Electrocution of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) on overhead power poles is a conservation concern in the western United States. The US Fish and Wildlife Service recommends retrofitting power poles to minimize electrocution risk as one mechanism for compensatory mitigation to offset permitted take for Golden Eagles. Because densities of Golden Eagles and power poles vary spatially, identifying where poles should be retrofitted to best meet compensatory mitigation goals is of conservation importance. We developed a model that predicts relative risk of eagle electrocution based on the overlap between spatial models of Golden Eagle nest-site density and power pole density within the Northwestern Plains ecoregion. Risk was unevenly distributed: areas with the highest electrocution risk were rare (1.1% by area), while lowest risk areas were common (53.6% by area). We tested model predictions with independent data consisting of locations of Golden Eagle electrocution mortalities (n = 342). Mortalities were distributed among six risk classes proportional to model predictions, with 87.7% of mortalities occurring in the top three risk categories. Prioritizing pole retrofitting in the highest-risk areas could prevent >3 x the electrocutions expected by selecting areas at random and would be 89 x more effective than retrofitting in the lowest risk areas. Our risk model offers a consistent method to spatially prioritize retrofitting to increase effectiveness of electrocution reduction for Golden Eagle conservation and provides an efficient approach for utilities. This method of quantifying spatial overlap between indices of exposure and hazard is repeatable and accurate, and can be adapted to various forms of data whenever quantification and visualization of spatial prioritization is desired.

ABSTRACTGolden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) electrocution on power poles is a global conservation problem with an estimated 504 eagles electrocuted annually in North America alone. Despite widespread use of mitigation techniques to retrofit existing poles and to build new poles to avian‐friendly standards, electrocution remains a leading anthropogenic cause of death for the golden eagle. To assist electric utilities, wildlife managers, and the public in understanding eagle electrocution risk, we reviewed and synthesized risk factors and mitigation techniques from published literature from 1940 to 2016. Eagles have 8 electrocution risk factors: pole design, eagle age, morphology, land cover and topography, prey availability, season, weather, and behavior. Pole configuration was the most frequently identified electrocution risk factor and electrocution incidents were most often associated with distribution level (<69 kV) equipment poles. Age was the second most frequently identified risk factor, with juvenile eagles electrocuted at approximately twice the rate of subadults or adults. Risk was also associated with large body size, high‐quality habitat, high prey density, winter dispersal, inclement weather, and intraspecific interactions. Risk modeling based on these factors may assist electric utilities and other stakeholders in identification of high‐risk poles at the regional scale. High‐risk poles need prioritization for retrofitting by electric utilities. Compensatory mitigation funding becoming available through eagle take permitting may be useful in offsetting costs to utilities. Electrocution mitigation efforts strategized by region to target high‐risk poles could result in substantial reductions of golden eagle annual mortalities. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Detailed information on diets and predatory ecology of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) is essential to prioritize prey species management and to develop landscape-specific conservation strategies, including mitigation of the effects of energy development across the western United States. We compiled published and unpublished data on Golden Eagle diets to (1) summarize available information on Golden Eagle diets in the western U.S., (2) compare diets among biogeographic provinces, and (3) discuss implications for conservation planning and future research. We analyzed 35 studies conducted during the breeding season at 45 locations from 1940-2015. Golden Eagle diet differed among western ecosystems. Lower dietary breadth was associated with desert and shrub-steppe ecosystems and higher breadth with mountain ranges and the Columbia Plateau. Correlations suggest that percentage of leporids in the diet is the factor driving overall diversity of prey and percentage of other prey groups in the diet of Golden Eagles. Leporids were the primary prey of breeding Golden Eagles in 78% of study areas, with sciurids reported as primary prey in 18% of study areas. During the nonbreeding season, Golden Eagles were most frequently recorded feeding on leporids and carrion. Golden Eagles can be described as both generalist and opportunistic predators; they can feed on a wide range of prey species but most frequently feed on abundant medium-sized prey species in a given habitat. Spatial variations in Golden Eagle diet likely reflect regional differences in prey community, whereas temporal trends likely reflect responses to long-term change in prey populations. Evidence suggests dietary shifts from traditional (leporid) prey can have adverse effects on Golden Eagle reproductive rates. Land management practices that support or restore shrub-steppe ecosystem diversity should benefit Golden Eagles. More information is needed on nonbreeding-season diet to determine what food resources, such as carrion, are important for overwinter survival.

