Author: Vanesa Aguay Guerra

Mountain recreation areas often overlap with ecologically valuable conservation sites. Why we need to augment outdoor recreation research now– Joshua Kesling

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

Each year, millions of Intermountain Westerners rise to high elevations, step across shallow streams to access trailheads, creep across ephemerally wet meadows, observe gregarious wildlife through groundwater fed seeps, and park on roadway shoulders to photograph riverine wetlands. As visitors hurriedly shake pens to fill out fee envelopes, prepare their fishing rods, and unearth digital Read more about Mountain recreation areas often overlap with ecologically valuable conservation sites. Why we need to augment outdoor recreation research now– Joshua Kesling[…]

Understanding the landscape factors that influence habitat selection and movement for Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in southwestern Montana

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

Pronghorn are an iconic wildlife species that inhabit the western interior of North America as they roam widely over vast expanses of rangeland, often sharing the landscape with nearby human communities. UHPSI research assistant Jeremy Pustilnik is collaborating with biologists at the National Wildlife Federation and the Southwest Montana Sagebrush Partnership to model pronghorn habitat Read more about Understanding the landscape factors that influence habitat selection and movement for Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in southwestern Montana[…]

Transforming Transportation in Crested Butte, Colorado

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

Our student research assistants are developing strategies to transform the transportation network in Crested Butte, Colorado from automobile-centric to one that prioritizes buses, cycling, and walking. In collaboration with Town officials, the team is conducting a comprehensive analysis of the Town’s recent transportation plan, evaluating public feedback, and identifying relevant case studies of similar Western municipalities. These efforts aim to uncover Read more about Transforming Transportation in Crested Butte, Colorado[…]

Keeping Track of Ungulate Trails— Jeremy D. Pustilnik

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

At the end of the 20th century, scientists dissolved Ungulata. “Ungulata” was not a brand of dish soap or a chemical, rather, it was a taxonomic grouping that described “hoofed mammals.” Molecular evidence showed that elephants were only distantly related, and that whales were actually very closely related, to such animals as horses and cattle Read more about Keeping Track of Ungulate Trails— Jeremy D. Pustilnik[…]

Mapping Beaver Conflicts: A Step Toward Coexistence— Xiaofan Shen

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

This fall, I found myself immersed in the world of beavers, data points, and digital maps. As a research assistant with Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative, I am collaborating with the Montana Beaver Conflict Resolution Program (BCRP) at the National Wildlife Federation to leverage geospatial tools to visualize beaver conflicts and highlight effective mitigation solutions Read more about Mapping Beaver Conflicts: A Step Toward Coexistence— Xiaofan Shen[…]

Parking Reform as a Pillar for a Sustainable Transportation Transformation— Joshua Hernandez

Posted on by Vanesa Aguay Guerra

Crested Butte, Colorado is a small town of less than 2,000 people nestled in the Rocky Mountains, over 220 miles southwest of Denver. A former coal mining town, Crested Butte draws locals and tourists alike as the gateway to the nearby Crested Butte Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding. Town leadership is balancing transportation needs Read more about Parking Reform as a Pillar for a Sustainable Transportation Transformation— Joshua Hernandez[…]