Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 1 May 2005 to 2 May 2005 (#2005-112)
There are 12 messages totalling 632 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Local Resource Exploitation (LRE)
2. Field Assistants Needed - PERU
3. M.S. Research Assistantship
4. summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters (4)
5. Snake Bites and Field Work
6. Plant ecology/Wildlife habitat field research assistants
7. Tensas River NWR and IBWO's
8. grad student assistantships at the University of Vermont
9. Seed Collection Job
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 12:48:44 +0000
From: Markus Dyck <markus_dyck@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Local Resource Exploitation (LRE)
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV class=RTE>Hi All
</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>I sent a request out about a month ago inquiring whethe
some of you were familiar with the local resource exploitation co
cept, and in particular as it could relate to harvesting a species, and hunt
rs need to travel farther to obtain their game. I received only one response
which led me to a gov't organization, and in the end, no further info. Sorr
to ask for your input again, but is this LRE a common concept? Has it been
ocumented in scientific literature, and in what context? If any of you could
name a few citations on that topic, that would be great.</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE> </DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Thanks again for your patience, and efforts.</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Markus</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE> </DIV>
<DIV class=RTE> </DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Markus Dyck</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Instructor</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Envtl. Tech. Progr.</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Nunavut Arctic College</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0</DIV>
<DIV class=RTE>mdyck@nac.nu.ca</DIV></div></html>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 00:08:05 -0500
From: "C. E. Timothy Paine" <cpaine3@LSU.EDU>
Subject: Field Assistants Needed - PERU
Needed:
Two assistants for projects evaluating ecological mechanisms of plant
species coexistence in Manu National Park, Peru.
I take an experimental approach to understand the relative importance
of the ecological forces acting to maintain the diversity of a tropical
rainforest. I primarily work with seeds and seedlings, as they are more
amenable to manipulation than are canopy trees. I have several
projects underway in Peru which will form the core of my dissertation.
The ideal candidate would have the following attributes: a strong
interest in tropical ecology or botany, field research experience,
acceptance of remote, rustic conditions, proficiency in Spanish, and
intellectual and financial independence
Positions available June ^Ö July 2005 and January ^Ö March 2006
Responsibilities may include
^Õ Seedling censuses
^Õ Canopy Photos
^Õ Soil moisture
^Õ Problem solving
Further information is available at:
duke.edu/~manu/
and
biology.lsu.edu/labpages/harmslab/tim/index.html
Email me your CV and contact information for three resources if you're
interested
cheers-
tim
_____________________
C. E. Timothy Paine
Dept. of Biological Sciences
107 Life Sciences Building
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
225-578-7567
cpaine3@lsu.edu
300+ species of rainforest plants online-
www.biology.lsu.edu/labpages/harmslab/tim/guide
______________________
C. E. Timothy Paine
Dept. of Biological Sciences
107 Life Sciences Building
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
225-578-7567
cpaine3@lsu.edu
www.biology.lsu.edu/labpages/harmslab/tim
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 09:11:02 -0400
From: "Dale E. Gawlik" <dgawlik@FAU.EDU>
Subject: M.S. Research Assistantship
M.S. Research Assistantship in avian ecology. Project involves quantifying
resource use patterns of white ibises and great egrets in the Everglades.
Candidate will join a lab that is focused on understanding how prey
availability constrains wading bird reproduction in South Florida.
Candidate will be exposed to a multidisciplinary research program as well as
the application of science into one of the nation^Òs most comprehensive
ecosystem restoration projects. Candidate should have a background in avian
ecology, wildlife science, or related field. Experience with
radio-telemetry is desirable. Start date is either August 2005 or January
2006. Graduate stipend is $12,000/year with tuition waiver. Position will
remain open until filled. Send via email, a CV, pdf of transcripts, names
and contact information for 3 references, and a letter of interest to: Dr.
Dale E. Gawlik, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991. dgawlik@fau.edu, 561-297-3333.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 10:47:59 -0400
From: Mike Fuller <mmfuller@TIEM.UTK.EDU>
Subject: Re: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
Just out of curiosity, has anyone who responded about snake-proof
gaiters ever actually had a snake strike (and bite) their lower leg?
I've spent many long hours in the field in both temperate and tropic
zones, and while I've encountered (and captured) many pit vipers, not
once have I been surprised by a striking snake. I wonder whether snake
gaitors aren't more for peace of mind than to fill a real need.
Opinions?
Mike
______________________
Michael M. Fuller, Ph.D.
1416 Circle Drive, Dabney Hall 569
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996
Email: mmfuller@tiem.utk.edu
http://www.tiem.utk.edu/~mmfuller
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 11:29:53 -0400
From: Al Kinlaw <akinlaw@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
I would be interested also in responses to Mike Fuller's post below, and
thanks to Jim Kellner for providing responses to his original question.
I've reached the point in my field work that I also think the snake apparel
is just for my peace of mind. I trap at tortoise burrows in Florida, in the
sandhills where Eastern Diamondbacks hang out. I stick loud noise vacuums
down the burrows, guaranteed to send out an angry snake. I walk thru the
scrub and sandhill vegetation, in many situations where you can't see below
your knees. Never had a strike, or if I did, didn't know it. I tried the
stiff snake gaiters, with the fiberglass inside, too hot and difficult to
move; went to the nylon snake chaps. Not as hot, but too hot to wear during
the Florida summer. So yes, I would be interested in knowing how often
people, especially in Florida, have had strikes while moving thru the
vegetation.
Al Kinlaw
Wildlife Dept.
Univ. Florida
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Fuller" <mmfuller@TIEM.UTK.EDU>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2005 10:47 AM
Subject: Re: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
> Just out of curiosity, has anyone who responded about snake-proof
> gaiters ever actually had a snake strike (and bite) their lower leg?
> I've spent many long hours in the field in both temperate and tropic
> zones, and while I've encountered (and captured) many pit vipers, not
> once have I been surprised by a striking snake. I wonder whether snake
> gaitors aren't more for peace of mind than to fill a real need.
> Opinions?
> Mike
> ______________________
> Michael M. Fuller, Ph.D.
> 1416 Circle Drive, Dabney Hall 569
> Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
> University of Tennessee
> Knoxville, TN 37996
> Email: mmfuller@tiem.utk.edu
> http://www.tiem.utk.edu/~mmfuller
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 11:15:55 -0400
From: "J. Michael Nolan" <mnolan@RAINFORESTANDREEF.ORG>
Subject: Re: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
i don't have a reference for you, but i have read that ~50 people a year
die in costa rica from B. atrox (fer-de-lance) bites. most of these
people are bushwacking. in the u.s. ~12 people die each year from snake
bites. most being bitten in remote areas, backpacking, etc. where there
just is no immediate first aid available. i did read a paper done by
surveying anthroplogists working in latin america and, while many people
think the fer-de-lance bite is fatal to all, the study found that "only"
10% of the victims represented actually died. i came w/i 1 step of
stepping on a very large fer-de-lance on a stream bed in corcovado np in
costa rica during a very dry period. i was a long way away from any
help. so, yes i for one would say that someone in the field on a regular
basis might want to consider snake chaps.
mike nolan
--
Call weekdays, evenings and weekends.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Nolan, Director
If you plan on attending any of the following conventions, please stop by ou
booth and say hello:
American Association for Arboreta and Botanical Gardens (AABGA)
national convention, Chicago, IL, Jun 29-Jul 2, 05
Ecological Society of America (ESA) national convention, Montreal,
Canada, Aug 7-12, 05
National Association of Biology Teaches (NABT) national convention, Milwauke
, WI Oct 5-8, 05
Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) state convention, El
enville, NY, Nov 6-8, 05
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) national conve
tion, Baltimore, MD, Nov 18-20, 05
*********************************************************************
"Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology"
Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit
P.O. Box 141543
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49514-1543 USA
Phone: 1-616-828-4551 or 1-616-837-6468
Fax: 1-616-837-6468
Toll Free: 1-877-255-3721 or 1-877-769-3086
Cell Phone: 1-616-835-7388
Live Chat MSN Messenger E-mail: mnolan_1@hotmail.com
E-mail: mnolan@rainforestandreef.org or info@rainforestandreef.org
Web: www.rainforestandreef.org/site is presently being updated
*********************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 11:44:16 -0400
From: Mike Fuller <mmfuller@TIEM.UTK.EDU>
Subject: Snake Bites and Field Work
Considering the volume of email I'm receiving only minutes after
posting, there are a lot of people out there working around venomous
snakes.! It will be interesting to see how many people have been
struck, under what circumstances, and on what body part. So keep 'em
coming and I will post a summary of the results!
But may I suggest that instead of clogging up Ecolog-L with responses,
PLEASE SEND ALL RESPONSES DIRECTLY TO ME AT:
mmfuller@tiem.utk.edu
Cheers,
Mike
______________________
Michael M. Fuller, Ph.D.
1416 Circle Drive, Dabney Hall 569
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996
Email: mmfuller@tiem.utk.edu
http://www.tiem.utk.edu/~mmfuller
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 10:14:40 -0600
From: Cindy Salo <csalo@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Plant ecology/Wildlife habitat field research assistants
Plant ecology/Wildlife habitat field research assistant jobs
Closing date: 12 May 2005
Join our field crew, May 31 to August 31, 2005, and spend the summer on the
Sagebrush Sea, investigating the effects of vegetation manipulations on
plant communities in the Intermountain West. This project is based at the
U.S. Geological Surveyâ^À^Ùs Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
(FRESC), which provides research and technical assistance for sound
management and conservation of biological systems in the western U.S.
Incumbents will be based at FRESCâ^À^Ùs Snake River Field Station in Boise,
D
and will work in ID, NV, and/or WY.
These will be GS-6 positions, paying $14.72/hr, plus $15/day per diem while
traveling and camping. To qualify for a GG-6 you need 1 year and 9 months
of field survey party experience OR 4 years of subprofessional work
experience OR 4 years of college with courses related to the work of the
position to be filled (equivalent to 120 semester/180 quarter hrs) plus 3
months of lab or field work experience. Subprofessional experience
consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory
or similar environment. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed
education and experience are qualifying.
Jobs will involve camping 16 to 20 days/month; working long hours in cold,
hot, wet, windy, and dry weather; driving on faint, rough, poorly marked,
rocky, dusty, and muddy roads; navigating with GPS units and poor maps;
staying safe in remote areas by using caution and good judgment; accurately
collecting and recording large amounts of data; identifying plants in all
stages of growth from seedlings to senescent stalks; and taking many
digital photos.
These jobs will also involve working in remote and beautiful areas, camping
under the stars, seeing the sunset and the moon rise, experiencing dawn
over the arid West each day, hearing coyotes sing at dusk, and seeing
pronghorn antelope race and Harrier hawks dance over the Sagebrush Sea.
Work hours will vary during employment. The incumbent may work long hours,
beginning early in the morning and ending late at night. S/he may also be
periodically becalmed due to inclement weather, plant phenology, vehicle
maintenance, or programmatic reasons. The work will involve long hours
spent standing, bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion.
The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds.
The preferred candidate will have knowledge of plant identification in the
Great Basin and experience camping and conducting field research, including
using dichotomous keys, GPS units, and vegetation transects. Equally
important are the ability to work independently with a minimum of
supervision, make sensible decisions, play well with others, appreciate the
beauty of the Sagebrush Sea, treat the field vehicles and equipment gently,
and work and travel safely.
