Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 24 Jun 2001 to 25 Jun 2001
There are 19 messages totalling 1132 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. advice on isolated wetlands situation (2)
2. Job Vacancy - Landscape Ecologist
3. Free Job posting - EEB chair position
4. Sabbatical replacement position available
5. ecological effects of GM organisms
6. Houtson isolated wetlands
7. Looking for plant ID manuals for the flora of Puerto Rico
8. Job Announcement: USGS GS9 Nutrient Cycling Position
9. Research Ecologist/Entomologist
10. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
11. soil arthropods source (2)
12. Job Posting - Biodiversity Specialist, Albany, NY USA
13. Job: Research Specialist, Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center
14. Genetically modified canola becoming a weed (3)
15. Houston isolated wetlands
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 00:05:35 -0500
From: Wendee Holtcamp <ecowriter@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: advice on isolated wetlands situation
I would greatly appreciate any ideas or pointers on this
situation.
I live in Houston, where the mosquito problem has been quite bad
because of the flooding two weeks ago. A member of my
conservation organization spotted the following paragraph in a
local subdivision newsletter:
"Wetlands, these are the areas that run behind the homes and park
area, that hold the rain. Your Landscaping Committee is in the
process of reviewing bids from different landscapers, on drying
or draining these areas."
I want to try to inform the Community Association about the value
of these wetlands for reducing flooding, improving and purifying
water quality, and providing habitat, food and water for
wildlife. Does anyone know of any short-and-snappy online
brochures or pages that I could print out and give to these
people that are easy to read and understand, yet are "scientific"
enough that they are (accurate of course) but "forceful" in
stating the import of wetlands?
I only wonder in how many neighborhoods around Houston this is
going on in? (ugh) Or nationwide? Of course, most other states
have legislation protecting wetlands. After the Supreme Court
case, Texas has absolutely zero protection (at least that is my
understanding -- it should be the domain of the TNRCC but they
stopped doing that years ago).
If we can at least get these folks to realize that filling in a
few wetlands in their neighborhood is NOT going to have an
overall impact on the onslaught of mosquitos that have come as a
result of the floods (which are only exacerbated by the filling
of wetlands...)
Thanks in advance for any insight, pointers, etc! I'll be leaving
town Wed afternoon for a month, so may not get a chance to say
thanks to everyone individually but hope to pass along the info
expediently to the homeowners groups. Also, please cc me at
ecowriter@earthlink.net as I will be going NOMAIL.
Wendee Holtcamp
President & Founder
San Jacinto Conservation Coalition
www.sanjacinto.cc
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendee Holtcamp -- ecowriter@earthlink.net
~~ Environmental Journalism ~~ www.greendzn.com ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece
of the continent, a part of the main. -- John Donne
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 15:21:14 +0930
From: "James, Craig (CSE, Alice Springs)" <Craig.James@CSE.CSIRO.AU>
Subject: Job Vacancy - Landscape Ecologist
Landscape Ecologist
CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
$60K - $74K + Superannuation
CSIRO's Centre for Arid Zone Research in Alice Springs in central Australia
undertakes primary research aimed at the ecology and management of Australi
's
arid and semi-arid lands across a vast area of inland Australia.
We are seeking to appoint a research scientist to work with a team to develo
innovative techniques for the assessment and monitoring of biodiversity in
rid
and semi-arid zone landscapes.
You will need to have a background in landscape ecology, arid-zone ecosystem
and biodiversity assessment, and an understanding of remote sensing and
geographic information systems. Excellent interpersonal skills, an ability
to
work harmoniously in a small team and a demonstrated ability to communicate
both with staff and clients are vital.
For further information phone Dr Craig James on +618 8950 7157 or email
Craig.James@cse.csiro.au.
For the selection documentation phone Teresa Shanahan on +618 8950 7121, fax
on
+618 8950 7187, or email Teresa.Shanahan@cse.csiro.au. You can also visit
he
web site: http://www.cse.csiro.au/employment/.
More information about the research programs at CAZR can be found at
http://www.cazr.csiro.au
Please send your application, framed against the selection criteria and quot
ng
reference PG01/16 to: The Administrative Officer, CSIRO Sustainable
Ecosystems, PO Box 2111, Alice Springs, NT Australia 0871 by 29 June 2001.
