Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 16 Nov 2001 to 17 Nov 2001 (#2001-6)
There are 13 messages totalling 832 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. gw: Satellites shed light on a warmer world
2. wind sensors?
3. postdoc in biological invasions
4. Position Announcement--Executive Director
5. job announcement
6. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
7. Plant ecologist position
8. Job: climate change, New Zealand
9. News: WRI Challenges The Skeptical Environmentalist (fwd)
10. "Manual of the Southeastern Flora" (John Kunkel Small)
11. Critique needed...
12. graduate opportunities in multidisciplinary biological invasions (fwd)
13. plant competition class
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 17:55:04 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: gw: Satellites shed light on a warmer world
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0111/11warmer/
Satellites shed light on a warmer world
NASA-GSFC NEWS RELEASE
November 11, 2001
While winter may be approaching, researchers using data from
satellites and weather stations around the world have found the air
temperature near the Earth's surface has warmed on average by 1 degree F
(0.6 degree C) globally over the last century, and they cite human
influence as at least a partial cause.
Dr. James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New
York, and Marc Imhoff of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt,
Md., along with several other researchers analyzed records for 7,200
global weather stations and used satellite observations of nighttime
lights around the planet to identify stations with minimal local human
influence. Their findings appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of
Geophysical Research-Atmospheres
http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/11/11142001/s_45568.asp
A clear pattern of global warming is emerging as American space
scientists analyze satellite data from more than 7,000 weather stations
around the world.
The layer of air that wraps the Earth is indeed warmer than it has
been in the past, according to Dr. James Hansen of NASA's Goddard
Institute for Space Studies in New York and Marc Imhoff of NASA's
Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,592963,00.html
Some of Britain's rarest wildlife will become extinct within 50
years as climate change takes hold, while other species take advantage
of the warmth and move north to colonise new areas, according to a new
study.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1654000/1654350.stm
Wildlife will wander in warmer world. Global warming could condemn
some of the rarest wildlife in the British Isles to extinction by 2050,
scientists believe. While some species may migrate to cooler regions,
others will be unable to move or to adapt
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20011112/us/rising_sea_level_1.html
Researcher: Sea Level Rising Faster
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Sea level has risen between 12 and 20 inches
along Maine's coast and as much as two feet in Nova Scotia during the
past 250 years, according to a team of international researchers.
It's the biggest rise in the past millennium and global warming is
to blame, said Roland Gehrels of the University of Plymouth in England.
http://unisci.com/stories/20014/1109012.htm
Land-Based Ecosystems Won't Head Off Global Warming
The earth's land-based ecosystems absorbed all of the carbon
released by deforestation plus another 1.4 billion tons emitted by
fossil fuel burning during the 1990s, but we can't rely on this
convenient uptake to head off global warming in the future.
This is the conclusion of a new study published this week in the
journal Nature. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas
entering the atmosphere from human activities.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1105_TVmozzie.html
Mosquito Adapting to Global Warming, Study Finds
Scientists have found a mosquito that appears to have evolved and
adapted to climatic changes induced by global warming- the first
documented case of a genetic change in response to the apparent heating
up of the planet.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 09:23:55 -0800
From: "Christopher J. Lortie" <lortie@SONOMA.EDU>
Subject: wind sensors?
Dear Ecolog,
I am interested in measuring rh, temp, and wind-speed on a dune. I am
thinking of buying two Hobo data loggers and plugging in a temp and wind
sensor. There is however no external RH sensor available, only ones built
right into the Hobos but then you can't plug in any extra sensors (I need
the external waterproof model that has this limitation).
So I would appreciate any advice re: the following questions.
1. Does anyone know of cheap anemometers that I can plug into Hobos
(5-20mA) that measure fine-scale wind speed?
2. How about loggers in general, any favourites? Should I use another
model instead of the Hobos?
3. Does anyone know of any external Rh sensors?
cheers,
christopher j.
ps- if you are also interested in any of these questions, let me know and I
will forward the replies to you as well.
Never trouble trouble, till trouble troubles you (Fortune Cookie, 2001).
*****************************************************************
Christopher j. Lortie
Plant Ecologist
Department of Biology
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, California
94928
www.onepoint.ca
Office: 707.664.3048
Fax: 707.664.3012
*****************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 12:01:36 -0800
From: Carole Hom <hom@ITD.UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: postdoc in biological invasions
Dear Colleagues,
The Biological Invasions IGERT at UC Davis has two positions for
postdoctoral researchers. Could you please forward the following message to
lists that you manage?
Thank you very much.
clh
------------------------------------------------------------------
Carole L. Hom clhom@ucdavis.edu
Academic Coordinator
RTG, Nonlinear Dynamics in Biology http://www.itd.ucdavis.edu/rtg
2201 Academic Surge (W & most afternoons) 530.754.9117
IGERT, Biological Invasions http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv
0348 Storer Hall (T & most mornings) 530.752.6763
The University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
------------------------------------------------------------------
University of California, Davis IGERT Postdoctoral Fellow in Biological
Invasions
We seek two candidates with broad, interdisciplinary interests in
biological invasions for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship (renewable for
a second year) supported by a new training grant from the National Science
Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT)
program (see http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv/ ). The primary goal of the
multidisciplinary Biological Invasions IGERT is to train students from the
life sciences, social sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and
humanities to address the complex environmental challenges presented by
biological species invasions. The program stresses interdisciplinary
collaboration and mentorship among students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty,
and the non-academic community. IGERT Postdoctoral Fellows will enhance
research collaborations among faculty and students, make significant
contributions to the 1st year core graduate curriculum and 2nd year
collaborative research projects, and participate in the Biological
Invasions reading group and symposia. Faculty will mentor postdoctoral
fellows trainees in research and professional development, and fellows will
mentor graduate and undergraduate students through teaching, formal
research collaborations, and informal interactions. Prospective Fellows
must propose a collaborative project that links the research programs of
trainers in two or more disciplines. Applicants should also include
curriculum vitae, a two-page statement of current research interests, a
one-page a description of teaching and mentoring experience and philosophy,
and three letters of recommendation by December 15, 2001 to:
Carole L. Hom, Academic Coordinator
Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee
Biological Invasions IGERT
University of California, Davis
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616.
Questions can be addressed to Dr. Hom at clhom@ucdavis.edu
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 15:28:06 EST
From: Kieckhefer@AOL.COM
Subject: Position Announcement--Executive Director
FRIENDS OF THE SEA OTTER is Seeking a New Executive Director
MISSION
Friends of the Sea Otter (FSO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
protection of the threatened sea otter and its habitat throughout their
Pacific range.
HISTORY
Sea otters were nearly driven to extinction by the pressure of a voracious
fur trade in the late 19th and early 20th century. Yet from a small raft of
animals that took refuge near the Bixby Bridge along California's rugged Big
Sur coast, the sea otter has managed to survive.
In 1968, when Margaret Owings, a well-respected conservationist, and Dr. Jim
Mattison, an avid naturalist and photographer, founded FSO, the southern sea
otter population numbered about 650 along the Central Coast of California.
Since that time, the population has grown in number and range; it now number
about 2,100 otters along the California coastline. Sea otters remain a
threatened species, facing the continuing environmental stresses that
challenge us all.
For the last 33 years, FSO has worked hard as an environmental advocacy
organization to protect the sea otter and its habitat from a wide range of
threats.
FSO maintains a strong and focused stance, fighting for environmental
policies to benefit the sea otter and its nearshore home. Today FSO continue
to rally scientists, conservationists, educators and friends into a unified
group to support FSO's mission and ensure the survival of these magnificent
creatures for generations to come.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) of FSO serves as the organization's visible
leadership. The ED is responsible for overall management of the organization
including administrative supervision. The ED reports to the Board of
Directors.
RESPONSIBILITES
Leadership:
* Administer and track FSO's Strategic Plan. Work with the Board of Trustees
to make appropriate, timely adjustments to it on an ongoing basis.
* Implement policies and projects that fulfill the organization's mission,
both independently and at the direction of the Board of Trustees.
* Create an atmosphere of collaboration, enthusiasm and trust among FSO's
staff, board and membership, with the objective of growing the organization
through increasing awareness of our mission and enlisting support of our
cause.
Administrative:
* Develop and ensure adherence to the organization's budget, insurance
coverage, and legal-reporting requirements. Oversee preparation of monthly
financial statements. Approve all expenditures.
* Supervise staff. Responsible for hiring, firing and development of
employees. Conduct regular staff meetings using a team approach to
problem-solving.
* Implement established personnel policy and organization Bylaws.
Liaison to Board of Trustees:
* Act as chief liaison to Board to Trustees. Establish an effective working
relationship with the Board President to determine goals and priorities and
to implement them.
* Attend all Board meetings. Prepare Board meeting agendas in consultation
with the Board President and committee meeting agendas in consultation with
the committee chairs.
* Offer assistance and guidance to all Board committees at their request.
Maintain familiarity with committee activities to ensure their appropriate
direction and support of FSO's mission.
Development/Marketing:
* Work with the Board, committees, consultants, and staff on all development
activities.
* Responsible for implementation of Board-approved marketing development pla
.
Program/Policy:
* Appear before state and federal agencies dealing with sea otter issues, an
serve as principal liaison to groups with purposes and objectives similar to
FSO's. Appear alone, or with Science Director as appropriate, to represent
FSO at relevant meetings, hearings and workshops locally and nationally.
* Serve as FSO's spokesperson with the media, members and the general public
* Develop FSO's Annual Report to Members. Organize and preside over the
annual meeting.
Skills and Physical Demands:
* Proven management and team-building capabilities.
* Excellent written and verbal skills.
* Familiarity with general office electronics and applications: - PC and Mac
computers, software (e.g., FileMaker, Excel, Word), telephone, copier and
fax.
* Must be able to travel to a variety of locations to give talks and
presentations on behalf of FSO.
Hours:
Full time, with occasional evenings and weekends.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary plus paid medical, dental and life insurance. Vacation, sick leave an
major holidays.
Please Send Resume/CV to:
Kim Beals, FSO President
c/o Law Offices
177 17th Street
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Phone (831)646-9303
Fax (831)646-9363
Email: otterjobs@yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 16:06:50 EST
From: "Michael A. Patten" <Michael.A.Patten@DARTMOUTH.EDU>
Subject: job announcement
Learn firsthand about conservation biology in a biodiversity hotspot!
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY FIELD ASSISTANTS (3) needed mid-March to mid-June 2002
3
months) to assist in an NSF-sponsored study, supervised by Dr. Douglas T.
Bolger, on the effects of habitat fragmentation on avian reproductive succes
in coastal sage scrub habitat in San Diego, CA. Successful applicants will b
part of a field team that includes faculty, post-doc, graduate student, and
undergraduate interns. Salary of $1100/mo.; housing provided. ***Previous
nest-finding experience required.*** Primary duties include determining
breeding territories, nest searching, nest monitoring, and basic predator an
arthropod surveys. Must be enthusiastic, self-motivated, hard-working,
reliable, and work well as part of a group. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY FIELD INTER
S
(2) needed mid-March to mid-June 2002 (3 months) to assist on the same proje
t
as above. Duties as above, though you will work closely with other team
members. Training provided. Salary of $600/mo., plus housing. Enthusiasm and
willingness to learn and work hard are a must. Send resume, names of three
references (with phone numbers and email addresses), and a statement of
interest by email (attachments in WordPerfect or Rich Text Format) or fax to
Michael Patten (address below). Evaluation of applicants will begin 08 Decem
er
2001 and continue until all positions are filled. BE SURE TO SPECIFY FOR WHI
H
POSITION YOU ARE APPLYING.
Michael A. Patten, Ph.D.
Environmental Studies Program
6182 Steele Hall
Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-3577
michael.a.patten@dartmouth.edu
fax: (603) 646-1682
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 16:00:24 -0500
From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM
Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
Title: Operations Supervisor
Company: Land and Lakes Company
Location: Chicago area, Illinois
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4825
Title: Natural Resources Technical Director
Company: Specialty Additions, Inc. (recruiter)
Location: San Francisco, California
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4824
Title: Legislative Representative
Company: Sierra Club California
Location: Sacramento, California
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4823
Title: Executive Director
Company: The Ontario Rural Council
Location: Guelph, ON, Canada
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4822
Title: Executive Director
Company: Conservation Council of New Brunswick
Location: Fredericton, NB, Canada
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4821
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 09:46:56 -0800
From: Matt Sanderson <mas44@PSU.EDU>
Subject: Plant ecologist position
Plant Ecologist (GS-11/12). The Agricultural Research Service of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has a permanent, full-time research employment
opportunity for a Plant Ecologist who will conduct basic and applied
research on plant community changes and ecosystem processes in
temperate/humid grassland ecosystems as affected by grazing animals and
agricultural management. The position will be located in the USDA-ARS
Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit on the campus of
Penn State University in University Park, PA. The specific research
objective is to quantify the contribution of plant species diversity to
grazed ecosystem productivity, resilience, and persistence by: 1)
determining how biodiversity in grazing lands affects productivity at
multiple scales, 2) quantifying spatial variability in plant populations
and communities in grazed ecosystems, and 3) integrating the information
into appropriate models. Research is predominantly field-based and will be
conducted at multiple scales and will require innovative experimental
designs and approaches to determine how spatial variability and landscape
factors affect ecosystem processes. The research will be conducted
collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team researching the
effects of grazing systems on biodiversity, nutrient cycling, productivity,
and hydrology of farms and landscapes. A Ph.D. or equivalent in plant
ecology, botany, or a closely related field is desired. Candidates must
have knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of plant ecology
and be skilled in the use of multivariate and spatial statistical
techniques in the design and analysis of plant ecology experiments.