The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will
be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to
race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin,
non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other
non-merit factors. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to
applicants with disabilities. The USGS is a fine place to work.
You MUST apply for this job through the Idaho Commerce and Labor web site
(http://cl.idaho.gov/portal/). You will need to register on the web site,
then apply for job # ID 1147105and submit letter of interest, CV/resume
(including starting and ending dates of each job and number of hours worked
per week for each job -- this is ***VERY*** important. Your qualifications
cannot be evaluated without this information), plus names and contact
information of people familiar with your talents and abilities by email,
fax, or snail mail. College transcript must also be included with
applications; unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Question? contact
either Cindy Salo or Rhonda Dart:
Cindy Salo Rhonda Dart
USGS Snake River Field Station USGS Snake River
Field Station
970 Lusk St. 970 Lusk St.
Boise, ID 83706 Boise, ID 83706
Phone 208-426-2893 Phone 208-426-5207
cindy_salo@usgs.gov rhonda_dart@usgs.gov
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cindy Salo, Ecologist Phone: 208-426-2893
USGS Snake River Field Station Fax: 208-426-5210
970 Lusk St. Boise ID 83706 Cell: 208-850-3313
Email: cindy_salo@usgs.gov
Web Page: http://fresc.usgs.gov/staff/profile.asp?Emp_ID=462
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 10:59:22 -0500
From: Scott Somershoe <ssomershoe@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Tensas River NWR and IBWO's
With all the Ivory-billed and forestry talk, I figured I'd pipe in. I work
for the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center at a field station in
Vicksburg, MS (yes Patuxent exists outside MD). My supervisor and I do a
lot of banding and bird surveys at the Tensas River NWR (the old singer
tract). It is currently about 60,000 acres of second growth bottomlands
with 24,000 acres of reforestation in and around the refuge (on public and
private property). It is also abutted on the south end by I think it is
19,000 acres of a state managment area which is essentially a continuation
of Tensas. It wasn't all clearcut by the Chicago Mill and Lumber Co (as
said in rpevious emails), but they did do a doozy on it. I've stomped all
over that place and there are some really great trees (huge ones) that
survived the onslaught (plus some huge cypress stumps, well the outer edges
that remained after cutting). Just before the refuge was founded, the
whole area was slated to be clearcut and farmed, but local folks got
congress involved, etc and somehow had the area saved. I've heard stories
from the local folks who were involved from the beginning and I know how
very close is was to being lost to the cotton field. The stories are very
moving and it is incredible the passion these guys have for their land.
Having spent a few years working there has made me become very close to the
land too. Clearly it isn't pristine now with some areas being harvested,
etc, but some uncut areas (last cut since ~50 years ago) make you feel as
if you are miles from a road or cottonfield and that an Ivory-billed could
go flying by (yet to see the later of course).
Tensas rebounded and is a gorgeous bottomland hardwood forest with almost
completely native woody species (some chinese privet along some areas near
ag edges) otherwise it is all native woody vegetation and supports some of
the highest densities of breeding birds I've found anywhere (which is what
I'm working on). Anyway, there are still old signs from the Chicago Mill
and Lumber Co scattered around and they still own land around there.
Actually over the next few years, 12,000 acres or so are being reforested
and turned over to the gov't. In 60 years or so, that place is going to be
even better. The foresters have done a great job of selectively harvesting
trees, leaving dead and dying trees, leaving numerous large trees, etc and
actually only removing about 20% of the canopy (general reducing basal area
NOT with a diameter limit cut), which in 5-6 years produces superb habitat
for Swainson's warblers and other high priority species (but makes is
horrible to walk thru), plus the numerous bears. They could do things a
little different, but they are doing a great job of managing timber, game
and nongame animals, which makes loggers, birders and hunters happy. The
partnership between the FWS and USGS has really benefitted this area and
numerous other public lands.
Scott Somershoe
Avian ecologist
U.S.G.S.-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
2524 S. Frontage Rd.
Vicksburg, MS 39180
601-629-6628 (o)
601-868-0101 (h)
601-636-9541 (fax)
http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/somershoe.htm
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 11:41:48 -0400
From: Jane Molofsky <jmolofsk@UVM.EDU>
Subject: grad student assistantships at the University of Vermont
I am seeking graduate students interested in the general research areas of p
ant
population and community ecology to join my lab in September 2005. Research
in
the lab includes both theoretical and experimental plant population and
communiy ecology. Students whose interests include the evolution of invasiv
ability, and the role of spatial processes in maintaining diversity are
especially encouraged to apply. Graduate stipends, which are guaranteed for
the entire length of your PhD are $21,500 per year and includes health
insurance coverage.
Interested students are asked to submit a CV, a copy of academic transcript
and contact information for three references to Jane.Molofsky@uvm.edu.
Jane Molofsky, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Botany
University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Phone:802-656-0430
Fax :802-6560440
Email: Jane.Molofsky@uvm.edu
--
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 10:08:36 -0700
From: Mark Frey <runcator@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Seed Collection Job
Below is a job announcment for a botany position in
San Francisco.
Propagule Collection Manager
Presidio Native Plant Nursery
Overview
The Presidio of San Francisco Native Plant Nursery
produces native plants from locally collected
propagules for habitat restoration projects in this
portion of the beautiful Golden Gate National
Recreation Area and offers vibrant educational and
volunteer programs. The nursery operates as a
partnership between the Golden Gate National Parks
Conservancy, National Park Service (NPS) and the
Presidio Trust.
Position Overview:
The seed collection manager reports to the Program
Director for Nurseries and manages all propagule
collection, processing and storage for restoration of
300 acres on the Presidio, covering over 200 different
species of plants native to the San Francisco
peninsula. This key position is part of the
integrated management team at the native plant nursery
and works closely with the Production manager and
Education and Volunteer manager. This position also
requires management of interns and volunteers, and is
responsible for leading trainings. All work is done
in coordination with the Presidio Trust Park Resources
department and NPS Natural Resources staff.
Responsibilities:
^ÄX Manage collection, cleaning, processing, storage,
and inventory of over 200 species of plant seeds;
record all work in park database.
^ÄX Maintain concise collection calendar and seed per
gram count data, coordinating with Production manager
and/or nursery assistant to meet goals.
^ÄX Schedule all collection activities, including
volunteer help and special groups, needed to fulfill
production goals. Plan, set-up and supervise groups
and individual volunteers.
^ÄX Train and manage interns and volunteers in all
aspects of propagule collection, cleaning, processing,
storage, and inventory.
^ÄX Coordinate with the Education and Volunteer Manager
in all matters relating to facility maintenance and
improvements.
^ÄX Coordinate with peers in the National Park Service
and Presidio Trust on issues relating to rare plant
management, vegetation surveys or species occurrences,
salvage, and special protocols for working in areas
with hazardous waste or conditions.
^ÄX Acknowledge the essential contribution by
volunteers to restoration in the park. Manage
volunteer programs with a commitment to their success.
^ÄX Maintain Presidio Vascular Plant Occurrence
Database including adding new records, managing
locally rare species monitoring, and creating queries.
^ÄX Maintain tools, equipment, and materials used in
collection, cleaning, and storage.
^ÄX Administer maintenance of nursery vehicle in proper
working condition.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
^ÄX Bachelor¡¦s degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology and
at least two years of experience doing fieldwork.
^ÄX Field-based knowledge of the California native
flora. Please describe your experience.
^ÄX Demonstrated ability to use a taxonomic key in
identifying plant species.
^ÄX At least one year of professional experience with
collection and processing of native plant seeds.
^ÄX Experience in supervision and training of employees
in staff management, conflict resolution, and
performance review.
^ÄX Proven track record of reliability and willingness
to take responsibility.
^ÄX Experience using MS Word, Access, and Excel
software.
^ÄX Valid California driver¡¦s license and excellent
driving record.
^ÄX Willingness to work on Saturdays.
^ÄX Practical experience with, and a demonstrated
commitment to, community-based restoration, especially
in supervising volunteers of all ages and diverse
backgrounds.
^ÄX Willingness to work within a collective management
structure, where most decisions are made by consensus.
Compensation/Benefits
Full time position. Salary range $28,000-30,000.
Tuesday through Saturday; generous benefits package.
Continuation of position each year dependent on
funding availability.
Those who meet the minimum qualifications, please
email resumes to:
Byoung@ParksConservancy.org
Betty Young, Program Director, Nurseries
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Resume and cover letter must be received by Friday,
May 13, 2005.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 11:33:33 -0500
From: Robert Hamilton <RHamilto@MC.EDU>
Subject: Re: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
I have never had a snake bite me. My "rule" is to make a lot of noise
when in the field, and it seems to work fine. I work in Mississippi,
Louisiana and Alabama quite a bit, and we have many, many poisonous
snakes in the woods. I have been in these woods thousands of times, and
seen thousands of poisonous snakes, and never been bitten. However,
when I take students into the field, there is a "cover your butt" issue.
Rob Hamilton
"So easy it seemed once found, which yet
unfound most would have thought impossible"
John Milton
________________________________________
Robert G. Hamilton
Department of Biological Sciences
Mississippi College
P.O. Box 4045
200 South Capitol Street
Clinton, MS 39058
Phone: (601) 925-3872
FAX (601) 925-3978
------------------------------------------------------------
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From LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Wed May 4 09:43:15 2005
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 00:00:07 -0400
From: Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Reply-To: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 29 Apr 2005 to 1 May 2005 (#2005-111)
There are 13 messages totalling 1515 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right (2)
2. Volunteer Research in Brazil---Update
3. Summary of responses: Logistics of soil diversity sampling
4. Inspection Trip Peru
5. News: Study Evaluates Effectiveness of River Restoration
6. Does planting trees help with global warming?
7. FW: [Tws-l] Position Announcement: Executive Director TWS
8. summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
9. Feral Cats in California
10. REU in ecosystem C dynamics
11. Mexican collecting permits
12. definition for "overmature forest"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:27:50 -0700
From: Sean Barry <SBarry@ENTRIX.COM>
Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right
David wrote:
>One correction -- the Singer Tract was NOT clear cut. It was selectivel
>logged for years,
Unfortunately, that "selective logging" included a tree that harbored the
last known ivorybill nest (with three eggs that shattered when the tree
fell), and apparently also included all or nearly all of the large sweet
gums that supported the beetle larvae forage for the birds. All but one
of the 4-8 resident birds vanished from the logged tract by 1942, and the
lone remaining female was last seen by the late naturalist-artist Donald
Eckelberry in 1944 (documented in "Discovery: Great Moments in the Lives
of Outstanding Naturalists"). Selectively logged the Singer tract may
have been, but not in a way that favored the ivorybill. It's is good to
know that some of it remains though, perhaps even enough to support an
eventual return of the species to its former haunts in eastern Lousiana.
After yesterday's announcement, suddenly anything is possible.
Sean Barry
Sean Barry
Project Scientist/Herpetologist
ENTRIX, Inc.
7919 Folsom Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 923 1097
http://www.entrix.com
"David M. Lawrence" <dave@FUZZO.COM>
Sent by: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
04/28/2005 11:31 PM AST
Please respond to "David M. Lawrence"
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
cc:
Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right
One correction -- the Singer Tract was NOT clear cut. It was selectively
logged for years, but was one of the largest remaining contiguous tracts
of
bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi Valley in 1980 when the
Carter administration committed to buying a portion of the tract for a
wildlife refuge.
The Reagan administration tried to back out of the agreement, and a
coalition of sportsmen and environmentalists banded together, forcing the
Feds to go through with their planned purchase of 50,000 acres of the
tract.