Craig James
------------------------------------------------------------
Centre for Arid Zone Research
CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
PO Box 2111
Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia
ph: 08 8950 7157 (intnal +618 8950 7157)
fx: 08 8950 7187 (intnal +618 8950 7187)
mb: 0408 838 194 (intnal +61408 838 194)
email: craig.james@cse.csiro.au
CSIRO Wildlife & Ecology Web site: www.dwe.csiro.au
CSIRO CAZR Web site: www.cazr.csiro.au
Vice President, Ecological Society of Australia
ESA Web site: www.life.csu.edu.au/esa
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 10:10:02 -0400
From: Ken Klemow <kklemow@WILKES1.WILKES.EDU>
Subject: Re: advice on isolated wetlands situation
Hi Wendee,
In general, any efforts to fill wetlands should be regulated by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Entities seeking to fill
Jurisdictional wetlands need to have a permit from the US Army Corps
of Engineers before proceeding. Have you been in contact with the
Corps office for the watershed in question? Have the wetlands been
appropriately delineated? Has the Corps taken jurisdiction over
those wetlands?
My sense is that the individuals involved might not be persuaded by
arguments over wetland function. They might place a higher value on
their own health - or the health of their loved ones - than on
habitat, water purification, and flood protection normally afforded
by wetlands. What evidence do you have that your wetlands DO NOT
provide habitat to disease-causing mosquitoes - or at least in
quantities not likely to impair human health?
Good luck with this.
Ken K.
Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology & GeoEnvironmental Science
Biology Program
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
e-mail: kklemow@wilkes1.wilkes.edu
webpage: http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow
phone: 570-408-4758
fax: 570-408-7862
****************************************************************************
**
Wendee Holtcamp <ecowriter@EARTHLINK.NET> wrote:
>I would greatly appreciate any ideas or pointers on this
>situation.
>
>I live in Houston, where the mosquito problem has been quite bad
>because of the flooding two weeks ago. A member of my
>conservation organization spotted the following paragraph in a
>local subdivision newsletter:
>
>"Wetlands, these are the areas that run behind the homes and park
>area, that hold the rain. Your Landscaping Committee is in the
>process of reviewing bids from different landscapers, on drying
>or draining these areas."
>
>I want to try to inform the Community Association about the value
>of these wetlands for reducing flooding, improving and purifying
>water quality, and providing habitat, food and water for
>wildlife. Does anyone know of any short-and-snappy online
>brochures or pages that I could print out and give to these
>people that are easy to read and understand, yet are "scientific"
>enough that they are (accurate of course) but "forceful" in
>stating the import of wetlands?
>
>I only wonder in how many neighborhoods around Houston this is
>going on in? (ugh) Or nationwide? Of course, most other states
>have legislation protecting wetlands. After the Supreme Court
>case, Texas has absolutely zero protection (at least that is my
>understanding -- it should be the domain of the TNRCC but they
>stopped doing that years ago).
>
>If we can at least get these folks to realize that filling in a
>few wetlands in their neighborhood is NOT going to have an
>overall impact on the onslaught of mosquitos that have come as a
>result of the floods (which are only exacerbated by the filling
>of wetlands...)
>
>Thanks in advance for any insight, pointers, etc! I'll be leaving
>town Wed afternoon for a month, so may not get a chance to say
>thanks to everyone individually but hope to pass along the info
>expediently to the homeowners groups. Also, please cc me at
>ecowriter@earthlink.net as I will be going NOMAIL.
>
>Wendee Holtcamp
>President & Founder
>San Jacinto Conservation Coalition
>www.sanjacinto.cc
>
--
Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology & GeoEnvironmental Science
Biology Program
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
e-mail: kklemow@wilkes1.wilkes.edu
webpage: http://wilkes1.wilkes.edu/~kklemow
phone: 570-408-4758
fax: 570-408-7862
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 10:06:23 -0400
From: Karen Lutovsky <klutov@UMICH.EDU>
Subject: Free Job posting - EEB chair position
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor
Chair
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
We invite applications for the Chair of the newly formed Department of
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. The broad
mission of this new Department, a unit within the College of Literature,
Science and the Arts (LS&A), is to engage in research and teaching that
addresses the origin, diversity, and complex interactions of Earth's
biota.
We seek an individual with a distinguished research record, and a broad
vision of the intellectual future of ecology and evolutionary biology. The
Chair will play a central role in forging and promoting interactions with
other units having related missions at the University and nationally. The
new Department enjoys the strong support of the University administration,
and we anticipate significant growth under the leadership of the new
Chair.
