Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 28 Jul 2002 to 30 Jul 2002 (#2002-196)
There are 5 messages totalling 348 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Job: New Hampshire, Wetland Systems Biologist
2. Job: New Hampshire, Tech. Assistance & Outreach Biologist
3. Job announcement: Tropical ecologist or forester
4. J1 visas denied for scientists?
5. Post Doctoral Fellowship Available
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:02:22 -0400
From: Karen Cleveland <kcleveland@WILDLIFE.STATE.NH.US>
Subject: Job: New Hampshire, Wetland Systems Biologist
Do not reply to me. Please send all replies to the address
listed in the posting.
Thank you.
Karen Cleveland
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
BIOLOGIST II - Wetland Systems Biologist
($33,832 - $40,365)
The NH Fish and Game Department is seeking candidates for a
full time temporary Biologist II to fill the Wetland Systems
Biologist position. This position has the possibility of
working at the Department's headquarters in Concord or in
Stratham, or dividing time between both locations.
SCOPE OF WORK: To develop and implement research and management
projects that identify the state's most significant wetland wildlife
habitats, and to provide this information and technical assistance to
local, regional, and state land use and land protection agencies and
organization.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Plan and coordinates nongame wetlands wildlife research and
management activities including organizing, collecting, mapping,
entering, and analyzing data for threatened, endangered, and
species of special concern.
Provide technical assistance to regional and municipal planning
officials on identification and protection of wetland habitat at
the town and regional level.
Develop conservation management recommendations for wetland
dependant wildlife species
Represent the department on interagency regulatory and planning
committees that review and enhance compliance of state wetland
regulations with wildlife protection statutes
Develop research and monitoring programs designed to analyze the
status and trends of critical wetland wildlife habitat including
the use of Geographic Information Systems to map essential wetland
habitat.
Respond to professional, public, private, and governmental agency
requests for technical presentations pertaining to regional
wildlife programs.
Assist Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Supervisor with
other projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master's degree from a recognized college or university with
a major in biology, wildlife management, or a related biological science.
Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for
one year of required work experience.
Experience: Two years' experience in work at a professional level in
wildlife research management or in another related field. Each additional
year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of
required formal education at the graduate level only.
License/Certification: Applicants for positions requiring fieldwork must
have or be able to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license during the
probationary period.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Comprehensive knowledge of wetland wildlife species habitat relationships.
Understanding of Geographic Information Systems and their applications to
modeling wildlife habitat. Excellent written and oral communication skills
and ability to present technical information to a variety of audiences.
Familiarity with wetland wildlife and habitat types found in northern New
England is a plus. For appointment consideration, Biologist II applicants
must successfully participate in a structured interview measuring possession
of knowledge, skills and abilities identified for satisfactory job
performance
by this class specification.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested individuals should submit their completed
application
to John Kanter, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Coordinator,
NH Fish and Game Department, 2 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, on or before
Friday, August 16, 2002. For further information contact John Kanter at
(603) 271-2461 or email wilddiv@wildlife.state.nh.us.
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 Equal Opportunity Employer.
State applications can be found on-line at www.state.nh.us/das/personnel
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 15:02:20 -0400
From: Karen Cleveland <kcleveland@WILDLIFE.STATE.NH.US>
Subject: Job: New Hampshire, Tech. Assistance & Outreach Biologist
Do not reply to me. Please send all replies to the address
listed in the posting.
Thank you.
Karen Cleveland
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NH FISH AND GAME DEPARTMENT
BIOLOGIST II - Technical Assistant and Outreach Biologist
($33,832 - $40,365)
The NH Fish and Game Department is seeking candidates for a
full time temporary Biologist to fill the Technical Assistant
and Outreach Biologist position. This position has the possibility
of working at the Department's headquarters in Concord or in
Stratham, or dividing time between both locations.
SCOPE OF WORK: To develop and implement research and management
projects that identify the state's most significant wildlife
habitats, and to provide this information and technical assistance
to local, regional, and state land use and land protection agencies
and organizations.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Plans and coordinates nongame wildlife research and management
activities including organizing, collecting, mapping, entering,
and analyzing data for threatened, endangered, and species of
special concern.
Provides technical assistance to regional and municipal planning
officials on identification and protection of habitat at the town
and regional level.
Represents the Department on land use and land protection initiatives,
such as the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership, and New
Hampshire Estuary Program, and ensures the inclusion of essential
wildlife habitat in these efforts.
