in Louisiana (Audubon Institute, in New Orleans) and Florida (Gulf World, in Panama City). Over 300 oiled sea turtles have been decontaminated and treated.

In addition, NCSU CVM post-doc-toral researcher Dr. Greg Massey has been active in oiled bird treatment ef-forts.

helping sea turtles in the

Gulf of mexico

Dr. Greg Lewbart examines a cleaned hawskbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) at Audubon Institute.

Dr. Greg Lewbart and Shane Christian collect blood from an oiled Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) at Audubon Institute.

Dr. Craig Harms, Shane Christian, and Dr. Pamela Govett (NCSu Zoological Medicine Resident, 2004) take vital signs on a cleaned green turtle (Chelonia mydas) at Gulf World.

Photos by Christina Trapani

OVer 300 OileD Sea tUrtleS Were treateD at tWO FaCilitieS


by ashley Franklin

While at Gobabeb station, I was able to conduct a pilot study which could be used for future research on related topics.

The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the presence of ants, beetles, and reptiles, densities of trees, and air and ground tempera-tures in three distinct ecosystems (sand dune, gravel plains, and wood-lands) at the Gobabeb Training and Research Center in the Namib Des-ert. I detected eight different beetle species in the woodlands. Tempera-tures peaked in the early afternoon and were highest in the sand dunes. At all sites, temperature was highest at ground level compared to 1m above the ground. Reptile density in the gravel plains was 8 reptiles/hect-are and the overall tree density for the woodland site was approximately 198 trees/hectare. The Ana tree was abundant close to the river, whereas Camelthorn and Salvadora tree spe-cies increased in abundance farther from the river.

temperature and Species Present in the Namib Desert: a Pilot Study

StUDy aBrOaD: NamiBia

Sand dunes

Gravel plains

WoodlandsAshley Franklin

allen, Stephen (m.S., moore/moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesIdentifying barriers to conservation subdivisions in North Carolina

anderson, Jane (m.S., Peterson/Cobb)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesAssessing willingness to pay for sporting licenses and non-game conservation

Archambault, Jennifer (M.S., Cope/Kwak)BiologyThermal ecology of native freshwater mussels as related to climate change

blackman, emily (m.S., Peterson/moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesAgricultural wintering habitat as a limiting factor for woodcock

Borneman, Tracy (M.S. Simons) Biology Effects of aircraft overflights on nesting American Oystercatchers on Cape Lookout National Seashore

bowling, Shannon (m.S., moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesMulti-scale factors that influence northern bobwhite and songbird use of CP33 borders

Brey, Marybeth (Ph.D., Rice/Aday)BiologyFood web dynamics of Lake Norman

buttermore, elissa (m.S., kwak/Cope)ZoologyTrophic dynamics of contaminants in Puerto Rico river fishes

Carr, Cindy (mFw, lancia) Forestry and Environmental Resources Public Administration

Charles-Smith, lauren (Ph.d., kennedy-Stoskopf) College of veterinary Medicine Deer/cattle proximity analyses

Chartier, Neil (Ph.d., lancia)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesFactors influencing fecundity in Swainson’s warbler

Chitwood, Colter (Ph.d., dePerno/moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesEvaluation of white-tailed deer fawn mortality

Cook, merril (m.S., Peterson)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesPractitioner’s insights into translocation and relocation

Davis, Candace (Ph.D. Powell)BiologyStress responses, reproduction and conservation of pygmy rabbits

douglass, kelly e. (m.S., doerr/Cobb) Forestry and Environmental Resources The effects of management practices on lead shot deposition in publicly-managed mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) fields in North Carolina

elfelt, morgan (m.S., dePerno/moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesHome range and movements of coyote in relation to prey abundance

ellis, Timothy (Ph.d., buckel/hightower)BiologyMovement and mortality of spotted sea trout determined through conventional and telemetry tags

Facka, Aaron (Ph.D., Powell) BiologyBehavioral ecology of fishes

Feiner, Zach (M.S. Aday/Rice)BiologyWhite perch invasion dynamics

Fisk, michael (m.S., kwak)BiologyReproductive and habitat ecology of the robust redhorse

Flowers, henry (Ph.d. hightower) Biologyuse of advanced hydroacoustic technologies to assess the abundance and distribution of sturgeon species

Folta, Joseph e. (Ph.d., dePerno/Cobb) Forestry and Environmental ResourcesProject title not determined.

