Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 26 Mar 2001 to 27 Mar 2001
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
Status: R
There are 20 messages totalling 1368 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. The dodo
2. Northeast environment still damaged by acid rain, research group says
3. ASSISTANTSHIP - Plant Ecology Assistantships, NAU
4. ANWR Caribou maps (7)
5. RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU] SUMMER INTERNS
IP
(2)
6. RESEARCH ASSISTANT II [RAII ERP] The Ecosystems Center
7. Coca Eradication
8. Apples and oranges
9. laser rangefinder
10. ANWR Caribou maps - Another response from the USGS PAO (2)
11. Jobs: Conservation crew leaders and assistants, summer, Maine
12. Summer Ecological Research Assistant
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 16:24:32 +0400
From: John Mauremootoo <cjmaure@INTNET.MU>
Subject: The dodo
Dear folks,
Ultimately it is very difficult to ascribe blame for the extinction of the
dodo to one group of colonisers. It is probably true that the Dutch directly
hunted many dodos, probably for 'fun' & not for their meat, which was
apparently not very tasty.
It is likely that the dodo was doomed as soon as rats were introduced to the
island. This may have been before both the Portuguese & Dutch visited the
area as Arab sailors used to use shipping routes that passed close to
Mauritius. Rats could have easily swum ashore from ships wrecked on the
Mauritian reef. Rats are very likely to have eaten dodo eggs. Pigs,
introduced to Mauritius in 1606, shortly after the Dutch first landed in
1598, also probably destroyed dodo eggs. So the dodo may have been
effectively doomed without any direct human-induced mortality.
It is interesting that there are, to the best of my knowledge, no accounts
or illustrations of dodo chicks by the early Dutch settlers. Maybe this
indicates that they arrived in the middle of the dodos (inevitable?) demise.
A useful reference in addition to the Quammen book is
Cheke, A.S. (1987). An ecological history of the Mascarene Islands, with
particular reference to extinctions and introductions of land vertebrates.
In Studies of Mascarene Island Birds, (A.W. Diamond, ed.), pp. 5-89. London:
Cambridge University Press.
John Mauremootoo
Dr John Mauremootoo
Plant Conservation Manager
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
Avenue Bois des Billes
La Preneuse, Black River, Mauritius
Tel/Fax: (+230) 483 5038
E-mail: cjmaure@intnet.mu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 08:25:42 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Northeast environment still damaged by acid rain, research group sa
s
Northeast environment still damaged by acid rain, research group says
By SHANNON McCAFFREY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (March 26, 2001 6:04 a.m. EST) - Lakes, streams, soil and
trees in the Northeast continue to suffer the effects of acid rain
despite cuts in power plant emissions, an environmental research group
says.
Cuts mandated by the 1990 Clean Air Act have not been effective in
significantly reducing damage to the environment, according to a study
by the New Hampshire-based Hubbard Brook Research Foundation.
Only deeper reductions in nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions -
the pollutants which cause acid rain - are likely to help the Northeast
recover, scientists said in the report being released Monday.
Many of findings on acid rain damage to soil and waterways parallel
those of earlier studies. The new report provides particularly strong
evidence about the harm being done to red spruce and sugar maple trees.
Researcher said acid rain has contributed to a decline in red spruce
trees across the eastern United States and to sugar maples in central
and western Pennsylvania. Earlier reports had blamed acid rain for
damage only to red spruce trees at high elevations, saying its effect on
other trees was inconclusive.
Since the 1960s, more than half the canopy of red spruce trees in New
York's Adirondack Mountains and Vermont's Green Mountains and
one-quarter of those in New Hampshire's White Mountains have died.
The report suggested white ash and basswood trees may also be
susceptible.
Supporters of federal legislation to curb nitrogen and sulfur emissions
said the report was helpful to their effort.
"This is one more brick in what has become a huge wall of evidence that
acid rain must be stopped as soon as possible," said Timothy Burke,
executive director of The Adirondack Council, a New York-based
environmental group.
The report found that 41 percent of the lakes in the Adirondacks and 15
percent of the lakes in New England have become acidic. While there have
been modest improvements in the New England waterways, the Adirondacks
have seen no such progress. About 24 percent of the 1,469 lakes in the
Adirondacks have become too acidic to sustain fish life.
Coal-burning plants in the Ohio River Valley are blamed as the major
source of nitrogen and sulfur pollution that falls in the Northeast. The
pollution travels eastward on prevailing winds, mixes with moisture then
falls as rain, snow or fog.
For years, Northeast lawmakers have introduced legislation in Congress
to cut nitrogen and sulfur emissions. But the bills have gained little
support outside the Northeast and drawn strong opposition from the
Midwest.
While President Bush has reversed his campaign pledge to cut carbon
dioxide emissions, he has signaled he still supports reductions in
nitrogen and sulfur emissions.
Scientists from Syracuse University, University of Maine, University of
Virginia U.S. Geological Survey and the EPA participated in the report.
It will be published in the journal Bioscience.
An EPA spokesman said the agency would review the report.
http://www2.nando.net/noframes/story/0,2107,500467445-500714721-50395511
7-0,00.html
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 10:01:40 -0500
From: Lori Hidinger <lori@ESA.ORG>
Subject: ASSISTANTSHIP - Plant Ecology Assistantships, NAU
For additional information on the assistantships, please contact Margaret.M=
oore@nau.edu directly.
* PH.D. GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP AVAILABLE - Northern Arizona
University. Two 4-yr Ph.D. assistantships are available. The
research for both positions examines plant community structure and
function since fire exclusion on a set of long-term, permanent,
historical plots in the Southwest (estab. 1909). The first study
will determine herbaceous and shrub structure, biodiversity, and
understory successional trends. The second study will focus on the
forest overstory development and dynamics on this unique set of
plots. Students with backgrounds in plant ecology or forestry (with
ecology emphasis), and quantitative methods are encouraged to
apply. A M.S. is required. Both assistantships start July 1, 2001.
