Science Features Archive

August 2008

Wildlife and Wind Energy
Wind energy is emerging as a sustainable, domestically available energy source. However, development of wind farms do impact wildlife habitat, bird mortality, and migratory bird routes. Scientists and their partners at NOROCK are studying these impacts and working towards developing predictive tools for land managers that assist in decision making and are protective of wildlife habitat and migration. Full Story

Wildlife as Indicators of Climate Change
Still aren’t certain if climate change is a long term event or temporary trend? Why not look at those that will be most affected by the impacts of climate-change on our Rocky Mountain ecosystems? Scientists at NOROCK are doing just that by beginning two studies that will examine how climate change may be impacting the habitats of native fish and big game species. Full Story

January - July 2008

Remote photography is used to learn more about grizzly bears in northwest Montana
Video and photographs are part of a study conducted by USGS Research Biologist Kate Kendall to determine the size and distribution of bear populations in northwestern Montana. Full Story

USGS Global Change Seminar: Ecological Thresholds Relating to Climate Change
USGS Research Ecologist, Dan Fagre, presents on Ecological Thresholds Relating to Climate Change. Podcast was recorded on January 17, 2008 at the USGS National Center in Reston, VA. Podcast

Retreating Glaciers
Glacier National Park’s namesake glaciers have receded rapidly since the Park’s establishment in 1910, primarily due to long-term changes in regional and global climate. These changes have been documented with a series of photographs repeated over the last century. At this rate, the park’s glaciers are predicted to disappear by 2030. Full Story