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CENTER FOR WILDLIFE ECOLOGY

Description --- Public Service --- Special Recognition --- Project Summaries

Patrick W. Brown, Director
The mission of the Center for Wildlife Ecology is to conduct basic and applied research on wildlife, their habitats, and the wetlands of Illinois. The Center is composed of research biologists, ecologists, and supporting personnel. Funding is provided by the Illinois Natural History Survey and through grants and contracts obtained by the scientists. The Center includes several groups. The Wildlife Group focuses on the ecology, populations, and management of terrestrial and wetland wildlife and their habitats. The Wetlands Group conducts biological surveys and determinations of wetlands, participates in restoration of wetlands, studies wetland management policy, and studies the ecology of natural communities. The Spatial Habitat Analysis Group uses geographical information systems to assess landscape-level questions involving wildlife and their habitats. Scientists in the Center are prominent members of the wildlife research community and have a long heritage of leadership and credibility in research.

Public Service

Center staff frequently respond to a wide variety of requests for information regarding wildlife and wetlands. Although the Center's primary mission is to conduct research, these requests are directed to Center staff because of their knowledge and because there are no wildlife extension specialists in Illinois as there are in most states. Requests for information usually come from state and federal agencies, private wildlife groups, private foundations, individual sportsmen, and concerned citizens. Management agencies, hunting clubs and sportsmen, and citizens with wildlife problems and interests often want to learn more about wildlife, how to manage their land for wildlife, or how to control wildlife pests. Center scientists cooperate with the University of Illinois and other universities to provide guidance to undergraduate and graduate students who often play an important role in the research mission of the Center

At the Stephen A. Forbes Biological Station, staff responded to numerous inquiries regarding aerial censuses of waterfowl in Illinois. Information on the aerial censuses was distributed via mailings to various agencies throughout Illinois as well as agencies in Missouri and Iowa. Newspaper reporters from St. Louis, Peoria, Alton, and Quincy devoted weekly columns to the waterfowl census data during the hunting season. Dr. Stephen P. Havera, Director of the Forbes Biological Station, was interviewed frequently by radio and newspaper journalists about various aspects of the Illinois River and wildlife ecology. Staff at the Forbes Biological Station hosted over 300 visitors to the station to discuss research, obtain information, or assist with station programs. Visitors represented the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee Wildlife Technical Section, Office of the Illinois Lieutenant Governor, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Long-term Resource Monitoring staff, Canadian Broadcasting System, The Nature Conservancy, Lieutenant Governor's Illinois River Ecology and Economics Advisory Committee, Big Rivers Committee, AmeriCorps-Illinois RiverWatch, faculty and students from three universities, media representatives, and interested citizens.

Center scientists gave numerous scientific presentations and public lectures, and participated in many workshops. Presentations were made at meetings of the American Ornithologists' Union, American Society of Mammalogists, Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference, Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section, Prairie Grouse Technical Conference, Society for Ecological Restoration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition, Center scientists were invited to give seminars at 12 universities in the U.S. and Canada. Researchers presented papers on a wide variety of topics including general avian biology, conservation of neotropical passerines, agro-ecology, general waterfowl biology, research programs at the Forbes Biological Station, habitat fragmentation effects on midwestern wildlife, habitat analysis for determining best habitats available for specific wildlife, waterfowl ecology and management, wetland delineation, wetland ecology, management of prairie chickens in Illinois, preservation and restoration of the Illinois River, and the ecology of small mammal populations.

Center staff remained deeply involved in service to professional groups, serving as referees for 28 professional journals. Scientists and staff also reviewed a wide variety of book chapters written by fellow scientists as well as proposals from government agencies and a wide variety of professional and private groups including the National Science Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Tennessee Council of Science and Engineering, U.S. Forest Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Argonne National Laboratory, and the University of Illinois Research Board.