Both assistantships are $14,500 per year. An out-of-state tuition
waiver and student health insurance are included with the Ph.D.
stipend. Northern Arizona University is a comprehensive public
institution located on the southern Colorado Plateau, adjacent to
mountains, deserts, and the Grand Canyon. For information on the
research proposals please visit: www.eri.nau.edu/Phd_ad.htm. For
additional information on the assistantships, contact:
Margaret.Moore@nau.edu. Please attach your resume if you are
interested in applying. For information on the Ecological
Restoration Institute, visit www.eri.nau.edu. For information on
the School of Forestry and application materials, visit the
graduate degree programs' section of www.for.nau.edu. Application
deadline is 15 April 2001.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 11:12:43 -0500
From: Robert Mowbray <rnmowbray@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
David Mauriello wrote:
>Judge for yourselves whether the PR lady's comments have any validity
>whatsoever.
Sorry, but the evidence we have so far are comments from two biased sources.
Until we have some real evidence, like the name of the firm which had the
contract with USGS under which Ian Thomas was working, the scope of work of
the task order between USGS and the firm, the contract between Ian Thomas
and the firm for which he worked, copies of any instructions which were
issued to the firm by the USGS contract officer and/or contract officer's
technical representative to the firm which employed Ian Thomas, etc., I am
not ready to make a judgment in this matter. Ian Thomas comes across as
either a very naive and overly enthusiastic individual who may not have
understood the terms of his contract or someone who knew he was violating
the terms of his contract and is now trying to cast the blame for his loss
of employment elsewhere. At the same time the USGS PAO obviously does not
know, or is not ready to disclose, the details of what happened and has
provided only enough information to try to make Ian Thomas the culprit
rather than the victim in this matter.
My suspicion is that whatever happened, the decision to terminate the task
order on which Mr. Thomas was working did not get to the Cabinet level.
As scientists we should not be so ready to rush to judgment on this. We
need more evidence, preferably from an unbiased third party (neither a USGS
employee not Mr. Thomas and his friends) - evidence which I suspect we will
never see.
Bob Mowbray
Robert N. Mowbray
Tropical Forest Ecologist/Natural Resource Management Specialist
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 11:24:25 -0600
From: "J. M. Aguiar" <steelshard@TAMU.EDU>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
I find it disturbingly convenient that some scientists would prefer
to put off a judgement indefinitely, waiting for evidence "we will never
see," rather than stir themselves to make the slightest commitment in
this regard. This is precisely what we are expected to do--to hem and
to haw, forever analyzing and second-guessing ourselves into proudly
innocuous inaction.
The fact is that drilling is proposed for a sensitive wildlife
refuge, and information related to its potential impact has been
suppressed almost as soon as it appeared. This alone should be enough
to outrage every member of a profession ostensibly devoted to the free
sharing of ecological ken. Because of a political decision, information
has been censored--there is no other word--which we as both scientists
and American citizens have a right to access.
I have just written a letter on this issue, my second related to
ANWR so far; and while my signature doesn't pack the punch of E.O.
Wilson's, I am sending it out there anyway. I refuse to play the part
of the endlessly equivocating scientist who holds himself aloof from
political issues. I encourage everyone who actually <cares> about
biodiversity and ecological integrity to write letters and prove it--to
yourselves, to your peers, and to the politicians who are counting on
your disinterested silence.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 11:55:23 -0500
From: Human Resources <humanres@MBL.EDU>
Subject: RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU] SUMMER
INTERNSHIP
--=====================_14949976==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
DATE: March 26, 2001
POSITION: RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU]
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Ecosystems Center
The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking
applicants for the Arctic projects. Funding is anticipated for several
summer jobs for college undergraduates. These jobs involve field research
in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The location of the research
is Toolik Field Station, on the North Slope of Alaska. The Research
Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions are available to
undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and are currently enrolled at U.S.
colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). This is a special NSF
education program in which regular NSF grants received supplemental funds
each year to support one or two REU students. In addition to gaining
experience by helping out as an assistant on a project, REU students are
supposed to receive an identifiable educational experience. This is
usually a project in which the REU student takes responsibility for some
component of a current lakes, streams, terrestrial and land-water project,
collects and analyzes some data and produces a poster on what was
done. Several times in the past this has led to undergraduate thesis
projects when the students have returned to their home campuses. Typically
we have 6 to 10 REU positions available at the Ecosystems Center each
summer working in both terrestrial and aquatic systems.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicants should be in good health, capable of
rigorous physical activity; e.g., working long hours outside in potentially
severe weather, carrying >40lb. pack across uneven terrain, hiking many
miles per day across tundra and be prepared to live in an isolated setting
with harsh environmental conditions. Candidates for these jobs should be
available to live at the Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July and
August and possess basic knowledge and skills in Ecology, Biology or
Chemistry. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant as well
as the cost of room and board at the Station and a stipend.
DEADLINE: Until a suitable candidates are identified.
For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs,
see our web site at ecosystems.mbl.edu/. Information about the Arctic LTER
project is available at ecosystems.mbl.edu/arc.htm and information about
the Toolik Field Station is available at
mercury.bio.uaf.edu/~toolik.organizations/.
Please send resume, name, addresses telephone numbers and email addresses
of 3 references to: The Marine Biological Laboratory, ATTN: Human
Resources, reference code [SFA REU], 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole,
MA 02543. Applications may be sent by email to: resume@mbl.edu
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Non-smoking Workplace
--=====================_14949976==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<html>
<div align=3D"center">
<font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica" size=3D4><b>POSITION ANNOUNCEMEN
<br>
<br>
</font></div>
<font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica">DATE:<x-tab> <
/x-tab>March
26, 2001<br>
<br>
POSITION:<x-tab> </x-tab>
RESEARCH
EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU]
<dl>
<dl>
<dd>SUMMER INTERNSHIP
<dd>Ecosystems Center<br>
<br>
</b>
</dl>
</dl>The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seek
ng
applicants for the Arctic projects. Funding is anticipated for
several summer jobs for college undergraduates. These jobs involve
field research in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The
location of the research is Toolik Field Station, on the North Slope of
Alaska. The Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions
are available to undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and are currently
enrolled at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors).