The state of Louisiana purchased more, and both bought conservation
easements that brought the total protected area to around 85,000 acres of
the original 100,000 acres. The Federal government has added to its
holdings since.
I was a part of the coalition that saved it.
Later,
Dave
------------------------------------------------------
David M. Lawrence | Home: (804) 559-9786
7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787
Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: dave@fuzzo.com
USA | http: http://fuzzo.com
------------------------------------------------------
"We have met the enemy and he is us." -- Pogo
"No trespassing
4/17 of a haiku" -- Richard Brautigan
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Sean Barry
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 1:44 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right
This might be a good time to review some of the salient points of the
classic study of the ivorybill done along the Tensas River of NE Lousiana
by James Tanner in the late 1930's. That population, which consisted of
at least four pairs, was exterminated when the bottomland tract (owned by
the Singer company during Tanner's time) was clear-cut from 1940 through
1942. Until the one announced today, all subsequent "sightings"of
ivorybills within the US are believed to be wishful thinking, primarily
because none has ever been corroborated, on film, by an accepted sound
recording, or even by another person, experienced or not. Tanner, who
without doubt had more experience with living ivorybills than anyone
before or since, made some pretty important points:
--the bird in the ecosystem where Tanner worked was an extreme example of
dietary specialization. It specializes in the giant beetle larvae that
inhabit the wood beneath tightly adhering bark of dying or recently dead
massive hardwoods. As woodpeckers go the ivorybill is enormous and is
capable of scaling large sections of tight bark from living trees. The
bird was (is!) so large that it required lots of forage, and tended to do
most of its feeding on about 1-5% of the largest recently dead or dying
sweet gum trees at Tanner's site. Each pair required several square miles
of suitable forest to provide enough big dying trees.
--trees of the sort required by the birds are most abundant and dense in
virgin ("old growth") forest, although their numbers could be artifically
increased by girdling or flooding (which explains the early 1930's
woodpeckers along the recently dammed Santee River in South Carolina, but
that irruptive population had vanished by the time Tanner started his
work)
--Tanner suggested that second growth in virgin bottomland forests that
had been logged during the 19th century would eventually become suitable
again for ivorybills, with the only caveat being that the birds might
become extinct long before that happened
--Tanner found that in places where the brds were known to occur, they
were pretty easy to find during the winter because the cool temperatures
encouraged extended foraging activity (accompanied by lots of
vocalization) and of course they were easier to find when the leaves were
on the ground
All of this adds up to the possibility that there are a few other birds at
the Arkansas site, which may be as large as 160 square miles. That they
escaped notice for so long (the last authenticated US ivorybill sighting
was in 1943, a lingering female at the Singer tract) is truly remarkable,
given the intense amount of interest in this very distinctive species from
scientists and birders. Arkansas is a little north of most of the
historic records, but was definitely part of the primordial distribution,
and presumably the place where the bird "hung on" is one of those
second-growth forests that has again become suitable, as Tanner predicted.
On the other hand, there may in fact be just a few transient pairs that
visit suboptimal forage sources and move on up and down river when the
forage is depleted, as has also been suggested. If so the possibilities
range all the way from just 1-2 birds remaining resident in one very small
spot (much like the Tensas River population) to several or even "more"
birds that move along the dense bottomland timber and escape notice
because they move constantly (e.g., the Santee River birds). I hope it's
the latter, but even with the incredible discovery of any surviving birds
at all it's hard to be optimistic that it's not the former. Still, this
is the best conservation-related news that I've heard in several decades.
James Tanner did his PhD research on the ivory-billed woodpecker, and to
know that someone else might be able to do something similar in the 21st
century defies probability and the imagination.
Sean Barry
Sean Barry
Project Scientist/Herpetologist
ENTRIX, Inc.
7919 Folsom Blvd., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 923 1097
http://www.entrix.com
Steve Brewer <jbrewer@OLEMISS.EDU>
Sent by: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
04/28/2005 10:01 AM EST
Please respond to Steve Brewer
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
cc:
Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back?
Arvind,
I'm a native of Arkansas and I frequently drive through the White
River and Cache River Refuges (the locations of the sightings) when I
visit my parents in Little Rock. The two refuges are located
end-to-end along the Cache and White Rivers. They are impressive
places with very old bald cypresses, gums, and oaks. I wouldn't be
surprised if together they represented largest contiguous area of
protected bottomland hardwood forest in the United States (though I
don't know that for a fact). This would seem to support the idea that
large protected areas of mature bottomland hardwood forest are
necessary to preserve this species (as many have suggested). There
are comparable areas elsewhere in the SE, including the Pascagoula
River Watershed in SE Mississippi and the Pearl River Watershed in
Louisiana and Mississippi to name just two.
I remain hopeful.
Steve
>Howdy folks,
>
>For those NPR listeners out there, I'm sure plenty of you all will hear
the
>story on this one this morning. If not, here is the link
>http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4622633 I'm just
>curious as to what is next? It would be great to see this bird make a
>recovery in the southeast, habitat pending of course.
>
>Arvind
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <Arcologic@AOL.COM>
>To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
>Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 1:57 AM
>Subject: Does planting trees help with global warming?
>
>
>> Hello, folks,
>>
>> Please give me some guidance on this question--
>>
>> As the Kyoto agreement goes into effect, rules are being establish
d
on
>> how
>> much carbon credits to assign to certain CO2-absorbing strategies.
The
>> credits
>> will be sold to non-complying companies or nations as a way to
indirectly
>> meet emissions goals. A popular strategy is the planting of trees
Some
>> have
>> questioned if planting trees provides any reduction in CO2. The
Sierra
>> Club
>> apparently is taking or will take the position that tree planting
should
>> not be
>> allowed in carbon trading because there is no long-term CO2 absorb
ng
>> benefit.
>> Some other environmental organizations are taking the opposite
position,
>> that
>> tree planting does help to lower atmospheric CO2.
>>
>> I believe this is actually a very complicated question, the benefi
s
>> depending on how permanent the created forest is, what land was ta
en
to
>> create the
>> forest, and if a healthy econsystem is produced. Your views and an
>> references
>> would be appreciated.
>>
>> Ernie Rogers
>>
--
Steve Brewer
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
PO Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
telephone: (662) 915-1077
FAX: (662) 915-5144
e-mail: jbrewer@olemiss.edu
Brewer's Webpage - http://home.olemiss.edu/~jbrewer/
Ole Miss Biology Webpage - http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/biology/index.html
"Behold, Dionaea muscipula! [Venus Fly-Trap], Let us advance to the
spot on which Nature has seated it!" William Bartram
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 16:08:33 -0400
From: "Brian D. Campbell" <jacarebrazil98@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Volunteer Research in Brazil---Update
Dear Ecologgers:
After receiving several responses from my previous post, I realized I had
not indicated the period of the study.
I am in Brazil now, however, the period for which I am looking for
volunteers is from early June through to the end of September. At a
minimum, I am looking for a 4-week commitment (1 month) for practical
purposes (e.g. training, introduction to landowners).
For those wishing further information about the conservation issues and a
similar research program conducted in this region of southern Bahia, see:
www.restauna.org.br.
Hopefully, I´ve pre-empted a few questions.
Cheers;
Brian
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 15:48:59 -0500
From: Cheryl Murphy <murphyc@MAIL.KU.EDU>
Subject: Summary of responses: Logistics of soil diversity sampling
This is a summary of the responses that I recieved to my inquiry last week
about trying to sample and obtain data on soil microbial diversity. Hope th
s
helps anyone who is interested and I want to thank whole-heartedly everyone
who replied - you were very helpful THANKS!
Question 1: How long can one store soil samples in the freezer before runnin
samples for DNA extraction, etc.?
The general consensus was that you can store bulk soil for a long period of
time - months to years. Just as long as they are stored in a deep freeze
freezer (-80C). At warmer temps, they won't keep as long. Also a good thin
to do would be to freeze-dry the samples because it could improve the DNA
extraction.
Question 2: Is it possible to extract the DNA and then store the samples
before running them through PCR? for example. How long could they be stored
Extracted DNA can be stored for very long periods (years in fact), as long a
it is stored in a freezer (-80C or -20C), the colder temps allowing longer
storage. Also, there is a possibility of the liquid in the tubes that you a
e
storing could evaporate with time.
Question 3: Is there a good guide published somewhere about the latest soil
diversity techniques that would be beneficial to have?
Here is a list of the references that people offered:
1. "Counting the Uncountable" Jennifer Hughes and Brendan Bohannan
2. Kirk et al. 2004 Methods of studying soil microbial diversity. J.
Microbiol. Methods 58: 169-188
3. Lynch et al. 2004. Biology and Fertility of Soils 40: 363-385
4. Hill et al. 2000. Applied Soil Ecology 15: 25-36
5. Dobrovol'skaya et al. 2001 Microbiology 70: 119-132
6. Horswell et al. 2002. J. Forensic Sciences 47: 350-353.
7. Grayston et al. 2004. Applied Soil Ecol. 25: 63-84
8. Tiedje et al. 1999. Applied Soil Ecol. 13: 109-122
9. Nee 2003. TREE 18: 62-63
10. Schmis and Pfisterer. 2003. Oikos 100: 620-621
11. Nannipieri et al. 2003. European J. Soil Sci. 54: 655-670
12. Ranjard et al. 2003. Envrionmental Microbiology 5: 1111-1120.
13. Curtis and Sloan. 2004. Current Opinion in Microbiology 7: 221-226
14. Formey et al. 2004 Current Opinion in Microbiology 7: 210-220.
15. Fierer et al. 2003 Soil Biol. Biochemistry 35 (1): 167
16. Fierer et al. 2003 Microbial Ecology 45: 63-71
Question 4: What are your favorite/best techniques in acquiring data about
soil microbial diversity/biomass data? and why?
PFLA: Each phospholipid fatty acid has its own signature corresponding to a
particular group of microorganisms (both bacteria and fungi). Can also give
you info about the relative biomass of the microbial groups represented by
each marker.
Cloning: time consuming but will give you precise information (genus or
species)
TRFLP: Allows the presence of abundance data
Sequencing: Tells you "who" is there and can vary taxonomic focus
Be specific in your questions and goals - this could help determine which
methods would be most appropriate
The technique used depends on the question being asked.
Biomass data will give you general info on the microbial pool
Cultivation: (in petri dish/BIOLOG assays) giving you info on only the
cultivable microorganisms
DGGE and TRFLP: can analyze a lot more samples than cloning but generally gi
e
less precise information concerning the ID of each and every microorganism,
t
gives you a group belonging. One who was working with DGGE found that they
were having a difficult time getting sequences back from the excised gel
bands. They are now using cloning and using DGGE to screen the clones.
ARISA and TRFLP: can be accomplished through a sequencing facility
Here are some other comments that were sent my way:
DNA extractions kits: FastSpin DNA from QBiogene - works really well at
removing PCR inhibitors, but does shear the DNA quite a bit.
Recent submission on measuring soil invertebrate diversity:
http://tiee.ecoed.net/vol/v3/experiments/soil/abstract/html
Website:
http://www.fao.org/AG/AGL/agll/soilbiod/docs/manual-soil%20bioassessment.pdf
DNA extraction kits: MoBio www.mobio.com
Again, thank to all who responded!
Cheryl Murphy
PhD Student
Dept. Ecol. Evol. Biol.