Special Recognition

Dr. Jeffrey Brawn was an invited speaker at a symposium of the American Ornithologists' Union Annual Meeting and also was invited to speak at Florida International University. He served as chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the Joint North American Ornithological Meeting and also was the chair of the Midwest Working Group Research Committee of Partners in Flight. In addition, Dr. Brawn served as INHS representative on the science team of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Initiative and is a member of the American Ornithologist's Union Resolutions Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee of the University of Illinois' Natural Resources and Conservation Biology Program. Dr. Edward Heske continued as associate editor for the Journal of Mammalogy and serves on three standing committees of the American Society of Mammologists. He is also the program chair for the Illinois Chapter of The Wildlife Society for 1997.

Dr. Scott Robinson was the chair of the Resolutions Committee of the American Ornithologists Union, and served as councilor for the Association of Field Ornithologists and scientific chair for that organization's annual meeting. He also served on the editorial board for the journal Conservation Biology. Dr. Robinson continues to be a highly sought invited speaker at major universities. Dr. Tim Van Deelen was the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station representative to the Western Coordinating Committee on vertebrate pests of agriculture and forestry.

Dr. Stephen Havera served as representative of the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) to the American Institute of Biological Sciences Executive Council. He was also past-president of OBFS and chairman of that organization's Research Committee. Also, Dr. Havera served as chairman of the Environmental Issues Committee of the Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section, and is a co-chair for the Sixth Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System.

Avian Ecology

Aerial surveys of breeding wood ducks
A. Yetter, C. Hine, S. Havera
No adequate inventory methods exist to estimate the size of breeding wood duck populations in Illinois. Therefore, Survey researchers initiated a study utilizing aerial line transect methodology and helicopters to estimate breeding wood duck populations in Illinois. Preliminary 1996 aerial survey data indicated densities of 0.08-0.21 breeding wood duck pairs per hectare of bottomland forest. Aerial survey densities observed in 1996 were similar to actual wood duck nest densities observed during the springs of 1994 and 1995. Surveys were repeated in spring 1997 to compare wood duck densities derived from line transect methodology to wood duck densities observed utilizing natural cavities in bottomland forests.

Avian community/population dynamics
J. Brawn
Fragmentation of forest habitat in Illinois is extensive and migratory songbirds may be adversely affected. New analyses indicate that, overall, abundances of songbirds in Trelease Woods (east-central Illinois) have not changed appreciably since the 1920s. Yet, the viability of resident populations is low owing to consistently low reproductive success. Moreover, many species of forest-interior birds were already extirpated from Trelease Woods when monitoring efforts began. Immigration of individuals born in other areas of Illinois or the Midwest probably underlies the persistence of many bird species in woodlots such as Trelease Woods.

Prescribed burning and bird communities
J. Brawn, S. Hartung
This study will assess the effects of prescribed fire and removal of mesophytic woody species on forest birds in Illinois. In 1994, avian community structure, population dynamics, and reproductive success were monitored within several restoration and control sites in the "Peoria Wilds" forest system. In 1995, the study was expanded to include several established savannas, such as the Sand Prairie Scrub-Oak Nature Preserve in Mason County, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and the Iroquois County Conservation Area. In 1996, studies on foraging ecology were initiated within restored and unrestored sites. Fieldwork in 1997 emphasized nesting success and restoration.

Condition indices of ducks in spring
C. Hine, S. Havera, R. Whitton (IDNR), J. Serie (USFWS)
Body weights were collected and condition indices were determined from ducks throughout the Illinois River valley during fall 1989-1991. Also, body weights and condition indices were obtained from diving ducks livetrapped on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River during spring 1977-1986. The primary objectives of the study were 1) to compare recent fall body weights of selected species of ducks to those collected in the Illinois River valley during fall 1938-1940, and 2) to compare body weights and condition indices of diving ducks with the chronology of spring migration on Pool 19.

Ecology of birds in Neotropical forests
J. Brawn, S. Robinson, W. Robinson (University of Illinois)
Understanding the ecology of migratory and resident birds in Neotropical forests is vital to their conservation. Spatial and temporal variation in community structure as well as demographic parameters, such as survival rates and population size, are central issues. These questions are being assessed in a long-term study of avian ecology in the lowland forests of central Panama. A large mark-recapture dataset has been established along with a comprehensive survey of community structure within a 100-ha census plot. For migratory birds, results will complement and reinforce studies of reproductive ecology in Illinois.