Starting annual salary will be $43,326 to $67,500. For information on the
research program please contact Dr. Matt Sanderson at 814-865-1067 or
mas44@psu.edu. For a Vacancy Announcement, which includes complete
application instructions and required qualifications please contact Donita
Gibonney (814-863-0940). You will also find the announcement posted on the
REE website at www.ars.usda.gov/afm2/divisions/hrd/index.html under
announcement ARS-X2E-1551. Applications must be postmarked by December 17,
2001. This is a competitive, permanent appointment and U.S. citizenship is
required. ARS is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Women and
minorities are encouraged to apply.
Matt A. Sanderson
Research Agronomist
Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit
USDA-ARS
Building 3702, Curtin Road
University Park, PA 16802-3702
Tel (814) 865-1067
FAX (814) 863-0935
email:mas44@psu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 06:49:18 -0500
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Job: climate change, New Zealand
SENIOR SCIENTIST
Vacancy Number 01/02 - 10
We are seeking to employ an experienced scientist to join our Climate
Change and Energy team at Forest Research. This person is expected to
have
extensive experience in modelling forest production and have knowledge
of
LULUCF issues and climate change.
The role will focus on systems analysis and forest modelling, with data
analysis and interpretation to provide policy advice on climate change
response options and develop new markets for using FR carbon accounting
tools in domestic and international carbon assessment and verification
projects. The successful candidate will work on implementation of New
Zealand's carbon monitoring system of plantation and indigenous forest,
scrub, and soils, and assist in designing the carbon accounting
framework
in conjunction with relevant ministries, CRI's, and private sector
stakeholders. The successful candidate will undertake the development of
research plans, including Government applications, tendering for
commercial
work, and industry consulting as appropriate.
The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate qualification in forestry
or
relevant discipline, with demonstrated computer skills, and competency
in
technical evaluation, and process analysis. Industry or Research
experience
in the forestry and climate change field with a background in forestry
modelling is essential. An understanding of the Kyoto Protocol, the role
that forestry has to play in climate change, and issues surrounding
greenhouse gas sinks and sources is required. A good understanding of
forest management software and forestry management, excellent computing
and
quantitative skills, including statistical analysis of forest data, and
computer programming techniques. Candidates with an understanding of
economics and knowledge of GIS applications and remote sensing methods
are
not essential but preferred.
The candidate must be able to communicate effectively with commercial
clients and researchers in both oral and written form, and must have
excellent organisational and time management skills and a willingness to
participate in team environment. A record of publications/presentations
to
expert or professional groups is preferable.
A position description and an application form is available on request
and
written applications (quote Vacancy Number as above) including a
curriculum
vitae should be forwarded to the address below by 10 December 2001.
Kirsty Mitchell
Payroll and Personnel Services
Forest Research
Private Bag 3020
Rotorua
Phone (07) 343 5899
Email: kirsty.mitchell@forestresearch.co.nz
Forest Research is an Equal Opportunities Employer
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 00:10:07 -0800
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: WRI Challenges The Skeptical Environmentalist (fwd)
WRI has set up a web page focusing on Lomborg's book, The Skeptical
Environmentalist, at:
http://www.wri.org/wri/press/mk_lomborg.html
As you may know, Bjorn Lomborg has emerged as the new hot property in
the environmentalism vs. marketism debate. Its all rather silly, from a
planning perspective, and on at least three counts.
First, both sides are hugely entrenched in their own particularistic
ideological quagmires, and genuine debate (or even discussion with the
potential for persuasion at the level of the individual) is not an option.
Second, the whole of the battle is cast in the frame of catastrophy versus
cornucopia, apocalypse versus eden, with no other allowable potential
future state. And third, both sides have little time to spend on the
question of what, given that we live in the world in which we do, and not
some imaginable realm, what constitutes proper action?
Both sides claim that they are not, themselves, caricaturing reality, but
rather ought to be taken seriously and as scientists presenting
irrefutable (or, at least, serious) evidence in the form of hard data, and
yet, both sides can only represent their opposition as a straw figure,
selectively drawn to depict dumbness.
Just as one example, and only because we're drawn around the subject of
Lomborg's book, I attended a presentation by him, and glanced through the
book. I would be quite willing to use the book as a serious (if
auxilliary) text in environmental planning, if it were not--quite
pointlessly and demeaningly, IMO--loaded with senseless characterizations
of environmentalists as doom-sayers and myth-makers. Then, there's no
where left to think from, or to, so why bother?
So this whole "debate" thing is better taken as infomercial entertainment,
rather than as genuine academic discourse. The really smart people are
talking a whole different tune. We need to look for it.
Ashwani
Vasishth vasishth@usc.edu (323) 462-2884
http://www-scf.usc.edu/~vasishth
--------------------------------------------------------
School of Policy, Planning and Development, RGL 108
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
http://www.usc.edu/dept/sppd/
--------------------------------------------------------
*****
Media Advisory
Nov. 15, 2001
WRI Launches On-line Media Resource On The Skeptical Environmentalist
WHAT:
"Debunking Pseudo-Scholarship: Things a Journalist Should Know About
The Skeptical Environmentalist," is now available on-line.
WHERE:
http://www.wri.org/wri/press/mk_lomborg.html
WHEN:
Available 24 hours daily, seven days a week.
WHY:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is urging journalists to exercise
caution in reporting on or reviewing the new book, The Skeptical
Environmentalist. The book, which has been heavily publicized, makes
extraordinary claims - that environmental quality is improving around the
world, and that the environmental community is not telling the truth for
its own cynical reasons. Those claims deserve scrutiny by careful and
knowledgeable journalists.
Bjorn Lomborg paints a caricature of the environmental agenda based on
sometimes mistaken views widely held 30 years ago, but to which no serious
environmental institution today subscribes. In making the case for a more
rational and scientific debate on environmental issues, Lomborg commits
the same sins for which he attacks environmentalists. He exaggerates,
makes sweeping generalizations, presents false choices, is highly
selective in his use of data and quotations and, frequently, is simply
wrong.
The on-line media kit contains the analysis, Nine Things Journalists
Should Know About the Skeptical Environmentalist, and a similar version
for environmental educators. The kit also contains links to other sites,
including one created by Lomborg's Danish colleagues to refute his
conclusions. More materials will be added regularly.
CONTACT:
For media inquiries, contact Adlai J. Amor at 202-729-7736 or email,
aamor@wri.org.
The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental
think tank that goes beyond research to provide practical ways to protect
the earth and improve people's lives.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2001 11:35:21 -0500
From: Frances Reed <FReed@BLACKBURNPRESS.COM>
Subject: "Manual of the Southeastern Flora" (John Kunkel Small)
Dear ECOLOG-L members:
We are a relatively new publishing company dedicated to keeping in print and
available for purchase book titles which larger publishers have lost
interest in and have declared "out of print". We are especially interested
in scholarly book titles.
It has recently been suggested that we bring back into print:
"Manual of the Southeastern Flora. Being Descriptions of the Seed Plants
Growing Naturally in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Eastern Louisiana,
Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia."
by John Kunkel Small (originally published in 1933)
We would very much like to hear from members of the list who have an opinion
on the need for a reprint of this title.
Of course we are interested in hearing of any other titles you think
suitable for reprinting.
Frances Reed
Publisher
The Blackburn Press
www.blackburnpress.com
freed@blackburnpress.com
973-228-7077
973-228-7276 (fax)
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 19:08:13 -0500
From: Danielle Romais <dannysapoo@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Critique needed...
Hi,
I am an undergrad student, and I need an expert to critique my research
proposal. I plan to do a research on the medicinal plant use in the Southern
region of Brazil. If anyone is interested in helping me with a critique,
please email me at dannysapoo@hotmail.com
Thanks,
Danielle Romais
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 17:03:18 -0800
From: Carole Hom <hom@ITD.UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: graduate opportunities in multidisciplinary biological invasions (f
d)
Dear Colleagues,
The following letter describes an exciting new opportunity for graduate
study at UC Davis. Please post it on lists that you manage.
Thank you for your assistance.
clh
------------------------------------------------------------------
Carole L. Hom clhom@ucdavis.edu
Academic Coordinator
RTG, Nonlinear Dynamics in Biology http://www.itd.ucdavis.edu/rtg
2201 Academic Surge (W & most afternoons) 530.754.9117
IGERT, Biological Invasions http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv
0348 Storer Hall (T & most mornings) 530.752.6763
The University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
------------------------------------------------------------------
The University of California, Davis, is the site for a new National Science
Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT)
program on Biological Invasions. The primary goal of the multidisciplinary
Biological Invasions IGERT is to train students from the life sciences,
social sciences, engineering, physical sciences, and humanities to address
the complex environmental challenges presented by biological invasions. The
program stresses interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship among
students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and the non-academic community,
and includes an internship in a non-academic agency.
The Biological Invasions IGERT program offers opportunities for students
interested in conducting independent or collaborative research and training
activities consistent with the project's broad goals. Long-term fellows
receive two years of support (stipend plus fee waiver, contingent upon
satisfactory progress and participation in the IGERT) and are eligible to
apply for additional research, consultant, or short-term fellowship funds
as advanced graduate students. Prospective long-term fellows in the
Biological Invasions IGERT should apply to the IGERT when submitting an
application for study in law school or a doctoral program at UC Davis.
Current UC Davis students may apply in their first year at UC Davis and
participate beginning in their second year. In exceptional cases,
second-year students at UC Davis may be admitted and begin the IGERT
program in their third year.
A typical support package for a Long-Term Fellow would consist of the
following.
1st and 2nd year: up to three quarters of IGERT fellowship support per
year.
3rd and 4th year: a combination of fellowship support, Teaching Assist
ntships, and Research Assistantships developed in consultation with the home
Graduate Group and major professor
final year: full fellowship support in the final year of doctora
work
In all cases, multi-year funding packages will be subject to annual review
by the student's Guidance Committee, as well as by the IGERT Fellowship
Committee. Trainees will be required to participate in the IGERT Foundation
Program and 2nd-Year Group Project in their 1st and 2nd year, respectively,
and in reading groups, symposia, and mentoring thereafter.
A complete application will consist of:
the on-line application at the UC Davis Graduate Studies web site,
http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/ (submitted to Graduate Studies)
any supplementary application materials required by your
prospective graduate group (submitted directly to your graduate grou
)
the Biological Invasions IGERT application form for long-term
fellows, available at http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv/support (sub
itted
to Carole L. Hom, Academic Coordinator -- BioInv IGERT,
Center for Population Biology, University of California,
One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616)
Review of applications will begin on 15 January 2002; for full
consideration, all application materials must be received by this date.
For more information on the Biological Invasions IGERT, see
http://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu/bioinv
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 11:40:10 -0200
From: "Luiz Flamarion B. de Oliveira" <melfo@TERRA.COM.BR>
Subject: Re: plant competition class
Prof. Voltolini
in this area, literature is very rich. But, just to begin, a good way you c
n
find in KEDDY, P.A. 1989. Competition. Chapman and Hall, London, among other
.
But you must decide if such area is or not out of your research interest. I
realized through your mail that you have only an intention. The literature i
very extensive and competitive.
Dr. M.Elaine de Oliveira
UFF, RJ, Brasil.
Voltolini wrote:
> Hi, I am interested in to use an experiment on plant competition in my
> classes of Ecology and Statistics for biologists (undergrad).
>
> I am planning to use different seed densities in a greenhouse but......
I
> dont have a good idea about the best experimental design for plant
> competiton experiments.
>
> Then, I would like to receive suggestions about the EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
and
> also about ARTICLES as good examples of plant competiton experiments.
>
> The idea is to use the practice to show how the hard theory can be easi
y
> touched in real life !
>
> Thanks for any help.........