The Department currently comprises 28 faculty members in the fields of
population, community and ecosystems ecology, evolutionary biology,
behavior, systematics, and paleontology, and includes faculty with joint
appointments in the Museum of Zoology, University Herbarium, Museum of
Paleontology, School of Public Health, and the Department of Molecular,
Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB). Consistently ranked in the top
ten ecology and evolutionary biology departments nation-wide, the
Department attracts excellent graduate students, currently numbering
around ninety. The Department offers a strong undergraduate concentration
program in Biology conducted jointly with MCDB, and participates in an
interdisciplinary undergraduate program in Environmental Sciences/Studies.
The University has just created and committed considerable resources to a
new Life Sciences Institute, enhancing the prominent place of the life
sciences on campus. The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
already benefits from interactions with the University's School of Natural
Resources and the Environment, the School of Public Health, and the
Medical School. Within the College of LS&A there is substantial engagement
with MCDB and the Departments of Geological Sciences, Chemistry,
Anthropology, and the University Botanical Gardens and off-campus
Biological Station. Other units with which the new Department currently
interacts include the Center for the Study of Complex Systems and the
International Institute.
Please submit a letter of application with a curriculum vitae to
Prof. Henry N. Pollack
EEB Search Committee
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048 USA
Initial inquiries will be held in confidence at the applicant's request.
To be assured of full consideration, applications should be received by
September 15, 2001.
More information about the Department can be found at our website
<http://www.eeb.lsa.umich.edu/>.
The University of Michigan is an affirmative action/equal opportunity
employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 11:27:49 +0000
From: "Raymond J. O'Connor" <oconnor.nfa.umaine@APOLLO.UMENFA.MAINE.ED
>
Subject: Sabbatical replacement position available
SABBATICAL REPLACEMENT: ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY
The Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, has a
one-year, fixed term, sabbatical replacement position available for
the 2001-2002 academic year, to be filled at Assistant Professor
level.
The person appointed will offer a graduate seminar during the Fall
semester and must teach the Department's WLE220 Introduction to
Statistical Ecology course in Spring 2002. This latter is a
second-year course in the practical application of statistics to
ecological and wildlife issues and builds on a previous introductory
course in statistics. It is a three lecture and one (duplicated)
laboratory session taken by between 30 and 45 students.
Applicants must have strong skills in quantitative ecology or
biostatistics and evidence of satisfactory teaching skills e.g.
previous teaching assistant experience. Candidates with completed
doctorates are preferred but exceptional candidates nearing thesis
submission will be considered.
Submit a Curriculum Vitae and contact details for three references to
Professor Raymond J. O'Connor at 5755 Nutting Hall, University of
Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5755. Review of applications will begin July
1 and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Maine is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity
employer and encourages applications from minority and
under-represented groups.
University of Maine: http://www.umaine.edu/home.htm
Departmental of Wildlife Ecology: http://wlm13.umenfa.maine.edu/
Questions: oconnor@umenfa.maine.edu
(207 581-288
)
.....................................................................
Professor Raymond J. O'Connor Tel: (207) 581-2880
238 Nutting Hall Fax: (207) 581-2858
Department of Wildlife Ecology
University of Maine email address:
ORONO, ME04469-5755 oconnor@umenfa.maine.edu
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 09:40:08 -0600
From: Dave Whitacre <dwhitacre@PEREGRINEFUND.ORG>
Subject: ecological effects of GM organisms
The news item regarding GM canola (engineered to be herbicide-resistant)
becoming a potential super-weed is indeed alarming, and also tempts one
to say--duh...what exactly did we expect?
Yesterday I was reading about GM Atlantic Salmon--engineered for
constant production of growth hormone--and someone's hypothesis that
such rapidly-growing (but sterile) males, because of their large size,
would be attractive for sexual selection reasons to wild female Atlantic
salmon, who might preferentially spawn with them, leading to eventual
extinction of wild
runs.
Such examples of potential unwanted ecological effects of GM organisms
are indeed frightening. But they also seem fairly predictable from first
principles. Is our societal ignorance of ecology and evolution so
abyssmal that nobody in decision-making positions has thought of these
possibilities?
By the way, as we focus, for example, on the potential harm of BT corn
to monarch butterflies, we are focusing on one common and highly
recognizable species, but shouldn't we really regard this as only one
visible effect, heralding who knows how many other adverse effects
within agro-pastoral ecosystems?
One might take the attitude that natural selection should take care of a
lot of the potential problems that might arise from liberation of GM
organisms into the environment, but what about the notion of adaptive
landscape? Genetic engineering inserts into the environment combinations
which have never existed, thereby radically modifying the pre-existing
adaptive landscape for organisms that interact ecologically with the GM
organism--might it not be difficult for natural selection to provide the
desirable adjustments? And when selection does provide adjustments,
won't this often render useless the genetically engineered trait of
interest?