Reproductive ecology of cavity-nesters
L. Lee (University of Illinois), J. Brawn
The breeding success and reproductive behavior of birds is affected in large part by habitat structure. In 1992, nest boxes were installed at several sites throughout east-central Illinois. These areas have varied land-use histories and include contrasting habitats, such as forest edges and old fields. The reproductive ecology of birds using these boxes has been monitored since that time and populations of color-marked adults have been established. In 1995, experiments assessed the effects of feeding conditions and the threat of predation on parental care. These experiments were repeated in 1996 and overall analyses are ongoing.

Eastern bluebird population study
S. Havera
Eastern bluebird population numbers have been declining regionally in recent years principally because of decreasing nesting habitat. No scientific studies of nesting populations of bluebirds have been conducted in west-central Illinois since 1935. This study evaluates the reproductive success, territoriality, survival, and homing of eastern bluebirds. In 1996, 58 bluebird houses were monitored. The bluebird nesting season began on 14 April and lasted until 22 August. Eighteen nests (one egg laid) occurred and thirteen (72%) successfully fledged young. Seven of the sixteen (44%) adults examined and nesting in the area were previously banded and returned.

Frank C. Bellrose Research Center
S. Havera
The waterfowl laboratory component of the Survey's Stephen A. Forbes Biological Station was officially named the Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center at a formal reception on 29 May 1997. Bellrose has spent almost 60 years associated with the station located on the Illinois River since he began his employment with the Survey in 1938. As a world-renowned waterfowl expert, his research greatly advanced waterfowl biology and management. Bellrose has received many awards and much recognition during his illustrious career. It is only proper to dedicate the waterfowl laboratory to Bellrose, the same place where he dedicated his remarkable career.

Wood duck nesting behavior at Nauvoo
C. Hine, A. Yetter, S. Havera
In 1984, 80 wood duck boxes were erected along the Mississippi River near Nauvoo. The high density of nest boxes contrasts with the density of natural nesting cavities--about 1 per acre. The number of females in the boxes increased from 46 in 1984 to 74 in 1986 and peaked at 95 females in 1992. From 1984 through 1996, conflicts among female wood ducks resulted in 70 females with head injuries and 57 fatalities resulting from head wounds. There is a strong relationship between the number of nesting wood duck pairs at the study area in a particular year and the number of injured and dead females.

Avian inventory of the Kaskaskia River
S. Robinson
The Kaskaskia River corridor contains Illinois' largest block of contiguous forest, a 7,000-acre tract of floodplain forest and post oak flatwoods with embedded oxbow lakes, or sloughs. Preliminary bird surveys have shown that this forest contains rich bottomland bird communities, including what may be the state's largest populations of American Redstarts and Cerulean Warblers. Both species are widespread and appear to tolerate disturbance well, although the Cerulean Warbler appears to require a moderately high density of large oaks. Sloughs and other backwaters create habitat for many wetland species (e.g., Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Prothonotary Warbler, Red-shouldered Hawk) and shrubland species (e.g., Yellow Warbler).

Effects of corridor width on avian nesting
L. Chapa (University of Illinois), J. Hoover, S. Robinson
Extensive areas along the Cache River of southern Illinois are being restored to floodplain forest. The purpose of this study was to determine how wide forested corridors have to be to minimize levels of nest predation and brood parasitism. For the Acadian Flycatcher, nest predation, but not brood parasitism, declines exponentially with corridor width, the highest predation rates occurring in corridors of 50-500 m width. Corridors below 50 m in width tend to have few forest birds. These results are being incorporated into restoration plans for the Cache River.