>
> Voltolini
>
> _____________________________________________
>
> Prof. J. C. VOLTOLINI
> Grupo de Estudos em Ecologia de Mamiferos - ECOMAM
> Universidade de Taubate (UNITAU)
> Departamento de Biologia
> Taubate, SP, Brasil. CEP 12030-010
> Tel: 0XX12-2254165 (lab.), 2254277 (secret. depto.)
> FAX: 12 - 2322947
> E-Mail: jcvoltol@infocad.com.br
> _____________________________________________
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 17 Nov 2001 to 18 Nov 2001 (#2001-7)
There is one message totalling 55 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. post-doc in plant evolutionary ecology
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 16:47:48 -0400
From: Sonia Sultan <sesultan@WESLEYAN.EDU>
Subject: post-doc in plant evolutionary ecology
POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANT EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
A 2-year post-doctoral position is available for an individual with
research experience in plant population biology or physiological ecology.
The primary responsibility will be to carry out an externally-funded serie
of greenhouse and field experiments investigating the relation of
phenotypic plasticity to ecotypic differentiation in two well-studied
annual Polygonum species. Desirable attributes include relevant
experimental experience, a strong statistical background, and a
burning curiosity about plant adaptation. Start date is negotiable
but ideally would be between January and early April 2002. Starting
salary is $28,500 plus full benefits.
The Biology Department at Wesleyan is energetic, well-funded, and
interactive. Most PI's run lab groups consisting of a post-doc and/ or
technician, two or three grad students, and two or three undergraduates;
all participate in departmental seminars and weekly discussion groups. My
lab
enjoys first-rate research facilities, including a fully-computerized
greenhouse providing 53.6 sq m of bench space in three separately programmab
e
compartments, and dual Conviron growth chambers.
Wesleyan University is a small New England campus located in the city of
Middletown on the Connecticut River, 25 minutes from New Haven and
Hartford, and 2 hours from both Boston and New York City. Wesleyan's
cultural and athletic facilities are outstanding, and the area
offers canoeing, hiking,
and other outdoor activities. Nearbye universities include Yale, the
University of Connecticut at Storrs, and a number of other excellent
research and teaching insitutions.
For further information please see the lab website at
www.wesleyan.edu/bio/sultan
and the university or departmental sites at the same address
--
Sonia E. Sultan
Associate Professor
Department of Biology
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT 06459-0170
USA
Phone: 860.685.3493
Fax: 860.685.3279
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 18 Nov 2001 to 19 Nov 2001 (#2001-8)
There are 14 messages totalling 910 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Job: ecological modeller-computer programmer
2. Moose Fecundity Data
3. Lomborg quagmire (2)
4. Open to All: Sustainable Agriculture Session to Begin NCSE Conference
5. Mammalian Ecologist - University of Nevada, Reno
6. Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Invasive Plant Species), OSU
7. Job Opening (2)
8. zebra mussels and bias
9. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
10. ISEI conference (2nd announcement)
11. Job: BIOSTATISTICS/QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY, SW TX SU
12. Hewlett Foundation Fellowships
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 10:55:08 -0000
From: Alessandro Gimona <A.Gimona@MARLAB.AC.UK>
Subject: Job: ecological modeller-computer programmer
COMPUTER PROGRAMMER/ECOLOGICAL MODELLER - Salary range £18,375 to £24,282
The Pelagic Fisheries Group at the FRS Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen
(http://www.marlab.ac.uk) is looking for a highly motivated, self-starter,
to join its team. The main focus for the post-holder will be to provide
technical programming, and data management assistance, in several
applications of the fisheries modelling tool Gadget/Bormicon, simulating the
dynamics of herring population and fisheries in the North Sea. You will also
assist fisheries scientists in model validation, review of the model
behaviour in relation to spatial scale and various levels of data
aggregation. You will also be involved in the assessment of the sensitivity
of model components to basic assumptions. Additionally, you will provide
technical assistance in the coding of herring recruitment processes in the
North Sea herring population within the model.
The successful candidate must possess a good degree or equivalent
qualification in a relevant area of science and have an interest in
biological processes or hold a Marine Biological degree with demonstrable
computing capability. Knowledge of C and UNIX is essential. You will also
have the ability to problem solve and think creatively. In addition,
knowledge of database interrogation and management, and SQL is highly
desirable. An interest in ecological models and statistical techniques would
also be advantageous. Due to the nature of the job applicants should be
prepared to travel internationally, and should be able to build good working
relationships with colleagues.
The starting salary for this post is ,18,375 per annum. Salary is
performance related, offering progression to a maximum of £24,282 and
bonuses to high achievers. The salary package is supported by a generous
non-contributory pension scheme.
Closing date for all applications is 30 November 2001.
For informal enquiries e-mail John Simmonds (simmondsej@marlab.ac.uk) or
Alessandro Gimona (a.gimona@marlab.ac.uk)
Application forms and further information for all these posts can be
obtained by contacting:
Human Resources
FISHERIES RESEARCH SERVICES
Marine Laboratory
PO BOX 101
Victoria Road
Aberdeen, AB11 9DB
Tel: +44 (0)1224 295690
Fax: +44 (0)1224 295511
Email: personnel@marlab.ac.uk
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 08:32:19 -0500
From: Sam Riffell <riffells@MSU.EDU>
Subject: Moose Fecundity Data
Greetings!
I am in need of AGE-SPECIFIC North American Moose (Alces alces)
fecundity data for a class exercise. Is anyone aware of any published
sources? Please send responses directly to me at riffells@msu.edu.
Thanks.
--
Sam Riffell, Ph. D
Visiting Assistant Professor
Center for Integrative Studies - Biology
100 North Kedzie
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Homepage: http://www.msu.edu/~riffells/
Email: riffells@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-9664
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2001 23:33:48 -0800
From: Wallace Kaufman <taconia@CAVENET.COM>
Subject: Lomborg quagmire
Ashwani
Your posts on the Lomborg book are useful, but to cast the debate as
"environmentalism vs. marketism" is itself a false distinction that allows
no room for productive discussion. You create a quagmire of definition.
I assume by 'environmentalism' you mean the groups like Sierra Club, NRDC,
Greens, etc. that prefer to address environmental problems with government
regulation, fiat, and penalties. Of course, you then exclude people who
want serious environmental action and improved air, water, biodiversity,
etc., but tend to favor incentives, technology, and market mechanisms. To
cast such people as the opposite of 'environmentalism' polarizes the debate
and suggests no common ground exists.
The people I know who call themselves free market environmentalists are
every bit as 'green' in their hopes for the world as anyone in the Sierra
Club or the Green Party. Sometimes their assessment of the size or urgency
of the problems agree with the liberal greens, and often they do not, but
that does not make them browns or anti-environment.
While there are people who believe the cornucopia is always expanding, I
would suggest that if you look at three of the most important generators of
free market environmental ideas, you hardly find a naive cornucopianism.
While they may be optimistic about the trends, they are not complacent,
apathetic, or anti-environment. I suggest you check environmental papes and
positions at Electronic Drummer www.ti.org (Randall O'Toole's site), at
www.perc.org (Political Economy Research Center), and at CATO. A very
healthy debate takes place about both the factual basis and the possible
ways of addressing environmental issues, the same ones the liberal big-govt
advocates want to address.
The diversity of opinion is far healthier and less regimented than among the
liberal environmental groups who are committed to finding only the facts
that justify impending catastrophe and massive government intervention as
well as radical changes in our economic foundations.
Perhaps it does not help initiate discussion to continously calll liberal
environmentalists 'doom sayers' but in fact any survey of their literature
and public relations materials confirms their overwhelming emphasis on
imminent doom. (Some of whose deadlines have already come and gone, of
course.)
Best,
Wallace
WALLACE KAUFMAN
"Information That Makes A Difference"
taconia@cavenet.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2001 15:47:47 -0500
From: Kevin Hutton <khutton@NCSEONLINE.ORG>
Subject: Open to All: Sustainable Agriculture Session to Begin NCSE Conferen
e
Open to all: Sustainable Ag Session to begin NCSE Conference
[ HTML version of this update is found here:
http://www.cnie.org/updates/111.htm ]
The 2nd National Conference on Science, Policy and Environment, December
6 and 7, 2001 http://www.cnie.org/NCSEconference/2001conference/ will
develop recommendations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development
(WSSD). Many of the key participants in the U.S. government^?s
preparations for WSSD will be participating in the conference.
Conference participants and other interested individuals are invited to
participate in a special session preceding the conference. There is no
registration fee for this special session. The purpose of the session is
to solicit input on the US Department of Agriculture^?s (USDA)
contribution to the US position for the WSSD.
Open Briefing and Listening Session on Sustainable Agriculture, Rural
Development, and Land Issues for the World Summit on Sustainable
Development
A Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land stakeholder
discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, December 5, 2001 from 3:00-6:00
p.m. in Rooms 10 and 11 at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel, located
at 999 Ninth Street, NW in Washington DC. Gallery Place-Chinatown (red
line) is the closest metro station to the hotel. The agenda for the
meeting follows.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hosting an open briefing and
listening session to assist the U.S. Government in its preparations for
the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). This session is open
to all stakeholders and will focus on receiving citizen ideas on
important on sustainable agriculture, rural development and land issues
for WSSD.
Agenda:
3:00 Welcome and Introductions
3:15 Briefing on WSSD preparations
3:30 General Citizen Comment Period - 3 minutes each, if you are
interested in speaking, please contact Adela Backiel, USDA Director of
Sustainable Development (adela.backiel@usda.gov)
4:15 Break-Out Sessions to discuss sustainable agriculture, rural
development and land issues for WSSD
5:15 Reports from Break-Out Sessions
5:45 Summary and Closing
6:00 Adjourn
For general background information on WSSD, please visit the official
WSSD website at www.johannesburgsummit.org and the United Nations
Sustainable Development website at www.un.org/esa/sustdev. For
background information on SARD issues, please see the Commission on
Sustainable Development (CSD-8) Decision on Sustainable Agriculture and
Rural Development at
www.un.org/documents/ecosoc/docs/2000/e2000-29.htm#Decision 8/4.
Additional information on this session will be available on the National
Council for Science and the Environment website at http://cnie.org/ over
the next several weeks. If you have any questions concerning the
logistics of this meeting, please contact Adela Backiel, USDA Director
of Sustainable Development (adela.backiel@usda.gov) or Jennie O'Connor,
USDA-Forest Service (jmoconnor@fs.fed.us) or Therese Cluck at NCSE
rese@NCSEonline.org.
Register Now for Sustainable Communities: Science and Solutions ^? 2nd
National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment
NCSE^?s 2nd National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment
will be held December 6-7, 2001 at the Smithsonian National Museum of
Natural History and the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. Join leading
scientists and policymakers from around the world to discuss how science
can contribute to solutions for achieving sustainable communities,
locally and globally. Conference highlights include a keynote address by
Dr. Donald Kennedy, editor-in-chief, Science, and Stanford University
president emeritus, a case study of Curitiba, Brazil presented by
Governor Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Curitiba and case studies of the
Working for Water Program in South Africa and Portland, Oregon. On the
evening of December 6th, Dr. Edwards O. Wilson, Pellegrino University
Research Professor, Harvard University will give the Second Annual John
H. Chafee Memorial Lecture on Science and the Environment. Also, Rep.
Sherwood Boehlert (NY), Chair of the House Science Committee, will
receive the NCSE Congressional Leadership Award and Maurice Strong,
senior advisor to the UN Secretary-General and general chair of the
Earth Summit (Rio 1992), will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Interactive breakout sessions and workshops will give participants a
unique open forum for advancing new approaches. Active participation and
lively debate is encouraged! You will meet and interact with scientists;
engineers; resource managers; international, federal, state, tribal and
local governmental officials; environmental and community activists;
business leaders; workers; teachers; journalists and others. Breakout
sessions and workshops will examine successful examples of using science
in achieving sustainable communities, and also will develop specific
science and policy recommendations for presentation at the World Summit
on Sustainable Development, via the US National Position Paper and UN
Preparatory Meetings.
REGISTER NOW ONLINE FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS! Once registered for the
conference, go to http://ncseonline.org/NCSE/BreakoutSessions/form.cfm
to register for the breakout session you would like to attend. The
breakout sessions will be:
Curitiba, Brazil: Plenary Case Study
Portland, Oregon: Plenary Case Study
Working for Water, South Africa: Plenary Case Study
Architecture: LEEDing Green Planning and Design
Business: Can Corporations be Sustainable?
