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
Identifying western yellow-billed cuckoo breeding habitat with a dual modelling approach
Effectiveness of environmental flows for riparian restoration in arid regions: A tale of four rivers
Riparian soil development linked to forest succession above and below dams along the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Effects of dams and geomorphic context on riparian forests of the Elwha River, Washington
Geomorphic change and sediment transport during a small artificial flood in a transformed post-dam delta: The Colorado River delta, United States and Mexico
Synthesis of common management concerns associated with dam removal
Managing water and riparian habitats on the Bill Williams River with scientific benefit for other desert river systems
Riparian groundwater and baseflow studies in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Modeled streamflow metrics on small, ungaged stream reaches in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda spp.) in the Colorado River basin: Synthesis of an expert panel forum
Germination and growth of native and invasive plants on soil associated with biological control of tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)
Conservation planning for the Colorado River in Utah
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
Identifying western yellow-billed cuckoo breeding habitat with a dual modelling approach
Effectiveness of environmental flows for riparian restoration in arid regions: A tale of four rivers
Riparian soil development linked to forest succession above and below dams along the Elwha River, Washington, USA
Effects of dams and geomorphic context on riparian forests of the Elwha River, Washington
Geomorphic change and sediment transport during a small artificial flood in a transformed post-dam delta: The Colorado River delta, United States and Mexico
Synthesis of common management concerns associated with dam removal
Managing water and riparian habitats on the Bill Williams River with scientific benefit for other desert river systems
Riparian groundwater and baseflow studies in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Modeled streamflow metrics on small, ungaged stream reaches in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda spp.) in the Colorado River basin: Synthesis of an expert panel forum
Germination and growth of native and invasive plants on soil associated with biological control of tamarisk (Tamarix spp.)
Conservation planning for the Colorado River in Utah
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.