Cottonwood, Aspen, and Butterflies: Addicted to Large Predators?

Surprising things happen when wolves or cougars disappear from a landscape. Dr. Robert Beschta, Oregon State University Emeritus Professor of Forest Hydrology, will present outcomes from his current field research in Yellowstone and Zion National Parks, which is revealing how loss of large predators is linked to loss of riparian and stream functioning in the West.

Dr. Beschta will speak at 7 p.m. on April 2 in Moab (Moab Information Center; Center and Main) and April 3 in Salt Lake City (REI at 3285 E and 3300 S).

The events are sponsored by Grand Canyon Trust, REI, Utah Environmental Congress, Wild Utah Project, Red Rock Forests, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
 
For more information, contact Mary O'Brien, Grand Canyon Trust, at mob@uoregon.edu or 541.485.6886.


Robert Beschta, Oregon State University Emeritus Professor of Forest Hydrology, received his Masters in Forest Hydrology at Utah State University in Logan, and his PhD. in Watershed Management from the University of Arizona. From 1974 to 1999, Dr. Beschta was a professor of Forest Hydrology at Oregon State University. His research activities have frequently focused on the relationship of riparian vegetation and forest management to streams. Since 2000, Dr. Beschta's field research and publications have emphasized studies trying to decipher the effects of removing large carnivores (and their subsequent reintroduction) upon riparian ecosystems and their associated stream systems.

To view a poster announcing the event please click here. (PDF)