Children's Health: Children's Health and the Environment
Community Design: New Community Design and Community Based Planning and
Design
Culture: Integrating Indigenous Peoples^? Values to Promote Sustainable
Science and Technology Decisions
Energy: Sustainable Energy
Forestry: Issues in Sustainable Forestry
Higher Education: Progress Toward Sustainable Community Development and
Partnerships for Sustainability in Higher Education
Indicators: Sustainable Community Indicators - Experiences, Lessons
Learned & Evolving Opportunities in the US
Information Systems: Information Systems Interoperability in Support of
Effective Environmental Decisionmaking
Libraries: Sharing Sustainability Data and Info:Role of Libraries and
Library Networks
Pollution Prevention: Use of Scientific Tools to Address Issues of
Pollution Prevention and Community Sustainability
Remote Sensing: Community Energy and Environment Decision-making: Seeing
the Big Picture with Remote Sensing and Satellites
Rural Communities: Sustainable Community Development: Applications of
Research, Education and Extension
Urban Design: Scientific Approaches to Healthy Urban Form and Function
Visit http://www.ncseonline.org now to register online, read
pre-Conference background papers, check speaker biographies and get the
latest program updates. You also will find handy links to a plethora of
sustainability resources, including the three case studies and the World
Summit for Sustainable Development.
RESERVE ROOMS AT THE RENAISSANCE WASHINGTON DC HOTEL NOW! A travel and
lodging page supplies information and a link to the Renaissance
Washington DC Hotel where you are eligible for a special low NCSE
Conference rate when you reserve your room now. The November 6 deadline
for hotel reservations has been removed, so rooms are available at the
special rate until they are all filled.
Remember, members of the NCSE University Affiliate Program receive Five
Complementary Registrations!!!
Please Circulate to Interested Colleagues
--
Kevin Hutton, Webmaster
National Council for Science and the Environment
1725 K St. NW Suite 212 Washington, DC 20006
http://www.cnie.org
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 11:27:44 -0500
From: Doug Karpa-Wilson <dkarpawi@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Lomborg quagmire
> The people I know who call themselves free market environmentalists are
> every bit as 'green' in their hopes for the world as anyone in the Sier
a
> Club or the Green Party. Sometimes their assessment of the size or
urgency
> of the problems agree with the liberal greens, and often they do not, b
t
> that does not make them browns or anti-environment.
Actually, it should be noted that one of the planks of the Green Party
platform includes the very market based mechanism of full-cost pricing,
where the cost of good reflects the complete environmental costs. Thus,
environmental degradation is not allowed to act as a subsidy by passing some
of the cost to third parties as externalities. At least, that's my
understanding of the Green Party plank, but perhaps others might correct me.
It does seem that in spirit, you both agree that there is a middle ground
that folks like Lomborg (and others) apparently would like to squash.
Perhaps because the middle ground sells fewer books?
Doug
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 09:19:45 -0800
From: "Moore, Robert" <RMoore@CABNR.UNR.EDU>
Subject: Mammalian Ecologist - University of Nevada, Reno
This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand
this format, some or all of this message may not be legible.
------_=_NextPart_000_01C1711E.6229F900
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Tenure-track Faculty Position
Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology
Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences
University of Nevada, Reno
The Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences (ERS) seeks a
tenure-track Assistant Professor in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, with
expertise in the ecology of large mammals to begin July 1, 2002. Candidates
must have a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology or a closely
related discipline; two years of professional or postdoctoral experience
following the Ph.D. is preferred. Candidates with teaching experience and
experience with extramural funding are preferred. We will consider
candidates with a broad range of interests, including but not limited to
population biology, wildlife nutrition, and behavior.
The successful candidate will play a central role in maintaining the program
in wildlife and conservation biology at UNR. We expect candidates to
develop a competitively funded research program, a dynamic graduate training
program, and play an integral role in development of the curriculum in
Wildlife and Conservation Biology. The successful candidate will be
expected to teach two semester-length courses per year to include an
undergraduate course in wildlife ecology every year and a graduate course in
alternate years. Candidates interested in working in arid and montane
ecosystems, and interacting with state and federal agencies are especially
encouraged to apply.
ERS houses a diverse faculty, including wildlife ecologists, plant
ecologists, hydrologists, soil scientists and environmental scientists, with
a common mission of furthering understanding of natural resource and
environmentally related issues in the Great Basin and associated mountain
ranges. The Department and College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and
Natural Resources maintains numerous field sites throughout the region in
addition to teaching, laboratory and office facilities on the Reno campus.
Applicants should send a cover letter, statements of teaching and research
interests, a current CV and have three letters of reference sent by February
1, 2002 to:
Jean Freestone, freestone@cabnr.unr.edu
Search Committee Secretary,
Dept. of Environmental & Resource Sciences,
University of Nevada, Reno/MS 186,
1000 Valley Road,
Reno, NV 89512-0013.
Contact Jim Sedinger, Search Committee Chair (775-784-6556 or
jsedinger@cabnr.unr.edu) for additional information about the position.
The University of Nevada, Reno is an Equal Employment Opportunity /
Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical
or mental disability, and sexual orientation in any program or activity it
operates. The University of Nevada employs only United States citizens and
aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
***********************************************************************
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ORG:UNR;NAES - Administration
TITLE:Info. Sys. Spec. II
TEL;WORK;VOICE:(775)-784-4551
ADR;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:;FA102C;University of
Nevada=0D=0ANAES/221;Reno;Nevada;89557-0107;United Sta=
tes
LABEL;WORK;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:FA102C=0D=0AUniversity of
Nevada=0D=0ANAES/221=0D=0AReno, Nevada 89557-0107=
=0D=0AUnited States
EMAIL;PREF;INTERNET:RMoore@cabnr.unr.edu
REV:20010117T173435Z
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 11:06:13 -0700
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Invasive Plant Species), OSU
Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Invasive Plant Species)
Position # 002-949
Position Location: Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University,
Corvallis Oregon
Duty Location: U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, La
Grande, Oregon
Closing Date: January 7, 2002
Starting Date: February 15, 2002
Context: The Department of Forest Science seeks a Post-Doctoral Research
Associate to participate in an invasive plants research program for the Blue
Mountain Demonstration Area (BMDA) in Northeastern Oregon. This position is
in conjunction with a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Oregon State
University and the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
The purpose of the Joint Venture Agreement is to foster cooperative studies
and fill knowledge gaps relating to invasive species that threaten the
watersheds within the BMDA. Results of this work will likely be widely
applicable across the Intermountain West.
Responsibilities: This person's primary responsibilities will be to:
Conduct and coordinate studies on the population demography and management
of identified invasive species.
Generate a map of the BMDA showing known invasive plant species. Data will
be collected through established collaborative relationships with the
various agencies responsible for land management within the BMDA (e.g.
USFS, BLM, tribal and state organizations, tri-county weed boards, private
landowners of Union and Wallowa counties).
Establish and correlate the locations of invasive plant species according to
such variables as land ownership, management history, vegetation types,
topographic features, disturbance regimes, and transportation corridors.
Describe the areas within the BMDA at risk to invasive species colonization
and expansion.
Identify invasive plant species prevention guidelines and an appropriate
suite of management tactics for use within the BMDA.
Qualifications: A Ph.D. in plant, forest or range ecology, environmental
science, geography, or related discipline. Candidates should have a strong
background in plant ecology, plant population demography and complementary
modeling. Experience in vegetation sampling, data management, experience in
field mapping desirable. Demonstrated ability and willingness to work across
disciplines with other scientists, land managers and citizens. Demonstrated
ability to prepare research manuscripts, progress reports, and to
communicate effectively with many audiences.
Employment Conditions: Full time (1.0 FTE) fixed term, 12-month position.
Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean. Salary Range is $32,004 -
$36,000.
Other Benefits: Competitive medical, dental and life insurance plans.
For More Information: Contact Steven Radosevich, Department of Forest
Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331; phone: 541-737-6081,
fax: 541-737-5814, internet: steve.radosevich@orst.edu.
To Apply: For full consideration, send a letter of application, curriculum
vitae, and three letters of recommendation by January 7, 2002. In the
letter please explain how your experience, training and professional goals
apply to this project. If available, please include reprints from papers of
previous research. These should be sent to:
Glenda Serpa
Department of Forest Science
Oregon State University
321 Richardson Hall
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5752
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer
and has a policy of being responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 14:09:42 -0600
From: Patricia Ott <ottp@MAIL.CONSERVATION.STATE.MO.US>
Subject: Job Opening
The Missouri Department of Conservation has a position available for a Biome
rician in Columbia, Missouri.
BIOMETRICIAN
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Conducts statistical analysis of population an
habitat studies which includes long-term monitoring projects, harvest data,
forest dynamics, wildlife-habitat relationships, and experiments in habitat
nd population management; statistically designs projects for the Department,
particularly, Forestry and Wildlife Divisions, and the staff of the Conserva
ion Research Center, which requires consultation with forestry and wildlife
taff and other members of the Department to ensure a thorough understanding
f project objectives and measurement techniques to be used; designs resourc
surveys as they relate to forestry and wildlife; acts as a project leader o
survey studies that affect a number of biologists or Departmental units; de
igns resource surveys and monitoring projects, such as roadside surveys, for
stry experiments, habitat monitoring projects, and harvest data; designs eco
ystem, forestry, wildlife population, and wildlife-habitat relat!
ionship projects; acts as project leader on studies where development of new
statistical techniques is required for addressing problems specific to the s
udy of population dynamics, habitat trends, or animal-habitat relationships;
writes reports for transmittal of results to projects leaders, publishes fin
ings and results in popular and scientific literature, reviews manuscripts f
r publication and for biologists, and prepares annual reports for studies; r
views project proposals and participates in professional development opportu
ities that are essential to updating skills required to apply biometric prin
iples to wildlife and forestry issues; and performs other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
aster's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Forestry or Wildlife Biology, o
a closely- related field with a minimum of 20 semester hours in statistics
nd at least one year of experience programming microcomputers using statisti
al software packages such as SAS or S-Plus. Statistical background should i
clude sampling techniques, categorical data analysis, experimental design, r
gression analysis, and sample size and power determination.
Two years of applying statistical principles to forestry or wildlife researc
problems is desirable.
SALARY RANGE: Monthly $2,958 - $5,380; Annually $35,496 - $64,560
Beginning salary is commensurate with work experience and education.
Position closes December 14, 2001.
For an application, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation, Human R
sources Division, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 (573/751-4115
. Applications also available on Internet site at www.Conservation.state.mo
us/about/jobs/.
Equal Opportunity Employer
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 15:07:37 -0500
From: Susan J Nichols <s_jerrine_nichols@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Re: zebra mussels and bias
Bob,
I strongly disagree with the premise that zebra mussels are good for the
environment and that scientists are unfairly biasing their conclusions.
Most scientific research and the papers produced, tend to focus on small
pieces of the puzzle, and yes, on a narrow scale, with a few species, the
immediate effect of zebra mussels might be positive. But as zebra mussel
population densities increase, the long term effects are almost universally
negative. What about the loss of Diporeia in lakes Erie and Michigan, the
loss of all the unionids, and the increased use of herbicides and algacides
in our inland lakes due to zebra mussel secondary impacts? Your premise is
that we should quit bad-mouthing zebra mussels because they are not all
bad. That is like saying we should welcome kudzu because it is a great
soil stabilizer (true), a nutritious palatable livestock feed (true), and
produces sweet smelling flowers that attract nectar feeding birds and
insects (true). I guess the fact that it takes over the place is
immaterial.
Jerrie N.
----- Forwarded by Kurt P Kowalski/BRD/USGS/DOI on 11/19/01 12:10 PM -----
Bob Arnebeck
<arnebeck@NORTHNE To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UM
.EDU
T.ORG> cc:
Sent by: Subject: zebra mussels and
ias
"Ecological
Society of
America: grants,
jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSER
V.UMD.EDU>
11/14/01 08:01 PM
Please respond to
Bob Arnebeck
A list member sent me a bibliography of recent articles on zebra mussels,
and I finally had a chance to read some. Several reminded me of the
strictures sometimes placed on journalists when they wrote articles during
the Cold War. You could write about music and dance in Nicaragua but you
had
to add a paragraph reminding readers that the Reagan Administration accused
Nicaragua of being a communist state controlled by Cuba and the Soviet
Union. For example, in a 1997 article on perch and zebra mussels, the
reader
is reminded in the introduction that zms cause "extensive economic damage."
A 2000 article explains "In addition to ecological effects zebra mussels
interfere with recreation and navigation...." Another article from that
year
explains "In addition to the nuisance caused by zebra mussels related to
biofouling..." These reminders were, in my opinion, irrelevant to the
articles' topics.
There are also some more subtle biases. For example an article that found
that zms increased cyanobacteria notes that this might be hazardous. An
article that found that zms decreased cyanobacteria did not suggest this
was
a possible benefit to humanity. Finally, there is in many articles an aura
of the posse out to round up the bad guy whether it be zms concentrating
heavy metals, e-coli, or causing algae blooms.
