INTEGRATING PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION: MONITORING WILDLIFE DIVERSITY AND HABITAT RESPONSE POST-DAM REMOVAL AT BEALE AFB, CA | |||
Matt E Berry; Sierra Streams Institute; matt@sierrastreamsinstitute.org; Josh Zupan, Jonathan Gomez, Jeff Lauder, Tamara Gallenitne, Kirsten Christopherson | |||
This study, centered on the removal of a dam at Beale Air Force Base (AFB), CA, investigates wildlife diversity, habitat response, and the integration of Process-Based Restoration (PBR) concepts. The dam removal, a pivotal environmental intervention, aimed at restoring natural riverine ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity through PBR techniques. Using a comprehensive monitoring approach, we employ standardized field surveys to quantify changes in wildlife diversity post-dam removal. Concurrently, we assess habitat responses, including vegetation composition and hydrological patterns, to understand the ecosystem's adaptive capacity within the framework of PBR. Integrating GIS and remote sensing technologies, our analysis extends to landscape-scale changes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of habitat alterations and wildlife utilization. Preliminary findings highlight positive shifts in wildlife diversity, affirming the ecological benefits of dam removal and the application of PBR concepts. Additionally, observed changes in habitat structure contribute valuable insights into ecosystem resilience, crucial for understanding the success of PBR initiatives. This research not only advances our comprehension of dam removal's ecological consequences but also provides critical information for future restoration projects, emphasizing the integral role of PBR in achieving sustainable habitat restoration and fostering wildlife diversity. | |||
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