552 items found
Archery
Fact sheet
Bighorn sheep
Mountain goats
CPW website species information: Snowshoe HareUnderstanding and monitoring snowshoe
Snowshoe Hare Research Projects:
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Movement ecology
Mule deer
Step-selection functions
Space use
<em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>
Cognition
Long-term memory
Movement ecology
Mule deer
Step-selection functions
Space use
<em>Odocoileus hemionus</em>
Cognition
Long-term memory
Ambient noise
Point count
Misclassification error
Breeding bird survey
Ambient noise
Point count
Misclassification error
Breeding bird survey
Avian point counts vary over space and time due to actual differences in abundance, differences in detection probabilities among counts, and differences associated with measurement and misclassification errors. However, despite the substantial time, effort, and money expended counting birds in ecological research and monitoring, the validity of common survey methods remains largely untested, and there is still considerable disagreement over the importance of estimating detection probabilities associated with individual counts. Most practitioners assume that current methods for estimating detection probability are accurate, and that observer training obviates the need to account for measurement and misclassification errors in point count data. Our approach combines empirical data from field studies with field experiments using a system for simulating avian census conditions when most birds are identified by sound. Our objectives are to: identify the factors that influence detection probability on auditory point counts, quantify the bias and precision of current sampling methods, and find new applications of sampling theory and methodologies that produce practical improvements in the quality of bird census data.
We have found that factors affecting detection probabilities on auditory counts, such as ambient noise, can cause substantial biases in count data. Distance sampling data are subject to substantial measurement error due to the difficulty of estimating the distance to a sound source when visual cues are lacking. Misclassification errors are also inherent in time of detection methods due to the difficulty of accurately identifying and localizing sounds during a count. Factors affecting detection probability, measurement errors, and misclassification errors are important but often ignored components of the uncertainty associated with point-count-based abundance estimates.
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Led By
Matt Kondratieff and Eric Richer
Study Areas
- Charlie Meyers SWA Project, South Platte River (ongoing)
- Badger Basin SWA Project, South Platte River (2011)
- Tarryall Project, Tarryall Creek (2005)
- Dream Stream Project - Phase 4, South Platte River (2004)
- Aurora Project, South Platte River (2003)
- Hartsel Project, South Fork of South Platte River (2002)
- Knight-Imler Project, South Fork of South Platte River (2002)
- Dream Stream Project - Phase 3, South Platte River (2001)
- Antero Project, South Fork of South Platte River (1999)
- Dream Stream Project - Phase 2, South Platte River (1998)
- Dream Stream Project - Phase 1, South Platte River (1993)
- Buckley Ranch Project, South Platte River (1991)
Research Objectives
- To rehabilitate and enhance fish habitat in the Upper South Platte River basin
- To evaluate the effectiveness of stream restoration and habitat enhancement treatments
- To utilize creel surveys to evaluate angler experience in restored areas
Project StatusOngoingPhotos: Before - top three photos on the left. After - bottom two photos on the left. Project Description
Much of the fish habitat in the South Platte River in South Park is degraded due to historic land-use practices, such as grazing, mining and willow removal. Stakeholders can restore these degraded habitats by restoring stream functions and enhancing habitat, which will, in turn, increase the number of trout in the stream and produce larger fish.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife helped initiate the Vocational Heavy Construction Technology (VHCT) program in an effort to restore fish habitat along the South Platte River. This Colorado Department of Corrections program trains student inmates in the operation of heavy equipment. This program helps inmates find employment in the construction industry once they have completed their sentences. The VHCT program has been a great success, improving the lives of the inmates and restoring critical fish habitat. Approximately 200 inmates have been rehabilitated through the program with a re-offense rate for program graduates of 12 percent, which is considerably lower than the 60 percent re-offense rate for the Colorado Penal system.
CPW identified South Park as an ideal location to implement the program because the agency owns or leases over 25 miles of public fishing waters in the Upper South Platte River basin, which is in close proximity to the Buena Vista Correctional Facility. Through this program, CPW has restored ten miles of public waters within the Upper Platte River basin. Inmates implemented more than 20 different habitat treatments in South Park. Treatments include the use of boulders, tree stumps, logs and riparian re-vegetation. In-stream construction is currently underway on the Charlie Meyers SWA, also known as the Dream Stream, and should be completed by fall 2016.
Associated Publications
Kondratieff, M. C. 2015. Vocational Heavy Construction Technology Program: A Comprehensive Plan Including Program Needs and Future Directions [show more]<em>Lagopus leucura altipetens</em>
Colorado
Population assessment
Conservation
<em>Lagopus leucura altipetens</em>
Colorado
Population assessment
Conservation