Fox, Tom (m.S. levine) Department of Population Health and PathobiologyIn vitro cultivation of Atlantic slope unionids

Friedl, Sarah (M.S., Buckel/Hightower)BiologyEstimating natural mortality of sciaenid fishes using electronic tag technology and mark-recapture models

Fritts, Sarah (Ph.d., moorman/hazel)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesEvaluating wildlife response to biomass harvesting guidelines

galster, bethany (m.S. aday/Rice) BiologyWhite perch invasion dynamics

glass, lindsay (Ph.d., Jim Rice)BiologyDirect and Indirect effects of hypoxia on juvenile fish in the Neuse River estuary, NC


Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Graduate Studentsthe students listed in bold are majoring in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. all other students are in another degree program but conducting ‘fish and wildlife type work’ and are part of our community.

golden, katherine (m.S., dePerno/moorman) Forestry and Environmental ResourcesFee-hunting and wildlife management practices on non-industrial private lands in NC

greiner, Renae (m.S., levine)Population Health and PathobiologyRole of shredding insects in the diet of freshwater mussels

hain, ernie F. (Ph.d., Nelson/gilliam)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesLarval fish spatial distribution in Hawaii.

harris, Nyeema (Ph.d., Nelson/dunn)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesEcological importance of relationships between carnivore and parasite assemblages

hartis, brett (m.S., Nelson) Forestry and Environmental Resources Development of a GIS-based Watershed Condition Assessment

hayes, maureen Claire (mFw, Peterson)Forestry and Environmental Resourcesundetermined

Hess, Ben (M.S., Powell)BiologySystematics of Blarina shrews

hughes, Jacob (m.S., hightower)Forestry and Environmental Resources Migration and abundance of anadromous fishes in coastal North Carolina rivers

hurley, Jennifer (Ph.d., Nelson/levine)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesHealth Effects of Ammonia on the Freshwater Bivalve (Mollusca: unionidae)

hux, Sharon (mFw, moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesEstablishing a protocol to monitor occupancy of herps

Keller, Becky (Ph.D. Simons) BiologyEffects of atmospheric pollution on high elevation fauna in the southern Appalachians

kilburg, eric (m.S., moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesWild turkey response to growing-season prescribed fire

klimstra, Ryan (m.S., moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesWildlife use of native and exotic forage fields

lashley, marcus (Ph.d., moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesWhite-tailed deer response to growing-season prescribed fire

lawler, megan (m.S., Peterson)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesAssessing the viability of green energy in urban areas

lee, graise (m.S., Peterson)Forestry and Environmental Resources A Department of Defense perspective on conservation and sustainable development

marschhauser, Sara (m.S., dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesPredator effects on sea turtle hatchlings

mcVey, Justin (m.S., moorman/Cobb)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesFood habits of sympatric canid species in eastern North Carolina

Morley, James (Ph.D., Buckel)BiologyRecruitment of bluefish in North Carolina: habitat use and differential cohort contribution

Palamar, maria (Ph.d., Correa/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesReducing the burden of urban raccoon rabies and other zoonotic diseases

Pandolfo, Tamara (Ph.D., Cope/Kwak)BiologyModeling the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on native freshwater mussels

Pattanarangsan, Rattapan (Ph.d., Stoskopf)Department of Clinical SciencesMonitoring risk assessment and policy development in response to emerging avian pathogens

Plahuta, amy (mFw, lancia)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesProject title not determined

Plush, Charlie (m.S., moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesWildlife use of planted field borders

Porter. kim (m.S. dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesDeer and feral pig management on the Currituck Outer Banks

Prince, annemarie (m.S., moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesFox squirrel response to growing-season prescribed fire

Raabe, Joshua (Ph.d., hightower)BiologyAssessing benefits to migratory fishes of habitat restored by dam removal




Raybuck, amy (m.S., moorman/dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesImpacts of oak regeneration practices on salamanders, mice, and shrews

Reis, kathryn (Ph.d., hess/Steelman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesExploring individual predisposition towards and organizational climate for collaborative management within uSFWS/Region 4

Robertson, Scott (Ph.D., Powell)BiologyCoyote reproductive behavior

Rockhill, aimeé (Ph.d., dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesHome range, movement, and habitat selection of adult bobcats (Lynx rufus) in pocosin wetlands of eastern North Carolina. Bull Neck Swamp Management Plan.

