There has been limited research on the characteristics inside the nonprofit (NP) boardroom. Much of the prescriptive NP governance literature is based on for-profit (FP) assumptions. Following a contingency approach, this multiple case-study of two Alberta organizations looks into the NP boardroom to observe the board characteristics alongside organizational and environmental contexts as proposed in a framework by Bradshaw (2009). To build on the proposed framework, this study also explored the combination of internal and external social capital. Using a pattern-matching analysis, support was found for the theorized board characteristic and social capital propositions. While limited by the cross-sectional and exploratory nature, the findings support future research. Future studies can explore the implications of such characteristics and contingencies on board effectiveness and organizational performance. / ix, 95 leaves ; 29 cm

The multiple-forward-mode (MFM) inversion procedure is a set of methods for indirect canopy relectance model inversion using look-up tables (LUT). This thesis refines the MFM technique with regard to: 1) model parameterization for the MFM canopy reflectance model executions and 2) methods for limiting or describing multiple solutions. Forest stand structure estimates from the inversion were evaluated using 40 field validation sites in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Estimates of horizontal and vertical crown radius were within 0.5m and 0.9m RMSE for both conifer and deciduous species. Density estimates were within 590 stems/ha RMSE for conifer and 310 stems/ha RMSE for deciduous. The most effective inversion method used a variable spectral domain with constrained, fine increment LUTs. A biomass estimation method was also developed using empirical relationships with crown area. Biomass density estimates using the MFM method were similar to estimates produced using other multispectral analysis methods (RMSE=50t/ha). / xvi, 156 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps ; 29 cm.

This study investigated the influence of geomorphic context and flow regulation on cottonwood (Populus) age structure, stand size, recruitment rates, and annual radial growth patterns along the Oldman River in southern Alberta. Dendrochronological techniques were used to age trees, establish population structures, and measure annual radial growth on three reaches in differing geomorphic contexts. Cottonwoods within a narrow, 'constrained' reach were more negatively impacted by partial dewatering of the river, but responded more favorably to increased late-summer flows combined with suitable recruitment conditions than the trees within a wide, 'alluvial' reach. A positive linear relationship between early-summer peak discharge and annual radial growth was found only on the alluvial reach. However, these trees also had the slowest growth rates, likely due to competition between trees because alluvial reaches often support large, dense stands of cottonwoods. This study demonstrates the need to consider the geomorphic context when studying cottonwood responses to river regulation. / xvi, 141 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

On 14 February 1933, the citizens of Blairmore, Alberta, elected a Communist town council; this so-called Red administration remained in power until 1936. Best known for their seemingly outrageous actions, the council exists within current historiography as either the result of protracted depression or an example of the success experienced by the Communist Party of Canada during this period. This thesis will challenge both arguments, demonstrating that a series of social, economic, and political experiences resulted in the election of known Communists being socially permissible by 1933. It will be demonstrated that the agenda of council was not strictly “Communist,” rather it represented a balance between radical and populist programs, thus enabling council to challenge capitalist society while providing a practical response to the local effects of the Depression. The deterioration of this balance by 1936, coupled with a series of scandals, was resultant in the council’s electoral downfall. / vii, 161 leaves ; 29 cm.

Bull trout are a species of fish native to the coldwater mountain streams of Alberta. Because this species is of special conservation concern and displays finely dissected population structure, it is well suited as a model species to test the utility of versatile conservation genetics tools. One such tool, a genetic clustering method, was used to discern the hierarchical population structure of bull trout in the core of their range in South-West Alberta. The method also revealed patterns of gene flow by way of assignment tests. Populations defined by this method were then used as reference populations for mixed-migrant assignment tests, revealing that clustering method-defined populations may be more suitable for such tests rather than traditional approaches that define reference populations by sampling location. Combined with spatial data a posteriori, assignment tests had additional utility of discerning spatial scale of movement for juvenile and adult salmonids. This technique provided further evidence that assignment tests may be powerful indirect tools for evaluating migration, and that longrange inter-stream dispersal in juvenile salmonid fish may be more common than previously assumed. / xi, 174 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

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