ABSTRACT Raptor and corvid electrocutions cause continental conservation concerns for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. Although concerns are widespread, mitigation is implemented primarily at local scales of individual electric utilities. By not considering landscape‐scale patterns, conservation strategies may fail to focus mitigation where efforts are needed most. To enable resource managers to consider electrocution risk at larger scales, we developed a regional model of distribution power pole (pole) density in a grid of 1‐km 2 cells throughout Colorado and Wyoming. To do so, we obtained data on pole locations from a sample of electric utilities covering 31% of Colorado and Wyoming, and developed a predictive model of poles throughout the remainder of the 2 states. Pole density was influenced by road lengths, number of oil and gas wells, slope, development, and land cover. Poles were densest in areas with high road lengths, high numbers of wells, and relatively flat terrain, and in areas developed for agriculture or human residences. When model predictions are viewed together with species‐specific habitat maps, locations where high pole densities overlap habitat suggest areas where mitigating electrocution risk could be prioritized. Communication between resource managers and local utilities could then clarify the poles that caused the highest risk to raptors from electrocution. Thus, the model provides a framework for systematic spatial prioritization in support of regional conservation planning to minimize electrocution of raptors and corvids. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

Success of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project will be evaluated in part by monitoring populations of wading birds (Pelecaniformes and Ciconiiformes) and waterfowl (Anseriformes). These two waterbird guilds were integral components of the pre-channelization river-floodplain ecosystem, and both declined substantially following channelization. Restoration is expected to attract wading birds and waterfowl by reintroducing naturally fluctuating water levels, seasonal hydroperiods, and historic vegetation communities. Post-construction aerial surveys (November 2001 to May 2008) within the Phase I restoration area indicate that the abundance and species richness of both wading birds and waterfowl have shown a positive restoration response thus far. Dry season abundance of aquatic wading birds and waterfowl has exceeded restoration expectations (30.6birds/km2 and 3.9birds/km2, respectively) each year since the completion of restoration Phase I in 2001. While there has been a significant positive restoration effect on waterfowl abundance, waterfowl species richness (n=6) has not yet reached the restoration expectation of 13 species. Abundance of the terrestrial cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), which increased dramatically after the majority of floodplain wetlands were converted to cattle pastures in the channelized system, has shown a significant negative response to restoration. It is anticipated that completion of the remaining phases of restoration (II/III), and implementation of the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization water regulation schedule by 2019, will further increase and improve habitat for wading birds and waterfowl by reestablishing floodplain hydrology that more closely mimics historical conditions.

Novel HIV testing strategies may improve the uptake of the test. The aim of the present study was to investigate the uptake of HIV testing during Birmingham Pride events in 2009 and 2010. The project was a collaboration between Whittall Street Clinic and Healthy Gay Life. This was a nurse-delivered service that was offered for nine hours each day during the events (total of 36 hours in two years). The OraSure™ assay for HIV and syphilis testing was used. A total of 405 men visited our marquee during the 2009 (n = 201) and 2010 (n = 204) events. A total of 398 (98%) men accepted HIV testing during the events in 2009 and 2010. Six men (1.5%) were HIV-positive, an incidence of 37.7 cases per 10,000 persons perday. The uptake of syphilis testing was similarly high; 390 (96%) individuals agreed to be tested and one (0.5%) patient was diagnosed with syphilis. The uptake of HIV testing during the Pride event was high. Pride events provide a unique opportunity for testing undiagnosed HIV-infected patients. HIV testing should be provided in other cities during Pride events.

Completed in 2001, Phase I of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP) backfilled 12 km of the C-38 flood control canal, restoring flow to over 24 km of historic river channel. The goal of KRRP is reestablishment of ecological integrity to the river/floodplain ecosystem. Ultimately, the project is expected to restore 50 km2 of floodplain wetlands and over 70 km of river channel. This paper reports on predicted and measured responses in seven river channel metrics. Monitoring focused on before-after measurements of physical and biological components of the river channel, including hydrology, geomorphology, dissolved oxygen, vegetation, invertebrates, fish, and birds. Preliminary results for these metrics show that they have followed the predicted directions of recovery, and in some cases have already met project expectations.

SUMMARY The Kissimmee watershed forms the headwaters of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades system (Figure 11-1). The watershed encompasses a diverse group of wetland and aquatic ecosystems, including more than two dozen lakes, their tributary streams, and the Kissimmee River. The key strategic priority of the Kissimmee Division is to integrate Kissimmee watershed management strategies with Kissimmee River restoration. In line with this priority, the primary goals of the Kissimmee Division are to restore ecological integrity to the Kissimmee River and its floodplain ecosystem, develop a long-term management plan for resolving water and other management issues in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and retain the existing level of flood control in the Kissimmee watershed. Major initiatives in the Kissimmee watershed are the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP), which includes the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program (KRREP) and Kissimmee Basin Modeling and Operations Study (KBMOS); Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Project (KRHRP); and Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL) Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) (Figure 11-2). A number of activities are associated with these projects including ecosystem restoration, restoration evaluation, aquatic plant management, land management, water quality improvement, and water supply planning. The primary goal of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project is to reestablish the ecological integrity of the river-floodplain system, which is defined as "the capability of supporting and maintaining a balanced, integrated, adaptive community having species composition, diversity, and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitat of the region" (Karr and Dudley, 1981). Restoration of ecological integrity requires reconstruction of the physical form of the river (i.e., canal backfilling, removal of water control structures, and elimination of secondary drainage ditches, levees, and roads) and reestablishment of historic (pre-channelization) hydrologic (i.e., discharge and stage) characteristics. The KRREP is a key element of the restoration project. In addition to assessing restoration success, the evaluation program will provide scientific information for fine-tuning future project phases and for management of the water resources of the recovering and restored ecosystem. To address the goal of ecological integrity, the evaluation program has a broad scope encompassing hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and major biological communities including plants, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. All evaluation components were monitored prior to restoration to establish a baseline for evaluating future changes. The KRREP will continue until 2017, five years beyond completion of project construction.