Develops research and monitoring programs designed to analyze the
status and trends of critical wildlife habitat including the use
of Geographic Information Systems to map essential wildlife habitat.
Responds as a professional to public, private, and governmental
agency requests for technical presentations pertaining to regional
wildlife programs.
Assist Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Supervisor with other
projects as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Master's degree from a recognized college or university with
a major in biology, wildlife management, or a related biological science.
Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for
one year of required work experience.
Experience: Two years' experience in work at a professional level in
wildlife research management or in another related field. Each additional
year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required
formal education at the graduate level only.
License/Certification: Applicants for positions requiring fieldwork must
have or be able to obtain a New Hampshire driver's license during the
probationary period.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Comprehensive knowledge of wildlife species habitat relationships.
Understanding of Geographic Information Systems and their applications to
modeling wildlife habitat. Excellent written and oral communication skills
and ability to present technical information to a variety of audiences.
Familiarity with wildlife and habitat types found in northern New England is
a plus. For appointment consideration, Biologist II applicants must
successfully
participate in a structured interview measuring possession of knowledge,
skills
and abilities identified for satisfactory job performance by this class
specification.
HOW TO APPLY: Interested individuals should submit their completed
application to John Kanter, Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program
Coordinator,
NH Fish and Game Department, 2 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301, on or before
Friday, August 16, 2002. For further information contact John Kanter at
(603) 271-2461 or email wilddiv@wildlife.state.nh.us.
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964 Equal Opportunity Employer.
State applications can be found on-line at www.state.nh.us/das/personnel
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 13:48:16 -1000
From: "Katherine C. Ewel" <kewel@GTE.NET>
Subject: Job announcement: Tropical ecologist or forester
The Pacific Southwest Research Station of the USDA Forest Service seeks
an internationally recognized scientist to direct its Institute of
Pacific Islands Forestry in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Director will provide
the vision, leadership, and coordination for the Forest Service^Òs
programs in Research & Development, State & Private Forestry, and
International Programs in Hawaii and US-affiliated islands in the
Pacific. Current research programs and technical assistance target
invasive species, wetlands, and forest restoration. The director will
conduct research as a member of one of these teams. Salary range is
$82,580 - $107,357 plus 25% cost of living allowance. Applicants must be
US citizens. A vacancy announcement that includes required
qualifications and application procedures is available on the USA Jobs
website (www.usajobs.opm.gov) and from Personnel Management, PSW
Research Station, PO Box 245, Berkeley, CA 94701, Attn: Pat Steverson
(phone: 510-559-6300, fax: 510-559-6352, email: psteverson@fs.fed.us).
Refer to PSW-Demo-599-02. Deadline for receipt of applications is
September 6, 2002. Questions regarding the position should be directed
to Julie S. Denslow (phone: 808-933-8121, x 16; email:
jdenslow@fs.fed.us). USDA is an equal-opportunity employer.
--
Katherine C. Ewel, Research Ecologist
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service
1151 Punchbowl St. Rm. 323
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone: (808) 522-8230 ext. 109
fax : (808) 522-8236
email: kewel@gte.net
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 16:28:46 -0500
From: Michael W Palmer/bot/cas/Okstate <carex@OKSTATE.EDU>
Subject: J1 visas denied for scientists?
Dear Ecologgers:
A well-published colleague (from outside the US; I don't want to give more
details to protect identity...) planned to spend half a year in my lab,
but was recently denied a J1 visa (although he was adequately funded from
his host country). He was given no explanation whatsoever from the US
Government. I am left wondering whether this is an isolated incident, or
if there has been a rash of J1 denials recently. I'd be very interested
in learning if others have had similar experiences.
(I will go to the Tucson ESA Meetings, if anyone wishes to discuss it
there).
Best wishes,
--Mike
Michael W. Palmer
Botany Dept. OSU
104 LSE Stillwater OK 74078 USA
405-744-7717 fax:405-744-7074
http://ecology.okstate.edu/
http://www.okstate.edu/artsci/botany/
carex@okstate.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 2002 16:08:06 -0600
From: "Peng, Changhui" <Changhui.Peng@SDSMT.EDU>
Subject: Post Doctoral Fellowship Available
Dear All:
We would appreciate it if you could bring this position announcement to the
attention of your colleagues or your students who may be interested. Many
Thanks.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POST DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP
RESPONSIBILITIES: A highly motivated postdoctoral fellow is sought to
undertake an ongoing research project of developing and implementing the
TRIPLEX model (Ecological Modelling, 153: 109-130, 2002), a generic hybrid
model for predicting forest growth and carbon and nitrogen dynamics, to
quantify the effects of climate change on Ontario's boreal forest carbon
budgets at high spatial resolution as well as implementing new algorithms
for accounting the effect of fire disturbance on boreal forest ecosystem
productivity and carbon dynamics. Additional duties include maintaining and
developing data sets, providing computer programming, preparation of
progress reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts and other technical supports.
