MARILYN NIELSON

Terrestrial Biologist

As ERI's terrestrial biologist, Marilyn performs wetland determinations and delineations, vegetation inventories, surveys for threatened and endangered species, and both designs and implements monitoring and mitigation plans. In addition, she writes biological assessments, environmental impact statements, and presents project results at public and agency meetings.

Marilyn is a summa cum laude BS graduate of Washington State University, with a Masters degree in Terrestrial/Fisheries Resources from the University of Idaho and has over 10 years of experience in both the public and private sectors with ecological research, planning, monitoring, and management. She enjoys backpacking, biking, competitive long distance running and triathlons, as well as spending time with her family.

Current Projects

  • Functional assessment of wetland sites: Identification and delineation of five wetlands and two sites that may be affected by a large water development project. Modification of three hydrogeomorphic models for application to different wetland types and local conditions, and estimation of the effects project construction will have on the functions these wetlands perform.
  • Mine Reclamation Monitoring: Establishing monitoring transects and sampling vegetation composition, cover, and structure within a large reclaimed site. The project will provide an analysis of compliance with reclamation standards, recommendations for improving vegetative cover, and an analysis of changes in vegetation cover over the monitoring period.
  • Surveys for western toad breeding sites that may be affected by a proposed hydropower development.
  • Wetland Determination: Delineation of four seasonal palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands that could be affected by a proposed transmission line right-of-way.
  • Vegetation Reclamation, Mitigation, and Weed Management Planning: Development of revegetation and weed control plans for areas that may be affected by the construction of hydropower facilities on an existing dam.

Abbreviated List of Technical Reports and Journal Publications

  • Functional Assessment of Wetland Sites and Evaluation of Project Effects: Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project. Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Annual Report 2004 - Alta Lakes Reclamation Project San Miguel County, CO. Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Ute ladies tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) and pink agoseris (Agoseris laciniata) surveys and vegetation characterization: Buffalo River Hydroeleectric Project (FERC #1413). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Evaluation and mapping of wetland habitats adjacent to the proposed transmission corridor: Hebgen Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC # 11882). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Nielson, M.K. and L.K. Lohman. Effects of short-term exclusion of livestock grazing on the structure and composition of riparian pasture vegetation on the Little Pend ‘Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. Little Pend ‘Oreille National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Nielson, M.K., L.K. Lohman, C.H. Daugherty, F.W. Allendorf, K.L. Knudsen and J.M. Sullivan. In press- Herpetologica. Allozyme and mitochondrial DNA variation int eh genus Ascaphus: The influence of geography and gene flow.
  • Nielson, M.K., L.K. Lohman and J.M. Sullivan. 2001. Phylogeography of the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) implicaitons for the biogeography of the Pacific Northwest. Evolution 56: 256-270.
  • Vegetation characterization and surveys for sensitive plants: Applegate Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC # 11910). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Rabe, F.W., J. Lichthardt and M.K. Nielson. Established and proposed research natural area streams in the Clearwater National Forest. Clearwater National Forest.
  • Biological Assessment - Navajo Gallup Water Supply Project. Bureau of Reclamation, Durango, CO.
  • Biological Assessment /Biological Evaluation: Hebgen Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC# 11882) Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Weed management plan: Applegate Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC #11910). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Vegetation mitigation plan: Applegate Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC #11910). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.
  • Wildlife and Botanical reports for a license application on: Arthur R. Bowman Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC # 11925). Ecosystems Research Institute, Logan UT.

Presentations

  • A new species of frog for Idaho: Phylogeography of the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei) implications for the biogeography and conservation. Invited Technical Lecture, Spring Meeting Idaho Academy of Sciences, Northwest Nazarene University, Boise ID.
  • Final results of the wildlife and vegetation studies: Hebgen Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC #11882). Public meeting held by Symbiotics LLC and Fall River Rural Electric, West Yellowstone, MT.
  • Potential wildlife and botanical issues: Dorena Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC # 11945). Initial Public Meeting held by Symbiotics LLC, Cottage Grove OR.
  • Preliminary results of wildlife and vegetation studies: Hebgen Dam Hydroelectric Project (FERC #11882). Public meeting held by Symbiotics LLC and Fall River Rural Electric, West Yellowstone MT.
  • Phylogeography of the tailed frog (Ascaphus truei): Implications of the biogeography of the Pacific Northwest. Annual Meeting of the Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Coeur d' Alene, ID.

Professional Societies and Certifications

Idaho Native Plant Society
Idaho Academy of Sciences
Idaho Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Herpetologists League
Reviewer for Evolution and Copeia