University of Kansas
785-864-4361
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 07:35:16 -0400
From: "J. Michael Nolan" <mnolan@RAINFORESTANDREEF.ORG>
Subject: Inspection Trip Peru
List Members.....
Our partner in Peru is offering an inspection trip to the Tahuayo Lodge
in the upper Amazon basin of Peru. Dates are Aug 1-8. Ground cost is
100.00 pp to cover the cost for transfer upstream on the Amazon River
and the upstream on the Tahuayo River. This Lodge is the only site out
of Iquitos, Peru that offers access to the 800,000 acre (and growing)
Tamshiyacu-Tahuayo Reserve. The Reserve boasts 15 species of primates,
more than any protected area in the world. More information regarding
the Reserve and activities during the week are available upon request.
Not included are international airfare and domestic round-trip air
Lima-Iquitos-Lima. Should you bring a group of 10 or more to the Lodge
at sometime in the future, international air for the inspection trip
will be reimbursed to you.
Questions should be directed to me at: mnolan@rainforestandreef.org or
by calling toll-free at 1-877-769-3086.
Group size is limited to 20 people.
Similar inspection trips are available for potential group leaders to
other sites that we offer, including Galapagos.
Thank you.
Mike Nolan
--
Call weekdays, evenings and weekends.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Nolan, Director
If you plan on attending any of the following conventions, please stop by ou
booth and say hello:
American Association for Arboreta and Botanical Gardens (AABGA)
national convention, Chicago, IL, Jun 29-Jul 2, 05
Ecological Society of America (ESA) national convention, Montreal,
Canada, Aug 7-12, 05
National Association of Biology Teaches (NABT) national convention, Milwauke
, WI Oct 5-8, 05
Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS) state convention, El
enville, NY, Nov 6-8, 05
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) national conve
tion, Baltimore, MD, Nov 18-20, 05
*********************************************************************
"Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology"
Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit
P.O. Box 141543
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49514-1543 USA
Phone: 1-616-828-4551 or 1-616-837-6468
Fax: 1-616-837-6468
Toll Free: 1-877-255-3721 or 1-877-769-3086
Cell Phone: 1-616-835-7388
Live Chat MSN Messenger E-mail: mnolan_1@hotmail.com
E-mail: mnolan@rainforestandreef.org or info@rainforestandreef.org
Web: www.rainforestandreef.org/site is presently being updated
*********************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 15:00:57 -0700
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: Study Evaluates Effectiveness of River Restoration
[An abstract of the published research on which the following news stories a
e based is appended at the very end.
A National Public Radio segment on the topic, which presents two key points-
hat we need to pay more attention to lesson learning, and that funding for o
-going monitoring is woefully inadequate-can be accessed at:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4624292]
* * *
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-04/ar-rrf042505.php
Public release date: 28-Apr-2005
American Rivers
River restoration field booms, matures
Science article details trends in river restoration
(Washington, D.C.) A group of leading river scientists published a paper in
he journal Science today, presenting first-of-its-kind research on the state
of river restoration in the United States. Following on the heels of a relat
d article published in the Journal of Applied Ecology that describes the fiv
fundamental standards for ecologically sustainable river restoration, the p
pers document the maturing effort to reverse rising pollution levels and dec
ining ecological health of rivers in the United States and around the world.
"River restoration is evolving from an art into a science. A critical first
tep in this evolution has been to document what is being done in the name of
river restoration." said Dr. Emily Bernhardt the lead author of the Science
aper by a team of 25 scientists that created the nation's first comprehensiv
database of river and stream restoration projects.
Project records were obtained by a dedicated team of graduate student resear
hers led by University of Maryland Professor Margaret Palmer and Post-doctor
l researcher, Emily Bernhardt. Bernhardt is now on the faculty at Duke Unive
sity. Professor David Allan at the University of Michigan also helped lead t
e national effort. The students combed agency databases and file cabinets an
made hundreds of phone calls to resource managers and restoration practitio
ers.
"According to our research, river restoration is growing exponentially in th
s country," said Dr. Margaret Palmer, University of Maryland and another aut
or. "There is enormous demand for this kind of work to improve water quality
restore wildlife habitats, and create natural spaces that people can enjoy.
The term river restoration applies to activities such as restoring wetlands
o filter pollution, reforesting riverbanks to curb erosion, recreating the n
tural river channel to reduce downstream flooding, and removing dams to allo
fish to migrate freely up and downstream. According to the authors of the p
per, at least $14 - 15 billion has been invested in river restoration since
990 - an average of $1 billion per year. That's a lot of individual efforts
the average cost per project is just $45,000. California, the Chesapeake Ba
watershed, and the Pacific Northwest are hotspots of restoration work.
"It's no mystery why river restoration is booming," said Andrew Fahlund, Vic
President for Protection and Restoration at American Rivers. "Rivers in goo
condition more readily meet the needs of the surrounding community than pol
uted and degraded rivers."
According to the authors of the Science article, more consistent monitoring
f projects after they are completed and sharing this data with other practit
oners is the next step in the evolution of the river restoration field. Only
10% of the 37,000 projects in the database include any mention of monitoring
effectiveness although some states are investing more in evaluation than oth
rs.
"Figuring out what does and does not work in individual restoration projects
is the key to improving future river restoration efforts," said Dr. Judy Mey
r, University of Georgia and another author. "Every organization that invest
in a river restoration project should commit to monitoring the work and mak
ng those results available to their peers in the field."
"I'm optimistic about the future of river restoration in this country," said
Dr. David Allan, University of Michigan. "We have an incredible suite of opt
ons for healing our nation's rivers. We just need the funding and political
ill to use them."
Reporters are encouraged to contact participating river scientists in their
rea to learn more about local river restoration projects. Tours of these pro
ects are available as well as interviews of a variety of partner organizatio
s. Contact information for each region is also listed below.
###
We have set up a website for reporters at http://www.nrrss.umd.edu/press.htm
For more information please visit the following websites: http://www.nrrss.u
d.edu/NRRSS_INDEX.htm
http://www.americanrivers.org/nrrss
http://nrrss.nbii.gov/
Field Trip Opportunities
Chesapeake Bay/MidAtlantic Area
Dr. Margaret A. Palmer
University of Maryland
301-405-3795
Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River - Adelphi, MD
Christmas tree stream bank stabilization
Cinnamon Creek Riparian Project- Vienna, VA
Stream bank erosion stabilization project
Sligo Creek Watershed Restoration- Silver Spring, MD
Habitat restoration and stormwater management
Potomac River - Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia
American shad restoration
Accotink Creek Restoration- Fairfax, VA
Creek stabilization and habitat rehabilitation
Little Lehigh Creek - Berks County, Pennsylvania
Stream fencing project
Southwest Area
Dr. Cliff Dahm, University of New Mexico, 505-277-2850
Dr. Steve Gloss, USGS, University of Arizona, 520-626-51472
Jenn Follstad Shah, University of New Mexico, 505-277-9164
Gunnison River - Hotchkiss, Colorado
Diversion reconstruction and channel reconfiguration for fish habitat and in
stream flows.
The Pueblo Colorado Wash - Hubbell Trading Post, Arizona
A channel reconfiguration and riparian management project.
Rio Grande River - Los Luna, New Mexico
Vegetation reconstruction to support aquatic and riparian habitat for threat
ned and endangered species
Upper Midwest Area
Dr. J. David Allan, University of Michigan, 734-764-6553
Boardman River, Traverse City Area, Michigan
Bank stabilization and sediment reduction
Onion River, Silver Springs Restoration- Sheboygan Co., Wisconsin
Dam removal, channel creation, habitat restoration
Central U.S.
Dr. David L. Galat, USGS, University of Missouri, 573-882-9426
Elk Creek Watershed - NW Iowa
Stream corridor management through science and successful partnerships
Illinois and Mississippi Rivers - Lake Chautauqua, Illinois
Multi-state multi-agency efforts to restore floodplain ecosystems
Southeast Area
Dr. Judy Meyer, University of Georgia,
Dr. Emily S. Bernhardt, Duke University, 919-660-7318
Reforest the Bluegrass - Lexington-Fayette Urban County, Kentucky
Forested river buffer creation and "daylighting" streams
South Peachtree Creek - DeKalb County, Georgia
Bioengineering and urban streams
Removal of the Lowell Mill Dam in Johnston Co., NC (dewatering on April 28th
2005).
Removal of an abandoned mill dam will reconnect the Little River to the Paml
co Sound
Northwest Area
Dr. Steve Clayton, University of Idaho, 208-364-6164
Dr. Peter Goodwin, University of Idaho, 208-364-4081
Amy Souers, American Rivers, Seattle, WA, 206-213-0330
Red River and Columbia Basin - North Central Idaho
Stream restoration in mountainous habitat
Large scale dam removal for salmon
Additional Contacts:
Emily Bernhardt, Duke University, (646) 825-1278
Margaret Palmer, University of Maryland, (301) 873-7256
Judy Meyer, University of Georgia, (706) 542-3363
David Allan, University of Michigan, (734) 764-6553
Andrew Fahlund, American Rivers, (202) 347-7550 ext. 3022 Eric Eckl, America
Rivers, (202) 347-7550 ext. 3023
* * *
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/511329/
Released: Tue 26-Apr-2005, 14:10 ET
River Restoration a Booming Business -- Do We Know If It's Working?
Keywords
RIVER STREAM RESTORATION SCIENCE MARGARET PALMER ECOLOGY ENVIRONMENT
Description
A major study says that while river restoration has become a booming and pro
itable business, the U.S. does not have an adequate accounting system for th
projects.
Newswise - Streams and rivers around the world are in trouble -- more than a
third of U.S. rivers are officially polluted or impaired. In hopes of revers
ng the damage, more than a billion dollars are now spent annually on river a
d stream restoration in the United States. And the number of restoration pro
ects has increased by six-fold in the last decade.
But, says a major study to be published in the April 29 issue of Science, wh
le river restoration has become a booming and profitable business, the U.S.
oes not have an adequate accounting system for the projects.
"Information as basic as what projects are being done where, who is doing th
m, and what the outcomes are is not available," says Margaret Palmer, the Un
versity of Maryland biology professor who co-authored the study.
"River restoration will play an increasingly prominent role in environmental
management and policy decision," says Palmer, who has studied a number of st
eam and river projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. "Advancing the field
requires rigorous analysis of restoration projects, and that requires basic
nformation on the goals and outcomes"
37,000 Projects
To examine what is known about the results of river restoration efforts, Pal
er and her postdoctoral associate, Emily Bernhardt, led an interdisciplinary
team of scientists in compiling the first-ever comprehensive database of mor
than 37,000 U.S. stream and river restoration projects.
Their research endeavor, called the National River Restoration Science Synth
sis, includes restoration projects from all 50 states, with special focus on
seven geographic regions, including the Chesapeake Bay, the Pacific Northwes
and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley.
They found that only 10 percent of all project records in their database inc
uded any kind of assessment. In the Chesapeake Bay region, which has more re
toration per mile than any other area in the U.S. and is second only to the
acific Northwest region in terms of total number, only six percent of the pr
ject records reported assessments.
"It's currently impossible to determine if the desired environmental benefit
of river restoration are being achieved," says Bernhardt. It's time to star
monitoring, the paper concludes.
"Monitoring isn't just about determining if a project is a success or failur
," says Palmer. "It's about understanding what could be improved, so future
rojects can be better. River restoration has been an art, but it needs to be
a science. To be a science means we must learn from what we do"
Cleaning Up
The most common reasons for river and stream restoration are to improve wate
quality, in-stream habitat, fish passage and bank stabilization. Larger, mo
e expensive projects are more often aimed at reconnecting flood plains, modi
ying flows, recreation or aesthetic improvement and reconfiguring channels.