This project is part of an ongoing cooperative study supported by the
Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change
Program of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and Lakehead University.
Co-advisor for this project: Dr. Qinglai Dang
(http://giant.lakeheadu.ca/~qdang/).
QUALIFICATIONS: The successful applicant should possess expertise in the
field measurements, data synthesis, and biogeochemical modeling, and be able
to conduct independent research in the context of the emerging field of
climate change, carbon cycles and fire disturbance. Applicant must have a
Ph.D. in biology, forestry, ecology, geography, atmospheric sciences, or a
related natural resource discipline prior to the position start date, and
excellent quantitative skills and computer program languages (e.g., C or
C++). Solid background in forestry and ecological modeling is essential.
Knowledge of GIS and remote sensing and spatially explicit modeling
required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Research will be conducted at the Ontario Forest
Research Institute, Ministry of Natural Resources, Sault Ste. Marie
(http://www.city.sault-ste-marie.on.ca/), or Lakehead University, Thunder
Bay, Ontario, Canada. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications.
Initial appointment will be for one year, the renewal of the appointment is
contingent on performance and funding. The expected start date is September
1, 2002. A later start date can be negotiated.
DEADLINE: Review will start on August 15, 2002 and continue until the
position is filled.
APPLICATION: A letter indicating research interests and qualifications for
the position, resume, and three references (must be sent by referees) should
be submitted to:
Changhui Peng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Earth Systems
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
501 E.St. Joseph, Rapid City, SD 57701-3995,USA
Tel: (605) 394-1996; Fax: (605) 394-6061
E-mail: changhui.peng@sdsmt.edu
Homepage: http://flash.lakehead.ca/~chpeng/index.html
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 12 Jul 2002 to 13 Jul 2002 (#2002-180)
There are 5 messages totalling 441 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. obituary: Jay E. Anderson, Idaho State Univ.
2. Ecology-policy symposium at ESA 2002
3. GIS Technician position-Wyoming
4. Maps of West Nile virus in US
5. Job announcement - Freshwater Microbial Ecologist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 23:02:54 -0600
From: David Inouye <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: obituary: Jay E. Anderson, Idaho State Univ.
Jay E. Anderson, a physiological plant ecologist who was a faculty
member at Idaho State University and a member of the ESA, died July 4
of a stroke.
Jay received his master's and PhD from Syracuse University in Plant
Ecology. After graduate school, Jay worked at BSCS in Boulder,
Colorado, developing science education curriculum programs. In
1975, he joined the Biology Department at ISU.
Jay was both a passionate teacher and a prolific researcher. His
research areas included plant water use, vegetation dynamics, and
establishment of Lodgepole pines after the 1988 Yellowstone fires.
In addition, Jay was a pioneer in the use of soil and native vegetation
as a protective cap over buried hazardous wastes.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 11:35:17 -0700
From: Peter Alpert <palpert@BIO.UMASS.EDU>
Subject: Ecology-policy symposium at ESA 2002
Should ecologists be, not only researchers, but also expert witnesses,
policy advocates, or policy makers?
ECOLOG has been the scene of discussions about the role of ecologists in
policy, and the ESA Annual Meeting next month will feature a symposium on
this topic. The schedule and abstracts for the symposium are copied
below. Please plan to attend if you are interested in ecology for policy
and going to Tucson!
THE ECOLOGY-POLICY INTERFACE: INTERESTS, INFORMATION, AND MAKING DECISIONS
A three and a half-hour symposium to be held as part of the Annual Meeting
of the Ecological Society of America on August 4-9, 2002, in Tucson,
Arizona. Sponsored by the Public Affairs Committee of ESA.