Rodriguez, Shari (Ph.d., Peterson)Forestry and Environmental Resources Assessing feasibility of conservation crediting in North Carolina

Rutledge, m. e. (Ph.d., dePerno/moorman)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesAssessing movement, site preferences, and environmental and social impacts of Canada geese across an urban landscape

Sackett, Dana (Ph.D. Aday/Rice) BiologyMercury dynamics in aquatic systems

Sandfoss, mark (m.S., dePerno/lancia)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesPopulation estimation and disease screening of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) at Howell Woods

Schulte, Shiloh (Ph.D. Simons) Biology Ecology of American Oystercatchers in coastal North Carolina

Serrano, maria (m.S., Stoskopf) Department of Clinical SciencesAssessment of carp mortality events in the united States

Shenton, Christina (m.S., hinshaw)Biology Sturgeon reproduction

Sherrill, brandon (m.S., dePerno)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesMovement, habitat selection, and baseline condition of deer on Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Smith, will (Ph.d., kwak/Cope)Biology Ecology of amphidromous fishes in Puerto Rico rivers

Stocking, Jessica (M.S. Simons) Biology Breeding ecology of American Oystercatcher on traditional and non-traditional nesting habitats in coastal North Carolina

Strickland, Mary (M.S., Collazo)BiologySurvival and breeding productivity of resident species in Puerto Rico

Swiers, Rob (M.S., Powell)BiologySurvival and reproduction in a reintroduced population of fishers in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains

Turner, melissa (m.S., dePerno/lancia)Forestry and Environmental ResourcesLife history and genetics of white-tailed deer in Chesapeake Farms, Maryland



by Tim Stamps

“Bear, bear, bear, big bear, up there!” I exclaimed. We rapidly ma-neuvered our vans into position to see the silver-tipped giant crossing a hiking trail and heading down the mountain. We stopped the vans around the next curve and there he was, a beautiful grizzly, hunkered down 30 yards away. After a short period lying down, the bear stood up, walked along a log and contin-ued his journey down the mountain. That fleeting glimpse was one of many inspiring moments for our in-trepid group of travelers who had

joined EcoQuest Travel, Inc, for a 10-day excursion into the wilder-ness of Grand Teton and Yellow-stone National Parks.

The trip was the first in a series of five NCSU Fisheries and Wildlife Alumni eco-tours to raise money for the Dr. Phillip D. Doerr (PD) en-dowment fund. The fund will pro-vide support to future students in NCSU Fisheries, Wildlife, and Con-servation Biology. Dave Davenport, zoologist and president of EcoQuest Travel, Inc., is the outfitter for these trips. Dave, like me, was a PD grad-uate student.

I started work for PD in July,

1974, on an American woodcock project and later worked for him on the red-cockaded woodpecker proj-ect from 1978-1981. Since then, I have worked for the United States Marine Corps environmental and natural resources management pro-grams at Camp Lejeune, NC and Quantico, VA. I have always been grateful for the education and ca-reer development opportunities of-fered by PD and NCSU. I heard about the proposed eco-tours at PD’s retirement “roast” and asked

ECO-TOURING GRAND TETON AND YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARKS

photos courtesy of tim stamps, The group takes in the view during the eco-tour. The group compiled a list of 18 species of mammals and 72 birds on the trip.

please see, yellowstone page 14

First of five nCsu alumni eco-tours raises money for doerr endowment fund


Dave Davenport to keep me in-formed. I have always enjoyed days afield with PD and this trip was no exception.

Our small group of 6 women and 5 men, including Dave and PD, met at Jackson, Wyoming on Septem-ber 11, 2009. EcoQuest Travel, Inc., had made all the arrangements for travel, rafting, lodging, food, and logistics. Coming from Vir-ginia, North Carolina, South Caro-lina, Canada, and Switzerland, our members shared the common inter-est to explore these National Parks, view their breathtaking sights, and see as many creatures as possible. With cameras and binoculars at the ready, we compiled a list of 18 spe-cies of mammals and 72 species of birds, including black and grizzly bears, timber wolf, mountain goat, elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, pika, white pelican, harlequin duck,

black rosy finch, Townsend’s soli-taire, Barrow’s goldeneye, Clark’s nutcracker, gray jay, golden man-tled ground squirrel, numerous rap-tors, etc.