Status/management of Illinois waterfowl
S. Havera, K. Roat, M. Georgi, C. Hine, A. Yetter, L. Anderson
This project culminated in a book manuscript of approximately 1,500 pages, and the publication process is under way. A variety of topics relating to waterfowl were investigated with major emphasis placed on wetland habitat, food habits analyses, population analyses, banding results, harvest information, historical records and regulations, private duck clubs, Canada geese, nesting information, and waterfowl management. A companion field guide and public TV documentary are also in preparation.

Vocalization/drumming of woodpeckers
R. Larkin
Ongoing investigations into the feasibility of automating and standardizing censusing of birds by sound are concentrating on woodpeckers (family Picidae), which are good initial subjects because their songs are not as complex as those of songbirds. Nevertheless, woodpeckers exhibit much complexity, including counter singing back and forth between different birds and duetting. Also, ornithologists are divided as to whether species of woodpeckers can be recognized in the field from the sound of their drumming; carefully documented sound recordings being made in this project will help resolve this question.

Edge and shrubland bird habitats
S. Robinson, J. Brawn, E. Heske
Although edge and shrubland birds generally benefit from human activities, some species are declining. Results from studies in the Middle Fork Wildlife Area in eastern Illinois suggest that nest predation is a major problem for these birds in areas of high habitat heterogeneity and abundant edges. Nesting success does not appear to decrease in the middle of large shrublands, which suggests that shrubland birds may require different conservation strategies than forest birds. Many shrubland species have effective defenses against cowbird parasitism (e.g., Gray Catbirds remove cowbird eggs and Yellow Warblers abandon most parasitized nests).

Population trends at Lake Shelbyville
S. Robinson
Forest bird populations in small (<200-acre) woodlots around Lake Shelbyville have been censused every summer since 1985. Populations of most species of migratory songbirds continue to show a pattern of high year-to-year variability, which makes it difficult to identify long-term population trends. Some species, such as the Wood Thrush, however, continue to show long-term population declines. Encouragingly, the Cooper's Hawk, which appears to be increasing in Illinois, was recorded for the first time since censuses began.

Toxicity of ingested shot in waterfowl
G. Sanderson, J. Levengood, W. Anderson (IDNR), P. Brown, G. Foley, L. Skowron, J. Seets
There is continued worldwide interest in alternatives to steel shot for hunting waterfowl. Researchers at the Illinois Natural History Survey, along with collaborators at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and the Illinois State Water Survey, have conducted studies on the toxicity of ingested zinc shot in mallards. Results of the acute toxicity tests indicated that survival differed between zinc-dosed ducks and steel-dosed controls. Currently researchers are examining the effects of diet and soil ingestion on the toxicity of zinc shot.

Importance of numbers and genetics
R. Westemeier, J. Brawn, K. Paige, J. Bouzat (University of Illinois)
Declining population fitness is hypothesized to occur as a consequence of habitat loss and other factors that lead to small population size, isolation, and genetic homogeneity through inbreeding. Numbers of prairie chickens in Illinois declined from some 2,000 birds in 1963 to less than 50 by 1994. Egg success decreased from 94 to 38% during the same period in Jasper County. Declines were also noted in heterozygosity and allelic diversity when compared with samples from large nonresident populations. Conservation strategies should emphasize maintenance of large populations from which periodic translocations may be needed for small populations.

Population dynamics of grassland birds
J. Herkert (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), S. Robinson
The goal of this research is to increase the information on the habitat requirements of grassland birds so that restoration efforts will benefit birds as well as plants. Grassland birds use both native and non-native grasses and some species require frequent disturbances such as fire and grazing. Nesting success, however, appears to be low in most areas, mainly because of high rates of nest predation. Research in 1996 focused on the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Des Plaines Conservation Area, Goose Lake Prairie, and Nachusa Grasslands.

Cooperative prairie chicken studies
R. Westemeier, S. Simpson and T. Esker (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
For the past six years, Illinois Department of Natural Resources managers have translocated Greater Prairie Chickens from large nonresident populations to Illinois sanctuaries. Demographic and genetic enhancement of the two remnant populations in Jasper and Marion counties are principal aims of the translocations. In the short term, results are encouraging in Jasper County as numbers have increased at least tenfold since spring 1994. In Marion County, there was no perceptible change in numbers of breeding prairie chickens before and after the first release in spring 1996. In spring 1997, however, the before and after change showed a fourfold increase.