Time and place
1:00 to 4:30 pm, Tuesday, August 6, 2002
Turquoise Ballroom, Tucson Convention Center
Principal Organizer
Ann C. Keller, Department of Political Science, Campus Box 333, University
of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0333; 303-492-7585 (phone); 303-492-0978
(fax); ann.keller@colorado.edu
Co-organizer
Peter Alpert, Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst,
MA 01003-9297; 413-545-4357 (phone); 413-545-3243 (fax); palpert@bio.umass.e
u
Schedule
1:00 pm Introduction.
1:05 pm KELLER, A.C. University of Colorado. Risky business:
government-sponsored research and the search for policy-relevant science.
1:30 pm AIRAME, S. National Aeronautics and Oceanic Administration. The
role of ecology in marine policy: a case study from the California Channel
Islands.
1:55 pm ROCHLIN, G. University of California at Berkeley. Peregrines and
patriots: ecologists and physicists as policy advisors in the late
twentieth century.
2:20 pm POUYAT, R. USDA Forest Service (formerly legislative assistant to
Senator Dianne Feinstein; 1996-97 AAAS/ESA Congressional Fellow). Ecology
and public policy: making them compatible.
3:00 pm Break
3:10 pm YOUNG, T. Environmental Defense Fund (and Science Advisory Board,
EPA). Bringing science to the doorstep of policy: the Environmental
Protection Agency's Science Advisory Board
3:35 pm WISE, J. Natural Heritage Institute (formerly EPA). From healthy
distance to productive intimacy: the biodiversity sciences center approach
to scientific involvement in Habitat Conservation Planning.
4:00 pm MOONEY, H.A. Stanford University. Ecology and policy at the
international level.
4:25 pm Summation.
Abstracts
Symposium abstract
A traditional model for interaction between scientists and policy makers,
one that earns legitimacy on both sides of the science-policy interface, is
that scientists bring objective information to policy makers who then apply
that information to value-based policy decisions. This arrangement
maintains a healthy distance between science and policy-making. The
politicization of science is prevented through non-specific research
support, and technocracy is avoided by allowing scientists only peripheral
involvement in policy. The arrangement is mutually beneficial in that
scientists receive government funding and policy-makers receive information
that, ideally, improves their ability to anticipate the consequences of
their decisions and to select better implementation strategies.
For at least three practical and philosophical reasons, this model
is rarely practiced, especially in the case of ecology. First, the
questions that interest ecologists are not necessarily those that interest
policy-makers. Second, the information that ecology provides is not always
useful to policy-makers. Third, ecologists sometimes go beyond the role of
neutral advisor and engage more directly in decision-making activities.
Can the healthy distance model for the ecology-policy interface be
made more workable by addressing the practical problems? Or should this
model be abandoned in favor of a different philosophy of appropriate
interaction between ecology and policy, such as explicit advocacy by
ecologists for particular policies, or direct participation of ecologists
in policy decisions? The goal of this symposium is to confront this
issue. The speakers include research scientists with extensive policy
experience, federal agency officials, and a former Congressional staff
member. Given the caliber of the speakers and the timeliness of the issue,
it is hoped that the symposium will result in publication as a special
feature in a journal.
Ann Keller
Risky business: government-sponsored research and the search for
policy-relevant science
The role that scientists play in shaping environmental policy is informed
by deeply held beliefs about the objectivity of science and the relevance
of scientifically-supported information in making sound public policy
decisions. The standard practice for maintaining objectivity is to
separate the work of scientists from the work of policy makers such that
scientific research precedes and is insulated from political
debates. However, when government-sponsored research programs are created
for the purpose of informing public policy, the separation of science from
policy can place in the hands of scientists the definition of what is
'policy-relevant.' Often, scientists are ill-equipped for this
task. Alternatively, stepping away from the model where scientific
research is isolated from decision-making debates raises the potential for
bias in scientific research. Both scientists and decision makers have a
number of coping skills they employ to address this tension between
relevance and objectivity in conducting scientific research for the purpose
of policy making. This paper examines how both scientists and decision
makers articulate and reinforce distinct arenas of expertise. These
actions, called "boundary maintenance," support the credibility of expert
claims in both arenas. However, "policy-relevant knowledge" implies the
transgression of these boundaries in that the two groups of actors must
work together more closely in defining the goals for research, or must make
bold moves into the expert territory of the other. This paper will explore
the question of how objectivity and relevance can be pursued together in
government-sponsored research programs and will draw on experiences with
acid precipitation and climate change research.