This is a special NSF education program in which regular NSF grants
received supplemental funds each year to support one or two REU
students. In addition to gaining experience by helping out as an
assistant on a project, REU students are supposed to receive an
identifiable educational experience. This is usually a project in
which the REU student takes responsibility for some component of a
current lakes, streams, terrestrial and land-water project, collects and
analyzes some data and produces a poster on what was done. Several
times in the past this has led to undergraduate thesis projects when the
students have returned to their home campuses. Typically we have 6
to 10 REU positions available at the Ecosystems Center each summer
working in both terrestrial and aquatic systems.<br>
<br>
<b>CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:</b> </font><font face=3D"T
MES">Applicants
should be in good health, capable of rigorous physical activity; e.g.,
working long hours outside in potentially severe weather, carrying
>40lb. pack across uneven terrain, hiking many miles per day across
tundra and be prepared to live in an isolated setting with harsh
environmental conditions. Candidates for these jobs should be
available to live at the Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July
and August and possess basic knowledge and skills in Ecology, Biology or
Chemistry. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant
as well as the cost of room and board at the Station and a stipend.<br>
<br>
</font><font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica"><b>DEADLINE:</b>
Until a
suitable candidates are identified.<br>
<br>
For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs,
see our web site at <u>ecosystems.mbl.edu/</u>. Informatio
about
the Arctic LTER project is available at <u>ecosystems.mbl.edu/arc.htm<
/u>
and information about the Toolik Field Station is available at <br>
<u>mercury.bio.uaf.edu/~toolik.organizations/</u>.<br>
<br>
Please send resume, name, addresses telephone numbers and email addresses
of 3 references to: The Marine Biological Laboratory, ATTN:
Human Resources, reference code [SFA REU], 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole,
MA 02543. Applications may be sent by email to:
</font><font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica" color=3D"#0000FF"><u>
resume@mbl.edu<b=
r>
<br>
</u></font><font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica">An Equal Opport
nity/Affirmative
Action/Non-smoking Workplace</font><br>
</html>
--=====================_14949976==_.ALT--
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 12:03:03 -0500
From: Human Resources <humanres@MBL.EDU>
Subject: RESEARCH ASSISTANT II [RAII ERP] The Ecosystems Center
--=====================_15409287==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
DATE: MARCH 27, 2001
POSITION: RESEARCH ASSISTANT II [RAII ERP]
The Ecosystems Center
Full-Time, Grade 11, Exempt
The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking
applicants for 1 or 2 full-time Research Assistant II positions on an
ongoing ecological research project.
DUTIES: The successful candidates will participate in research on arctic
tundra stream ecosystems at Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska and
laboratory and writing work in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Field activities
in Alaska will include monitoring physical parameters in streams;
collection and analysis of water samples, benthic samples and
fish. Activities in Woods Hole will include chemistry analyses, data
analysis, extensive writing of manuscripts and reports and logistical planni
g.
SKILLS/EDUCATION/SKILL/EXPERIENCE: MS in Aquatic Biology, Ecology or
Chemistry or BA/BS in Aquatic Biology, Ecology or Chemistry with at least
three additional years of relevant experience. Experience with statistical
analyses, database management, spreadsheet programs and graphics programs a
plus. Scientific writing skills are a must. The successful candidate(s)
will be expected to schedule own work and should be prepared to supervise a
small field crew.
CONDITIONS: Applicants should be in good health, capable of rigorous
physical activity (e.g., working long hours outside in potentially severe
weather, carrying >40lb. Pack across uneven terrain, hiking many miles pe
day across tundra and be prepared to live in an isolated setting with harsh
environmental conditions. Candidates should be available for travel to
Alaska by June 14, 2001 and should be able to remain in Alaska until at
least August 23, 2001. All travel and living expenses will be paid in
addition to a salary.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until a suitable candidate(s) is identified.
Please send your resume, copy of transcripts, names, address, phone number
and email addresses (if available) of 3 references to: The Marine
Biological Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, reference code [RAII ERP],
7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015; telephone (508) 289-7422,
email resume@mbl.edu
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Non-smoking workplace.
--=====================_15409287==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii"
<html>
<div align="center">
<font face="TIMES" size=5><b>POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT<br>
<br>
<br>
</font></div>
<font face="TIMES"
size=4>DATE:<x-tab> </x-tab><x-tab>&n
sp; &nb
sp; </x-tab>MARCH
27, 2001<br>
<br>
POSITION:<x-tab> </x-tab>
<x-tab> &
nbsp; </x-tab>RESEARCH
ASSISTANT II [RAII ERP]<br>
<x-tab> </x-tab><
x-tab> &nbs
p; </x-tab><x-tab> &nbs
; &n
bsp; </x-tab>The
Ecosystems Center<br>
<x-tab> </x-tab><
x-tab> &nbs
p; </x-tab><x-tab> &nbs
; &n
bsp; </x-tab>Full-Time,
Grade 11, Exempt <br>
</font><font face="TIMES"
size=4><x-tab> <
x-tab><x-tab>&n
bsp; </x-tab><br>
<br>
</b></font><font face="TIMES">The Ecosystems Center of the
Marine
Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for 1 or 2 full-time Research
Assistant II positions on an ongoing ecological research project.<br>
<br>
<b>DUTIES:</b> The successful candidates will participate
n
research on arctic tundra stream ecosystems at Toolik Field Station in
northern Alaska and laboratory and writing work in Woods Hole,
Massachusetts. Field activities in Alaska will include monitoring
physical parameters in streams; collection and analysis of water samples,
benthic samples and fish. Activities in Woods Hole will include
chemistry analyses, data analysis, extensive writing of manuscripts and
reports and logistical planning.<br>
<br>
<b>SKILLS/EDUCATION/SKILL/EXPERIENCE:</b> MS in Aquatic Bi
logy,
Ecology or Chemistry or BA/BS in Aquatic Biology, Ecology or Chemistry
with at least three additional years of relevant experience.
