STRATA

STRATA, the STudent Research, Academic, and Talent Archive, is a collection of selected Fort Lewis College student work, including undergraduate research, senior seminar papers, published works, conference presentations, and other creative and artistic projects. Search by name, subject, title, or academic department.

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The Liberal Arts Education: The Key to a Life of Happiness?
In our ever-rapidly changing world, there are few constants. Skills mastered at vocational schools are soon antiquated; new jobs and industries require on-going training to keep up with their demands. The ability to problem-solve and think critically and be flexible in our perceptions, however, will help us navigate the dynamics of these times and for the future, and a liberal arts education helps to develop these broad-based skills by challenging our thoughts while developing our compassion and character. As a student at a liberal arts college, I have been required to take a wide variety of classes that have given me the opportunity to experience new ideas alongside diverse classmates and teachers of different philosophies, expertise, musical tastes, and political views all of whom add to the rich experiences of my day-to-day learning. When I consider that we don't yet know what kinds of problems we will need to be solving in our future, I am reminded how important it is to question what we know in our present in order to move forward.
The Little Elk-Hide Moccasin
Short story by Amanda Fields, published in the Fall 2010-Winter 2011 issue of Images.
The Man in the Black Leather Coat: Panopticism and Historical Fiction
A panoptic analysis of Tom Rob Smith's Child 44 Trilogy and David Benioff's City of Thieves proved the existence of surveillance themes. This work examines the relevance of panoptic analysis to historical fiction and the Soviet Union, as well as generating an understanding of how history is understood.
The Metabolic Costs of Steep Incline Running v. Walking
Ultra-mountain running (UMR) has seen a significant increase over the past decade. These races often exceed 15% gradients and rely heavily on an individual's metabolic and aerobic expenditure. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether running or walking a 25% grade at a set pace is more metabolically efficient on a treadmill. Eleven trained participants (6 males, 5 females, and ages 18-55) running 20+ miles a week completed three separate trials, a maximal oxygen uptake test (VO2 max), followed by two separate 1-mile running and walking trials. Both trials were performed at a 25% grade at their set pace (mean speed = 2.9 mph, sd± 0.26). The results of the dependent paired t-test indicated that heart rate (HR) had a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the walking (M=148, sd±13.8) and running (M=158, sd±11.4) conditions; p=0.002. VO2 scores for running (M=40 ml/kg/min, sd±5.9) and walking (M=32 ml/kg/min, sd±13.9) showed a statistically significant difference between the two conditions; p=0.035. Relative VO2 values for running (M=10.8, sd±3.0) and walking (M=8.9, sd±2.8) did not show a significance; p=0.291. RPE values for running (M=13.3, sd±2.1) and walking (M=12.5, sd±1.4) did not show a significance; p=0.205. The overall findings did indicate that running had increase metabolic and aerobic costs compared to walking at a 25% grade and set pace. This means that power hiking up a steep incline may be more energy preserving, while still relative to the work rate as running. Though the study was focused on trained runners and energy conservation, it can be beneficial for the fitness and exercise industry as well with the results indicating that individuals seeking weight loss can effectively burn the greatest amount of energy through incline running.
The Morality of Factory Farming
In this project I present one approach for arguing that the factory farming industry acts in ways that are unethical. The focus of my argument is the factory farming industry acts unethically due to the way in which non-human animals are treated in these conditions. First, I will argue that it is morally wrong to cause unnecessary harms to sentient beings. Then, I demonstrate ways in which the factory farming industry causes unnecessary harms to sentient beings. Finally, I will arise at the conclusion that humans have moral obligations to refrain from consuming factory farmed goods.
The Pigg Site: A Preliminary Detailed Architectural Analysis at a Room Block Level
This research examines two levels of architectural analysis based on stone-to-mortar ratio comparisons. Detailed architectural documentation from the Pigg Site near Lowry Ruin in Eastern Colorado was used to address two main research questions: 1. Is there a statistically significant difference between the separate building sequences of room block 1 at the Pigg site based on stone-to-mortar area comparisons? 2. Is there as statistically significant difference between the interior and exterior of the walls in the same room block based on stone-to-mortar area comparisons? These two questions are addressed as well as the general history of architectural analysis in the Southwest and the overall implications of detailed architectural analysis and comparisons in understanding larger theoretical questions regarding prehistoric political, economic, religious, and social structures and interactions between Chaco Canyon, Chacoan great houses, and associated pueblo sites.
The Policies of La Plata Electric Association and Tri State Generation & Transmission: Hindering Solar Energy Production
The policies of the La Plata Electric Association and the Tri State Generation & Transmission Association limit the production of solar electricity within La Plata County, Colorado. As federal interventions have proven unproductive, intensified regional and state initiatives must be adopted to increase solar energy production. Colorado's Renewable Portfolio Standards demand incremental percentage increases of green energy distribution. LPEA's cooperative equity funds have been increasing while National Rural Electric Cooperative Association statutes have been ignored leading to a surplus of dormant funds available for solar projects and "education of cooperation." A shallow state compliance curve in Amendment 37, Tri State's low allowance of green energy production at LPEA's level, and the failure of LPEA to educate its members of cooperative business have stymied solar energy production and perpetuated environmental degradation.