Fortunately, in all the articles science seems to win in the end, and zebra
mussels don't turn out to be so bad after all. E.g., "The results of our
study suggest adult yellow perch may not respond in a way consistent with
these [dire] predictions." "In conclusion, our findings suggest that
compensatory factors have lessened the impact of the Dreissena p. on the
pelagic lower foodweb." "The presence of zebra mussel shells increased
macroinvertebrate abundance...." "The lack of a decline in fish growth or
survival in this study was likely a result of flexible feeding strategies
of
juvenile bluegill...." "Concerns over the rapid overland dispersal of zebra
mussels although legitimate, may be overly fatalistic."
Even the USGS webpage that Liane sent me to followed its paragraphs of
zebra
mussel woe with this: "Zebra mussels have had positive impacts on parts of
the Great Lakes ecosystems. Many native fish, birds, and other animals eat
young and adult zebra mussels. Migratory ducks have changed their flight
patterns in response to zebra mussel colonies. Lake sturgeon feed heavily
on
zebra mussels, as do yellow perch, freshwater drum, catfish, and all the
sunfish. The increase in aquatic plants provides excellent nursery areas
for
young fish and other animals, leading to increases in smallmouth bass
populations in Lake St. Clair and the Huron River."
Of course, the $5 billion dollars in economic costs remain. However, no one
is throwing money into the lakes so the zebra mussels can shred it. All
those billions go into the economy.
The bright side of this is that research seems to overcome the bias
implanted in us all by the dire warnings about the evils of zebra mussels.
However, in the general public the bias remains, and labeling zebra mussels
"bio-polluters" won't help correct it. Then I worry that so much attention
is being placed, under the banner of bio-diversity, on so-called alien
invaders or simply prolific native species that seem to have overstepped
their bounds, that the discipline of ecology will be eroded. Recently I've
been treated to diatribes about the evils of earthworms and cattail reeds.
Bob Arnebeck
Wellesley Island, NY
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 16:00:51 -0500
From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM
Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
Title: Conference Communications Manager
Company: Certified Forest Products Council
Location: Portland, Oregon
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4827
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 14:09:42 -0600
From: Patricia Ott <ottp@MAIL.CONSERVATION.STATE.MO.US>
Subject: Job Opening
The Missouri Department of Conservation has a position available for a Biome
rician in Columbia, Missouri.
BIOMETRICIAN
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Conducts statistical analysis of population an
habitat studies which includes long-term monitoring projects, harvest data,
forest dynamics, wildlife-habitat relationships, and experiments in habitat
nd population management; statistically designs projects for the Department,
particularly, Forestry and Wildlife Divisions, and the staff of the Conserva
ion Research Center, which requires consultation with forestry and wildlife
taff and other members of the Department to ensure a thorough understanding
f project objectives and measurement techniques to be used; designs resourc
surveys as they relate to forestry and wildlife; acts as a project leader o
survey studies that affect a number of biologists or Departmental units; de
igns resource surveys and monitoring projects, such as roadside surveys, for
stry experiments, habitat monitoring projects, and harvest data; designs eco
ystem, forestry, wildlife population, and wildlife-habitat relat!
ionship projects; acts as project leader on studies where development of new
statistical techniques is required for addressing problems specific to the s
udy of population dynamics, habitat trends, or animal-habitat relationships;
writes reports for transmittal of results to projects leaders, publishes fin
ings and results in popular and scientific literature, reviews manuscripts f
r publication and for biologists, and prepares annual reports for studies; r
views project proposals and participates in professional development opportu
ities that are essential to updating skills required to apply biometric prin
iples to wildlife and forestry issues; and performs other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
aster's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Forestry or Wildlife Biology, o
a closely- related field with a minimum of 20 semester hours in statistics
nd at least one year of experience programming microcomputers using statisti
al software packages such as SAS or S-Plus. Statistical background should i
clude sampling techniques, categorical data analysis, experimental design, r
gression analysis, and sample size and power determination.
Two years of applying statistical principles to forestry or wildlife researc
problems is desirable.
SALARY RANGE: Monthly $2,958 - $5,380; Annually $35,496 - $64,560
Beginning salary is commensurate with work experience and education.
Position closes December 14, 2001.
For an application, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation, Human R
sources Division, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 (573/751-4115
. Applications also available on Internet site at www.Conservation.state.mo
us/about/jobs/.
Equal Opportunity Employer
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 01:21:05 +0100
From: Michele Scardi <mscardi@MCLINK.IT>
Subject: ISEI conference (2nd announcement)
SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT
3rd CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL
INFORMATICS (ISEI)
Villa Grazioli Park Hotel, Grottaferrata (Rome), Italy,
26-30 August 2002
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Michele Scardi, University of Bari, Italy (mscardi@mclink.it)
Friedrich Recknagel, Adelaide University, Australia
(Friedrich.Recknagel@adelaide.edu.au)
Sovan Lek, University of Toulouse, France (lek@cict.fr)
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Alan H. Fielding, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
Peter T. Hraber, Santa Fe Institute, USA
Sven E. Jorgensen, University Park 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
Samuel Kaski, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
OBJECTIVES
Both the design and management of ecological databases and
their exploration by machine learning computation for
ecosystem analysis, synthesis and prediction appear as
features of the newly emerging discipline: Ecological
Informatics.
The conference will provide a forum for the promotion and
discussion of recent research and future developments in
Ecological Informatics. It will focus on the design and
application of biologically inspired computational
techniques for ecological analysis, synthesis and forecasting.
The aim of the conference is to encourage and facilitate
interdisciplinary communication and research amongst
professionals in computer science, machine learning
computation, ecosystem research and management.
Some of the themes on which the conference will focus in
specialised sessions are:
o nonlinear regression, ordination and visualization of
ecological data by artificial neural networks;
o ecological time series analysis and prediction by
artificial neural networks;
o discovery of predictive rules and equations for ecosystem
processes by evolutionary algorithms;
o ecological data mining by machine learning computation;
o discovery and forecasting of emergent ecosystem structures
and behaviours by adaptive agents;
o ecological applications of pattern recognition and
classification of microscopic, macroscopic and remotely
sensed images by machine learning computation;
o ecological perspective of fuzzy logic, cellular automata
and artificial life;
o expert systems and decision support systems in
environmental management.
A special session will focus on applications to freshwater
ecology. This session will be organised in the framework of
an EU 5th Framework project that deals with this kind of
applications (PAEQANN - Predicting Aquatic Ecosystem Quality
using Artificial Neural Networks: impact of environmental
characteristics on the structure of aquatic communities
(algae, benthic and fish fauna) -
http://www-cesac.cemes.fr/~paeqann/].
CALL FOR PAPERS
Papers are invited on the topics outlined above and others
that fall within the general scope of the conference.
Abstracts should be submitted by December 31, 2001 to the
conference Organising Committee, together with the
registration form.
The registration form and more details about the conference
are available at the conference web site: http://www.isei3.org
--
------------------------------------
Michele Scardi
Associate Professor of Ecology
Department of Biology
University of Roma "Tor Vergata"
Via della Ricerca Scientifica
00133 Roma
Italy
URL: http://www.mare-net.com/mscardi
------------------------------------
>>> Visit http://www.isei3.org ! <<<
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 18:46:11 -0700
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Job: BIOSTATISTICS/QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY, SW TX SU
BIOSTATISTICS/QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY
Department of Biology
Southwest Texas State University
The Department of Biology invites applications for a tenure-track
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR effective 1 September 2002. We seek an individual
with expertise in quantitative biology who will teach two
graduate-level courses in biostatistics. Part of the assigned
workload will be to advise graduate students and faculty with
statistical design and analysis of research projects. The individual
is expected to develop a strong research program in some aspect of
quantitative biology for which he/she will seek extramural funding.
Specific research interest area is open but individuals who can
support the Department's Doctoral plan in aquatic resources will be
given preference. Postdoctoral experience preferred. Applicants
should submit curriculum vitae, copies of up to five publications,
statements of teaching and research philosophies, copies of
transcripts, and a list of three references including telephone
numbers and e-mail addresses to: Francis L. Rose, Chair, Biology
Department, Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666.
More can be learned about the Department: http://www.bio.swt.edu.
Review of applications begins on 15 January 2002 and continues until
a suitable candidate is found.
--
********************************************
Caitlin R. Gabor, Ph. D.
Assistant Professor
Southwest Texas State University
Department of Biology
San Marcos, TX 78666-4615
Work: (512) 245-3387; Fax: (512) 245-8713
E-mail: gabor@swt.edu
http://www.bio.swt.edu/gabor/gabor.htm
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2001 18:11:13 -0500
From: Marianne Hopp <mhopp@IRI.COLUMBIA.EDU>
Subject: Hewlett Foundation Fellowships
HEWLETT FOUNDATION PRE-DOCTORAL AND POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS
POPULATION AND ENVIRONMENT
CHILD AND MATERNAL HEALTH
CENTER FOR DEMOGRAPHY AND ECOLOGY
INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF POPULATION AND HEALTH
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
November 2001
We seek candidates for two pre-doctoral and two post-doctoral positions
in the areas of Population and
Environment, and Child and Maternal Health.
Candidates for the positions in Population and Environment can be either
individuals trained in natural
sciences with an interest in population matters or, alternatively, can
be trained in social sciences and
population and be interested in the interaction of population and
environment by pursuing complementary
training in selected natural sciences.
Candidates for the positions in Child and Maternal Health can be either
individuals trained in public health
and epidemiology with interests in population issues or, alternatively,
can be trained in social sciences and
population and be interested in acquiring expertise in epidemiology and
public health.
Candidates must be students or scholars from Latin America, Asia or
Africa.
Please submit all applications in care of:
Dr. Alberto Palloni
Center for Demography and Ecology
University of Wisconsin, 4437 Social Science Bldg.
1180 Observatory Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
For additional information send email to palloni@ssc.wisc.edu
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 19 Nov 2001 to 20 Nov 2001 (#2001-9)
There are 17 messages totalling 1105 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Sea level rise forces evacuation of Tuvalu (2)
2. Postdoctoral Remote Sensing Research Assistant (King's College London,
K)
3. Job: Assistant Professor Theoretical Biology
4. Market environmentalism and common grounds (3)
5. Symposium: the science and policy of marine resource management, AMNH
6. Something Missing in Fragile Cloud Forest The Clouds
7. gw: Plan Calls for Using Oceans to Soak Up CO2; Critics Cite Perils
8. repeat post = Forest Conservation position @ OU
9. How to submit messages to the ECOLOG-L list: no HTML or attached files
please
10. Tuvalu
11. Position announcement: watershed management and wildland hydrology
12. Post-Doctoral Research and Teaching Position
13. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
14. Wetlands question
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 08:35:37 -0700
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Sea level rise forces evacuation of Tuvalu
Eco-Economy Update 2001-2
For Immediate Release
Copyright Earth Policy Institute 2001
RISING SEA LEVEL FORCING EVACUATION OF ISLAND COUNTRY
Lester R. Brown
The leaders of Tuvalu--a tiny island country in the Pacific Ocean midway
between Hawaii and Australia--have conceded defeat in their battle with the
rising sea, announcing that they will abandon their homeland. After being
rebuffed by Australia, the Tuvaluans asked New Zealand to accept its 11,000
citizens, but it has not agreed to do so.
During the twentieth century, sea level rose by 20-30 centimeters (8-12
inches). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects a rise of up
to 1 meter during this century. Sea level is rising because of the melting
of glaciers and the thermal expansion of the ocean as a result of climate
change. This in turn is due to rising atmospheric levels of CO2, largely
from burning fossil fuels.
As sea level has risen, Tuvalu has experienced lowland flooding. Saltwater
intrusion is adversely affecting its drinking water and food production.
Coastal erosion is eating away at the nine islands that make up the country.
The higher temperatures that are raising sea level also lead to more
destructive storms. Higher surface water temperatures in the tropics and
subtropics mean more energy radiating into the atmosphere to drive storm
systems. Paani Laupepa, a Tuvaluan government official, reports an unusually
high level of tropical cyclones during the last decade. (Tropical cyclones
are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.)
Laupepa is bitterly critical of the United States for abandoning the Kyoto
Protocol, the international agreement to reduce carbon emissions. He told a
BBC reporter that "by refusing to ratify the Protocol, the U.S. has
effectively denied future generations of Tuvaluans their fundamental freedom
to live where our ancestors have lived for thousands of years."
For the leaders of island countries, this is not a new issue. In October
1987, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives, noted in an
impassioned address to the United Nations General Assembly that his country
was threatened by rising sea level. In his words, his country of 311,000 was
"an endangered nation." With most of its 1,196 tiny islands barely 2 meters
above sea level, the Maldives' survival would be in jeopardy with even a
1-meter rise in sea level in the event of a storm surge.