"It's time to agree on what constitutes successful river and stream restorat
on. The best projects help nature do the work by minimizing human interventi
n," Palmer says. "A project can have negative effects if not carefully desig
ed."
In an April 18 paper in the British Journal of Applied Ecology, Palmer and t
e study group proposed standards for calling a restoration project successfu
. The proposal has been endorsed by an international group of scientists and
a group of practitioners in the river restoration industry.
The five criteria for successful river and stream restoration offered by the
Palmer-Bernhardt group are:
* Define a "guiding image" of the healthy river that could exist at a given
ite, so everyone understands what the desired goals are;
* Show measurable changes toward that image - such as larger fish population
or clearer water;
* Create ecological conditions that allow a river to be a more resilient, se
f-sustaining system - this means that continuing efforts to fix the system a
e not necessary;
* Do no lasting harm -the efforts to restore the system should not do more d
mage than good;
* Make the results of the project accessible to others.
"Standards are needed. Progress in the science and practice of river restora
ion has been hampered by the lack of agreed-upon criteria for judging ecolog
cal success,"
Says Palmer, "It is critical that the broad restoration community, including
funding agencies, practitioners and citizen groups, adopt criteria for defin
ng and assessing ecological success in restoration."
F
For general information on the project and access to the newly released pape
s:
http://www.nrrss.umd.edu
For a Media listing of restoration success stories - http://www.nrrss.umd.ed
/Press/Success_Stories_For_Press.htm
© 2005 Newswise. All Rights Reserved.
* * *
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20949~2841536,00.html
Article Published: Friday, April 29, 2005 - 12:00:00 AM PST
$1 billion flows in U.S. river projects
Third of waterways polluted or impaired
By Daily News Staff and Wire Services
More than $1 billion is being spent on river and stream restoration projects
nationwide while the number of projects has increased by six times over the
ast 10 years, according to a study to be released today.
An interdisciplinary team of scientists has compiled the first-ever comprehe
sive database of more than 37,000 stream and restoration projects nationwide
The findings were being released today in Science magazine.
More than a third of America's rivers are officially polluted or impaired, a
cording to researchers. But while river restoration has become a booming and
profitable business, there is no adequate accounting system for the projects
they say. "Information as basic as what projects are being done where, who
s doing them, and what the outcomes are is not available," said Margaret Pal
er, the University of Maryland biology professor who co-authored the study.
"River restoration will play an increasingly prominent role in environmental
management and policy decision," said Palmer, who has studied a number of st
eam and river projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. "Advancing the field
requires rigorous analysis of restoration projects, and that requires basic
nformation on the goals and outcomes."
Palmer and associate Emily Bernhardt led the team of scientists to work on t
e National River Restoration Science Synthesis, which includes restoration p
ojects from all 50 states, with special focus on seven geographic regions, i
cluding the Chesapeake Bay, the Pacific Northwest and the Sacramento-San Joa
uin Valley.
In California, there are 4,025 restoration projects under way, costing a tot
l of $2 billion. An average $610,000 is being spent on each project, researc
ers found.
The Santa Clara River, which runs through Santa Clarita, is not included amo
g those researched because it is not in a restoration phase, though another
ational environmental group named it as one of 10 that is most threatened by
development.
Last year, Los Angeles and Ventura counties agreed to conduct an $8.2 millio
joint study of the Santa Clara River to set regional environment and develo
ment guidelines for the rapidly growing area.
The four-year Santa Clara River Watershed Protection Plan Feasibility Study,
which is largely funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will analyze fl
od control, erosion, water quality and natural habitats in the 1,600-square-
ile area where the river and its tributaries run.
Researches involved in the restoration study say that it is impossible to de
ermine "if the desired environmental benefits of river restoration are being
achieved," Bernhardt said. "It's time to start monitoring."
"Monitoring isn't just about determining if a project is a success or failur
," Palmer said. "It's about understanding what could be improved, so future
rojects can be better. River restoration has been an art, but it needs to be
a science. To be a science means we must learn from what we do."
The most common reasons for river and stream restoration are to improve wate
quality, in-stream habitat, fish passage and bank stabilization. Larger, mo
e expensive projects are more often aimed at reconnecting flood plains, modi
ying flows, recreation or aesthetic improvement and reconfiguring channels.
"It's time to agree on what constitutes successful river and stream restorat
on. The best projects help nature do the work by minimizing human interventi
n," Palmer said. "A project can have negative effects if not carefully desig
ed."
The five criteria for successful river and stream restoration offered by the
Palmer-Bernhardt group are:
Define a "guiding image" of the healthy river that could exist at a given si
e, so everyone understands what the desired goals are;
Show measurable changes toward that image -- such as larger fish populations
or clearer water;
Create ecological conditions that allow a river to be a more resilient, self
sustaining system -- this means that continuing efforts to fix the system ar
not necessary;
Do no lasting harm -- the efforts to restore the system should not do more d
mage than good;
Make the results of the project accessible to others.
"Standards are needed. Progress in the science and practice of river restora
ion has been hampered by the lack of agreed-upon criteria for judging ecolog
cal success," Palmer said. "It is critical that the broad restoration commun
ty, including funding agencies, practitioners and citizen groups, adopt crit
ria for defining and assessing ecological success in restoration."
Copyright © 2005 Los Angeles Daily News
* * *
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/summary/308/5722/636
Science, Vol 308, Issue 5722, 636-637 , 29 April 2005
[DOI: 10.1126/science.1109769]
ECOLOGY:
Synthesizing U.S. River Restoration Efforts
E. S. Bernhardt,1*dag M. A. Palmer,1 J. D. Allan,2 G. Alexander,2 K. Barnas,
S. Brooks,4 J. Carr,5 S. Clayton,6 C. Dahm,7 J. Follstad-Shah,7 D. Galat,8,
S. Gloss,10 P. Goodwin,6 D. Hart,5 B. Hassett,1 R. Jenkinson,11 S. Katz,3 G
M. Kondolf,12 P. S. Lake,4 R. Lave,12 J. L. Meyer,13 T. K. O'Donnell,9 L. P
gano,12 B. Powell,14 E. Sudduth13
The authors of this Policy Forum developed a comprehensive database of >3
,000 river restoration projects across the United States. Such projects have
increased exponentially over the past decade with more than a billion dollar
spent annually since 1990. Most are intended to enhance water quality, mana
e riparian zones, improve in-stream habitat, allow fish passage, and stabili
e stream banks. Only 10% of project records document any form of project mon
toring, and little if any of this information is either appropriate or avail
ble for assessing the ecological effectiveness of restoration activities.
1University of Maryland, College Park, MD; 2School of Natural Resources and
nvironment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; 3Northwest Fisheries Scie
ce Center (NWFSC), National Oceanographic and Space Administration (NOAA), S
attle, WA, USA. 4Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia. 5Academy of Nat
ral Sciences, Philadelphia, PA; 6University of Idaho, Boise, ID; 7University
of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM; 8U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Cooperative
esearch Units, Columbia, MO; 9University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; 10Southw
st Biological Science Center, USGS, Tucson, AZ; 11University of Idaho, Mosco
, ID; 12University of California, Berkeley, CA; 13University of Georgia, Ath
ns, GA; 14Center for Biological Informatics, USGS, Denver, CO, USA. Complete
addresses are available online.
*Present address: Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. dagAuthor for correspond
nce. E-mail: emily. bernhardt@duke.edu
Volume 308, Number 5722, Issue of 29 Apr 2005, pp. 636-637.
Copyright © 2005 by The American Association for the Advancement of Science.
All rights reserved.
** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material i
distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes only.
*
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------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:14:44 -0500
From: Victor Hugo Gutierrez Velez <victorex12@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Does planting trees help with global warming?
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV class=RTE>
<P>Dear Ernie,</P>
<P>Obviously planting trees reduce the atmospheric CO2 conc
ntrations because as they grow, they build their tissues with the carbon tak
n from the CO2 molecules from the atmosphere and deliver oxigen. In the 9th
onference of the parties(COP9) in Milan, Italia were adopted the rules for a
forestation and reforestation projects under the Clean Development Mechanism
in the first commitment period (2007-2012) of the developed countries that r
tified the Kyoto Protocol (all except US and Australia mainly).</P>
<P>Concerning the long term CO2 absorbing benefit. This crunch issue h
s named the non-permanence problem. The conference of the parties has accept
d that carbon sequestered by forests could not be permanent because many fac
ors: fire, diseases, harvesting, etc. </P>
<P>In COP9 this problem was issued through the implementation of two k
nd of forestry credits: temporary credits and long term credits. Both credit
allow to project developers to "rent" the carbon sequestered by forests for
a given period of time. The credits obtained by the buyers will be usef
l to meet their emissions reduction commitments for the time in which they w
ere rented. At the end of the renting time, the buyer has the option to rene
the credits or replace them with other kind of valid credits (fuel shifting
energy efficiency, etc) or with domestic reductions.</P>
<P>Obviously afforestation and reforestation are not a permanent
easure to reduce CO2 concentrations from the atmosphere. They are consi
ered a cheap alternative to mitigate a problem that need solutions now.
They are conceived as an option that could help to the parties to save
ime until cheap and economically viable technologies are developed to r
duce permanently the emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The pe
iod of time in which planting forest will help to reduce CO2 concentrat
ons from the atmosphere will depend on the time in which the carbon wil
be stored on the tissues of the trees either in the forest or in wood
roducts.</P>
<P>All the best,</P>
<P>Víctor</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=FR style=
mso-ansi-language: FR"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamond>VICTO
HUGO GUTIERREZ V.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-
om:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT><
SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>Executive Director<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></
PAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>Carbono & Bosques<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT><
/SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>Clle 51 No. 72-07. Int 708<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT>
</SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>Medellín Colombia<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></S
AN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>Tel: 57-4 230 0876<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></
PAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT face=Garamond size=3>email: <
/FONT><A href="mailto:victorgutierrez@carbonoybosques.org"><FONT
face=Garamond size=3>victorgutierrez@carbonoybosques.org</FONT><
A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt"><SPAN lang=ES-TRAD s
yle="mso-ansi-language: ES-TRAD"><FONT size=3><FONT face=Garamon
>www.carbonoybosques.org<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT><
/SPAN></P>
<P>
<P> </P></P></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>>From: Arcologic@AOL.COM
<DIV></DIV>>Reply-To: Arcologic@AOL.COM
<DIV></DIV>>To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: Does planting trees help with global war
ing?
<DIV></DIV>>Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 01:57:28 EDT
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Hello, folks,
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Please give me some guidance on this question--
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>As the Kyoto agreement goes into effect, rules ar
being established on how
<DIV></DIV>>much carbon credits to assign to certain CO2-abso
bing strategies. The credits
<DIV></DIV>>will be sold to non-complying companies or nation
as a way to indirectly
<DIV></DIV>>meet emissions goals. A popular strate
y is the planting of trees. Some have
<DIV></DIV>>questioned if planting trees provides any reducti
n in CO2. The Sierra Club
<DIV></DIV>>apparently is taking or will take the position th
t tree planting should not be
<DIV></DIV>>allowed in carbon trading because there is no lon
-term CO2 absorbing benefit.