David F. Whitacre
The Peregrine Fund
566 W. Flying Hawk Lane
Boise, Idaho 83709
(208) 362-3716
dwhitacre@peregrinefund.org
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 12:45:34 -0400
From: Brandon T Herbert <bherb001@ODU.EDU>
Subject: Houtson isolated wetlands
I think Ken Klemow is right in questioning what argument to use. If these
are
in fact "isolated wetlands" as described in the original post then the
Corps
would not and could not take jurisdiction as they have no connection to
U.S.
waters. I do think however that if they are seen as a presistent recharge
area
in flood events then they might be argued jursidictional by groundwater
connection. But that argument is for the USACE chiefs in Texas.
I think a more important point to address is whether these areas are
suitable
mosquito habitat. From what I am hearing about the situation in Houston,
the mosquito causing the problem is one that normally lays eggs in dry soil
with those eggs only hatching when the soil becomes saturated for a long
enough
duration. So any upland area could be considered suitable habitat for this
kind of mosquito. Except of course if the upland area is a paved Walmart or
other ugly manifestation of sprawl. But I digress.
Most disease carrying mosquitos are the kind that breed in temporary pools
or
ponds, treeholes, or artificial containers. The best way to control these
mosquitos is simply public awareness. Creating an awareness that the local
tire dump, with its generous supply of temporary breeding sites is more to
blame than the local wetlands. Isolated wetlands also serve as habitat for
animals
that feed on insects. From larval dragonflies and amphibians,
to birds, beetles and adult flying insects. So floodwater retention is
probably not the right argument to use for saving wetlands, but biological
controls and habitat arguments probably will work. Tell them to empty their
kiddie pools and flower pots if they really want to help discourage
mosquito
breeding.
Sorry to ramble, I hope this helps.
Todd Herbert
Old Dominion University
Dept of Biology
Norfolk, VA 23529
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 13:39:53 -0400
From: Thiesing.Mary@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV
Subject: Looking for plant ID manuals for the flora of Puerto Rico
Dear colleagues,
I will be part of a team which will be providing wetland delineation
training in Puerto Rico in the near future. We are interested in obtaining
some plant identification manuals which are reasonably priced for use in
the course. Does anyone know of any manuals on identifying vascular plants
which would cover the flora of Puerto Rico/the Caribbean? Any
recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I will post a summary to the
list.
Thanks,
Mary Anne
Mary Anne Thiesing
Regional Wetland Ecologist
Wetland Protection Section
USEPA Region II
290 Broadway 24th Floor
New York, New York 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3818 Fax: 212-637-3889
thiesing.mary@epamail.epa.gov
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 11:58:02 -0500
From: Eric Strauss <eric_strauss@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Job Announcement: USGS GS9 Nutrient Cycling Position
The USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center in La Crosse,
Wisconsin is seeking a biologist (GS-0401-09) to assist in an ongoing study
examining nitrogen cycling in the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
The incumbent will use approved methods to sample sediments, soils, surface
water, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and aquatic plants for nutrient cycling
studies. Perform analytical analyses on sediments and soils to determine
rates of nitrogen cycling, including denitrification, nitrification, and
ammonification. Will investigate effects of nutrients on microbial,
macrophyte, and benthic invertebrate communities by developing appropriate
analytical methods and applying these methods to ecological studies.
Prepare protocols, standard operating procedures, and assigned portions of
reports and manuscripts. Summarize and analyze data collected on studies
in compliance with Center regulations by data entry method using a
microcomputer with a variety of standard computer packages. Qualifications
for a Biologist GS-09 position can be found on the following website:
http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/0401.html. Initial term of this
position will be for a period not to exceed 13 months with possible
extensions up to 4 years without further competition. Salary: $35,808 -
$46,546.