Experience with statistical analyses, database management, spreadsheet
programs and graphics programs a plus. Scientific writing skills
are a must. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to
schedule own work and should be prepared to supervise a small field
crew.<br>
<br>
<b>CONDITIONS:</b> Applicants should be in good health, ca
able of
rigorous physical activity (e.g., working long hours outside in
potentially severe weather, carrying >40lb. Pack across uneven
terrain, hiking many miles per day across tundra and be prepared to live
in an isolated setting with harsh environmental conditions.
Candidates should be available for travel to Alaska by June 14, 2001 and
should be able to remain in Alaska until at least August 23, 2001.
All travel and living expenses will be paid in addition to a
salary.<br>
<br>
<b>APPLICATION DEADLINE:</b> Until a suitable candidate(s)
is
identified.<br>
<br>
Please send your resume, copy of transcripts, names, address, phone
number and email addresses (if available) of 3 references to: The
Marine Biological Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, reference code
<b>[RAII ERP]</b>, <br>
7 MBL Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543-1015; telephone (508) 289-7422,
email resume@mbl.edu<br>
<br>
<div align="center">
<i>An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Non-smoking
workplace.<br>
</font></i></div>
<br>
</html>
--=====================_15409287==_.ALT--
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 12:12:10 -0500
From: Human Resources <humanres@MBL.EDU>
Subject: RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU] SUMMER
INTERNSHIP
--=====================_15956504==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
DATE: MARCH 27, 2001
POSITION: RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU) [SFA REU]
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
Ecosystems Center
The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking
applicants for the Arctic projects. Funding is anticipated for several
summer jobs for college undergraduates. These jobs involve field research
in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The location of the research
is Toolik Field Station, on the North Slope of Alaska. The Research
Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions are available to
undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and are currently enrolled at U.S.
colleges or universities (no graduating seniors). This is a special NSF
education program in which regular NSF grants received supplemental funds
each year to support one or two REU students. In addition to gaining
experience by helping out as an assistant on a project, REU students are
supposed to receive an identifiable educational experience. This is
usually a project in which the REU student takes responsibility for some
component of a current lakes, streams, terrestrial and land-water project,
collects and analyzes some data and produces a poster on what was
done. Several times in the past this has led to undergraduate thesis
projects when the students have returned to their home campuses. Typically
we have 6 to 10 REU positions available at the Ecosystems Center each
summer working in both terrestrial and aquatic systems.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Applicants should be in good health, capable of
rigorous physical activity; e.g., working long hours outside in potentially
severe weather, carrying >40lb. pack across uneven terrain, hiking many
miles per day across tundra and be prepared to live in an isolated setting
with harsh environmental conditions. Candidates for these jobs should be
available to live at the Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July and
August and possess basic knowledge and skills in Ecology, Biology or
Chemistry. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant as well
as the cost of room and board at the Station and a stipend.
DEADLINE: Until a suitable candidates are identified.
For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs,
see our web site at ecosystems.mbl.edu/. Information about the Arctic LTER
project is available at ecosystems.mbl.edu/arc.htm and information about
the Toolik Field Station is available at
mercury.bio.uaf.edu/~toolik.organizations/.
Please send resume, name, addresses telephone numbers and email addresses
of 3 references to: The Marine Biological Laboratory, ATTN: Human
Resources, reference code [SFA REU], 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole,
MA 02543. Applications may be sent by email to: resume@mbl.edu
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Non-smoking Workplace
--=====================_15956504==_.ALT
Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<html>
<font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica"><b>DATE:<x-tab>
</x-tab>MAR=
CH
27, 2001<br>
<br>
<br>
POSITION: RESEARCH EXPERIENCE for UNDERGRADUATES (REU)
[SFA REU]
<dl>
<dl>
<dd>SUMMER INTERNSHIP
<dd>Ecosystems Center<br>
<br>
</b>
</dl>
</dl>The Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory is seek
ng
applicants for the Arctic projects. Funding is anticipated for
several summer jobs for college undergraduates. These jobs involve
field research in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The
location of the research is Toolik Field Station, on the North Slope of
Alaska. The Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) positions
are available to undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and are currently
enrolled at U.S. colleges or universities (no graduating seniors).
This is a special NSF education program in which regular NSF grants
received supplemental funds each year to support one or two REU
students. In addition to gaining experience by helping out as an
assistant on a project, REU students are supposed to receive an
identifiable educational experience. This is usually a project in
which the REU student takes responsibility for some component of a
current lakes, streams, terrestrial and land-water project, collects and
analyzes some data and produces a poster on what was done. Several
times in the past this has led to undergraduate thesis projects when the
students have returned to their home campuses. Typically we have 6
to 10 REU positions available at the Ecosystems Center each summer
working in both terrestrial and aquatic systems.<br>
<br>
<b>CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:</b> </font><font face=3D"T
MES">Applicants
should be in good health, capable of rigorous physical activity; e.g.,
working long hours outside in potentially severe weather, carrying
>40lb. pack across uneven terrain, hiking many miles per day across
tundra and be prepared to live in an isolated setting with harsh
environmental conditions. Candidates for these jobs should be
available to live at the Field Station for 2-3 months during June, July
and August and possess basic knowledge and skills in Ecology, Biology or
Chemistry. Travel to Toolik Field Station is paid for by the grant
as well as the cost of room and board at the Station and a stipend.<br>
<br>
</font><font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica"><b>DEADLINE:</b>
Until a
suitable candidates are identified.<br>
<br>
For additional information about the Ecosystems Center and its programs,
see our web site at <u>ecosystems.mbl.edu/</u>. Informatio
about
the Arctic LTER project is available at <u>ecosystems.mbl.edu/arc.htm<
/u>
and information about the Toolik Field Station is available at <br>
<u>mercury.bio.uaf.edu/~toolik.organizations/</u>.<br>
<br>
Please send resume, name, addresses telephone numbers and email addresses
of 3 references to: The Marine Biological Laboratory, ATTN:
Human Resources, reference code [SFA REU], 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole,
MA 02543. Applications may be sent by email to:
</font><font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica" color=3D"#0000FF"><u>
resume@mbl.edu<b=
r>
<br>
</u></font><div align=3D"center">
<font face=3D"Arial, Helvetica"><i>An Equal Opportunity/Affirmat
ve
Action/Non-smoking Workplace<br>
<br>
</font></i></div>
<br>
</html>
--=====================_15956504==_.ALT--
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 12:40:15 -0500
From: David Kirschtel <kirschte@MSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
As a sidebar to the events at the USGS, Wired News has an interesting
article on events occuring at the ANWR website:
Oil and Websites Don't Mix (Politics 2:00 a.m. PST)
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,42536,00.html?tw=wn20010323
President Bush's position on oil in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge is clear: He wants to drill. So what's a poor fish-and-wildlife
official supposed to do when told to erase any trace of President
Clinton's conservation-minded approach on its website? By Jeffrey
Benner.