Tuvalu is the first country where people are trying to evacuate because of
rising seas, but it almost certainly will not be the last. It is seeking a
home for 11,000 people, but what about the 311,000 who may be forced to
leave the Maldives? Or the millions of others living in low-lying countries
who may soon join the flow of climate refugees? Who will accept them? Will
the United Nations be forced to develop a climate-immigrant quota system,
allocating the refugees among countries according to the size of their
population? Or will the allocation be according to the contribution of
individual countries to the climate change that caused the displacement?
Feeling threatened by the climate change over which they have little
control, the island countries have organized into an Alliance of Small
Island States, a group formed in 1990 specifically to lobby on behalf of
these countries vulnerable to climate change.
In addition to island nations, low-lying coastal countries are also
threatened by rising sea level. In 2000 the World Bank published a map
showing that a 1-meter rise in sea level would inundate half of Bangladesh's
riceland. (See map p 36 in Ch 2 of Eco-Economy, at
http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/Eco_contents.htm.) With a rise in sea
level of up to 1 meter forecast for this century, Bangladeshis would be
forced to migrate not by the thousands but by the millions. In a country
with 134 million people--already one of the most densely populated on the
earth--this would be a traumatic experience. Where will these climate
refugees go?
Rice-growing river floodplains in other Asian countries would also be
affected, including India, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and China. With a
1-meter rise in sea level, more than a third of Shanghai would be under
water. For China as a whole, 70 million people would be vulnerable to a
100-year storm surge.
The most easily measured effect of rising sea level is the inundation of
coastal areas. Donald F. Boesch, with the University of Maryland Center for
Environmental Sciences, estimates that for each millimeter rise in sea
level, the shoreline retreats an average of 1.5 meters. Thus if sea level
rises by 1 meter, coastline will retreat by 1,500 meters, or nearly a mile.
With such a rise, the United States would lose 36,000 square kilometers
(14,000 square miles) of land--with the middle Atlantic and Mississippi Gulf
states losing the most. Large portions of Lower Manhattan and the Capitol
Mall in Washington, D.C., would be flooded with seawater during a 50-year
storm surge.
A team at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has calculated
Massachusetts's loss of land to the rising sea as warming progresses. Using
the rather modest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projections of sea
level rise by 2025, they calculated that Massachusetts would lose from 7,500
to 10,000 acres (3,035 to 4,047 hectares) of land. Based on just the lower
estimate and a nominal land value of $1 million per acre for ocean-front
property, this would amount to a loss of at least $7.5 billion of
particularly expensive property by then. Some of the 72 coastal communities
included in the study would lose far more land than others. Nantucket could
lose over 6 acres and Falmouth 3.8 acres a year.
Coastal real estate prices are likely to be one of the first economic
indicators to reflect the rise in sea level. Those with heavy investments in
beachfront properties will suffer most. A half-meter rise in sea level in
the United States could bring losses ranging from $20 billion to $150
billion. Beachfront properties, much like nuclear power plants, are becoming
uninsurable--as many homeowners in Florida have discovered.
Many developing countries already coping with population growth and intense
competition for living space and cropland now face the prospect of rising
sea level and substantial land losses. Some of those most directly affected
have contributed the least to the buildup in atmospheric CO2 that is causing
this problem.
While Americans are facing loss of valuable beachfront properties, low-lying
island peoples are facing something far more serious: the loss of their
nationhood. They feel terrorized by U.S. energy policy, viewing the United
States as a rogue nation, indifferent to their plight and unwilling to
cooperate with the international community to implement the Kyoto Protocol.
For the first time since civilization began, sea level has begun to rise at
a measurable rate. It has become an indicator to watch, a trend that could
force a human migration of almost unimaginable dimensions. It also raises
questions about responsibility to other nations and to future generations
that humanity has never before faced.
# # #
Additional data and information sources at www.earth-policy.org or contact
jlarsen@earth-policy.org
For reprint permissions contact rjkauffman@earth-policy.org
For more information on rising sea levels and what an eco-economy, see
Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth. Given the worldwide interest
in the book, we have put it online for FREE downloading.
http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/index.htm
If you find this "Eco-Economy Update" of interest, please share it with your
friends and colleagues.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 14:29:43 +0000
From: George Perry <george.perry@KCL.AC.UK>
Subject: Postdoctoral Remote Sensing Research Assistant (King's College Lond
n,
UK)
Remote Sensing of Fire, Land-Cover and Climate Change in Russian Boreal
Forests
Research Assistant (18 months, full-time)
Salary £21,620 inc. London Allowance
Department of Geography, King's College London
Applications are invited for the post of postdoctoral Research
Assistant (18 months) at the Department of Geography, King's College
London. The successful candidate will work with Dr Martin Wooster on
an Earth Observation research project funded by the Leverhulme Trust,
investigating the connection between fire and land cover change in the
Russian boreal (Taiga) forest in order to assess the influence of
these phenomena on climate and carbon-cycle dynamics. This region
contains around one fifth of the world's forested land and it
therefore plays an important role in carbon sequestration and the
worlds climate. However, in comparison to fires in the north American
boreal zone, at present relatively little is known about the magnitude
and influence of fire in the Taiga forest and there is concern about
rapid deforestation, large-scale biomass burning and subsequent
affects on climate.
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and should be
experienced in the use of remote sensing for environmental research
and in the processing of satellite Earth observation data. Experience
with GIS and the IDL/ENVI or ERDAS IMAGINE image processing systems is
desirable, as is some knowledge of the interaction between climate and
the forest carbon cycle. Candidates with experience in the remote
sensing of biomass burning, forestry or land cover change are
particularly encouraged to apply, as are those with skills in
environmental modelling. The postholder will be expected to undertake
exchange visits with Russian collaborators in Moscow and Siberia and
to conduct some limited fieldwork.
The appointment will be from 1.3.2002 - 31.8.2003.
Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Martin Wooster on 020-7848 2577
(e-mail martin.wooster@kcl.ac.uk). Application forms and further
particulars may be obtained from Andrea Lechner, Personnel Department,
Strand Campus, King's College London, Strand, London W2R 2LS (e-mail
andrea.lechner@kcl.ac.uk, or 0207 848 1350), quoting reference
W0/DAR/81/01. £21,620 per annum (incl. London Allowance)
The application deadline is Monday, 3 December 2001. Please note that
we are expecting to hold interviews on Monday 17 December or Tuesday
18 December and that we require references to be sent prior to
shortlisting and interview. It would be appreciated if applicants
would contact two of their referees and request for references to be
sent by 3 December 2001 directly to: Andrea Lechner, Personnel
Department, King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, fax 020
7848 1352, e-mail andrea.lechner@kcl.ac.uk
--------------------------------------------------------
Dr. George Perry
Department of Geography
King's College London
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
U.K.
Ph: +44 (0)20 7848 2604 Fax: +44 (0)20 7848 2287
Email: george.perry@kcl.ac.uk
Web: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/geography
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Dr. George Perry
Department of Geography
King's College London
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
U.K.
Ph: +44 (0)20 7848 2604 Fax: +44 (0)20 7848 2287
Email: george.perry@kcl.ac.uk
Web: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/geography
--------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 10:34:50 +0100
From: Franjo Weissing <F.J.Weissing@BIOL.RUG.NL>
Subject: Job: Assistant Professor Theoretical Biology
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR THEORETICAL BIOLOGY
The Faculty of Mathematics and the Natural Sciences at the University of
Groningen invites applications for a tenure-track position at the
Assistant Professor level. We seek a theoretical biologist interested in
ecology and evolution. Relevant areas of research interest include, but
are not limited to: evolutionary ecology, life history theory,
behavioural ecology, evolutionary genetics, bioinformatics, molecular
evolution, experimental evolution, speciation, competition, food web
theory, and spatial ecology. A record of achievement and a promising
research programme are more important than a specific research area. We
prefer scientists that complement current research interests and will
contribute to building a strong and interactive theoretical group with
close links to empirical research.
The position is embedded in the Theoretical Biology group
(http://www.biol.rug.nl/theobio) that is part of the Evolutionary
Genetics group at the University of Groningen (http://www.rug.nl).
Areas of research include evolution of reproductive systems,
conservation genetics, and life history evolution. Main model organisms
are Drosophila and parasitic wasps. The Theoretical Biology group has
its research focus on evolutionary ecology. The group provides a lively
scientific environment and an international co-operation network
involving both empirically and theoretically oriented groups. It is part
of the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies
(http://www.biol.rug.nl/cees) and participates in the national research
school Functional Ecology which offers advanced courses in ecology and
evolution.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree and a strong record of research
accomplishments. The successful candidate is expected to assume a
leadership role and develop an independent and externally funded
research program. She or he will actively participate in undergraduate
and graduate teaching, carrying out innovations in education at the
interface between theoretical and empirical biology. Teaching skills are
so important that they will form a major selection criterion. If
necessary, the candidate is expected to improve her/his teaching skills
by taking appropriate courses.
Depending on the level of education and experience, the maximal gross
salary amounts to about 55,000 Euro (NLG 120,000), corresponding to
salary scale 12. The appointment is temporary, for a period of four
years. An annual evaluation will be held, where the achievements in
research, teaching and management will be reviewed. In the fourth year,
a conclusive review takes place where decisions will be made, based on
performance in teaching, research and management, regarding a permanent
position and the perspective for a further career program.
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from Franjo
Weissing (weissing@biol.rug.nl). Applications should be sent to:
University of Groningen
Department of Personnel and Organisation
P.O.Box 72
9700 AB Groningen
The Netherlands
E-mail: vmp@bureau.rug.nl
Deadline for the application is December 9, 2001. When applying for this
job, always mention the vacancy number AT201218. The application should
include a curriculum vitae, an e-mail address and URL of home page (if
applicable), a list of publications, three relevant manuscripts
(reprints or PDF-files), statements of research interests, research
goals and teaching philosophy, and the names and addresses (including
e-mail address) of at least three potential references. Preferably, an
electronic version of the application should also be sent by e-mail to
Franjo Weissing (weissing@biol.rug.nl). Please note, however, that a
paper version of the application MUST be sent to the address given
above.
=============================
Franz J. Weissing
Professor of Theoretical Biology
University of Groningen
Kerklaan 30
9751 NN Haren
The Netherlands
tel: +31-50-3632131
fax: +31-50-3632348
e-mail: weissing@biol.rug.nl
http://www.biol.rug.nl/theobio
=============================
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 00:02:50 -0800
From: Wallace Kaufman <taconia@CAVENET.COM>
Subject: Market environmentalism and common grounds
Doug Karpa-Wilson noted:
"Actually, it should be noted that one of the planks of the Green Party
platform includes the very market based mechanism of full-cost pricing,
where the cost of good reflects the complete environmental costs. "
The way they propose 'full cost pricing' is not a market based proposal,
since usually it means imposing some arbitrary tax on what may or may not be
a measurable cost, and the tax goes not to a third party bearing the cost
but disappears into government coffers. These taxes are actually simply
monetary regulations or penalties, not market mechanisms.
In a true market mechanism the parties would include someone who might be
burdened with an externality and that person would agree on the price of
having giving up something--a view, certain amount of clean air, having to
treat water more thoroughly, doing something to avoid a health risk, etc.
This can be done, but greens seldom want that essential market ingredient: a
voluntary exchange between willing parties.
Doug also noted, "Thus, environmental degradation is not allowed to act as a
subsidy by passing some of the cost to third parties as externalities. "
It's not quite so simple. First, one has to define what 'degradation'
means. And if the cost is not born by any one in particular, who gets to
negotiate the price? Almost everything we do involves some change to
environment, even greens walking the Appalachian trail or flying to Nepal to
hike. Clear cutting is not always a degradation of a natural environment in
everyone's book. (It increases animal biomass, provides jobs, locks up the
old wood (carbon)in furniture and houses, grows new trees to take up more
carbon, pays taxes to support parks, etc.) Should an owner or a timber
company pay for 'degradation?'
One common ground should be to prohibit direct subsidies, whether to hikers
or to energy companies; even to alternative energy companies.
Finally, Doug wrote: "It does seem that in spirit, you both agree that there
is a middle ground that folks like Lomborg (and others) apparently would
like to squash."
I don't see Lomborg trying to squash middle ground. Whatever one thinks
about a particular argument in his book, he is trying to sort out fact and
fiction, myth and reality. He does good service in pointing out that many
of the familiar 'green' arguments don't hold much water. Perhaps he's not
as critical with arguments by Simon and others of that persuasion. Fine,
let the analysis of his book try to winnow what's useful and what's off the
mark.