Satie Airame
The role of ecology in marine policy: a case study from the California
Channel Islands
Marine ecologists have taken an active role in the development of a
recommendation for marine reserves in the Channel Islands National Marine
Sanctuary (Santa Barbara, California). A panel of marine scientists,
including ecologists, physical oceanographers, resource managers, was
convened to satisfy the information needs of a community group supported by
state and federal agencies. Although the scientists were provided an
opportunity to present information, the community group developed the
framework for the scientific analysis and provided the final recommendation
to the state and federal agencies. The scientists reviewed the status of
the literature on marine reserves, provided data on the status of species
and habitats in the Sanctuary, and developed criteria for reserve design to
meet goals established by the community group. Scientists recommended
establishing at least one, and possibly up to four, marine reserves,
comprising at least 30%, and possibly up to 50%, of all habitats in each
biogeographical region in the Sanctuary. The scientists used oceanographic
and biological data to identify potential locations of marine reserves
based on the goals established by the community group. The community group
attempted to incorporate the scientific recommendations into their designs
of potential marine reserves. Although some members of the community group
incorporated the scientific recommendations into their designs, other
members of the group feared the potential economic impacts of marine
reserves and did not follow the scientific recommendations. Because the
community group was unable to agree on a single solution, the state and
federal representatives were directed to develop a compromise among
potential solutions. The "preferred alternative" design includes all
biogeographical regions in the Sanctuary and a variety of marine habitats
in a network of 13 marine reserves. However, not all of the scientific
criteria were incorporated into the preferred design because of direct
conflicts with commercial and recreational users. The full impact of the
scientific recommendations on the outcome has yet to be determined. The
preferred alternative is one of six alternatives, ranging from no action to
a network of 34% of the Sanctuary, under consideration by the California
Fish and Game Commission. A final decision will be made in August 2002.
Gene Rochlin
Peregrines and patriots: ecologists and physicists as policy advisors in
the late twentieth century
Many scientists working on complex ecosystems have noted with regret what
they perceive as a marked decrease in their influence with political actors
compared to the historical role of science in policy. This paper explores
this belief using two separate but linked frames for analysis. The first
deconstructs the narrative of a descent from a "golden age" of science
advice dating from the high tide of physicists as advisors on nuclear
weapons and other matters of high salience during the Cold War. The working
hypothesis is that the increased awareness of the policy relevance of
ecological science during the 1980s and 1990s took place during an era
where the objectivity of science itself comes increasingly under public and
political attack, and the canons of rationality that framed scientific
policy advice following the War were being criticized within the academic
as well as the policy communities. This frames the problems of ecological
science and policy as part of a larger socio-political discourse. The
second frame focuses on the particular nature of boundary work in
ecological science. In this perspective, what is problematic about the use
of ecological science in policy is its inherent complexity and the lack of
clearly defined paradigms and clear and simple models. Physics and related
physical science disciplines provided what were perceived to be relatively
clear models of outcomes in response to fundamentally intractable policy
problems. In contrast, modern theories and models of ecology and ecological
systems present policy makers and the public with complex dilemmas, based
on strategies whose scientific consequences are disputed and outcomes that
are perceived to be less deterministic, making it difficult to set and
maintain the boundary between pure and policy-relevant science. To the
extent that both of these approaches are accurate, the problematic of
ecological science for policy is overdetermined.
Rich Pouyat
Ecology and public policy: making them compatible
As a result of the Second World War the physical sciences were the most
influential of the sciences in shaping public policy in the United
States. Beginning in the 1960's, however, the biological sciences have
increasingly gained importance in influencing public policy. Rachel
Carson's landmark book Silent Spring and mounting public concerns over the
quality of the environment have promoted an increasing reliance on the
biological and ecological sciences to uncover and solve environmental
problems. Indeed, most of these problems were uncovered through the
research of biologists and ecologists. Solutions, however, have not been
forthcoming, have confused the public, or have for various reasons been
ignored in the political process. If the biological and ecological
sciences are seen as incapable of solving problems, they will lose public
and political support. Moreover, if biologists and ecologists are unable
or unwilling to attempt to integrate their science into the political
process, non-scientific criteria will inevitably prevail in the making of
environmental policy. If the biological and ecological sciences are to
continue enjoying the support of the public and politicians alike,
biologists and ecologists must attempt to understand the difficulties
inherent in integrating science with public policy making. My goal in this
presentation is to identify and discuss the most challenging barriers
separating science and environmental policy. I will discuss the
difficulties of integration and conclude by proposing actions that
ecologists can undertake to effectively integrate science with public
policy. I developed these views based on experiences gained from working
as a Legislative Assistant with Senators Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA).