Grassland raptors on sanctuaries
R. Westemeier, J. Herkert , S. Simpson, T. Esker, and J. Walk (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls are two examples of an array of species benefiting from sanctuary grasslands that also support prairie chickens. Both raptors depend on small grassland mammals for food. Both were common winter visitors soon after the first sanctuaries were developed in the 1960s. Although intensive nest studies began in 1963, the first harrier nest was not observed until 1983. After a second harrier nest in 1989, continuous nesting was documented through 1996. A surge of nesting by Short-eared Owls occurred in 1990, followed by others through 1994. A management-oriented manuscript has been submitted for publication.

Population dynamics of warblers
J.P. Hoover, S. Robinson
Prothonotary Warblers breed abundantly in the swamp forests of the Cache River wetlands restoration area in extreme southern Illinois. Nesting success depends mainly upon water levels, which influence the movements of their major nest predator, the raccoon. At low water levels, raccoons depredate over 90% of the nests of Prothonotary Warblers. Factors that alter the hydrology of wetlands, such as beavers and agricultural runoff, have a significant impact on nesting success. Prothonotary Warblers are much more likely to return to territories and study sites in which they nested successfully the previous year.

Lead shot exposure to ducks
S. Havera, W. Anderson (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
The last survey on the prevalence of ingested shot in ducks throughout the Mississippi Flyway was conducted from 1977 to 1979. The nationwide implementation of the nontoxic shot program began in 1991. This study will investigate the degree to which ingested nontoxic shot has replaced ingested lead shot in dabbling and diving ducks throughout the Mississippi Flyway during the 1996 and 1997 hunting seasons. During the 1996 hunting season, approximately 9,000 gizzards were collected throughout the flyway and forwarded to the Survey for analyses.

Fox and coyote ecology in central Illinois
T. Gosselink, T. Van Deelen, R. Warner (University of Illinois)
Coyotes are intolerant of red foxes and conservationists are concerned that red fox populations have declined in response to a dramatic increase in coyote populations since the 1950s. Survey researchers are using radiotelemetry to study the behavior and survival of sympatric red foxes and coyotes relative to human influences. Researchers will measure the degree to which foxes and coyotes use overlapping habitats and estimate the impact of coyote aggression on fox mortality. This project began with the capture and radiocollaring of foxes and coyotes. Capture sites and early observations suggest that foxes may persist in some areas because they are more tolerant of human disturbance.

Habitat use by raccoons and opossums
E. Heske
Raccoons and opossums are extremely abundant in many areas of Illinois and can have a major local impact on nests of songbirds and other prey species such as amphibians and turtles. This study is using radiotelemetry to track the movements and habitat use of these medium-sized, generalist predators to learn how they forage. In what habitats do they concentrate their activity? How do landscape features affect their movements? The results may help to identify management practices that can reduce predator activity in some areas and benefit certain prey species.

Ecology of urban deer
D. Etter, T. Van Deelen, R. Warner (University of Illinois)
The management of urban deer populations is one of the most immediate and frustrating problems that wildlife professionals face. Information from nonurban deer is not directly applicable because the urban ecosystem is a unique habitat for deer and population influences are very different. This project is a study of the behavior and population dynamics of deer living in the network of natural and semi-natural areas of suburban Chicago. Early analysis indicated unusually high survival of adults and population-wide reproductive rates suggestive of density-dependent population control.

Furbearer predation on shrub-nesting birds
J. Newton, T. Van Deelen, E. Heske
Nest predation may be an important factor in the decline of migratory birds nesting in Illinois' natural areas. Several species of Illinois mammals (racoons, opossums, gray foxes, gray squirrels, red squirrels) have been suggested as potential predators of shrub-layer nests because of their tree climbing abilities and their omnivorous/carnivorous food habits. Nests in edge habitats may be especially vulnerable due to the foraging habits of mammalian predators. This project is using automatically triggered cameras and artificial nests to document the nest predation rates of Illinois mammals relative to shrublands, forests, and shrubland/forest edges.