And let's also understand that many of the ideas of free market
environmentalism have produced a solid track record. (Look at Defenders of
Wildlife and its wolf habitat program, ranching for wildlife in Rocky
Mountain states, Grand Canyons Trust retiring grazing rights, Ducks
Unlimited, Maine lobsterman allotting territories, and so much more.)
Nothing surprising there since market economies in general have produced the
healthiest countries with the strongest interest in environmental
improvement. The only surprise is that the media has shown so little
interest in covering these success stories.
Wallace Kaufman
WALLACE KAUFMAN
"Information That Makes A Difference"
taconia@cavenet.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 09:11:02 -0700
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: Symposium: the science and policy of marine resource management, AM
H
SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation's Seventh Annual Biodiversity
Symposium
"SUSTAINING SEASCAPES: THE SCIENCE AND POLICY OF MARINE RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT" will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 7 and 8, 2002, at
the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
"SUSTAINING SEASCAPES: THE SCIENCE AND POLICY OF MARINE RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT" will explore the conservation of marine biodiversity and
fisheries through the integrated design of marine protected areas (MPAs),
MPA networks, and other complementary coastal management frameworks.
Speakers will examine the large-scale conservation of marine ecosystems -
considering novel approaches to the sustainable management of biodiversity
and fisheries. Through theory, reviews, and case studies, participants will
explore efforts to integrate natural, socioeconomic, and cultural factors
at local and regional scales in response to ongoing threats to both
fisheries and biodiversity. Invited speakers will include leading marine
scientists, scholars, and conservationists from a range of disciplines,
such as oceanography, biology, anthropology, political science, and
economics. Contributed posters will further round out the program and help
facilitate discussions.
TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED INCLUDE:
> An overview of the crisis in marine fisheries and biodiversity
> Roles of different types of MPAs in conservation policy and practice
> Physical and biological connectivity among MPAs: where oceanography
meets behavior
> The economics of coastal zones: fisheries, tourism, and other sectors
> Anthropological and sociological dimensions of marine conservation
planning and implementation
> Integrating ethical perspectives into marine conservation
> Analytical and practical approaches to linking social and ecological s
stems
> Uncertainties in ecological and sociopolitical systems
CASE STUDIES are being selected from both the U.S. and the international
arenas. Likely subjects include (but will not be limited to):
> Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Dry Tortugas National Park
> Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
> Gulf of Maine
> Gulf of California
> Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
> Philippines
CALL FOR POSTERS: A limited number of posters will be accepted for
presentation.
Poster subjects must relate to the symposium's themes and may include
theory, empirical studies, or case studies. Please limit abstracts to 300
words, and include title, author(s), and contact information for the lead
author. Abstracts may be submitted to the CBC's Outreach Program
Coordinator, Fiona Brady, at brady@amnh.org. The deadline for submissions is
26 January 2002.
Please address questions or comments about the symposium's content to the
CBC's Marine Program Manager, Dan Brumbaugh, at brumba@amnh.org.
FOR SYMPOSIUM UPDATES, please visit the CBC's website
http://research.amnh.org/biodiversity/sy mposia/seascapes/ or contact
biodiversity@amnh.org to receive email updates.
TO REGISTER, please contact: Central Reservations, American Museum of
Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024
(USA), 212-769-5200 (phone), 212-769-5272 (fax), or tickets@amnh.org.
Early Registration Fees (by Friday, 26 January):
$100 Non-members
$80 Members/Seniors
$50 Students
Late Registration Fees (after Friday, 26 January):
$125 Non-members
$100 Members/Seniors
$60 Students
"Members" includes members and staff of the American Museum of Natural
History and the symposium's sponsoring organizations. All members, seniors,
and students should be prepared to show ID at registration.
--
Rosemarie Gnam, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212 313 7076
Fax: 212 769 5292
For more information on the Museum's Center for Biodiversity &
Conservation, visit our website at http://research.amnh.org/biodiversity/
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 10:29:19 -0600
From: Max Taub <taubm@SOUTHWESTERN.EDU>
Subject: Re: Sea level rise forces evacuation of Tuvalu
A Nov 16 report by ABC news
(http://abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s418798.htm )quotes a Tuvaluan
government official as saying "We are not leaving Tuvalu just yet, and
no decision has been taken on that". So the article posted here (see
below) may be somewhat
exaggerated.
Max Taub
> >"David W. Inouye" wrote:
> > >
> > > Eco-Economy Update 2001-2
> > > For Immediate Release
> > > Copyright Earth Policy Institute 2001
> > >
> > > RISING SEA LEVEL FORCING EVACUATION OF ISLAND COUNTRY
> > >
> > > Lester R. Brown
> > >
> > > The leaders of Tuvalu--a tiny island country in the Pacific O
ean midway
> > > between Hawaii and Australia--have conceded defeat in their b
ttle with the
> > > rising sea, announcing that they will abandon their homeland.
After being
> > > rebuffed by Australia, the Tuvaluans asked New Zealand to acc
pt its 11,000
> > > citizens, but it has not agreed to do so.
> > >
> > > During the twentieth century, sea level rose by 20-30 centime
ers (8-12
> > > inches). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projec
s a rise
> > of up
> > > to 1 meter during this century. Sea level is rising because o
the melting
> > > of glaciers and the thermal expansion of the ocean as a resul
of climate
> > > change. This in turn is due to rising atmospheric levels of C
2, largely
> > > from burning fossil fuels.
> > >
> > > As sea level has risen, Tuvalu has experienced lowland floodi
g. Saltwater
> > > intrusion is adversely affecting its drinking water and food
roduction.
> > > Coastal erosion is eating away at the nine islands that make
p the
> > country.
> > >
> > > The higher temperatures that are raising sea level also lead
o more
> > > destructive storms. Higher surface water temperatures in the
ropics and
> > > subtropics mean more energy radiating into the atmosphere to
rive storm
> > > systems. Paani Laupepa, a Tuvaluan government official, repor
s an
> > unusually
> > > high level of tropical cyclones during the last decade. (Trop
cal cyclones
> > > are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.)
> > >
> > > Laupepa is bitterly critical of the United States for abandon
ng the Kyoto
> > > Protocol, the international agreement to reduce carbon emissi
ns. He told a
> > > BBC reporter that "by refusing to ratify the Protocol, the U.
. has
> > > effectively denied future generations of Tuvaluans their fund
mental
> > freedom
> > > to live where our ancestors have lived for thousands of years
"
> > >
> > > For the leaders of island countries, this is not a new issue.
In October
> > > 1987, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives, noted
n an
> > > impassioned address to the United Nations General Assembly th
t his country
> > > was threatened by rising sea level. In his words, his country
of
> > 311,000 was
> > > "an endangered nation." With most of its 1,196 tiny islands b
rely 2 meters
> > > above sea level, the Maldives' survival would be in jeopardy
ith even a
> > > 1-meter rise in sea level in the event of a storm surge.
> > >
> > > Tuvalu is the first country where people are trying to evacua
e because of
> > > rising seas, but it almost certainly will not be the last. It
is seeking a
> > > home for 11,000 people, but what about the 311,000 who may be
forced to
> > > leave the Maldives? Or the millions of others living in low-l
ing countries
> > > who may soon join the flow of climate refugees? Who will acce
t them? Will
> > > the United Nations be forced to develop a climate-immigrant q
ota system,
> > > allocating the refugees among countries according to the size
of their
> > > population? Or will the allocation be according to the contri
ution of
> > > individual countries to the climate change that caused the di
placement?
> > >
> > > Feeling threatened by the climate change over which they have
little
> > > control, the island countries have organized into an Alliance
of Small
> > > Island States, a group formed in 1990 specifically to lobby o
behalf of
> > > these countries vulnerable to climate change.
> > >
> > > In addition to island nations, low-lying coastal countries ar
also
> > > threatened by rising sea level. In 2000 the World Bank publis
ed a map
> > > showing that a 1-meter rise in sea level would inundate half
f
> > Bangladesh's
> > > riceland. (See map p 36 in Ch 2 of Eco-Economy, at
> > > http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/Eco_contents.htm.) With a
ise in sea
> > > level of up to 1 meter forecast for this century, Bangladeshi
would be
> > > forced to migrate not by the thousands but by the millions. I
a country
> > > with 134 million people--already one of the most densely popu
ated on the
> > > earth--this would be a traumatic experience. Where will these
climate
> > > refugees go?
> > >
> > > Rice-growing river floodplains in other Asian countries would
also be
> > > affected, including India, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and
China. With a
> > > 1-meter rise in sea level, more than a third of Shanghai woul
be under
> > > water. For China as a whole, 70 million people would be vulne
able to a
> > > 100-year storm surge.
> > >
> > > The most easily measured effect of rising sea level is the in
ndation of
> > > coastal areas. Donald F. Boesch, with the University of Maryl
nd Center for
> > > Environmental Sciences, estimates that for each millimeter ri
e in sea
> > > level, the shoreline retreats an average of 1.5 meters. Thus
f sea level
> > > rises by 1 meter, coastline will retreat by 1,500 meters, or
early a mile.
> > >
> > > With such a rise, the United States would lose 36,000 square
ilometers
> > > (14,000 square miles) of land--with the middle Atlantic and M
ssissippi
> > Gulf
> > > states losing the most. Large portions of Lower Manhattan and
the Capitol
> > > Mall in Washington, D.C., would be flooded with seawater duri
g a 50-year
> > > storm surge.
> > >
> > > A team at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has calculat
d
> > > Massachusetts's loss of land to the rising sea as warming pro
resses. Using
> > > the rather modest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projec
ions of sea
> > > level rise by 2025, they calculated that Massachusetts would
ose from
> > 7,500
> > > to 10,000 acres (3,035 to 4,047 hectares) of land. Based on j
st the lower
> > > estimate and a nominal land value of $1 million per acre for
cean-front
> > > property, this would amount to a loss of at least $7.5 billio
of
> > > particularly expensive property by then. Some of the 72 coast
l communities
> > > included in the study would lose far more land than others. N
ntucket could
> > > lose over 6 acres and Falmouth 3.8 acres a year.
> > >
> > > Coastal real estate prices are likely to be one of the first
conomic
> > > indicators to reflect the rise in sea level. Those with heavy
> > investments in
> > > beachfront properties will suffer most. A half-meter rise in
ea level in
> > > the United States could bring losses ranging from $20 billion
to $150
> > > billion. Beachfront properties, much like nuclear power plant
, are
> > becoming
> > > uninsurable--as many homeowners in Florida have discovered.
> > >
> > > Many developing countries already coping with population grow
h and intense
> > > competition for living space and cropland now face the prospe
t of rising
> > > sea level and substantial land losses. Some of those most dir
ctly affected
> > > have contributed the least to the buildup in atmospheric CO2
hat is
> > causing
> > > this problem.
> > >
> > > While Americans are facing loss of valuable beachfront proper
ies,
> > low-lying
> > > island peoples are facing something far more serious: the los
of their
> > > nationhood. They feel terrorized by U.S. energy policy, viewi
g the United
> > > States as a rogue nation, indifferent to their plight and unw
lling to
> > > cooperate with the international community to implement the K
oto Protocol.
> > >
> > > For the first time since civilization began, sea level has be
un to rise at
> > > a measurable rate. It has become an indicator to watch, a tre
d that could
> > > force a human migration of almost unimaginable dimensions. It
also raises
> > > questions about responsibility to other nations and to future
generations
> > > that humanity has never before faced.
> > >
> > > # # #
> > >
> > > Additional data and information sources at www.earth-policy.o
g or contact
> > > jlarsen@earth-policy.org
> > > For reprint permissions contact rjkauffman@earth-policy.org
> > >
> > > For more information on rising sea levels and what an eco-eco
omy, see
> > > Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth. Given the wor
dwide
> > interest
> > > in the book, we have put it online for FREE downloading.
> > > http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/index.htm
> > >
> > > If you find this "Eco-Economy Update" of interest, please sha
e it with
> > your
> > > friends and colleagues.
> >
>
Daniel Taub
Biology Department
Southwestern University
P.O. Box 770
Georgetown TX 78627 USA
Tel: (512) 863-1583
Fax: (512) 863-1696
taubd@southwestern.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 11:42:42 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Something Missing in Fragile Cloud Forest The Clouds
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/20/science/earth/20CLOU.html Scientists
believe that deforestation is helping to strip the clouds from a
mountain rain forest.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 11:53:55 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: gw: Plan Calls for Using Oceans to Soak Up CO2; Critics Cite Peril
I n the continuing debate over global warming and how to fight it, some
scientists and entrepreneurs advocate using the oceans as a sponge to
absorb carbon dioxide from the air. Others are saying not so fast. They
argue that widespread ocean dumping of carbon dioxide could unbalance
the aquatic environment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/20/science/earth/20CARB.html
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 11:30:30 -0500
From: "Kim J. Brown" <brownk4@OHIO.EDU>
Subject: repeat post = Forest Conservation position @ OU
My apologies for the repeat post. Please pass along. --KJB.
