Subtitle/Alternate Title

Including an Analysis of Pesticide Exposure and Bioaccumulation Risks on Golf Courses, Assessment of Urban-Avian Conflict for Improved Rehabilitation, and an Evaluation of the Feasibility of Golf Development on the Colorado River

First Advisor

Daniela Rivarola

Second Advisor

Mike Ghedotti

Third Advisor

Tyler Imfeld

College

Regis College

Degree Name

MS Environmental Biology

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Number of Pages

119 pages

Abstract

1) This review investigates the relationship between pesticide use on golf courses and in agriculture to determine whether the adverse health effects documented in agricultural settings also apply to golf course environments. While the negative health effects from agricultural pesticide use are well established, golf courses use pesticides with greater frequency and intensity, suggesting a potentially higher exposure risk for both workers and players.

2) This study proposes methods to quantify pesticide bioaccumulation on golf courses and adjacent lands. We hypothesize that areas surrounding golf courses will exhibit a spatial gradient of pesticide accumulation, increasing with proximity to treated sites and with the duration of management activities.

3) This study analyzes neurological symptoms in avian species to improve diagnostic accuracy in wildlife rehabilitation cases. Additionally, we evaluate how can species’ trophic level can influence their susceptibility to urban-avian conflicts and associated neurological symptoms.

4) This report examines the economic, ecological, and stakeholder considerations of a newly approved desert golf course resort. We propose strategies to balance these interests and minimize environmental degradation.

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Location (Creation)

Denver, Colo.

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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