For additional information about the position see the official position
announcement on the USGS Online Automated Recruitment System (OARS) at
http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/. Applications (resume AND application
questions) for this vacancy MUST be received on-line via OARS BEFORE
midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
For additional information about this position contact:
Dr. William Richardson
email: William_Richardson@usgs.gov
phone: (608) 781-6231
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 12:48:35 -0600
From: David Branson <DBranson@SIDNEY.ARS.USDA.GOV>
Subject: Research Ecologist/Entomologist
RESEARCH ECOLOGIST/ENTOMOLOGIST
USDA, REE, Agricultural Research Service, Northern Plains Agricultural =
Research Laboratory, Pest Management Research Unit in Sidney, Montana is =
seeking a permanent, full-time research scientist with demonstrated =
expertise in Ecology and/or Entomology. The incumbent has full responsibili=
ty for initiating, developing and managing independent research projects =
addressing biological control of invasive weeds, and the biology and =
ecology of natural enemies for target weed species. Research may include =
host plant and natural enemy developmental biology; host-specificity; =
temporal and spatial population dynamics; natural enemy interactions with =
abiotic and biotic factors affecting population dynamics; biological =
control; and pest management. Emphasis will be placed on the development =
of classical and other biological control strategies for use on both =
rangeland, crop land, and natural areas with special emphasis on the =
control of knapweeds (Centaurea spp.) and field bindweed (Convolvulus =
arvensis). Objectives are to improve our understanding of the biotic and =
abiotic factors involved in natural and manipulated host/natural enemy/envi=
ronment life systems and to effectively alter these biological systems to =
increase biological control effectiveness. US citizenship and a Ph.D. or =
equivalent is required. Salary commensurate with experience ($43,326 - =
80,279 per annum). Comprehensive benefits package includes paid sick and =
annual leave, life and health insurance, and a savings and investment plan =
(401K type) are available in addition to the Federal retirement plan. For =
information on the research program and/or position contact Dr. Thomas =
Shanower at 406-433-9405 or via e-mail attshanowe@sidney.ars.usda.gov =
Additional information about the position and application procedures can =
be obtained at=20
www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/resjobs/X1W-1379.HTM=20
USDA/ARS is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 16:00:39 -0400
From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM
Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
Title: Environmental Scientist
Company: ETI Professionals, Inc. (recruiter)
Location: Bow, New Hampshire
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4060
Title: Programme Officer, Global Programme of Action
Company: United Nations Environment Programme
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4059
Title: Program Coordinator
Company: Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST),
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4058
Title: Project Manager
Company: Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST),
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4057
Title: Training Specialist
Company: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)
Location: Cavite, Philippines
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4056
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 16:54:52 -0400
From: "Kelly L. Decker" <kdecker@ZOO.UVM.EDU>
Subject: soil arthropods source
Hello Ecologgers;
I have a student intern who wishes to conduct a project examining soil
microarthropod communities in early successional sandy soils. I was wonderin
if
anyone out there has a good source for the identification of soil
microarthropods to the class level? I would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Kelly
**********************************************************************
Kelly Decker
Postdoctoral Fellow
School of Natural Resources
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05401
http://www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu/cvs/cvs.htm
**please note new e-mail**
**kdecker@zoo.uvm.edu**
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 16:42:05 -0400
From: Ron Gill <rgill@MAIL.NYSED.GOV>
Subject: Job Posting - Biodiversity Specialist, Albany, NY USA
Job Title: Biodiversity Specialist
Location: New York State Museum, Albany, NY USA
Application Deadline: July 16, 2001
For additional information:
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri=20
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 17:21:01 -0500
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Job: Research Specialist, Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center
Research Specialist, Level 1
Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center
The successful candidate will be responsible for the maintenance of the
Rainforest Biome. Includes vegetation management, monitoring, climate
control protocols, and sensor installation/ maintenance. The successful
candidate will also participate in experimental research on tropical
rainforests' responses to climate changes and to mentor undergraduate
research projects. He/she should be able to work and conduct
measurements/sampling in hot and humid environments. Minimum requirements
include a BS or equivalent in Horticulture, Botanical Gardens Management,
Ecology, or related field, ability to work in the rainforest canopy, and
excellent communication skills. Previous experience of managing ecosystems
and/or botanical collections in a research environment is preferred.
Applications accepted immediately until the position is filled and should
include a CV and names of three references to Human Resources, Biosphere 2
Center, 32540 S. Biosphere Rd., Oracle, AZ 85623 or email resume to
hrdata@bio2.edu
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 15:27:35 -0700
From: Ron McCormick <rmccormick@COMPLIANCESERVICES.COM>
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
Scale, dear readers, scale. That herbicide-tolerant canola seed has
found its way about the landscape is not surprising (Duh, as David
Whitacre says in a follow-up message) since it is known the pollen (and
perhaps seeds) can be wind-blown between fields, as well as transferred
by other, human- or animal-assisted means. The Canadian researcher
quoted in the short article even expected the canola to spread to where
it was not wanted, just not at such a rapid rate or spatial extent. The
issue lies in the failure to address the spatial scale at which canola
moves about the landscape (unaided or aided by human action), and the
temporal scale at which individual fields are planted. Anyone who has
made the trans-Canada trip along Highway 1 knows the extent to which
agriculture dominates the central provinces...seeds planted here will
likely come up there, so the spatial relationship of canola fields that
one didn't want herbicide-tolerant seeds in to those that had them
should have been a prominent factor in approving and releasing the
modified seeds for commercial production. Maybe such requirements were
formulated but never enforced...