[from Wired News Daily, 23 March 2001]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Kirschtel, Ph.D. * kirschte@pilot.msu.edu * 517.432.0898
112 N Kedzie Lab * Mich State Univ * E Lansing, MI * 48824
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 10:51:00 -0700
From: Interhemispheric Resource Center <ircalb@SWCP.COM>
Subject: Coca Eradication
<html>
----------------------------------------------------------<br>
FOREIGN POLICY IN FOCUS<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://fpif.org/"
eudora="autourl">http://fpif.org/<br>
</a></u></font>-------------------------------------------
------------------<br
>
<br>
Dear Colleagues,<br>
<br>
There are several new policy briefs and commentaries<br>
posted this week on Foreign Policy In Focus' website <br>
dedicated to U.S. drug policy, Plan Colombia and the <br>
environmental effects of aerial fumigation on the <br>
Andean region. The most recent analysis details the <br>
history and ongoing U.S. policy that advocates coca<br>
eradication in Colombia as a means for impeding drug<br>
flows and consumption in the U.S.<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a href="http://fpif.org/colombia/in
ex.html"
eudora="autourl">http://fpif.org/colombia/index.html</a><br>
<br>
</u></font>Coca Eradication<br>
By Phillip Coffin with Jeremy Bigwood<br>
<font color="#0000FF"><u><a
href="http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/briefs/vol6/v6n07coca.html"
eudora="autourl">http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/briefs/vol6/v6n07c
ca.</a
><a href="http://www.foreignpolicy-infocus.org/briefs/vol6/v6n07coca.
tml"
eudora="autourl">html<br>
<br>
</a></u></font>The Colombian police and army operations, l
rgely financed
and coordinated by the U.S<br>
Government, sprayed tens of thousands of acres of coca with chemical
herbicides each of<br>
the past 4 years. In 2000, although 128,000 acres were fumigated in
Colombia, the net area <br>
under coca cultivation actually increased. Nearly one-half million acres
of coca were <br>
reportedly eradicated in South America between 1985 and 1997, yet
cultivation increased <br>
87% from 295,000 to 552,000 acres. Yet, even if eradication is successful
in wiping out coca <br>
in South America, production is almost certain to expand in other parts
of the world. Coca <br>
has been cultivated in India, Indonesia, and Taiwan, as well as in Hawaii
and Florida; it <br>
could be easily grown in sub-Saharan Africa. <br>
<br>
See:<br>
<a href="http://fpif.org/colombia/index.html"
eudora="autourl">http://fpif.org/colombia/index.html</a><br>
for more analysis on environmental effects of U.S. policy in Colombian
region<br>
Please feel free to submit comments or criticism to the FPIF editorial
staff<br>
at: infocus@fpif.org<br>
<br>
FPIF encourages feedback and accepts inquiries and suggestions for
original<br>
analysis or op-ed pieces. For further details on guidelines for writers,
please<br>
see:
<a href="http://fpif.org/guidelines.html" eudora="autourl"><font
color="#0000FF"><u>http://fpif.org/guidelines.html</a><br>
<br>
</u></font>best regards,<br>
Tim McGivern<br>
FPIF communications director<br>
<br>
-------------------<br>
Interhemispheric Resource Center/Institute for Policy Studies<br>
Foreign Policy In Focus Program<br>
Box 4506<br>
Albuquerque, NM 87196<br>
infocus@fpif.org<br>
505-246-1601 (fax)<br>
ircalb@swcp.com<br>
<br>
733 15th St. ste. 1020<br>
Washington, DC 20005<br>
202-234-9382, ext 240<br>
ipsps@igc.org<br>
</html>
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 13:10:06 -0500
From: Mccormick.Frank@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV
Subject: Apples and oranges
J. M. Aguiar's email argues that the issues of Ian Thomas' termination, the
possible censorship of "policy-sensitive" material, and protection of
biodiversity and the environment are one and the same. They are not.
As Robert Mowbray indicated, we do not have purely objective facts in the
matter of Ian Thomas' employment. If he was wrongfully terminated, that
may ultimately be borne out in court. We have the USGS statement that the
maps were removed from the website because they had not been cleared. We
must evaluate the actions that ensue. The maps in question will either
reappear upon review or they will not. If they do not, then we must press
for reasons. As for linking the first two events with commitment to or
indifference for protecting the environment and biodiversity, that's a
faulty dilemma. If we stand for their protection, we should write our
representatives, the appropriate Cabinet secretaries and agency heads, and
say so, stating the objective science behind the reasons for protecting
wilderness. But we should not inextricably link the other events. To
argue that we must simultaneously accept the LA Times account of events,
condemn the USGS for malfeasance and respond to the threat to ANWR with
letters or we are "endlessly equivocating scientists" who do not care about
the environment is simply wrong. Separate the issues and deal with them
independently - and objectively.