Visiting historic places like the Jackson Lake Lodge, Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and eating bison steak, elk medallions, Alaskan salmon, halibut, and huck-leberry ice cream, we wined and dined our way through the Parks and into the Beartooth Mountains of Montana for high altitude wild-life viewing. Our group developed a lasting camaraderie as we experi-enced the vastness of the parks, the canyons, the geothermal formations, and the wildlife.

I encourage my fellow NCSU fish-eries and wildlife alums to join one of the future PD endowment adven-tures. I certainly hope to go again! Information about future trips can be obtained from Dave Davenport, [email protected].

photos courtesy of tim stamps A bull elk photographed during the Yellowstone eco-tour.

yellowstone continued from page 14

Least chipmunk

Black bear


As you can see from the Yellowstone article written by Tim Stamps, the first Fisheries and Wildlife Alumni Association trip was a great success and helped raise money for the Phillip Doerr Endowment Fund. Based on the success of our first trip, it is time to announce our second trip! EcoQuest Travel is once again proud to partner with the NCSU Fisheries and Wildlife Alumni Association on an extraordinary trip to Panama. Pana-ma offers some of the best ecotourism possibilities in Central America. Despite being blessed with vast areas of protected for-

est, crystal clear Caribbean and Pacific waters dotted with emerald archipelagos, colorful indigenous cultures and the wonder of the Pana-ma Canal, Panama is often bypassed by tourists – a fact that makes our journey even more appealing. Located at

the southern end of Central America, Panama serves as a physi-cal and biological land bridge between North and South Ameri-ca. This intermingling of wildlife from both continents, along with Panama’s wide variety of habitats, produces incredible bio-logical diversity. Viewing this diversity is the main objective of this trip and we will hike the rainforests, snorkel among the cor-al reefs, ply remote rivers and explore mangroves and mudflats in search of wildlife. Also, we will have a chance to fish for pea-cock bass in the Panama Canal, visit two indigenous cultures, learn about Panama’s rich history and stroll through ancient Spanish ruins. EcoQuest Travel is proud to have Dr. Rich Noble co-lead this trip as we continue to raise money for the Phillip Doerr Endowment Fund at North Carolina State University. Trip details, including itinerary and pricing, may be obtained from Dave Davenport at EcoQuest Travel (919-963-3038) and can be found on the websites of both the College of Natural Re-sources and Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. For more information contact EcoQuest Travel. Dr. Noble and Eco-Quest Travel invite you to join us as we explore the reefs, ruins and rainforests of Panama.

reefs, ruins, rainforests and peacock bass11-Day Natural history trip from april 8 through april 18, 2011

Explore panama 2011

Peacock bass

Central American Spider Monkey

Chestnut-mandibled toucan


American toad Southern red-backed vole Black-chinned red salamander

Eastern box turtle Pileated woodpecker Pygmy salamander

Jumping spider

photos From the FieldAmy Raybuck (M.S. student) captured these images during her field research in the Smoky Mountains

Study AbroAd, ItAly

Italy is known as bel paese – the beautiful country. Italy is blessed with a tapestry of old ruins, quaint countryside, modern cit-

ies, picturesque seaports, superb cui-sine and extraordinary people. Al-though Italy is certainly better known for its cultural wonders with a little effort its rich natural history is revealed. Tucked away in protect-ed areas is surprising plant and ani-mal diversity including many large mammals. This special ecotourism trip, offered by North Carolina State University, is designed to explore It-aly’s natural history. We will ac-complish this by concentrating our visit in two national parks where we will examine the natural resource management and conservation is-sues within the parks. Our first stop

will be Abruzzo National Park in the Apennine Mountains. This spec-tacular park is home to a great vari-ety of wildlife including wild boar, Marsican brown bears and wolves. From the Apennines we will head north to Tuscany before continuing north to the Italian Alps and the in-credible Gran Paradiso National Park and Biosphere Reserve. This beautiful alpine park is home to chamois, ibex, marmot and golden eagle. Although this trip’s focus is natural history, we will be immersed in the local culture and language. Also we will be flying in and out of Rome and will take advantage of Rome’s fantastic cultural riches while we are there. We invite you to journey with us to Italy and experi-ence the magic of bel paese!

