Document Type
Poster
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Research On Capitol Hill 2014
Publication Date
1-30-2014
Faculty Mentor
Rich Etchberger
Abstract
We obtained monthly waterfowl population surveys completed at Pariette Wetlands in the Uintah Basin, Utah between 1980 and 2010. Pariette Wetlands is surrounded by about 6,000 square miles of land where oil and gas production is the major activity. This refuge provides important habitat for geese and ducks. Understanding and mitigating the impacts of energy development on wildlife is a top priority identified by The Wildlife Society. Our objectives were to analyze the population surveys to provide a baseline for dealing with future impacts of energy development. We analyzed the data for waterfowl population trends, occupancy of the ponds, and number of species present. The abundance of waterfowl is decreasing although some species are increasing. The occupancy of ponds by species is variable between different months and areas. The number of waterfowl species is highest in April and nearly all species visit the wetlands yearly. Our results are important because Pariette Wetlands, located in the energy-rich Uintah Basin, is ideally located for future research into the impacts of energy development on wetlands and waterfowl. Our findings will provide crucial waterfowl population baseline information for BLM natural resource managers. This study was funded by the Bureau of Land Management.
Recommended Citation
Baird, David, "Waterfowl Population Trends, Pariette Wetlands, Utah 1980-‐2010" (2014). Research On Capitol Hill 2014. Research on the Hill (Salt Lake City). Paper 6.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/poth_slc/6