Small mammals in managed grasslands
E. Heske
Management practices at the prairie chicken sanctuary in Jasper County, such as the planting and maintenance of blocks of different types of vegetation, undoubtedly affect the dispersion, abundance, and productivity of populations of small mammals. An abundant supply of small mammals, in addition to extensive areas of grassland and wetland habitat suitable for roosting and nesting sites, is necessary for successful overwintering and nesting of raptors. This study is monitoring small mammal populations in different types of vegetation at the sanctuary to determine how management of grasslands for Greater Prairie Chickens also can be used to promote a stable and abundant prey base to benefit endangered raptors.

Dispersion of gray and fox squirrels
D. Rosenblatt, E. Heske
In east-central Illinois, gray squirrels now occur primarily in a few extensive forest tracts and in some urban areas, whereas fox squirrels are dominant in rural woodlots. Biological mechanisms to explain the different distributions of these species are being evaluated using experimental translocations and radio telemetry. Are gray squirrels absent from most rural woodlots in this area because these small forest remnants are unsuitable habitat, because fox squirrels competitively exclude grays from them, or because gray squirrels are poorer cross-country dispersers than fox squirrels? Results of this study will add to our understanding of how habitat fragmentation affects wildlife.

Deer herbivory and bottomland forests
T. Van Deelen, D. Bowman
During the last 15 to 20 years, white-tailed deer have increased dramatically in Illinois. In central Illinois, deer migrate to remnant forests patches and isolated woodlots for overwinter survival because these areas provide the only permanent cover and available browse after crops are harvested. High concentrations of overwintering deer may impact the species composition of central Illinois forests because deer are selective browsers, eating some plants and avoiding others. This project is using deer exclosures to estimate the impacts of deer browsing on the bottomland forests of Allerton Park. In addition, it will provide guidance for the management of browse-sensitive plant communities.

Elk restoration in southern Illinois
T. Van Deelen, L. McKinney, M. Joselyn, J. Buhnerkempe (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
INHS scientists have been assessing the feasibility of establishing a population of wild elk in southern Illinois. Digital geographic data maintained by the Survey's geographical information system (GIS) scientists was used to construct a spatial model of elk habitat in southern Illinois. Population modeling was used to estimate the growth characteristics of a newly released herd. Modeling suggested that suitable habitat for elk reintroduction exists in two large regions (western and eastern) of Shawnee National Forest. Of these, the eastern region was judged to be more suitable due to relatively lower road density, less agriculture, and less area in urban cover types.

Area and edge effects on grassland birds
J. Newton, E. Heske
Using artificial nests baited with quail eggs, researchers are evaluating rates of predation on songbird nests in grassland patches of different sizes (area effects), and at different distances out into grassland from forest edges, mowed trails, roads, and treelines (edge effects). This information will help identify threshold sizes for management units of grassland and shrubby fields to best benefit nesting songbirds. It will also indicate if any area effects found are due to predators that venture out into open fields for a limited distance from other habitats, or that use landscape features like trails and treelines as travel routes.

Wetland and preliminary studies group
A. Plocher, A. Admiraal, M. Harper, D. Keene, D. Ketzner, L. Machung, P. Tessene, B. Wilm
The wetland group has completed the Illinois Wetland Restoration and Creation Guide. Group members are conducting research on understory dynamics in flood-killed forests, the relationships of wetland plant species abundance to hydrologic regime, comparison of plant community development following wetland creation in different natural divisions in Illinois, wetland and savanna restoration at the Middle Fork Forest Preserve, and the effect of prescribed fire on prairie-dependent insect populations.