<DIV></DIV>>Some other environmental organizations are taking
the opposite position, that
<DIV></DIV>>tree planting does help to lower atmospheric CO2.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>I believe this is actually a very complicated que
tion, the benefits
<DIV></DIV>>depending on how permanent the created forest is,
what land was taken to create the
<DIV></DIV>>forest, and if a healthy econsystem is produced.
our views and any references
<DIV></DIV>>would be appreciated.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Ernie Rogers
<DIV></DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>MSN Amor <
a href="http://g.msn.com/8HMAES/2740??PS=47575" target="_top">Busca tu ½
aranja</a> </html>
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:53:21 -0700
From: Kelly Decker <kdecker@MAIL.ARC.NASA.GOV>
Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right
Sounds like you had a part in the woodpecker's return. Nice work! I love to
hear about times when sportsmen and conservationists work together to get
the job done that the government wont!!!
At 11:31 PM 4/28/2005 -0400, you wrote:
>One correction -- the Singer Tract was NOT clear cut. It was selectivel
>logged for years, but was one of the largest remaining contiguous tracts
of
>bottomland hardwood forests in the Mississippi Valley in 1980 when the
>Carter administration committed to buying a portion of the tract for a
>wildlife refuge.
>
>The Reagan administration tried to back out of the agreement, and a
>coalition of sportsmen and environmentalists banded together, forcing th
>Feds to go through with their planned purchase of 50,000 acres of the tr
ct.
>The state of Louisiana purchased more, and both bought conservation
>easements that brought the total protected area to around 85,000 acres o
>the original 100,000 acres. The Federal government has added to its
>holdings since.
>
>I was a part of the coalition that saved it.
>
>Later,
>
>Dave
>
>------------------------------------------------------
> David M. Lawrence | Home: (804) 559-9786
> 7471 Brook Way Court | Fax: (804) 559-9787
> Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | Email: dave@fuzzo.com
> USA | http: http://fuzzo.com
>------------------------------------------------------
>
>"We have met the enemy and he is us." -- Pogo
>
>"No trespassing
> 4/17 of a haiku" -- Richard Brautigan
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
>[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Sean Barry
>Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 1:44 PM
>To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
>Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back--Tanner was right
>
>This might be a good time to review some of the salient points of the
>classic study of the ivorybill done along the Tensas River of NE Lousian
>by James Tanner in the late 1930's. That population, which consisted of
>at least four pairs, was exterminated when the bottomland tract (owned b
>the Singer company during Tanner's time) was clear-cut from 1940 through
>1942. Until the one announced today, all subsequent "sightings"of
>ivorybills within the US are believed to be wishful thinking, primarily
>because none has ever been corroborated, on film, by an accepted sound
>recording, or even by another person, experienced or not. Tanner, who
>without doubt had more experience with living ivorybills than anyone
>before or since, made some pretty important points:
>
>--the bird in the ecosystem where Tanner worked was an extreme example o
>dietary specialization. It specializes in the giant beetle larvae that
>inhabit the wood beneath tightly adhering bark of dying or recently dead
>massive hardwoods. As woodpeckers go the ivorybill is enormous and is
>capable of scaling large sections of tight bark from living trees. The
>bird was (is!) so large that it required lots of forage, and tended to d
>most of its feeding on about 1-5% of the largest recently dead or dying
>sweet gum trees at Tanner's site. Each pair required several square mil
s
>of suitable forest to provide enough big dying trees.
>
>--trees of the sort required by the birds are most abundant and dense in
>virgin ("old growth") forest, although their numbers could be artificall
>increased by girdling or flooding (which explains the early 1930's
>woodpeckers along the recently dammed Santee River in South Carolina, bu
>that irruptive population had vanished by the time Tanner started his
>work)
>
>--Tanner suggested that second growth in virgin bottomland forests that
>had been logged during the 19th century would eventually become suitable
>again for ivorybills, with the only caveat being that the birds might
>become extinct long before that happened
>
>--Tanner found that in places where the brds were known to occur, they
>were pretty easy to find during the winter because the cool temperatures
>encouraged extended foraging activity (accompanied by lots of
>vocalization) and of course they were easier to find when the leaves wer
>on the ground
>
>All of this adds up to the possibility that there are a few other birds
t
>the Arkansas site, which may be as large as 160 square miles. That they
>escaped notice for so long (the last authenticated US ivorybill sighting
>was in 1943, a lingering female at the Singer tract) is truly remarkable
>given the intense amount of interest in this very distinctive species fr
m
>scientists and birders. Arkansas is a little north of most of the
>historic records, but was definitely part of the primordial distribution
>and presumably the place where the bird "hung on" is one of those
>second-growth forests that has again become suitable, as Tanner predicte
.
> On the other hand, there may in fact be just a few transient pairs tha
>visit suboptimal forage sources and move on up and down river when the
>forage is depleted, as has also been suggested. If so the possibilities
>range all the way from just 1-2 birds remaining resident in one very sma
l
>spot (much like the Tensas River population) to several or even "more"
>birds that move along the dense bottomland timber and escape notice
>because they move constantly (e.g., the Santee River birds). I hope it'
>the latter, but even with the incredible discovery of any surviving bird
>at all it's hard to be optimistic that it's not the former. Still, this
>is the best conservation-related news that I've heard in several decades
>James Tanner did his PhD research on the ivory-billed woodpecker, and to
>know that someone else might be able to do something similar in the 21st
>century defies probability and the imagination.
>
>Sean Barry
>
>Sean Barry
>Project Scientist/Herpetologist
>ENTRIX, Inc.
>7919 Folsom Blvd., Suite 100
>Sacramento, CA 95826
>(916) 923 1097
>http://www.entrix.com
>
>
>
>
>Steve Brewer <jbrewer@OLEMISS.EDU>
>Sent by: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
><ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
>04/28/2005 10:01 AM EST
>Please respond to Steve Brewer
>
>
> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> cc:
> Subject: Re: The Ivory Billed is Back?
>
>Arvind,
>
>I'm a native of Arkansas and I frequently drive through the White
>River and Cache River Refuges (the locations of the sightings) when I
>visit my parents in Little Rock. The two refuges are located
>end-to-end along the Cache and White Rivers. They are impressive
>places with very old bald cypresses, gums, and oaks. I wouldn't be
>surprised if together they represented largest contiguous area of
>protected bottomland hardwood forest in the United States (though I
>don't know that for a fact). This would seem to support the idea that
>large protected areas of mature bottomland hardwood forest are
>necessary to preserve this species (as many have suggested). There
>are comparable areas elsewhere in the SE, including the Pascagoula
>River Watershed in SE Mississippi and the Pearl River Watershed in
>Louisiana and Mississippi to name just two.
>
>I remain hopeful.
>
>Steve
>
>
>
>
>
> >Howdy folks,
> >
> >For those NPR listeners out there, I'm sure plenty of you all will
ear
>the
> >story on this one this morning. If not, here is the link
> >http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4622633 I'm j
st
> >curious as to what is next? It would be great to see this bird mak
a
> >recovery in the southeast, habitat pending of course.
> >
> >Arvind
> >
> >
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <Arcologic@AOL.COM>
> >To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
> >Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 1:57 AM
> >Subject: Does planting trees help with global warming?
> >
> >
> >> Hello, folks,
> >>
> >> Please give me some guidance on this question--
> >>
> >> As the Kyoto agreement goes into effect, rules are being esta
lished
>on
> >> how
> >> much carbon credits to assign to certain CO2-absorbing strate
ies. The
> >> credits
> >> will be sold to non-complying companies or nations as a way t
>indirectly
> >> meet emissions goals. A popular strategy is the planting of
rees.
>Some
> >> have
> >> questioned if planting trees provides any reduction in CO2.
he
>Sierra
> >> Club
> >> apparently is taking or will take the position that tree plan
ing
>should
> >> not be
> >> allowed in carbon trading because there is no long-term CO2 a
sorbing
> >> benefit.
> >> Some other environmental organizations are taking the opposit
>position,
> >> that
> >> tree planting does help to lower atmospheric CO2.
> >>
> >> I believe this is actually a very complicated question, the b
nefits
> >> depending on how permanent the created forest is, what land w
s taken
>to
> >> create the
> >> forest, and if a healthy econsystem is produced. Your views a
d any
> >> references
> >> would be appreciated.
> >>
> >> Ernie Rogers
> >>
>
>
>--
>Steve Brewer
>Associate Professor
>Department of Biology
>PO Box 1848
>University, MS 38677-1848
>telephone: (662) 915-1077
>FAX: (662) 915-5144
>e-mail: jbrewer@olemiss.edu
>Brewer's Webpage - http://home.olemiss.edu/~jbrewer/
>Ole Miss Biology Webpage - http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/biology/index.ht
l
>
>"Behold, Dionaea muscipula! [Venus Fly-Trap], Let us advance to the
>spot on which Nature has seated it!" William Bartram
Kelly Decker, Ph.D.
Ecosystem Science and Technology Branch/CSU Monterey Bay Coop
M/S 242-4
NASA-Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94032
707-363-8272
Check out our simulation model of a microbial mat ecosystem:
http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/website/geds/mbgc.html
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 10:13:16 -0700
From: "Kie, Marti" <mkie@WATER.CA.GOV>
Subject: FW: [Tws-l] Position Announcement: Executive Director TWS
Please direct all responses/queries to the contact e-mail address listed
below under Application.
============================================================
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Executive Director of The Wildlife Society
Brief Position Description
The Executive Director (ED) serves as CEO of The Wildlife Society (TWS),
a professional scientific organization of 8,200 members with an annual
budget of $2 million. The ED reports to the elected President, and
works closely with the Executive Committee and Council. The ED
supervises office staff to ensure goals and objectives of the Society
are achieved, which include wildlife policy issues, national and
international meetings, international activities, publications,
membership, budgetary and legal issues, certification, relations with
subunits and committees, fund raising, awards program, and
communications. A graduate degree and at least 5 years of management
and administrative experience in conservation or a similar field are
required. Preference will be given to those with non-profit experience.
Salary is commensurate with similar non-profit positions in the DC
area. Interviews in Bethesda, MD are scheduled for late July and early
August, and intent is to fill the position by 1 September 2005.
Application
Send letter of interest to include description of relevant experience,
management style, and vision for TWS, along with a resume and names and
contact information of at least 3 references electronically to
executivedirectorsearch@wildlife.org by 3 June 2005.
Education and Experience
* Advanced degree in area of specialization
* At least 5 years experience in a managerial position
* Experience in non-profit management preferred
* Proven experience in developing, implementing and evaluating
strategic
plans
* Understanding of wildlife research, management, conservation,
and
stewardship
* Proven dedication to member services and strengthening
membership
* Successful track record in fiscal management and budget
oversight
* Successful experience in fundraising and generating non-dues
revenue
* Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a culture of
collaboration
and trust among members, volunteers, Council, working groups,
committees, staff, etc.
* Experience in working with legislative bodies, government
officials,
other non-profit leaders and news media
* Ability to build business and professional partnerships
* Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication
--
James Mathieson
Information Systems Manager
The Wildlife Society
James@wildlife.org
(301) 897-9770
_______________________________________________
Tws-l mailing list
Tws-l@list.wildlife.org
http://list.wildlife.org/mailman/listinfo/tws-l
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 13:58:43 -0400
From: Jim Kellner <james.r.kellner@DARTMOUTH.EDU>
Subject: summary of responses: snake-proof gaiters
Ecologgers,
Thanks very much to everyone who responded to my request for input on decent
snake-proof gaiters. A copy of my original message and a summary of
responses is below. I decided to buy the wire mesh snake-proof leggings
from Forestry Suppliers:
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/view_catalog_page.asp?id=358
The fist time I put them on, one of the straps broke! However, the wire
mesh is pliable, and twine / rope worked well to keep them attached in the
field. They were as comfortable as can be expected in the lowland tropics.