Terry Young
Bringing Science to the Doorstep of Policy: The Environmental Protection
Agency's Science Advisory Board
Since its creation by Congress in 1978, the Environmental Protection
Agency's Science Advisory Board (SAB) has provided both peer review and
prospective advice to the Agency on a range of scientific issues. Although
the SAB's advice often is generated amid the heat of controversial
regulatory activity, its role is to generate scientific reviews and not
policy recommendations. The proscription to steer clear of policy-making
does not, however, require the SAB to avoid designing a relevant scientific
foundation upon which informed policy can be built. In some cases, the SAB
spots a need for scientific input and offers it unasked. The recent
publication of "A Framework for Assessing and Reporting on Ecological
Condition" (Framework) is a case in point. After reviewing a series of
Agency products, the SAB's Ecological Processes and Effects Committee noted
the lack of a representative list of ecological characteristics that should
be included in assessments of ecological condition, whether in the context
of ecological risk assessments, watershed "health" assessments,
environmental report cards, or any number of other Agency activities. The
Framework provides this list of characteristics, organized as a nested
hierarchy whose logic is derived from the fundamentals of pattern and
process in ecological systems. The hierarchy allows users to judge
tradeoffs when all attributes cannot be considered. It also provides a
roadmap for organizing and collapsing numerous ecological indicators into a
coherent, explainable picture.
John Wise
From healthy distance to productive intimacy: the Biodiversity Sciences
Center approach to scientific involvement in Habitat Conservation Planning
Scientists have been increasingly concerned over the past decade with the
way that the "healthy distance" model for the ecology-policy interface has
been applied to the preparation of habitat conservation plans (HCPs).
Scientists have been consulted late in plan preparation or not at all, and
the scientific basis of approved HCPs has been highly variable. In addition
to placing species at continuing risk, this inconsistency has been
responsible for lengthy and costly plan preparation periods, uncertainty
for all parties, and legal challenges from an array of external
interveners. To remedy this, every scientific association that has examined
HCPs has recommended early and ongoing scientific involvement in HCP
development. The Biodiversity Sciences Center (BSC), an initiative of the
Natural Heritage Institute, is performing this role by facilitating the
delivery of the best available independent science during the formative
stages of habitat conservation process. Rather than maintaining a "healthy
distance", the BSC is fostering a "productive intimacy" between permit
applicants, regulatory authorities, and independent scientists, without
propelling scientists into a policymaking or advocacy role. Over the past 3
years, the BSC has synthesized performance reviews of HCPs and solicited
the expert opinions of researchers, regulators, conservationists and
practicing conservation biologists. This paper will distill the BSC's
findings and propose guiding principles for HCP design that foster a
"productive intimacy" across the science-policy interface.
Hal Mooney
Ecology and policy at the international level
In recent years ecologists have striven to acquire and synthesize
information on critical global environmental issues in order to provide
policy options for decision makers. I describe the changing nature of
science/policy interactions in the international arena and why some efforts
have been successful and others have failed. Examples from the Global
Biodiversity Assessment, the Global Invasive Species Programme, and the
emerging Millennium Assessment will be utilized.
Peter Alpert
Biology Department
Morrill Science Center
University of Massachusetts
611 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003-9297
fax: 413 545 3243
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 11:30:52 -0600
From: Dan Bjornlie <Dan.Bjornlie@WGF.STATE.WY.US>
Subject: GIS Technician position-Wyoming
POSITION VACANCY - GIS TECHNICIAN - AT-WILL-CONTRACT
CLASS CODE - AWEC-40
CLOSING DATE - Open till filled
LOCATION: Wyoming Game and Fish Department - Nongame Program, Lander,
WY.
HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $14.24
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: Now to June 30 (12 month Contract) with possibility
of extension (1-3 years).
JOB DESCRIPTION: The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate
and conduct a spatial inventory of black-tailed prairie dog occupied
acreage in eastern Wyoming utilizing Color Infra-Red Photos.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience
equivalent to an bachelor's degree in computer science, management
information systems or other closely related fields which includes
significant course work in computer science plus two year of work
experience in GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Preference will be
given to applicants with training and/or experience: applying GIS
principles in a working or learning environment; aerial photography; and
utilizing MS Office 2000, particularly Access (database component).