What StUDeNtS NeeD tO KNOWDateS: June 17 - June 30, 2011COUrSeS: FW 495 and FW 595 (New Experimental Course) Italian Study Tour (2 credits)

CONtaCt: Dr. Chris DePernoDepartment of Forestry and Environmental ResourcesFisheries and Wildlife Sciences [email protected]

COSt: Estimated at $3,500 plus international airfare and includes:► all accommodation in Italy ► international accidental/health insurance coverage► non refundable SAO deposit of $50

hOW DO yOU aPPly?Apply online at http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu by February 11, 2011.

Scholarship information is also available online.

NC State UNiVerSityStudy Abroad Office315 First Year College Commons(919) [email protected]

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE SCIENCES SuMMER STuDY ABROAD PROGRAM

The university reserves the right to alter the program format and/or costs in case of conditions beyond its control. If the program is canceled or a student withdraws, a refund of program costs may not be

available in all cases. Please refer to the Study Abroad Office Refund Policy for details.


Bat BOxeS aND WOOD DUCK BOxeS

enhance wildlife habitat

Wildlife stickers Show your support for the N.C. State leopold Wildlife Club by purchasing a sticker for all of your vehicles. Stickers are $7.

If interested contact Dr. chris Deperno ([email protected])

$50

procEEDs bENEFIt thE lEopolD wIlDlIFE clubif interested contact Dr. Chris DePerno ([email protected])

$35

research PublicationsBringolf, R. B., R. M. Heltsley, T. J. Newton, C. B. Eads, S. J. Fraley, D. Shea, and W. G. Cope. 2010. Environ-

mental occurrence and reproductive effects of the pharmaceutical fluoxetine in native freshwater mussels. Envi-ronmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 29(6):1311-1318.

DePerno, C. S., L. Chintapalli, M. E. Rutledge, and B. Mehlenbacher. 2010. Improving teaching: Instructional self-assessment across a large introductory undergraduate class. American Education Science Review 1:1-26

Lewbart G. A., L. S. Christian, C. A. Harms, and A. J. Van Wettere. 2010. A comparison of heavy metal concen-trations and health assessment in the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminae) from Florida and North Carolina. J Aquat Anim Health 22: 73-77.

Matthews, C. E., C. E. Moorman, C. H. Greenberg, and T. A. Waldrop. 2010. Response of herpetofauna to re-peated fires and fuel reduction treatments. Journal of Wildlife Management 74:1301-1310.

Moorman, C. E., and J. C. Beane. 2010. Virginia valeriae valeriae (Eastern Smooth Earthsnake) Predation. Herpe-tological Review 41:101.

Pandolfo, T. J., W. G. Cope, C. Arellano, R. B. Bringolf, M. C. Barnhart, and E. Hammer. 2010. Upper thermal tolerances of early life stages of freshwater mussels. Journal of the North American Benthological Society. 29(3):959-969.

Pandolfo, T. J., W. G. Cope, and C. Arellano. 2010. Thermal tolerance of juvenile freshwater mussels (Unionidae) under the added stress of copper. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 29(3):691-699.

Riddle, J. D., S. J. Stanislav, K. H. Pollock, C. E. Moorman, and F. S. Perkins. 2010. Separating components of the detection process with combined methods: an example with northern bobwhite. Journal of Wildlife Manage-ment 74:1319-1325.


Publications & Presentations

research PresentationsBlackman, E. B., C. S. DePerno, C. E. Moorman and M. N. Peterson. 2010. Woodcock use of agricultural fields in

North Carolina. Atlantic Flyway Migratory Bird Technical Sections Meeting. Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Harms C. A. 2010. Oil spill health effects: marine mammals, sea turtles and birds. Public Health “One Health” Forum, North Carolina Oil Spill Response, Recovery and Health. UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, 29 July 2010.

Palamar, M. B., M. T. Correa, C. S. DePerno, M. N. Peterson, and M. Levy. 2010. Reducing the burden of zoonot-ic diseases associated with raccoons in urban environments: program development feasibility study, outreach and education. 59th Annual International Conference of the Wildlife Disease Association, American Hotel, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina.


publications & presentations

Raybuck, A. L., C. Greenberg, C. DePerno, D. Simon, G. Warburton, and C. Moorman. 2010. Small mammal and herpetofauna response to silvicultural treatments for oak regeneration in the southern Appalachians. Joint Meet-ing of the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council and the North Carolina Longleaf Coalition, The Flame Cater-ing and Banquet Centre, New Bern, North Carolina.