The key is that there are social, economic AND ecologic issues that need
to be addressed equally when deciding on a course of action regarding
any new crop variety, regardless of the method of genotypic origin.
Again, it's an issue of scale...David Bryant argues that these are new
species with no local controls that will replace the Earth's current
biota. Canola species, grown for commercial uses in large rectangular
fields maintained by tilling, fertilizing, pesticiding, weeding and
irrigating, do not present a likely, horrific, super-exotic threat to
"natural" ecosystems. Technically, all commercial varieties of canola
are exotics, and yes, locally and short-term, herbicide-tolerant canola
is a weed in agricultural fields. Humans maintain the center of North
America as an agribiome only with the help of fossil fuels and fossil
fertilizers, multiple pesticides and leap-frog biotechnology that is
less than a full step ahead of blights, rusts, insects and climate
change. Remove the human groomers from the agribiome and
herbicide-tolerance is no longer a super-competitive trait, and a whole
host of other exotics introduced intentionally or unintentionally
decades ago will gladly take hold (and many show herbicide resistance,
but because they are non-GM we pay less attention to them).
David Bryant exhorts the science community to inform industry of the
potential for out-crossing. Traditionally-developed canola can and does
out-cross with near relatives, and this is well known by academic
science as well as industry (with current thought that the risk is
minimal, but present, and should be monitored). Where academic AND
industry science has failed is scaling the results from localized field
studies, conducted to exacting standards for inclusion in peer-reviewed
journals, to the social and economic realities of improving canola
yields 10% and reducing the need for multiple herbicide applications,
which is the bottom line for most farmers trying to make a living. The
sophistries surrounding discussions of adaptive management and
sustainability in the common literature and these list-servers are
telling. We do a wonderful job of establishing the science, but
virtually ignore policy establishment and long-term monitoring/feedback
processes, key aspects of both AEAM (Holling and others) and The
Ecosystem Approach (Kay et al. 1999).
Triple-bottom line sustainability (social, economic and ecologic) in a
world cresting along towards 10 billion residents will require
transgenic crops, assuming our mutual goal is to support those 10
billion AND what's left of the material system supporting them
(certainly up for debate;-)...we should stop extrapolating our horror
stemming from one local situation (herbicide-tolerant canola, Bt corn,
giant salmon, or golden rice) to a prognostication of dire risk to the
world at large...we need to instead deal very explicitly with the
details of which crops, what pesticides, what risks, and what benefits,
leading towards a less politicized scientific and a more scientific
political atmosphere where we can deal with biocomplexity at useful and
powerful spatio-temporal scales.
Just a thought....
RMC
Ronald J. McCormick, Ph.D.
Senior Ecologist
Compliance Services International
253-272-6345
rmccormick@complianceservices.com
-----Original Message-----
From: David M. Bryant [mailto:dmbryant@CISUNIX.UNH.EDU]
Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2001 11:53 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Subject: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
Thanks to Karen for this one:
GENETICALLY MODIFIED WHEAT BECOMING A WEED
Western farmers are struggling with a new pest in their fields - a crop
that was supposed to make their lives easier.
FULL STORY: http://cbc.ca/cgi-bin/view?/news/2001/06/21/gm_canola010621
I think everyone on the list should forward this to everyone they know
who
has an opinion, for or against, GM foods. In my humble opiion this is
the
TRUE danger of GM technology. Exotic plants have gained considerable
attention recently on this list and in the popular media. I've also
noticed major research projects recently being funded on the subject.
The
attention has been focused on geographically misplaced exotics and I
fully
support this, it will provide good practice for the future...
While very little data has been provided for the threat of GM on human
health, (yes I'm ready for the backlash that statement will provide) the
potential for creating super-exotics is horrific. While we have finally
begun to address the results of global transport and distribution of
naturally evolved exotic species, I have heard no discussion of what
precautions will be taken to protect our natural ecosystems against the
threat from the species that WE create.