The Political Ecology Of Cultural Revitalization: A Tribal Economic Policy Analysis Of Outdoor Recreation And Ecological Restoration For The Southern Ute Tribe
Native Americans are the original land stewards of North America. Historical devastation brought on by colonization had major impacts on Indigenous communities, like the Southern Ute tribe in Southwestern Colorado, creating issues which linger unresolved to this day. Attempts were made to disconnect the Southern Utes from their traditional homelands, restricting them to reservations, and subjecting them to assimilation policies meant to eliminate their language, culture, and traditional economics. Actively recreating connections to landscapes, through language and culture, by developing analog modern economies provides opportunities for resolution. Often, chronic underfunding of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal programs hinders adaptation of innovative approaches to address social, ecological, or economic issues. I propose that to achieve the goals of cultural revitalization and resiliency, the Southern Ute (or Tri-Ute intertribal collaboration) develop a demonstration project for outdoor recreation under 25 U.S. Code § 4305 - Intertribal tourism demonstration projects. Under available Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants for tribal adaptations to climate change the Southern Ute could initiate environmental restoration business cooperative ventures that tie together private and federal contracting for ecological restoration planning and implementation incorporating experiential cultural teachings. The path to economic stability, social equity, and dignity depends on the recognition of human interdependence with the ecological community. A new generation of Southern Ute educated in the sciences, natural resource management, and cooperative business skills will be able to relate their traditional teachings, language, and values to landscape stewardship strategies. This approach compliments oil and gas development and gaming in current economic development strategies. Federal mitigation polices use the landscape-scale approach in management decisions allowing tribes to collaborate across private and federal land management agencies required to consult with tribes. Synergizing tribal policy to the indigenous Human-in-Ecosystem framework with the landscape-scale approach to land management encourages ecological and cultural resiliency. This benefits tribes, helping to address climate change challenges in the ecological community, while providing benefits to the broader American society.
The Political Ecology Of Cultural Revitalization: A Tribal Economic Policy Analysis Of Outdoor Recreation And Ecological Restoration For The Southern Ute Tribe
Keywords: Outdoor Education, Ecology, Natural Resources, public policy, Native American, Indigenous Studies, Indians of North America, natural environments, Restoration Ecology, Habitat Conservation, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Protection, Ecosystems Native Americans are the original land stewards of North America. Historical devastation brought on by colonization had major impacts on Indigenous communities, like the Southern Ute tribe in Southwestern Colorado, creating issues which linger unresolved to this day. Attempts were made to disconnect the Southern Utes from their traditional homelands, restricting them to reservations, and subjecting them to assimilation policies meant to eliminate their language, culture, and traditional economics. Actively recreating connections to landscapes, through language and culture, by developing analog modern economies provides opportunities for resolution. Often, chronic underfunding of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and tribal programs hinders adaptation of innovative approaches to address social, ecological, or economic issues. I propose that to achieve the goals of cultural revitalization and resiliency, the Southern Ute (or Tri-Ute intertribal collaboration) develop a demonstration project for outdoor recreation under 25 U.S. Code § 4305 - Intertribal tourism demonstration projects. Under available Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants for tribal adaptations to climate change the Southern Ute could initiate environmental restoration business cooperative ventures that tie together private and federal contracting for ecological restoration planning and implementation incorporating experiential cultural teachings. The path to economic stability, social equity, and dignity depends on the recognition of human interdependence with the ecological community. A new generation of Southern Ute educated in the sciences, natural resource management, and cooperative business skills will be able to relate their traditional teachings, language, and values to landscape stewardship strategies. This approach compliments oil and gas development and gaming in current economic development strategies. Federal mitigation polices use the landscape-scale approach in management decisions allowing tribes to collaborate across private and federal land management agencies required to consult with tribes. Synergizing tribal policy to the indigenous Human-in-Ecosystem framework with the landscape-scale approach to land management encourages ecological and cultural resiliency. This benefits tribes, helping to address climate change challenges in the ecological community, while providing benefits to the broader American society.
