WERC research roundups are in a biweekly format, complete with PDF version. Check back every two weeks for a run down of new research and events from the USGS Western Ecological Research Center. To add your name to the email distribution list for the PDF newsletter, please contact blandis@usgs.gov.

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HEADLINE

Housing Arrangement and Location Determine Structure Losses in Southern California Fires
Certain housing factors, such as being located in areas with a history of frequent fire or being surrounded by wildland vegetation, can increase the risk of structure loss in the event of wildfires, according to a study out of WERC’s Southern California Wildfire Risk Scenario Project. “A key aspect of fire risk has been missing from the discussion -- rethinking where we put homes in the first place,” says study coauthor Jon Keeley. “This study provides evidence for a completely new way to think about fire risk management.” Researchers also addressed the need for maps in the new study, by testing traditional fire hazard maps against maps that account for housing patterns.
http://usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3245
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/socalfirerisk
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=4719


NEW JOURNAL ARTICLES

Herring, G, JT Ackerman, MP Herzog. 2012. Mercury exposure may suppress baseline corticosterone levels in juvenile birds. Environmental Science & Technology
46: 6339-6346. doi: 10.1021/es300668c
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=4728

Ringelman, KM, JM Eadie, JT Ackerman. 2012. Density-dependent nest predation in waterfowl: the relative importance of nest density versus nest dispersion.
Oecologia 169(3): 695-702. doi: 10.1007/s00442-011-2228-1.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=4731

Syphard, AD, JE Keeley, A Bar Massada, TJ Brennan, VC Radeloff. Housing arragement and location determine the likelihood of housing loss due to wildfire. PLoS ONE 7(3): e33954. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033954
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=4719


EVENTS

June 1 - July 7, 2012 (Santa Cruz, CA)
The R. Blitzer Gallery is hosting the earth/science/art exhibit, featuring 16 collaborations between local artists and USGS marine scientists, including WERC seabird scientist Josh Adams.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/Event.aspx?ID=112

June 05, 2012 (Webinar)
WERC scientist Karen Thorne gave the June webinar for the California Landscape Conservation Cooperative. Thorne discussed research by John Takekawa and colleagues on fine-scale mapping and forecasting of sea level rise impacts on marshes. A recording of the talk is available online.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/Event.aspx?ID=109

June 14, 2012 (Santa Cruz, CA)
WERC seabird scientist Josh Adams was among the guest panelists at the earth/science/art public event, where artists and scientists discussed their collaborations.
http://www.earthscienceartsc.com/

June 25-27, 2012 (Los Angeles, CA)
WERC scientist Jon Keeley will be among the panelists at the Tuesday working group sessions at The Mediterranean City conference on climate change adaptation.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/Event.aspx?ID=110

July 15-18, 2012 (Oakland, CA)
The 2012 SCB North America Congress for Conservation Biology will include several presentations and tours featuring WERC scientists, including Erin Boydston, Arriana Brand and Laura Valoppi. Interior Assistant Secretary Anne Castle will be a plenary speaker.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/Event.aspx?ID=93


This Biweekly Update is produced as a service to USGS/WERC staff, colleagues, partners and the interested public. To add your email address to the mailing list or to report errors/suggestions, please contact blandis@usgs.gov. Download the current issue (1.10)