Patrick Shafroth, PhD
Patrick B. Shafroth is a Research Ecologist at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Since 1991, Dr. Shafroth has conducted research on riparian ecosystems, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of western U.S. He and his colleagues from the USGS and other institutions have focused their work on understanding relationships between surface and ground-water hydrology, fluvial processes, and the dynamics of native and introduced riparian vegetation. This research has often been conducted in the applied context of riparian ecosystem restoration with the goal of providing solid, objective scientific information that can be used to inform riparian restoration efforts. More specific restoration-related research areas include studies of large-scale flow experiments, dam removal, effects of invasive species control and associated restoration actions, and potential interactions with climate change.
Some of Dr. Shafroth’s current research includes studies of: vegetation and geomorphic responses to experimental flow releases downstream of dams on the Bill Williams River, Arizona; the Colorado River delta in Mexico and the U.S.; and the the Colorado River in Grand Canyon; vegetation and geomorphic responses to dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, where the world's largest dam removals occurred recently; dynamics of non-native riparian plants along western rivers, including patterns of riparian vegetation recovery associated with biological control of Tamarix.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Arizona State University, 1999
M.S. in Forest Ecology, Colorado State University, 1993
B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1989
Science and Products
Book review: Riparian ecosystem recovery in arid lands: Strategies and references
Germination and establishment of the native plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marshall subsp. monilifera) and the exotic Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)
Effects of salinity on establishment of Populus fremontii (cottonwood) and Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar)
Effects of salinity on establishment of Populus fremontii (cottonwood) and Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar) in southwestern United States
Establishment, sex structure and breeding system of an exotic riparian willow, Salix X rubens
Flow recommendations for maintaining riparian vegetation along the Upper Missouri River, Montana
Reproduction of an exotic riparian tree willow, Salix fragilis (L.), in Colorado
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Book review: Riparian ecosystem recovery in arid lands: Strategies and references
Germination and establishment of the native plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides Marshall subsp. monilifera) and the exotic Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.)
Effects of salinity on establishment of Populus fremontii (cottonwood) and Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar)
Effects of salinity on establishment of Populus fremontii (cottonwood) and Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar) in southwestern United States
Establishment, sex structure and breeding system of an exotic riparian willow, Salix X rubens
Flow recommendations for maintaining riparian vegetation along the Upper Missouri River, Montana
Reproduction of an exotic riparian tree willow, Salix fragilis (L.), in Colorado
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.