The Political Ecology of Cultural Revitalization: A Tribal Economic Policy Analysis for Outdoor Recreation & Ecological Restoration
Native Americans are the original land stewards of North America. Historical devastation brought on by colonization had major impacts on indigenous communities, creating issues which linger to this day. Attempts were made to disconnect tribes from their traditional homelands, restricting them to reservations and subjecting them to assimilation policies meant to eliminate their language, culture, and traditional economies. Actively recreating connections to landscapes, through language and culture, by developing analog modern economies provides opportunities for resolution. Structural hindrances exist in chronic underfunding of both BIA and tribal programs. This complex situation inhibits the ability for governing structures to adapt innovative approaches to address social, ecological, or economic issues. I propose that to achieve the goal of cultural revitalization, we develop a Southern Ute tribal (or Tri-Ute intertribal) demonstration project for outdoor recreation and environmental restoration based on the human-in-ecosystem approach to socio-ecological resilience under 25 U.S. Code § 4305 - Intertribal tourism demonstration projects. The path to economic stability, social equity, and dignity depends on the recognition of human interdependence with the ecological community. A new generation educated in the sciences, natural resource management, and cooperative business skills will relate their traditional teachings, language, and values to landscape stewardship strategies. This will facilitate cultural revitalization and economic rejuvenation complimenting oil and gas development and gaming in current economic development strategies. Combining cultural knowledge with skills for natural resource management, tribes can collaborate with private and federal land management agencies. Federal mitigation policies now use a landscape-scale approach in management decisions. Synergizing the indigenous human-in-ecosystem approach to socio-economic development with the landscape-scale approach to land management will encourage ecological and cultural resiliency. This benefits tribes by helping to address climate change challenges in the ecological community while providing benefits to the broader American society.
The Potential Effects of Off-Highway Vehicle Usage in the San Juan National Forest, Colorado
In recent decades Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) usage has seen a significant increase on public lands. Management agencies are experiencing difficulty finding strategies to properly manage this recreation. This study is an analysis of literature based on OHV usage within the San Juan National Forest (SJNF), Colorado and its potential impacts on three main factors: environmental, social, and economic. Current land management policies were also studied, in addition to a look at the Hermosa Creek land policy, within the SJNF. Many significant themes were found throughout the review. Due to lack of data on environmental effects of OHV's within the SJNF specifically, data was reviewed on effects in forests nationwide. Environmental effects included: soil compaction, increased erosion, vegetation damage, wildlife mortality and displacement, and air/noise pollution. Results for social impacts indicate issues between motorized and non-motorized users, with the latter reporting the most conflict. Economic studies were difficult to find, but based on a study for the state of Colorado it was estimated that OHV's contributed over $700 million in related expenditures during one season. It was also estimated that for the fiscal year of 2001 the SJNF had an economic output of $5.1 million in regards to OHV. When current management policies were reviewed, it was found that the Forest Service (USFS) is aware of the many factors of OHV recreation and has policies attempting to address them. The issue, though, is creating policy that affects the greatest number for the greatest good, which is where much of the user conflict comes from. In addition to this the USFS does not have the funding to fully address the issues at hand. However, the recent policy change in the Hermosa Creek area is a great example of the direction land management could go, since many users came together to suggest designation for the area. It was concluded that completely disallowing motorized recreation is not very feasible; therefore, small steps should be taken in addressing these issues. Land management agencies should also use the Hermosa Creek example as a positive direction for land policy. Finally, one of the best things the USFS can do is educate the public through personal interactions and increased signage, to help users have an understanding and respect for others, usage policies, and especially the surrounding environment.
The Potential Impact of Bark Beetles on Colorado Ski Areas
Colorado is the leading ski state in North America and the industry generates approximately $4.8 billion in annual revenue within the state (Colorado Ski Country USA 2015). Ski areas are responsible for significant portions of the state's tourism and recreation sector, supporting more than 46,000 workers throughout the state (Colorado Ski Country USA 2015). If the ski resorts were to suffer from a beetle infestation, such economic loss would have a rippling effect across the state's economy, where the tourism and recreation sectors would likely suffer great losses. In Colorado, bark beetles are leaving a visual mark on the landscape as they devastate large areas of forests, specifically ponderosa and lodgepole pine trees. While the sight of so many dead trees can be dramatic, the beetles responsible for such a high number of tree mortalities are actually a native species to this area (National Forest Service 2015). The same species of beetles have been shaping the forests of North America for thousands of years; this time however, climatic conditions are now in favor of successful beetle populations which are occurring in epidemic proportions ([NPS] National Park Service 2016). Since beetle kill areas are currently encroaching on ski areas throughout Colorado, this may have a serious impact on how ski areas will look in the future. Without these trees, there may be no more tree runs, trees to retain the snow on steep slopes, and also to provide a wind buffer. These effects of tree loss are likely to have a dramatic impact on the quality and the amount of runs that a resort is able to maintain and offer visitors. The study sites for this project are the four ski resorts that were determined to be the closest to current beetle kill areas based on GIS analysis of aerial survey data that was gathered during the years 2010 to 2015 by the United States Forest Service. The four sites are Breckenridge Ski Resort, Monarch Mountain, Snowmass, and Wolf Creek Ski Area. These areas were evaluated for their size of susceptible forest stand, slopes that may be reliant on the current tree cover, and vicinity to beetle kill areas.

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