Make no mistake that these ARE new species. New species that, not only
lack LOCAL predators or pathogens, but have none in EXISTENCE! If we
produce species that out grow, compete, resist and produce those of
Earth's
current biota, which ones will persist?
I'm not criticizing GM in general, as technology is not inherently
threatenting only its application. We as a scientific community should
consider advising and informing the boiotech industry on the danger of
producing GM species with the capability of reproducing and
out-competing
native species. Obviously, from the article that KAren provided, the
danger already exists and will only increase with time.
Any ideas?
David M. Bryant dmbryant@cisunix.unh.edu
Dept. of Natural Resources 603-862-4433
215 James Hall
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
"Not all that is counted counts
and not all that counts can be counted"
A. Einstein
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 16:10:34 -0700
From: Patrick Foley <patfoley@CSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: soil arthropods source
Kelly,
The standard soil creature id book is Daniel L. Dindal 1990. Soil Biology Gu
de,
Wiley.This has 1300 pages of keys with many useful illustrations. However it
does
not have an overall key to the classes or to the families of insect. Each
chapter is
independent.
For an ecology exercise, I did write up a key to the classes and families, b
t
it is
pretty dry, enlivened only by the numerous line drawings I found in the
(hopefully)
past copyright (this year I think) Essig 1926, Insects of North America and
other
such sources. Only my text is available, and I imagine someone else has a be
ter
one.
It would be a great service to ecology lab instructors if a soil scientist
(which I
am not) would write up a short illustrated booklet comparable to Needham's o
d
pond
creature booklet.
Patrick Foley
patfoley@csus.edu
"Kelly L. Decker" wrote:
> Hello Ecologgers;
>
> I have a student intern who wishes to conduct a project examining soil
> microarthropod communities in early successional sandy soils. I was won
ering
if
>
> anyone out there has a good source for the identification of soil
> microarthropods to the class level? I would appreciate any input.
>
> Thanks,
> Kelly
>
> **********************************************************************
> Kelly Decker
> Postdoctoral Fellow
> School of Natural Resources
> University of Vermont
> Burlington, VT 05401
> http://www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu/cvs/cvs.htm
>
> **please note new e-mail**
> **kdecker@zoo.uvm.edu**
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 18:18:53 -0700
From: Ron McCormick <rmccormick@COMPLIANCESERVICES.COM>
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
David:
Scale of one's imagination and vision...yes, many things once beloved
are now considered pests, and I've been in the trenches with many
(cogangrass, Brazilian pepper, water hyacinth, spotted knapweed), but
your plea to limit focus to only the nature of the plant is exactly my
point that we are missing scaling issues...Let's say, hypothetically, we
know canola pollen might travel 200m or so, thus everyone agrees that,
to err on the side of caution, as you suggest, we should use a 800m to
1600m buffer between fields, end of story, no problem, if we only
consider the scale at which an individual plant operates...ahh, but by
ignoring the social and economic aspects, as you request, namely that
farmers will use animal manure (which can contain seeds) as a good,
cheap fertilizer, and that the percentage of herbicide-resistant canola
cover in western Canada went from less than 1% to greater than 70% in
less than five years (certainly a political and economic consideration
well beyond the scale of an individual plant/field or community), we
have rescaled the system beyond that which our original, myopic,
plant-nature-only focused caution would have covered...certainly this
example is a simplification of the actual scenario, but I hope you see
my point that a species behavior in human-regulated systems scales well
beyond its inherent biology, and a complete ecological analysis, seeking
to do the cautious things, necessarily also involves the political
(social and economic) segments of the system. That this involves vision
and imagination, I whole-heartedly agree, and I seek to widen my vision
and release my imagination every waking moment...
Again, just a thought....
RMC
Ronald J. McCormick, Ph.D.
Senior Ecologist
Compliance Services International
253-272-6345
rmccormick@complianceservices.com
-----Original Message-----
From: David M. Bryant [mailto:dmbryant@cisunix.unh.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 05:13 PM
To: Ron McCormick
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
Ron,
Scale indeed. Scale can also apply to the scope of one's imagination.
While GM canola may not result in an exotic species (although how did it
attract attention in the first place?) the lack of vision that it might
escape begs the question: What else might we forget when designing
tommorrows crops. Might I also mention that many agricultural crops are
now considered pests, such as hemp for instance (please focus on the
noxious aggressive nature, rather than the political aspects of the
plant).
In addition, how many people expected Norway maple to become an
aggressive exotic? Let's stick to assumptions that ere on the side of
caution please.
