Sapelo Research Application Form
Research Application ID: GCE-58-2014 (submitted: 06/10/2014, status: approved)
Provide a brief title for web display
Colonization of Iva plants by insects
Investigator Information
On Island Sponsor: GCE SINERR UGAMI GADNR
| Principal Investigator: | Steven C. Pennings | ||
| Home Institution: | University of Houston | ||
| Award Information: | None | ||
| Mailing Address: | Department of Biology and Biochemistry | Phone Number: | (713) 743-2989 |
| University of Houston | E-mail Address: | scpennin@central.uh.edu | |
| Houston, Texas 77204-5513 | |||
| Co-investigators: | |||
Briefly describe the project goals and methodology
The goal is to understand how far marsh insects disperse to colonize Iva plants. We will place 15 potted Iva plants in the marsh (each supported on a 2 x 4 post so that they don't get excessive tidal flooding) at variable distances (< 10 meters into the high marsh) from natural stands of Iva. Insects arriving on the plants will be sampled every few days for 2 months. Plants and support posts will then be removed.
Where will the project be located?
Near the marine institute dike at the south end of Sapelo Island (GPS location 31.399487, -81.287263).
How will you provide GPS coordinates for study sites?
GPS coordinates are listed in the project location field
What are the expected start and end dates of the project?
Start Date: 06/15/2014 End Date: 08/15/2014
How many people will access the site and at what frequency?
One person, once every day or two, for two months.
Keywords that describe your project
What equipment will be deployed in the field?
15 potted Iva plants, each supported on a 2 x 4 post so that they don't get excessive tidal flooding.
Will plants or animals be collected as part of this study?
No.
What are the likely impacts of the project on the site?
A short trail will form in the high marsh during the study. This will re-vegetate within one year of the project duration.
Will the project design include boardwalks? If not, explain why not.
No. The impact will be small and brief. However, if the trail develops more rapidly than we expect, we will use portable aluminum boardwalks provided by the GCE LTER to minimize trampling.
How long will impacts persist after the research is concluded?
We expect that the short trail will re-vegetate within one year.
Research Permits:
Georgia DNR Coastal Resources Division: GCE-58-2014_Permit_7.3.14_LOP._Colonization_of_IVA (07/03/2014-09/03/2014)
Study Area Map:
Files attached to this application
GCE-58-2014_Maps_Colonization_of_Iva.kml (KML file, 1.96 kb, submitted 06/16/2014)
