Research

Breezy Jackson

DeVlieg Taylor Graduate
Research Assistantship 2005-2006
Master's Candidate
Professor:  Jeffrey H. Braatne, Ph.D.
Professor of Floodplain Ecology
University of Idaho


"Riparia: Influence of Fire on Streamside Vegetation and Riparian-Stream Food Webs in a Wilderness Setting  "

Abstract and Introduction




My project focuses on the interactions between aquatic and terrestrial systems, especially the flow of nutrients from terrestrial plants and insects into the stream system.  I am currently doing riparian vegetation surveys on 12 tributaries of Big Creek, as well as monitoring the terrestrial plant and insect litter falling into the stream.  There is a possibility of adding a nutrient ratio analysis to the project.  This might tell us if the plants that grow after fire are more or less vigorous than those in undisturbed drainages.  Working in wilderness setting is not only pertinent to my research, but also a remarkable opportunity.  My next field survey will be in the summer of 2006.

                                                   Stephanie Jenkins   Research Assistant (left)