David M. Bryant dmbryant@cisunix.unh.edu
Dept. of Natural Resources 603-862-4433
215 James Hall
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
"Not all that is counted counts
and not all that counts can be counted"
A. Einstein
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 20:51:34 -0500
From: Wendee Holtcamp <ecowriter@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Houston isolated wetlands
Thanks to all for the links to websites, and for the insight and
advice. FYI the mosquitos that are all over Houston have no
diseases and therefore are not a health threat. In fact there
have been several articles about this and this is why they
"can't" spray chemicals to kill them (thank goodness, I say -- on
both counts). I've learned some very interesting things about
mosquitos! Fascinating.
Wendee
>I think a more important point to address is whether
>these areas are
>suitable >mosquito habitat. From what I am hearing about the
>situation in Houston,
>the mosquito causing the problem is one that normally
>lays eggs in dry soil
>with those eggs only hatching when the soil becomes
>saturated for a long
>enough
>duration. So any upland area could be considered
>suitable habitat for this
>kind of mosquito. Except of course if the upland area
>is a paved Walmart or
>other ugly manifestation of sprawl. But I digress.
>
>Most disease carrying mosquitos are the kind that breed
>in temporary pools
>or
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wendee Holtcamp -- ecowriter@earthlink.net
~~ Environmental Journalism ~~ www.greendzn.com ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece
of the continent, a part of the main. -- John Donne
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 25 Jun 2001 20:01:19 -0700
From: John Gerlach <gerlach1@PACBELL.NET>
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
Ok, I think something is being missed here. A "weed" is different than an
"invasive species". Herbicide resistance and the resulting "weedyness" may
have agronomic consequences but it does not mean that GMO canola can invade
non-agricultural ecosystems. Is there any data that suggests that either
genotype of canola is or can be an invasive species?
John Gerlach
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Ecology Graduate Group
Dept. of Agronomy and Range Science
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1701
FAX (530) 752-4361
jdgerlach@ucdavis.edu
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU]On Behalf Of Ron McCormick
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 6:19 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
David:
Scale of one's imagination and vision...yes, many things once beloved
are now considered pests, and I've been in the trenches with many
(cogangrass, Brazilian pepper, water hyacinth, spotted knapweed), but
your plea to limit focus to only the nature of the plant is exactly my
point that we are missing scaling issues...Let's say, hypothetically, we
know canola pollen might travel 200m or so, thus everyone agrees that,
to err on the side of caution, as you suggest, we should use a 800m to
1600m buffer between fields, end of story, no problem, if we only
consider the scale at which an individual plant operates...ahh, but by
ignoring the social and economic aspects, as you request, namely that
farmers will use animal manure (which can contain seeds) as a good,
cheap fertilizer, and that the percentage of herbicide-resistant canola
cover in western Canada went from less than 1% to greater than 70% in
less than five years (certainly a political and economic consideration
well beyond the scale of an individual plant/field or community), we
have rescaled the system beyond that which our original, myopic,
plant-nature-only focused caution would have covered...certainly this
example is a simplification of the actual scenario, but I hope you see
my point that a species behavior in human-regulated systems scales well
beyond its inherent biology, and a complete ecological analysis, seeking
to do the cautious things, necessarily also involves the political
(social and economic) segments of the system. That this involves vision
and imagination, I whole-heartedly agree, and I seek to widen my vision
and release my imagination every waking moment...
Again, just a thought....
RMC
Ronald J. McCormick, Ph.D.
Senior Ecologist
Compliance Services International
253-272-6345
rmccormick@complianceservices.com
-----Original Message-----
From: David M. Bryant [mailto:dmbryant@cisunix.unh.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 05:13 PM
To: Ron McCormick
Subject: Re: Genetically modified canola becoming a weed
Ron,
Scale indeed. Scale can also apply to the scope of one's imagination.
While GM canola may not result in an exotic species (although how did it
attract attention in the first place?) the lack of vision that it might
escape begs the question: What else might we forget when designing
tommorrows crops. Might I also mention that many agricultural crops are
now considered pests, such as hemp for instance (please focus on the
noxious aggressive nature, rather than the political aspects of the
plant).
In addition, how many people expected Norway maple to become an
aggressive exotic? Let's stick to assumptions that ere on the side of
caution please.
David M. Bryant dmbryant@cisunix.unh.edu
Dept. of Natural Resources 603-862-4433
215 James Hall
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824
"Not all that is counted counts
and not all that counts can be counted"
A. Einstein
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 24 Jun 2001 to 25 Jun 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