Frank H. McCormick
Research Ecologist
US Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
mccormick.frank@epa.gov
513 569 7097
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 14:02:31 -0500
From: "Manuel A. Morales" <morales@WAM.UMD.EDU>
Subject: laser rangefinder
Does anyone have any experience using Leica's DISTO rangefinders under field
conditions? The company claims an accuracy of +/- 3 mm.
Thanks,
Manuel
Manuel A. Morales, Ph.D.
University of Maryland
Biology Department, 1210
College Park, MD 20742
ph: 301.405.6946; fax: 301.314.9358
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~morales
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 14:16:00 -0500
From: Robert Mowbray <rnmowbray@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
J. M. Aguiar wrote -
> I find it disturbingly convenient that some scientists would prefer
> to put off a judgement indefinitely, waiting for evidence "we will neve
> see," rather than stir themselves to make the slightest commitment in
> this regard>
[snip]
> I have just written a letter on this issue, my second related to
> ANWR so far; and while my signature doesn't pack the punch of E.O.
> Wilson's, I am sending it out there anyway. I refuse to play the part
> of the endlessly equivocating scientist who holds himself aloof from
> political issues. I encourage everyone who actually <cares> abou
> biodiversity and ecological integrity to write letters and prove it--to
I did not and do not advocate that scientists withhold judgment on the
wisdom of oil exploration/exploitation in the ANWR. I am convinced that the
Administration's plans to extract oil and natural gas is both
environmentally unsound and poor energy policy and I have written to the
White House and Congress several times to express my opinion on this issue.
However, I do suggest, even in the face of the "Oil and Websites Don't Mix"
article, that we not be too quick to associate our opposition to oil
drilling in ANWR with the firing of Mr. Thomas. I find the USGS claim that
the contract/task order with Analytical Process Lab, Inc, the firm which
employed Mr. Thomas, was canceled because the firm and Mr. Thomas were not
complying with the terms of the contract at least as credible as Mr.
Thomas' claim that termination of the task order was politically motivated.
The fact that a map very similar to Mr. Thomas' caribou map was already
available at the USFWS site and Mr. Thomas' reference to the USGS site as
his site both tend to detract from Mr. Thomas' credibility. And none of
this should detract from our commitment to protect ANWR's biodiversity.
Robert N. Mowbray
Tropical Forest Ecologist/Natural Resource Management Specialist
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 14:45:39 -0500
From: Robert Mowbray <rnmowbray@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps - Another response from the USGS PAO
Here is the response I received from the USGS Public Affairs Officer to my
posting of earlier today. It is followed with my response to her.
I am sure that many/.most of you will also find this to be inadequate. As I
state in my response, I would like more information but don't expect to get
it - unless Mr. Thomas or Analytical Process Lab, Inc. take this to court
and all of the communications between USGS contracting and technical
personnel
and Analytical Process Lab, Inc. become public.
Bob Mowbray
Mr. Mowbray,
The name of the company is Analytical Process Lab, Inc. They are located
in Milwaukee, Wisc. I do not have a copy of any contract between them and
Mr. Thomas. Work projects listed in the Statement of Work are: (1) Maine
- Acadia National Park Watershed Project; (2) Wisconsin - Historic
Landcover Mapping Project; (3) North/South Dakota - Global Climate Change
Project; (4) EPA Region 3 (mid-Atlantic states) - Breeding Bird
Survey/Landcover Analysis Project ; (5) USFWS Region 5 (northeast) -
Refuges Project. Please note that neither Alaska nor Africa are mentioned
in this Statement of Work.
During the past year and a half, Mr. Thomas was counseled about working
outside the scope of his contract and producing inappropriate products for
our website. The termination of the contract was the result of this
history. As I am sure you can appreciate, USGS has a policy about airing
personnel information publicly. On the other hand, Mr. Thomas is free to
say whatever he desires.
Please let me know if you have additional concerns.
Trudy Harlow
Ms. Harlow,
Thank you for your quick response. I trust that you have no objections to
my posting it on the Ecological Society of America's ListServe where the
debate over Mr. Thomas' firing continues in a rather one-sided manner. As
you mention the one-sidedness is a result of USGS's respect for
confidentiality in its contracting procedures and Mr. Thomas' freedom to
express himself. Unfortunately, I suspect that that means that those who
are suspicious of the government's motives in this case will remain
suspicious.
I also remain suspicious because I have no doubt that the current
Administration would resort to the actions they are suspected of engaging
in, and I don't know all the facts, but (1) I suspect that Mr. Thomas' maps
never came to the attention of political appointees who would have objected
to the ANWR maps on political grounds, and (2) I am familiar enough with
government contracting procedures to believe that Mr. Thomas's firing just
as the debate over ANWR is pure coincidence.
Robert N. Mowbray
Tropical Forest Ecologist/Natural Resource Management Specialist
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 15:55:10 -0500
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Jobs: Conservation crew leaders and assistants, summer, Maine
Mount Agamenticus Conservation Crew (seasonal)
Job Descriptions
Jobs: Conservation Crew Leaders (2 positions) and
Conservation Assistants (4 positions)
Dates: approximately May 14 =E2=80=93 August 24 (these dates are flexible)
Location: Mount Agamenticus, York County, Maine
Summary of Position:
The Conservation Crew will conduct stewardship and outreach in the Mount
Agamenticus Conservation Area in coastal Southern Maine. This season, we
will correct problems of erosion, trail damage, invasive plants, forest
fragmentation, and water quality degradation that have developed over
the years. Public outreach and environmental education are also
important aspects of our work. Each person on the crew will work on an
independent project to enhance public awareness of ecological dynamics
or to conduct on-the-ground stewardship. The Conservation Crew is
supervised by the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Coordinator.
Mount Agamenticus supports a diverse, undeveloped coastal forest,
containing the highest concentration of vernal pools in Maine. The
Conservation Crew will work on land owned by conservation landowners in
the area who are committed to protecting the natural resources of the
region while maintaining sustainable recreational access. The landowners
include The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts, towns, water
districts and the state of Maine. These landowners are working together
to balance the needs of wildlife, water quality and recreation on more
than 7000 acres of land.