Understory dynamics in flood-killed forests
A. Plocher
Regeneration following large-scale natural mortality events in floodplain forests is an important but seldom-witnessed phenomenon. In this study, four stands with greater than 90% flood-induced overstory mortality, located along the Illinois River near Chandlerville, are being examined. Attempts will be made to relate within and between stand differences in forest regeneration, herbaceous understory dynamics, hydrologic conditions, and preflood forest composition and structure. This work will provide insight into the processes of population dynamics and succession in floodplain forests.

Resource rich areas in Illinois
L. Suloway, M. Joselyn, P. Brown
A landscape-level approach to identifying and managing natural resources is important to the long-term preservation of the natural heritage of Illinois. Thirty areas were identified using GIS technology. This technology made it possible to analyze complex datasets covering all of Illinois. Four parameters were used in the analysis: forests, wetlands, Illinois Natural Areas Inventory sites, and Biologically Significant Streams. Watersheds were used as the geographic unit for evaluation. The results of the study were presented in an IDNR publication entitled Inventory of Resource Rich Areas in Illinois: An Evaluation of Ecological Resources.

Plant development in created wetlands
A. Plocher
In the relatively new field of wetland creation, little is known about how plant communities change over time. In this study, changes in community structure and species composition will be examined in six newly created wetlands of similar design located in northern and southern Illinois. Researchers will attempt to determine whether observed differences can be attributed to geographic location or hydrologic conditions.

Floodplain forest plant communities
A. Plocher
Large midwestern rivers and their associated plant communities have been greatly altered in the last 70 years. The location of floodplain forests at sites on three northwestern Illinois rivers with very different hydrologic regimes and with long-term hydrologic records provides a unique research opportunitiy. A study has been initiated that will attempt to relate differences in understory dynamics and forest regeneration at sites on the Rock, Spoon, and Illinois rivers to short-term (current) differences in hydrology. Differences in forest structure and overstory composition will be related to long-term hydrologic regime.

Mapping biodiversity in Illinois
L. McKinney, M. Joselyn, P. Brown
Identification of diverse areas in Illinois, in conjunction with the Gap Analysis Program (GAP), will provide an overview of the distribution and conservation status of selected components of biodiversity. In its second year, GAP will classify vegetation associations, species richness, and single species distributions that iteratively identify areas of high biodiversity. GAP seeks to identify habitat types, species, and assemblages that are not represented in the current network management areas and which may be filled by changes in management practices. The intent of GAP is to provide focus and direction for proactive rather than reactive land management activities at both the community and landscape levels.

Land cover of Illinois
M. Joselyn, L. Suloway, P. Brown
The land cover of Illinois, that is, what exists on the land surface, was mapped using information obtained from satellites. This computerized database provides researchers and citizens with baseline information for assessing the location and extent of natural resources in Illinois. These data were used to produce a 1:500,000 scale wall map of Illinois' land cover and a digital CD-ROM; both are available to the general public.

Computer Information Systems project
J. Brawn
The Wildlife Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources needs a Computer Information System to meet its goals in managing Illinois wildlife. Phase I included system analysis and inventory of hardware, software, existing data files, and data systems. Phase II includes completion of analysis and implementation of the design developed in Phase I. Implementation of various applications under Phase II includes training of staff and additional acquisition of hardware and software.

Computer information systems for wildlife
J. Braham, A.J. Wycaser, J. Brawn, J. Buhnerkempe (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)
The Survey and the Division of Wildlife Resources of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have combined resources to address the informational needs between the Survey and the Division. Included in this project are the study of current divisional information and processes, analysis and standardization, and the design of a divisionwide database and associated programs. The centralized design and documentation will result in a uniform database that will increase the quantity and quality of data shared throughout the Department and within the Survey.

Using GIS to monitor living resources
M. Joselyn, L. Suloway, P. Brown
Computer-based geographic information systems (GIS) use geographic location to integrate many different sources of information. GIS was used by INHS researchers to identify sites for long-term monitoring of Illinois biota and to help develop assessments of existing conditions from available databases. Maps and integrated GIS databases of 15 individual ecosystem partnerships were developed to assist local partnership councils in their planning and decision making.