Rutledge, M. E., C. E. Moorman, C. S. DePerno, and B. E. Washburn. 2010. Assessing Urban Canada Goose Movements and Disease Prevalence. The Berryman Institute Biennial Symposium, Utah State University, Lo-gan, Utah.

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing Con-servation Incentive Programs with Private Landowners in North Carolina. North Carolina State University Graduate Research Symposium, March 10, 2010, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage, H. Bondell and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing Landowner Interest in Contracts and Easements for Endangered Species Conservation. 24thAnnual Meeting of the Society for Conser-vation Biology, July 3-7, 2010. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

extension and OutreachMoorman, C. E. 2010. Woody Biomass and Wildlife. NCSU Forestry Issues Forum Teleconference.

Moorman, C.E. 2010. Using Prescribed Fire in an Urbanizing State. NC Division of Society of American Foresters Summer Meeting, Carthage, North Carolina.

Moorman, C.E. 2010. Dealing with Invasive Plants in an Urbanizing Forest. NC Division of Society of American Foresters Summer Meeting, Carthage, North Carolina.

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage, H. Bondell and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing North Carolina Private Landowner Interest in Incentive Programs. Developing a Framework for Market-Based Conservation group, Kick-off meeting, June 29, 2010. North Carolina Farm Bureau Headquarters, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage, H. Bondell and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing North Carolina Private Landowner Interest in Incentive Programs. North Carolina Working Lands Group Meeting, June 30, 2010. Arch-dale Building, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage, H. Bondell and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing North Carolina Private Landowner Interest in Incentive Programs. Monthly meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau County Rep-resentatives. August 2, 2010. North Carolina Farm Bureau Headquarters, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rodriguez, S. L., M. N. Peterson, F. Cubbage, H. Bondell, and E. Sills. 2010. Assessing Private Landowner Interest in Conservation Incentive Programs: A Report for Marine Corps Installations East and the North Carolina Farm Bureau. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.

Christopher S. dePerno, Ph.d.Associate Professor, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

the NeWSletter Compiled and edited by:

department of ForestryCollege of Natural ResourcesNorth Carolina State UniversityTurner House, Box 7646Raleigh, NC 27695-7646919-513-7559 (office)

919-334-8935 (cell)919-515-5110 (fax)[email protected]

Steve allen Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology graduate studentdesign and editing336-209-5093 (cell) [email protected]

Got a story idea or a great photo?Send your article submissions or pictures of North Carolina’s native wildlife to [email protected].

SChOlarShiPS aND OPPOrtUNitieSPlease see the NC State Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology website for additional scholarship opportunities. http:www.cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/fishwild/fwschol.html

BUll NeCK SWamP SChOlarShiP

The Bull Neck Swamp Scholarship will provide $2,000/semester ($4,000 an-nually) to a qualified Fisheries and Wildlife student. This scholarship will be awarded to students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement. For incoming freshmen, a high school grade point average of at least 3.5 and a total SAT score of 1150 are required. For transfer students and current students at NC State, a total grade point average of at least 3.2 is required. Applications are due 1 May 2011.

GiViNG BaCK

SUmmer CamP StUDeNt eNDOWmeNtS

Please consider giving to our two Summer Camp student endowments. These endowments help undergraduate students attend the Fisheries and Wildlife Sum-mer Camp. For more information on how to contribute, contact Dr. Chris Moor-man at 919-515-5578 or [email protected]

Phil DOerr eNDOWmeNt FUND

Also, you may consider giving to the Phil Doerr Endowment Fund. The en-dowment, established with the North Carolina Natural Resources Foundation, will be used to fund an annual award to assist undergraduate or graduate student(s) in gaining valuable field experience. For more information on how to contribute, contact Dr. Chris Moorman at 919-515-5578 or [email protected]

reaD BaCK iSSUeS ONliNeIf you missed the last issue of the Fisheries and Wildlife newsletter you can catch up on back issues on the department’s Web site under the news tab.

http://www.cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/fishwild


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