PRINCIPLE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Understanding of the basic concepts
and principles of GIS: data automation/acquisition, project design, data
analysis, map composition and production, etc. Working knowledge
specifically of the ESRI suite of GIS software products, including
ArcView, Spatial Analyst and/or ArcInfo. Knowledge of Microsoft Office
2000, particularly Access (database component). Ability to use computer
hardware, software and other related information technologies for
extended periods on a daily basis
The GIS Technician will work closely with the WGFD Nongame Program and
with other professionals in conducting the btpd inventory. Work will
involve color infra-red aerial photography and satellite imagery,
including digitizing, geo-referencing, and ground truthing.
The GIS Technician will develop and maintain a database, produce high
quality maps and other products for use in meetings, presentations,
publications, etc. and perform other duties as assigned.
APPLICATIONS: An official State of Wyoming application including cover
letter, resume and 3 references to: Wyoming Game and Fish Department,
Nongame Mammal Biologist, Martin Grenier, 260 Buena Vista, Lander, WY
82520 - email (MS Word Format) - martin.grenier@wgf.state.wy.us
The state application may be found at
http:/personnel.state.wy.us/stjobs. Applications should be submitted
promptly, vacancy will close without advanced notice.
As an EEO/ADA employer, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department actively
supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with
disabilities.
Date Released: 12 July 2002
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 23:10:03 -0600
From: David Inouye <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Maps of West Nile virus in US
1. West Nile Virus Maps - 2002
http://cindi.usgs.gov/hazard/event/west_nile/west_nile.html
The US Geological Survey Center for Integration of Natural Disaster
Information has provided these maps of reported occurrences of West Nile
Virus (WNV). "The West Nile Virus Surveillance System is intended to monitor
the geographic and temporal spread of WNV over the contiguous United
States." Maps include 2002 surveillance data for birds, humans, mosquitoes,
sentinel chicken flocks, and data submitted by veterinarians. Maps from
previous years are available, including comprehensive maps through 2000, and
maps of 2001 data. It is unclear whether the 2002 maps are based on 2002
data alone, or include all data through June of 2002. Brief background on
WNV and surveillance activities help make this site appealing to a broader
audience. [AL]
>From The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences, Copyright Internet Sc
ut
Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 11:30:20 -0400
From: Stacey laprairie <laprairie@ACNATSCI.ORG>
Subject: Job announcement - Freshwater Microbial Ecologist
Freshwater Microbial Ecologist
The Patrick Center for Environmental Research (http://www.acnatsci.org/resea
ch/pcer/index.html) at the Academy of Natural Sciences invites applications
or a career-track, endowment-supported research position in Freshwater Micro
ial Ecology, with emphasis on ecological processes in streams and rivers. We
are seeking a broadly trained microbial ecologist with interdisciplinary res
arch experience in one or more of the following areas: organic matter transf
rmations; nutrient cycling; primary and secondary productivity of algae and
acteria; interactions of microbiota with other trophic levels and the adjace
t riparian zone.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. (postdoctoral experience is desirable), and are
expected to maintain an externally-funded research program that will complem
nt and strengthen our existing basic and applied programs in: (1) biogeochem
stry; (2) physiological, population, community, and ecosystem ecology; (3) b
osystems engineering; (4) watershed science and management; (5) ecological r
storation (particularly in the Center's Institute for River Restoration - ht
p://www.acnatsci.org/research/pcer/institute.html). Applications from establ
shed researchers are also encouraged. About 20 Ph.D. scientists and engineer
work together in the Patrick Center conducting interdisciplinary studies of
streams, rivers, tidal systems, and lakes. These studies not only examine ho
complex ecosystems work, they also focus on developing solutions to real-wo
ld environmental problems (especially in urban/urbanizing watersheds). Patri
k Center scientists are also encouraged to affiliate with local u!
niversities (e.g., University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University) to teac
and train students. Application review begins September 9, 2002, and contin
es until position is filled. An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Send CV, statement of research interests, representative publications, and n
mes, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four references to:
Microbial Ecology Search, # 857
c/o Stacey LaPrairie, Office Manager
Patrick Center for Environmental Research
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
E-mail: laprairie@acnatsci.org
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 12 Jul 2002 to 13 Jul 2002 (#2002-180)
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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