A good option would be to use the wire-mesh leggings with some stronger and
tightly secured home-made straps, as respondent 11 suggested.
Cheers,
Jim Kellner
Original message:
I'm getting ready to buy a new set of snake-proof gaiters and thought I'd
see whether anyone has any recommendations. My experience with snake
leggings has been frustrated with leggings that will not stay on in the mud
and that are difficult to take on and off. I work in a tropical rainforest,
so the leggings will fill with mud, and need to be effective in a hot, humid
environment. Some features of "dry-use" snake leggings will not work in
this environment (e.g., button snaps are bad because they fill with mud and
cannot be snapped; straps would be much better). You can respond directly
to me off the list; I will post a summary of responses.
Edited responses:
1. I use the ones for rainforest that are from forestry suppliers--don't
remember the name, but they are green with wire mesh. There are 3 straps,
the bottom one can stay laced and the other 2 are easy to use, even in mud.
They eventually slump and are worthless, but it takes about 6 months of
daily use to get to that point.
2. I've used these:
http://www.benmeadows.com/store/product_group.asp?dept_id=7394&cat_prefix=4W
in both sagebrush in the southwest (hot, dry) and in Everglades National
Park (hot, wet). I got confortable in them very quickly (read: they're not
as hot as the plastic/pcv ones) and after some use they develop sort of a
form-fit to your legs. I don't know how well they'd drain mud if you're
slogging through mud up to your knees on a daily basis, but water drains out
of them very quickly. The straps are very sturdy; I never had one break. I
should probably say that I've never "tested" them though...never had a snake
actually make contact.
3. I use snake-proof rubber boots that I got from forestry suppliers. They
are heavy and slippery but they are snake proof. I am not sure how they
would compare to your gaitor. If you rock-hop or hill-climb (activities in
which I engage frequently) I would not recommend them but otherwise they
might do the trick.
4. I have had the same problems. I don't use the gators when I work in
Malaysia, but I use them (and supply them to the field crew) doing work in
Florida swamps. They just don't stay on very well. Anyway, the new
"rattlers" I got are better than some other brands, but the velcro wears
away rapidly with the water and snags we encounter.
5. Just an odd thought on the gaiters: There is a variety of kevlar
gaiters made for fishermen to stop stingray spines. They're generally stiff
but tight fitting to
keep from picking up mud and water. I don't know how comfortable they would
be for walking about a forest for long periods of time but I would expect
that anything that will stop a stingray spine, which is like getting rammed
with a spear, would work on snakes.
6. I know that the Forestry Suppliers sold some knee (mud) boots that were
advertised as snake proof. I know some graduate students that used them,
they are certainly stiffer in the ankle and leg region.
7. I have worn plastic snake guards over mud boots in the tropical
ecosystems at the La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. They were fine,
but I wish
they covered the toes more. They are a bit uncomfortable, movement
restrictive, and they sometimes scrape together and make noise when walking.
Then I did some fieldwork in the desert in Arizona, which is much harder on
snake guards than the tropics are. These guards were wire mesh with cloth
covering and they also didn't cover the toes very well. I was in tennis
shoes so I pulled the snake guards all the way to my toes and manipulated
the straps so they would stay. Others didn't compromise the guards like I
did, and we all had the same result...the straps, especially on the wearing
surface of the shoes, wore down and eventually broke. I was able to make
mine last a little longer with duct tape, but the guards were trashed by the
end of the 2-month season (mind you they were already used when I got them,
however they didn't have any holes in the mesh when I got them. By the end
of the season, the mesh was coming apart.).
I did some searching online and found a site where I think I would want to
buy the canvas ones. Here is their info:
http://www.allenprecision.com/cgi-local/store_front.pl?pid=560&format=detail
&cid=202432&topcat1=19
- Plastic $20 (same ones I
used), Canvas $52.
8. You should take a look at "Silent Snake" (94-1181) and "Snake Guardz"
(94-2479 from Cabela's. They fasten with straps and come on and off
quickly. They also protect the toes. Others also are available from
Cabela's, including ones that fit thighs up to 28".
9. Have you considered snake-proof boots in lieu of gaiters/leggings? The
knee-high ones I used during my thesis research were "Rocky" brand, and were
not only snake-proof but waterproof (Gore-Tex). They laced up in the front,
and weren't really any heavier/hotter than any other knee boots or hiking
boots w/ snake gaiters (which I used alternately). I think they cost ~$80
back in 2000 (didn't buy them myself, so I forget). Got them at a local
hunting/fishing outfitters store in GA, but I'm sure Forestry Suppliers or
Cabela's, etc. would carry them.
10. My husband and I have worked with leather snake gaiters with straps in
Mexico (really really uncomfortable), fabric snap-secured snake gaiters in
Florida (same problem you had with snaps), and in the Amazon for several
years with "snake boots" made by Rocky and bought at Army-Navy Surplus.
These boots lace up and are called "snake-proof, but not guaranteed". They
are also water-proof. I found them kind of hot and tight and quit wearing
them, but my husband found them pretty comforable for the 7-15 km transects
that we did 20 times or so a summer. They stayed dry even in heavy rain and
he's wore them in the Amazon for over 3 years, but says they do get hot. I
don't think they are too expensive and they are also available at the Bass
Pro shops. We never (fortunately!) had the opportunity to test them with
snakes!
11. I have two suggestions for you. One would be to simply replace the
snaps with Fastex plastic snap buckles and straps on the pair of leggings
that you already have or like. The other is to do what I did: I used dental
floss to sew brass screen to my Goretex gaiters. It lasted for the duration,
8 months, of my work in Costa Rica.
12. I too have never food a good pair of snake leggings. I do most of my
field work in the rainforest of Mexico and have found Lacrosse rubber boots
work the best for me. They are nice and think and I really doubt even the
largest pitviper could bite through them.
13. Sounds like you may want the "Plastic Leggings" snake guard, assuming
that knee-high is sufficient? This model, and many others, is available from
Forestry Suppliers (Jackson Miss.). I've used the "Snake-Bite-Proof chaps"
in Belize (Fer-de-Lance/Pit viper) and found them unnecessarily hot and
cumbersome. I currently use the "Knee-Hi snakeproof gators" (prairie
rattlesnakes) which are great but have buttons and velcro.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 11:10:01 -0700
From: Darcee Guttilla <dguttilla@CATALINAISP.COM>
Subject: Feral Cats in California
I am gathering information on the legal status of feral cats in =
California and was wondering if anyone has knowledge regarding feral =
cats in wildland areas in California? Thus far they seem to fall into a =
gray area where they are not covered by Dept of Fish and Game, the CA =
Veterinary Medical Board says it is up to city and county codes, =
however both systems strictly address pet/stray cats within city limits =
or urban areas, not open spaces. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Darcee
Darcee Guttilla
Department of Biological Science
California State University, Fullerton
P.O. Box 2161
Avalon, CA 90704
dguttilla@catalinaisp.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:10:16 -0700
From: Mitchell Zuckerman <mzucker630@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: REU in ecosystem C dynamics
Dr. Travis Huxman, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, is seeking a summ
r REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) intern to study C cycling in
semi-arid ecosystems. We have an ongoing project to study the sensitivity of
ecosystem processes to precipitation in the Southwestern U.S. The goal of th
s research program is to evaluate how an increase in woody plant abundance i
fluences ecosystem CO2 exchange at several sites in southeastern Arizona alo
g the San Pedro River. We seek an REU intern to assess soil C cycling at our
woody plant-encroachment gradient sites. The intern will be responsible for
ssessing how woody plants alter plant C inputs to the soil, soil C cycling,
nd microbial biomass throughout a season. The REU will measure soil C inputs
(litterfall, root biomass), soil microbial biomass, conduct laboratory incub
tions to assay soil C dynamics, as well as have the opportunity to take part
in ongoing measures of decomposition and respiration at the sites!
. The REU intern MUST be able to make extensive lab-group field excursions
up to 3 consecutive days) several times during the summer (both leading up t
, and during the monsoon season). The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic
self motivated, able to work with limited supervision, and also able to wor
as a team member. This is an ideal position for someone seeking to gain exp
rience in field and laboratory approaches to ecology in preparation for ente
ing a graduate program in ecology and environmental biology. To apply for th
position, please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information
for 3 references to Mitch Pavao-Zuckerman (mzucker@email.arizona.edu). You m
st be a U.S. citizen and enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an a
credited U.S. institution to apply for the job. Deadline for application: Ma
7, 2005.
Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman
Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Arizona
Tucson AZ 85721
"Not everything that counts can be counted & not everything that can be coun
ed counts" - Albert Einstein
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 11:51:08 -0500
From: John Matthews <johoma@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject: Mexican collecting permits
I'm a PhD student studying a nonendangered species of dragonfly, whose
range spans from Canada to southern Mexico. I haven't run into any
difficulties transporting preserved specimens between the US and
Canada, but I'm worried about collecting in Mexico. I will not be
collecting in reserves but along roads, beaches, and other relatively
public places.
The Mexican government sites I've visited are quite vague on the need
for collecting permits, but the NSF is asking that I obtain a formal
statement for collection. Worse, a conversation with an academic
entomologist who often works in Central America and with collectors
says that even Mexican nationals have difficulty getting permits and
that the process seems impossible for foreigners. Ideally, I'd also
like to take some live larval specimens back to the US with me for some
experimental work, but this is less critical than obtaining up to
several hundred EtOH-preserved and some dried individuals and water
samples.
Any thoughts or experiences with Mexican bugs?
john matthews
university of texas, austin
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 17:32:11 -0400
From: Neil Pederson <adk@LDEO.COLUMBIA.EDU>
Subject: Re: definition for "overmature forest"
Though rooted in 1940's forestry speak the term overmature,
unfortunately, is alive and well today [pardon the pun and irony].
You can find it twice in the IPCC report on Land-use Change and
Forestry (2000):
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/land_use/027.htm
and
http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc/land_use/015.htm
There seems to be a difference in stand level and tree level
productivity through time. The first link above, however, suggests
"overmaturity" exists at the tree level. It would be great to see a
William Safire like study of this term. The earliest reference I've
found so far dates to the 1930s. However, I've found a study of
western white pine growth of different age classes by Bob Marshall in
1927 where he states, "It does not take long to see from this picture
that the good old growth curve is a delusion". Assman (1970) state
that "volume culmination of mean annual increment begins very late in
individual trees". He bases this statement, it seems, on a 1915 study
of 30 Norway spruce in which only two individuals "reached the
culmination of m.a.i." despite several of these trees being over 300
years of age.
So, it is interesting to see that the term overmaturity caught on as
there are at least two independent forestry studies from the
early-20th century that concluded that this notion might not always
be correct.
Neil
refs:
Assmann, E. 1970. The Principles of Forest Yield Study. Pergamon
Press, New York.
Marshall, R. 1927. Influence of precipitation cycles on forestry.
Journal of Forestry 25: 415-429.
>Ecologgers,
>
>Warren Aney brings up a an important point about the disciplinary langua
e of
>forestry. That is, it can be, shall we say, a little on the judgemental
side,
>and I am sure that there is a good sociology, anthropology or semiology
hD to
>be done on that subject.