The objectives of this study were to determine whether elevated mercury (Hg) concentrations have a negative impact on the health and survival of nestling and juvenile free-ranging great egrets (Ardea albus) from southern Florida. During 1994, when health and survival was monitored in a cohort of young birds with naturally variable concentrations of Hg, packed cell volume was positively correlated with blood Hg concentrations, and high Hg concentration in blood was not related to the probability of surviving during the first 10.5 months of life. During 1995, 70 first-hatched great egret chicks were included in a Hg field-dosing experiment to compare the effects of elevated Hg on health and survival. Birds were dosed while in the nest orally every 2.5 days for 15 days with 0.5 mg of methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl) for an estimated intake of 1.54 mg MeHgCl/kg food intake. These birds were compared with controls, which received an estimated 0.41 mg MeHgCl/kg food. No differences were observed in health parameters or in the probability of surviving during the first 8 months of age between egrets that were dosed with Hg and those that were not. A likely explanation for the lack of any effects on health and survival between both groups could be that chicks at this age were eliminating most of the dietary Hg through the production of new feathers.

Abstract In general, flexing tests are subject to large errors, some of which have been studied using a test of the du Pont belt type. An improvement in the standardization of the test conditions can be effected by using a suitably designed belt balance arm and regularly adjusting the length of the belt. The rate of cracking and also the reproducibility of the results is affected by the design of the test-piece and also by the type of fastener used. Although the error between the results on replicate test-pieces is extremely large, more important are the large errors due to lack of reproducibility of replicate molded slabs, and this variability probably arises during vulcanization. Extremely large differences can also occur between nominally identical repeat experiments. This may be due to differences in the judgment of the stages of cracking in different experiments. Graded photographs were found not to be of any value in improving the reproducibility of results between two different operators. Attention is drawn to the differences in types of cracking obtained with the du Pont and De Mattia test-pieces. It is pointed out that with the du Pont test-piece the cracking tends to develop in depth more than is the case with the De Mattia, and therefore it is more difficult to construct or use graded photographs with the du Pont test. Accepting the fact that variations in the disposition of the stages of cracking do occur between two different experiments, a method of treating flex-cracking results graphically is suggested. By this method random variations in results are ignored and the average flex-cracking results obtained. It is suggested that flexing properties may be defined by two characteristics, viz., (1) Crack initiation time, and (2) Crack propagation time, and an example of the method of determining these characteristics is given.

Abstract The work was undertaken because no satisfactory and discriminating test is available for evaluating rubber-to-metal bonding agents. In former tests the testing of the bonding agent was confused with the testing of the test unit as a unit. A method was evolved which discriminated between bonding agents which had previously been regarded as equivalent. In the course of the work new facts such as the importance of the volume of the rubber rather than the shape factor (which must, of course be considered from the stability angle) came to light. The significance of the work lies in two directions—better testing of metal-to-rubber bonding agents and a better understanding of the facts underlying the design of rubber-metal spring units. A tentative method for measuring the tear strength of the rubber used in the unit was put forward.

SUMMARY The Kissimmee watershed forms the headwaters of the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades system (Figure 11-1). The watershed encompasses a diverse group of wetland and aquatic ecosystems, including more than two dozen lakes, their tributary streams, and the Kissimmee River. The key strategic priority of the Kissimmee Division is to integrate Kissimmee watershed management strategies with Kissimmee River restoration. In line with this priority, the primary goals of the Kissimmee Division are to restore ecological integrity to the Kissimmee River and its floodplain ecosystem, develop a long-term management plan for resolving water and other management issues in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, and retain the existing level of flood control in the Kissimmee watershed. Major initiatives in the Kissimmee watershed are the Kissimmee River Restoration Project (KRRP), which includes the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program (KRREP) and Kissimmee Basin Modeling and Operations Study (KBMOS); Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Project (KRHRP); and Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (KCOL) Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) (Figure 11-2). A number of activities are associated with these projects including ecosystem restoration, restoration evaluation, aquatic plant management, land management, water quality improvement, and water supply planning. The primary goal of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project is to reestablish the ecological integrity of the river-floodplain system, which is defined as “the capability of supporting and maintaining a balanced, integrated, adaptive community having species composition, diversity, and functional organization comparable to that of natural habitat of the region” (Karr and Dudley, 1981). Restoration of ecological integrity requires reconstruction of the physical form of the river (i.e., canal backfilling, removal of water control structures, and elimination of secondary drainage ditches, levees, and roads) and reestablishment of historic (pre-channelization) hydrologic (i.e., discharge and stage) characteristics. The KRREP is a key element of the restoration project. In addition to assessing restoration success, the evaluation program will provide scientific information for fine-tuning future project phases and for management of the water resources of the recovering and restored ecosystem. To address the goal of ecological integrity, the evaluation program has a broad scope encompassing hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and major biological communities including plants, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. All evaluation components were monitored prior to restoration to establish a baseline for evaluating future changes. The KRREP will continue until 2017, five years beyond completion of project construction.