Impacts of Recreational Trail Use on Soil Moisture, Infiltration, and Grain Size in Semi-Arid Environments Sage Morris Project Mentor(s): Carey Gazis, PhD Soil physical characteristics in semi-arid climates can be significantly impacted by recreational trail use through compaction and disturbance. This study looks at how trail use influences compaction of soil and its relation to soil moisture content, potential for infiltration, and grain size distribution in two central Washington sites; Craig’s Hill (Ellensburg WA) and Beezley Hills (Ephrata WA). Soil samples were taken along transects from three locations on three trails; left edge, center, and right edge of the trail. Soil moisture content was determined using gravimetric oven drying (~100°C), while grain size was determined using the Malvern Mastersizer through chemical dispersion. The data shows that soil moisture content is lower in the center of the trails, compared to the edges. This proves that compaction has decreased retention of water in the trails, decreasing porosity and ability to infiltrate, especially on highly trafficked trails. Different site locations have also shown different soil characteristics with Beezley Hills being composed of finer grained soils, which have greater retention of water compared to Craig’s Hill, which has coarser grained soils. This study demonstrates that recreational trails will decrease potential for infiltration and increase potential for surface runoff, which may impact erosion rates, as well as groundwater recharge rates in semi-arid systems. Understanding these impacts is critical for effective land management and design of sustainable trails in fragile ecological regions. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords : Soil compaction, Infiltration, Soil moisture, Semi-arid soils, Recreational trails SOURCE Form ID: 265 Law and Justice A Qualitative Examination of Homelessness and Hate-Based Victimization Among LGBTQIA+ Adults Ryan Harman Project Mentor(s): Trye Price, PhD In the United States, homelessness is a growing issue that disproportionately affects those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer people are at-risk to experiencing housing instability due to factors such as familial rejection, school bullying, workplace discrimination, and poverty. Further, this population has higher rates of experiencing victimization and being turned away from resource providers such as agencies and shelters due to their queer identity. Currently, research is focused on the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, leaving a gap of knowledge regarding adults. To address this gap, the current study will employ a qualitative methodology to investigate the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ adults who have experiences with homelessness. Specifically, the current study will examine pathways into homelessness, day-to-day events while homeless, instances of victimization, experiences with agencies and shelters, interactions with the criminal justice system, and barriers to exiting homelessness. Additionally, this data collection project will also inquire about instances of hate-based victimization and how these events have impacted queer individuals mentally, physically, and emotionally. This is an ongoing data collection project that aims to collect in-depth, semi-structured interviews with roughly 20- 25 individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, are over the age of 18, and have either experienced housing instability sometime in their lives or are currently experiencing homelessness. Ultimately, results from this study aim to inform the urgent need for inclusive policy reforms like specialized staff training and targeted funding that will protect at-risk LGBTQIA+ adults.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Homelessness, LGBTQIA+, Hate Crimes, Victimization SOURCE Form ID: 62
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