>
>However, "overmature" does not necessarily equate to "old growth".
>
>Basically, when we say "overmature" we are really talking "forestry spea
" for
>a forest stand that has passed its "economic rotation age". Economic ro
ation
>age is generally held to be the point at which the mean annual increment
(that
>is the total growth divided by the age of the tree) begins to decline.
more
>or less precise notion of this point is arrived at by looking at the
>point on a
>graph where periodic anual increment (growth averaged over 5 or 10 year
>periods) crosses MAI. The shape of these curves in their growing phase
s
>sigmoid, but the tails of the curves decline, illustrating a declining r
te of
>growth (though not necessarily an absolute decline in volume.).
>
>So, an "overmature" forest may just be a forest in which the rate of
>growth has
>begun to decline. At this point, so the forest economists tell us, it i
>better to clearcut the lot, and replace it with a "thrifty new crop of r
pidly
>growing trees".
>
>In many cases, the economic rotation age will occur quite a few decades
efore
>a forest becomes "old growth". We should also note that the
>original intent of
>the 1945 Sloane commission in British Columbia (I originally gave the da
e,
>mistakenly, as 1948), was to eliminate ALL old forest stands, and replac
them
>with the so-called "normal" forest, which would have had a 60 - 100 year
>rotation.
>
>it is easy to look back on the 1940s and say "what were they thinking!"
>However, we have to bear in mind that Justice Sloane was reacting to an
ra in
>which timber exploitation had been nearly unregulated, and something nee
ed to
>be done to bring this unregulated exploitation under control.
>
>The danger to old growth dependant wildlife and other non-timber values
omes
>when we continue 1940s style thinking into the present day.
>
>
>Ciaou,
>
>Andy
------------------------------
<ESANEWS@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ESANEWS digests <ESANEWS@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ESANEWS Digest - 16 Apr 2005 to 2 May 2005 (#2005-11)
There is one message totalling 259 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 08:52:55 -0400
From: "Gary J. Dodge" <gdodge@UMD.EDU>
Subject: Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
A Bi-Weekly Publication of the Ecological Society of America
April 29, 2005
In this Issue:
SENATE CONFIRMS JOHNSON AS HEAD OF EPA
HOUSE PASSES ENERGY BILL
HOUSE PONDERS BUSH PLAN TO REVIEW JUSTIFICATION OF ALL AGENCIES
NEPA TASK FORCE HOLDS FIRST HEARING
UPDATE ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT REFORM ATTEMPTS
EARTH SCIENCE IN THE BALANCE
REP. GILCHREST TO INTRODUCE MAGNUSON REAUTHORIZATION
SENATE CONFIRMS JOHNSON AS HEAD OF EPA
The Senate confirmed Stephen Johnson on April 29 as the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) 11th Administrator and the first career staff
member to lead the agency. Johnson, the Acting Administrator, won the right
to the post when the Senate voted to invoke cloture 61-37 and override a
"hold" by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE).
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee endorsed Johnson on a 17-1
vote earlier this month, but Carper blocked his progress as a protest of
EPA's failure to analyze three competing legislative proposals aimed at
revising the Clean Air Act.
As the lead Senate Democrat in the various efforts to rewrite the Clean Air
Act, Carper had asked EPA to conduct an analysis comparing his air pollution
bill with the president's "Clear Skies" legislation and a more stringent
proposal from Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-VT).
EPA officials met with Carper in recent days to try and satisfy his
information request but the meetings came to naught when Carper demanded a
more thorough analysis. An EPA spokeswoman said the agency made a good-faith
effort to provide Carper with everything it could.
Democratic aides say the administration refused to conduct such an analysis
because it would show the downside of one of the administration's
high-priority legislative items. Republicans counter that the EPA rarely
conducts the kind of research Carper requested, especially so early in the
legislative process.
HOUSE PASSES ENERGY BILL
The House of Representatives approved broad energy legislation that seeks to
improve the reliability of the electrical grid, increase domestic energy
production and save power by extending daylight saving time. Opponents say
it is deeply flawed for its emphasis on traditional fossil fuels.
Republican authors of the measure, which was adopted on a 249-to-183 vote,
first had to beat back a flurry of amendments, including a last-minute
effort to eliminate liability protection for producers of MTBE, a gasoline
additive blamed in groundwater pollution nationwide.
The narrow 219-to-213 vote to retain that provision virtually guarantees a
clash with the Senate, where opposition to legal immunity for MTBE blocked
the energy bill in 2003, sidelining a chief domestic initiative of the Bush
Administration.
Many Democrats and some Republicans said the measure, which provides $8
billion in tax breaks to energy producers and billions of dollars more in
direct federal aid, was too friendly to industry and gave short shrift to
energy efficiency and renewable fuels.
HOUSE PONDERS BUSH PLAN TO REVIEW JUSTIFICATION OF ALL AGENCIES
The House is considering a proposal that contains a provision to give the
President the power to abolish any federal agency. The Bush Administration
has been pushing the idea since 2001, when it outlined the legislation as
the "Federal Sunset Act." After failed attempts, the White House included
the measure this year as part of its budget proposal.
The legislation would mandate the periodic review of federal agencies and
abolition of those that are unable to justify their existence. Under the
plan, every federal agency would have an expiration date at which it would
be abolished unless Congress reauthorizes it. The evaluation process would
be undertaken every 12 years by a 12-member Sunset Commission, composed of
members of Congress and the public. Under the plan, approval from five
commissioners could spell the end of any program or agency.
Republicans said they may give Congress -- rather than the president -- the
power to appoint Sunset Commission members, in an attempt to win more
congressional support.
NEPA TASK FORCE HOLDS FIRST HEARING
The House Resource Committee's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Task
Force held a field hearing last week in Spokane, WA. The event was the first
public hearing of the congressional effort to examine local effects of the
35-year-old law. About a dozen people spoke before the committee, most of
them in favor of the law.
NEPA directs agencies such as the Forest Service and Bureau of Land
Management to conduct environmental studies of projects or permit
applications under consideration to assess the potential effects of those
proposals, and allows for public input and comment in government decisions.
Supporters say it is an important way to limit development on public land
and grant protection to endangered species.
A provision in the House energy bill would limit NEPA reviews of renewable
energy projects to two alternatives -- the project as it is proposed and the
"no action" alternative -- instead of studying the effects of a wide range
of alternatives. The House task force's six-month review, scheduled to
conclude this fall, is aimed at determining the need for these and other
changes to NEPA in a stated attempt to streamline the law and avoid
litigation and delays.
UPDATE ON ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT REFORM ATTEMPTS
The Chairman of the House Resources Committee, Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA),
will chair a field hearing Saturday in Jackson, MS, the heart of what
lawmakers intent on rewriting the law see as fertile territory for building
support for their efforts. Pombo and other Republicans are trying to craft
legislation to revise the 30-year-old law.
While the pressure on Capitol Hill for revamping the law comes from
Republicans from the West -- where the Endangered Species Act (E.S.A.) is
the focus of a struggle over use of and access to public lands -- the South
is home to a large number of listed species. Many of those protected plants
and animals are found on private property, and southern lawmakers are
beginning to hear more and more from their constituents about conflicts,
said the spokesman for the Resources panel, Brian Kennedy. The hearing was
requested by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R).
Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office issued a report that found
the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has generally followed its priority
guidelines in spending money on endangered species' recovery -- but did so
mostly by happenstance. FWS's funding decisions were based to a "significant
extent" without its priority guidelines serving as the driving factor, the
report says. While most of the agency's money is spent on high-priority
species, FWS places over 90 percent of its species in its top two priority
rankings, GAO says. None of the plants and animals in the highest priority
category were among the 20 species receiving the most federal dollars.
Resources Committee spokesman Brian Kennedy said the report shows the
priority system is almost meaningless and pointed to the report as another
argument that E.S.A. is not working and in need of change.
EARTH SCIENCE IN THE BALANCE
A White House push for space exploration threatens federal research efforts
on climate science, the leader of a federal science panel told lawmakers
April 28.
Berrien Moore, the co-chairman of a National Academy of Sciences panel and a
University of New Hampshire professor, told the House Science Committee that
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's
(NASA) shift toward space exploration is putting current earth research
programs "at risk of collapse." At greatest risk, he said, are presidential
initiatives such as the Climate Change Research Initiative and the
subsequent Climate Change Science Program, the umbrella group that directs
the administration's efforts to study global warming.
"Recent changes in federal support for Earth observation programs are
alarming," Moore's panel concluded. "Opportunities to discover new knowledge
about Earth are diminished as mission after mission is cancelled, descoped
or delayed because of budget cutbacks."
Overall, President Bush requested $2.06 billion for earth science programs
in his fiscal year 2006 budget, down from $2.2 billion requested last year.
Timothy Killeen, director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research,
tried to put the NASA funding in perspective for committee members. "In
sheer budgetary terms, NASA is the single largest environmental science
program supported by the federal government," he told lawmakers.
NASA's Associate Administrator Alphonso Diaz contended that the agency is in
a transitional phase, shifting some of its earth research responsibilities
to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has
similar equipment to conduct research.
Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) said it is clear that
NOAA is "not ready" for the transition and urged Diaz to work more closely
with that agency.
REP. GILCHREST TO INTRODUCE MAGNUSON REAUTHORIZATION
Fisheries Subcommittee Chairman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) is working on his own
reauthorization bill of the country's largest fisheries law, with the hopes
of introducing a bill later this year. Gilchrest said he would like to work
on a reauthorization of Magnuson in a way that ensures retention of
environmental protections while making sure assessments are done in a timely
way.
"Nobody, especially myself and Mr. [Ranking Member Frank] Pallone (D-NJ),
wants to see environmental protection rolled back, especially as we move
toward ecosystem management. We don't want to reduce science, public input,
alternative or environmental protection," Gilchrest said. "But we don't want
to make it so cumbersome that reviews are outdated by the time they are
done."
Gilchrest noted the concern that fishery management actions may take too
long if all the plans and regulations that Magnuson requires are subject not
only to its own review process but also to the full NEPA review. He said one
concern is that the reviews take so long, they are outdated by the time they
are completed.
Gilchrest joins Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-AK) in the
effort to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act. Stevens has vowed to usher a bill through his own committee
this year. Gilchrest said he would work as closely with Stevens as he could
and try to parallel his efforts but would definitely have his own bill.
The Magnuson bill dates to 1976 and has formed the basis of U.S. fishery
management in waters between three and 200 miles offshore, an area known as
the Exclusive Economic Zone. The bill's funding authorizations expired five
years ago, and congressional efforts to reauthorize it have been stymied by
debates over how to balance the need to restore depleted fish stocks while
ensuring the economic livelihood of the nation's seafood industry.
=====================================================
Sources: Environment & Energy Daily; Greenwire; New York Times; Science;
Seattle Post-Intelligencer; Washington Post
Send questions or comments to Nadine Lymn, ESA Director of Public Affairs,
Nadine@esa.org or Laura Lipps, Policy Analyst, Laura@esa.org
If you received Policy News from a friend and would like to receive it
directly, please send an e-mail to listserv@listserv.umd.edu with the
following in the body of the message:
sub esanews {your first and last name}
If you wish to unsubscribe to ESANEWS and your biweekly Policy News, send
the command "signoff ESANEWS" to listserv@listserv.umd.edu
Visit ESA's website at www.esa.org
------------------------------
End of ESANEWS Digest - 16 Apr 2005 to 2 May 2005 (#2005-11)
************************************************************
ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in