Specific tasks include:
The Conservation Crew will carry out stewardship activities in the Mount
Agamenticus Conservation Area. Trail remediation is an important
component of our work to protect wildlife habitat and water quality
while maintaining recreational access in the area. Trail remediation and
maintenance tasks include: building water bars, bridges, boardwalks and
drainage ditches; planting native grasses, trees and shrubs; monitoring
trail conditions; keeping trails clear of fallen trees and branches.
Public outreach is another important component of stewardship.
Environmental education tasks include: installing signs; maintaining
environmental education kiosks; explaining to visitors the importance of
conservation.
Each Crew member will work on additional projects, developed with the
Conservation Coordinator. These projects may include: public outreach
concerning the rare turtle species that inhabit the area; surveying for
rare plants and wildlife; expanding the volunteer network;
photodocumenting trail and habitat conditions; public outreach
concerning low impact recreational activities; writing and designing
environmental education materials; planning and monitoring revegetation
projects.
Entrance Requirements:
* Knowledge of ecology and natural resource management.
* Ability to work outside at least 80% of your work day.
* Ability to explain conservation work to a variety of people
including recreationalists, tourists, neighbors and school groups.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Ability to follow instructions, improvise when needed and report
problems.
* Ability to tolerate ticks, dirt and sweat.
* Interest in working on an independent project with approval and
guidance from the supervisor.
* Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.
* Crew leaders should have leadership experience.
Wages: crew leaders $10/hour
crew members $9/hour
Contact: Susan Ask, Mount Agamenticus Conservation Coordinator
send resume, letter and references to:
The Nature Conservancy
c/o T. Parker Schuerman
Attn: Susan Ask
P.O. Box 840
Moody, ME 04054
207/646-1788
sask@tnc.org
Resumes requested by April 20. Positions are open until filled.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 17:36:03 -0400
From: Sheila Ward <seward@CARIBE.NET>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
The boundary between objectivity and advocacy is a difficult one, but I
second Aguiar's opinion.
Sheila Ward
----- Original Message -----
From: "J. M. Aguiar" <steelshard@TAMU.EDU>
To: <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 1:24 PM
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
> I find it disturbingly convenient that some scientists would prefer
> to put off a judgement indefinitely, waiting for evidence "we will neve
> see," rather than stir themselves to make the slightest commitment in
> this regard. This is precisely what we are expected to do--to hem and
> to haw, forever analyzing and second-guessing ourselves into proudly
> innocuous inaction.
>
> The fact is that drilling is proposed for a sensitive wildlife
> refuge, and information related to its potential impact has been
> suppressed almost as soon as it appeared. This alone should be enough
> to outrage every member of a profession ostensibly devoted to the free
> sharing of ecological ken. Because of a political decision, informatio
> has been censored--there is no other word--which we as both scientists
> and American citizens have a right to access.
>
> I have just written a letter on this issue, my second related to
> ANWR so far; and while my signature doesn't pack the punch of E.O.
> Wilson's, I am sending it out there anyway. I refuse to play the part
> of the endlessly equivocating scientist who holds himself aloof from
> political issues. I encourage everyone who actually <cares> abou
> biodiversity and ecological integrity to write letters and prove it--to
> yourselves, to your peers, and to the politicians who are counting on
> your disinterested silence.
>
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 17:35:40 -0500
From: Nat Holland <jholland@FIG.COX.MIAMI.EDU>
Subject: Summer Ecological Research Assistant
ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT FOR SUMMER FIELD WORK:
Two seasonal positions are available from 15 May through 15 August 2001 to
assist in field studies of mutualistic interactions between senita cacti
and senita moths in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico and Arizona.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently and as a team member.
Attention to details, computer skills and experience with databases are
desirable. Good physical condition and ability to work irregular hours
under sometimes harsh (i.e., hot) environmental conditions. Spanish not
required but is helpful. Background and experience in plant biology,
ecology, and/or entomology are preferable.
DUTIES:
Assist in the collection and management of data in both field and
laboratory studies of interactions between a cactus and its specialized
pollinating seed-eating moth. Research to be conducted includes
reproductive biology of cacti, life history and behavior of moths, and
population dynamics of both moths and cacti. Room and lodging will be
provided along with a $1,500 stipend.
APPLICATION:
Cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and
name/address/telephone/email of three references should be submitted by
ground mail to J. Nathaniel Holland, Department of Biology, University of
Miami, P.O. Box 249118, Coral Gables, FL 33124;
jholland@fig.cox.miami.edu
____________________________________________________________________________
_
J. Nathaniel Holland
Department of Biology
University of Miami
P.O. Box 249118
Coral Gables, FL 33124
jholland@fig.cox.miami.edu
Phone: 305-284-3973
FAX: 305-284-3039
____________________________________________________________________________
_
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 17:49:25 -0500
From: "E. Ann Poole" <eann@JUNO.COM>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps - Another response from the USGS PAO
I'm going to step into this mire at the risk of getting terminally
stuck......
As someone who has been in nearly all the roles in question (contracting
agency, contract supervisor, contractor and sub-contractor) and who is
currently registered with the Small Business Administration PRO-Net as
well as other federal contracting lists, it is my understanding that
federal contracts ARE subject to the FIA provided they do not fall into
some category like "military security" or "trade secret".
In effect, a contract is held by the federal agency on behalf of the
American people with a 'prime contractor'. Mr Thomas may have been the
prime contractor, in which case the contract should be open to review OR
he may have been subcontracted via Analytical Process Lab, in which case
he subject to the terms of that subcontract. Under the terms of a
subcontract, a contractee may or may not enjoy the protections of the
prime contractor. That is a matter between the prime contractor and the
subcontractor. Most often, as a subcontractor, one is in effect an
at-will employee (i.e., one can be terminated without cause or
notification).
Folks, if you negotiate a contract, READ THE TERMS CAREFULLY. Whether
you are a prime or subcontractor, you should always (always, always,
always!!) request a clause requiring mutual progress reviews, performance
evaluations, and clearly spelling out the terms & conditions of
employment and grounds for termination. Regardless of any personal
relationship you may hold with the project manager, take every
opportunity to CYA and avoid regrettable situations such as this. In
very complex government contracts (aren't they all??), it is always a
good idea to consult an attorney before signing the bottom line.
Ann
E. Ann Poole, Ecologist & Environmental Planner
SBE / DBE, CAGE 1QFD5
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
- Helping Communities Meet the Challenges of Growth -
~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~
>Mr. Mowbray,
>The name of the company is Analytical Process Lab, Inc. They are
>located
>in Milwaukee, Wisc. I do not have a copy of any contract between them
>and
>Mr. Thomas. Work projects listed in the Statement of Work are: (1)
>Maine
>- Acadia National Park Watershed Project; (2) Wisconsin - Historic
>Landcover Mapping Project; (3) North/South Dakota - Global Climate
>Change
>Project; (4) EPA Region 3 (mid-Atlantic states) - Breeding Bird
>Survey/Landcover Analysis Project ; (5) USFWS Region 5 (northeast) -
>Refuges Project. Please note that neither Alaska nor Africa are
>mentioned
>in this Statement of Work.
>During the past year and a half, Mr. Thomas was counseled about
>working
>outside the scope of his contract and producing inappropriate products
>for
>our website. The termination of the contract was the result of this
>history. As I am sure you can appreciate, USGS has a policy about
>airing
>personnel information publicly. On the other hand, Mr. Thomas is free
>to
>say whatever he desires.
>Please let me know if you have additional concerns.
>Trudy Harlow
>
>Ms. Harlow,
>
>Thank you for your quick response. I trust that you have no
>objections to
>my posting it on the Ecological Society of America's ListServe where
>the
>debate over Mr. Thomas' firing continues in a rather one-sided manner.
> As
>you mention the one-sidedness is a result of USGS's respect for
>confidentiality in its contracting procedures and Mr. Thomas' freedom
>to
>express himself. Unfortunately, I suspect that that means that those
>who
>are suspicious of the government's motives in this case will remain
>suspicious.
>
>I also remain suspicious because I have no doubt that the current
>Administration would resort to the actions they are suspected of
>engaging
>in, and I don't know all the facts, but (1) I suspect that Mr. Thomas'
>maps
>never came to the attention of political appointees who would have
>objected
>to the ANWR maps on political grounds, and (2) I am familiar enough
>with
>government contracting procedures to believe that Mr. Thomas's firing
>just
>as the debate over ANWR is pure coincidence.
>
> Robert N. Mowbray
>Tropical Forest Ecologist/Natural Resource Management Specialist
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 17:51:20 -0600
From: Pat Mulloy <pmulloy1@USWEST.NET>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
My heart is with Mr. Aguiar. I've forwarded information about the story to
my local congress persons, urging them to look into the story.
Even if it turns out that we are tilting at windmills and that the
termination of Ian Thomas was justified, the matter still needs looking
into. Even if all scientists are not as courageous as we would like, it is
critical that we all defend their right to say what is on their minds.
At the same time, I have a tremendous amount of respect for many of the
other parties to this discussion. I notice that many of them have government
email addresses or positions probably dependent upon government funding. If
Mr. Thomas was sacked for posting maps on the Internet, what would this
lovely administration do to those who ask that his sacking be examined?
Pat Mulloy
Mulloy Environmental Services, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Sheila Ward
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 3:36 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
The boundary between objectivity and advocacy is a difficult one, but I
second Aguiar's opinion.
Sheila Ward
----- Original Message -----
From: "J. M. Aguiar" <steelshard@TAMU.EDU>
To: <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2001 1:24 PM
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
> I find it disturbingly convenient that some scientists would prefer
> to put off a judgement indefinitely, waiting for evidence "we will neve
> see," rather than stir themselves to make the slightest commitment in
> this regard. This is precisely what we are expected to do--to hem and
> to haw, forever analyzing and second-guessing ourselves into proudly
> innocuous inaction.
>
> The fact is that drilling is proposed for a sensitive wildlife
> refuge, and information related to its potential impact has been
> suppressed almost as soon as it appeared. This alone should be enough
> to outrage every member of a profession ostensibly devoted to the free
> sharing of ecological ken. Because of a political decision, informatio
> has been censored--there is no other word--which we as both scientists
> and American citizens have a right to access.
>
> I have just written a letter on this issue, my second related to
> ANWR so far; and while my signature doesn't pack the punch of E.O.
> Wilson's, I am sending it out there anyway. I refuse to play the part
> of the endlessly equivocating scientist who holds himself aloof from
> political issues. I encourage everyone who actually <cares> abou
> biodiversity and ecological integrity to write letters and prove it--to
> yourselves, to your peers, and to the politicians who are counting on
> your disinterested silence.
>
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 18:35:43 -0800
From: "Keith W. Larson" <keith_w_larson@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: ANWR Caribou maps
Ecologgers:
Has Mr. Thomas ever responded to the statements by the
USGS that he was counceled previous to his termination
over the alledged inappropriateness of some of his
work given the contract?
I have no doubt I about the potential resolve of the
current admistration and/or the government to censor
scientific data. But I think we are all aware of these
realities. If he was counceled previously we have been
mislead, if not, read previous line!
Best,
Keith Larson
=====
"Cars are designed to point their exhaust pipe right at the air intake of th
CAR in back of them!!" -- Ken Avidor
Researchers from Johns Hopkins found that for every increase of 10 microgram
per cubic meter of fine particulate matter (a common component of auto and
diesel exhaust) in the air risk of death from all causes increases by 0.51%
and
from heart or lung disease increases by 0.68%.
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Get email at your own domain with Yahoo! Mail.
http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/?.refer=text
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 26 Mar 2001 to 27 Mar 2001
***************************************************
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