------------------------------------------
FOREST CONSERVATION ECOLOGIST
The Department of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University
invites applicants at the ASSISTANT PROFESSOR level for a full-time,
tenure-track,
nine-month appointment beginning in September 2002. Candidates must be
committed to teaching undergraduates and developing an externally funded
research program that involves M.S. and Ph.D. students. Experience and
ongoing research in plant population ecology within temperate deciduous
forest ecosystems is essential. The ideal candidate should also have
sufficient tropical experience to teach a course on tropical ecology and
serve as a resource person for students in Ohio University^Òs Center for
International Studies. Teaching responsibilities will include
introductory plant biology courses and upper level/graduate courses in
tropical ecology, conservation biology, and/or plant population
biology. Submit curriculum vitae, statements of teaching philosophy and
research interests, reprints of up to five publications, and three
letters of recommendation to:
Chair of the Search Committee,
Department of Environmental and Plant Biology,
317 Porter Hall,
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701-2979.
Closing date is December 10, 2001.
Inquiries may be directed to Philip D. Cantino, Chair, e-mail:
cantino@ohio.edu or (FAX) 740-593-1130.
Ohio University is a Research II (new Carnegie category: Doctoral
Research-Extensive) institution, enrolling 19,500 students on the Athens
campus and more than 8,000 students on five regional campuses. The
College of Arts and Sciences includes 340 tenured and tenure-track
faculty members and contains 19 departments. Further information about
the department, college, and university can be accessed at:
www.plantbio.ohiou.edu and http://www-as.phy.ohiou.edu/.
Ohio University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
---------------------------------------------
Kim J. Brown
Assistant Professor
Forest Ecosystem Science and Tree Physiology
Department of Environmental and Plant Biology
Ohio University
Athens OH 45701
Ph: 740-593-1122
Fx: 740-593-1130
E: brownk4@ohio.edu
W: http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~brownk4
"It is not enough to be busy. The question is what we are busy with."
--Henry David Thoreau
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 11:20:26 -0700
From: "David W. Inouye" <di5@umail.umd.edu>
Subject: How to submit messages to the ECOLOG-L list: no HTML or attached
files please
A growing number of messages submitted to ECOLOG-L are being sent with two
versions of the text, plain ASCII and HTML. Many e-mail programs have an
option you can set to send messages with or without the HTML
version. Listserv software doesn't handle HTML well, and messages with
HTML code were responsible for problems some of you experienced recently
trying to receive daily digests of messages.
When sending messages to the list, please send them as plain ASCII text
only, no HTML, and no attachments. Otherwise I have to send them back to
you to fix, or take the time myself to cut and past the ASCII version
(which is one reason why so many messages come from me). Thanks.
David Inouye, list owner and moderator
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 09:25:57 -0800
From: "Janisch, Jack" <JAJA461@ECY.WA.GOV>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
"Clear cutting is not always a degradation of a natural environment in
everyone's book. (It increases animal biomass, provides jobs, locks up the
old wood (carbon) in furniture and houses, grows new trees to take up more
carbon, pays taxes to support parks, etc.) Should an owner or a timber
company pay for 'degradation?'"
forthcoming work in tree physiology (janisch and harmon 2001) helps clarify
the carbon storage component of this debate. the question is one of mass
balance and the answer has been obscured by various on and off-site fates of
live tree biomass and cwd following clearcutting or other disturbance, as
well as decomposition vs growth rates. one key issue is that if growth
rates exceed decomposition rates then systems tend to be viewed as c sinks.
however, this ignores the mass of the pools, to which the source to sink
transition is insensitive (e.g. c losses from a large but slowly decomposing
cwd pool can be overtaken by c gains from a tiny growing pool). thus, pool
size is very relevant but often overlooked. tree-killing disturbance
transfers c stores from 'live' pools (roots, stumps, tree boles, foliage,
and so on) to cwd pools, resulting in a large cwd pool relative to the tiny
live pool of replanted trees. as indicated by other work, roughly 50% of
harvested log mass is converted back to CO2 within a few years of harvest
due to conversion to paper, sawdust and other fine matter of short lifespan.
given, for example, an og forest of live bole mass 300 Mg C ha and assuming
95% can be harvested, about 140 Mg C ha could be rapidly lost. unless locked
up in some form of permanent storage, much detrital material is release back
to the atmosphere, counting as a CO2 debt against which c storage gains in
the new forest must be weighed. so, the real question is how long does it
take C storage in the aggrading replacement stand to equal C stores lost
from the harvested stand. in the case of conversion of 400-600 year old PNW
conifer forest, our results indicate well over one hundred years at observed
rates of growth. to claim furniture and houses lock up c one must show that
such product pools are accumulating relative, for example, to initial losses
incurred by harvest and temporal scales comparable to the source forest as
this appears to be the c storage system of comparison. since c debts must
be accounted for, our work indicates that at least in the PNW even
vigorously growing replanted forests are not sequestering additional c, but
working to repay such debts for many decades after harvest just to get back
where you started before harvest. thus, by failing to consider temporal
scale of process and so on artificial c sinks are easily introduced into c
accounting.
if by planting afforestation is meant, while this would likely store c, many
productive regions are now occupied by cities and cropland or are otherwise
unsuitable for tree growth. thus to be an effective form of atmospheric c
mitigation enough landbase would need to be found. also, c losses incurred
in establishing such stands, such as loss of c from soil profiles or
hydrocarbons used to produce fertilizers, count against the aggrading stand.
and there is the question of baseline conditions: if an 'old-growth' forest
is harvested and the site turned into agriculture for 10 years, then the
site is replanted in trees, does this count as afforestation?
i recently finished graduate work at oregon state university, dept of forest
science, and other members of the carbon community are welcome to introduce
themselves.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 10:51:37 -0700
From: Mo O'Mara <omara@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Tuvalu
In an interview of the Parlimentary leader of Tuvalu, broadcast on NPR
on Nov. 15th, he states that a gradual evacuation of the island will
take place. NPR reports that non global warming possibilities exist for
the island's shrinking size.
www.npr.org search for tuvalu
This is an audio version of the news story.
--
The world we are told, was made especially for man - a presumption not
supported by all the facts. Why should man value himself as more than a
small part of the one great unit of creation? John Muir
Maureen O'Mara
Colorado State University
Graduate Degree Program in Ecology
(970) 491-7274
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 14:06:21 -0800
From: Steve Erickson <wean@WHIDBEY.NET>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
>In a true market mechanism the parties would include someone who might b
>burdened with an externality and that person would agree on the price of
>having giving up something--a view, certain amount of clean air, having
o
>treat water more thoroughly, doing something to avoid a health risk, etc
I thought that in democratic societies, this is what the government
does. It represents the "people" and their common interest in
commonly held resources, such as clean air, water, wildlife, a
healthy environment, etc. The market religion (and it really is a
religion, since it is based on a philosophy that markets are a
supreme entity that can do no wrong) completely rejects the concept
of governments representing and acting for the common good (unless
the "common good" is defined as supporting markets). Instead, this
philosophy considers governments at best as simply an entity equal to
all others with no additional standing than your average
multinational corporation. However, I personally rely on the
government (at its various levels) to protect my interest (and the
interest of future generations) in the commons. Historically, zoning
(for land use regulation) and the various wildlife and pollution
control laws were enacted precisely because reliance on individual
legal action to protect the common (and individual) stake in these
resources was cumbersome, inefficient, and just plain ineffective.
Nuisance laws simply don't work in these situations. Hence, a body of
law has developed that recognizes the common interest in these
resources and doesn't require a particular individual or group to
prove that they have already suffered harm; rather, the government
proactively uses these laws to prevent the harm from occurring.
Finally, I'm curious what the ethical basis is for believing that
someone must pay someone else to voluntarily not harm them. If
someone threatens my family or me with bodily harm, I am well within
my rights to use force to prevent that harm. I am not required by
either law or custom to rely on convincing them to voluntarily not
commit the damage. So why should I have to pay someone to voluntarily
not poison the water we drink or the air we breathe?
>[clearcutting Old Growth forests] locks up the
>old wood (carbon)in furniture and houses, grows new trees to take up mor
>carbon,
This analysis ignores the release of the carbon in the soil from
typical industrial clearcutting practices,
the short lived nature of the supposed carbon storage mechanism
(houses and furniture), and the short cycling of the "replacement"
tree plantations preventing the soil (and forest) from acting as a
carbon sink comparable to the original forest.
-Steve Erickson
****************************************
Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
Box 53, Langley, WA, USA 98260
phone: (360) 579-2332
fax: (360) 579-4080
wean@whidbey.net
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 14:23:11 -0800
From: "C. Hobart Perry" <chp1@HUMBOLDT.EDU>
Subject: Position announcement: watershed management and wildland hydrology
With apologies for any cross-posting.
Please forward widely.
------
Faculty Position in Watershed Management and Wildland Hydrology
The Department of Forestry and Watershed Management at Humboldt State
University seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure track position in
watershed management and wildland hydrology. A Ph.D. or A.B.D., from an
accredited College or University, in forest hydrology, watershed
management, or an allied field, is required at the time of appointment.
This is a full-time position beginning in August 2002. Rank and salary are
dependent upon the appointee^Òs qualifications and experience.
A complete position announcement is available for your review at
http://www.humboldt.edu/~for/facindex.shtml. For further information,
contact Dr. Hobart Perry, Search Committee Chair, 707.826.5622, email:
chp1@humboldt.edu.
Qualified candidates should send a packet that includes a letter of
application, a complete curriculum vitae, copies of undergraduate and
graduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial review), a
brief statement of your teaching goals and philosophy, and three letters of
reference to: Dr. C. Hobart Perry, Department of Forestry and Watershed
Management, Humboldt State University, One Harpst Street, Arcata,
California 95521-8299. In the letter of application, please refer to Job #
02/03-11. We will begin reviewing application files on February 1, 2002,
but applications received following this date may be considered if the
position is still open.
Application from and nominations of qualified disabled, minority and women
candidates are particularly encouraged. The University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer.
--
C. Hobart Perry, Ph.D. email: chp1@humboldt.edu
Asst. Professor, Watershed Management phone: +1 707 826 5622
Dept. Forestry & Watershed Management fax: +1 707 826 5634
Humboldt State University http://www.humboldt.edu/~chp1
Arcata, CA 95521
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 14:19:33 -0600
From: "Bomar, Charles" <BomarC@UWSTOUT.EDU>
Subject: Post-Doctoral Research and Teaching Position
The Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stout invites
applications for an NSF-sponsored postdoctoral position to conduct original
research in molecular microbial ecology (75% of appointment) and teach
undergraduate courses (25% of appointment). The research will develop
molecular tools to measure stable carbon isotope incorporation into nucleic
acids with the goal of understanding the activity of methane-oxidizing
bacteria in nature. The teaching assignment may include General
Microbiology, Introductory Biology for non-majors, or other courses
depending on interest and experience. Training in problem-based cooperative
learning techniques and close interaction with an experienced educator will
be provided. Eligible candidates must have a Ph.D. in microbiology or
molecular biology and enthusiasm for research and teaching at a
predominately undergraduate institution. Candidates will send a curriculum
vitae, statement of research goals and teaching philosophy, and contact
information for three references to: Stephen C. Nold, Ph.D., Department of
Biology, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI 54751; tel., (715)
232-2560; e-mail, nolds@uwstout.edu <mailto:nolds@uwstout.edu>.
Applications received before February 15th, 2002 will be given priority.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 16:00:47 -0500
From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM
Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
Title: Intern
Company: US Green Building Council
Location: Washington, DC
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4830
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For more information click below:
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------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 16:36:07 -0800
From: "Peter W. Havens" <peterhavens@BAINBRIDGE.NET>
Subject: Wetlands question
Please respond directly to the author: Diane Doss
Could anyone tell me:
1) How much (percent?) of Washington State's original wetlands remain?
2) How much remains in native vegetation?
Thanks!
Diane
Diane Doss
Instructor, Botany and Horticulture
South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Road SW
Olympia, WA 98512
360/754-7711, ext. 5594
ddoss@spscc.ctc.edu
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 20 Nov 2001 to 21 Nov 2001 (#2001-10)
There are 15 messages totalling 953 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Market environmentalism and common grounds (3)
2. Carbon sinks (6)
3. Pennsylvania Higher Plants
4. How to submit messages to the ECOLOG-L list: no HTML or attached
files please
5. job position: biologist-ecology/botany
6. carbon sinks
7. microbial ecology postdoc
8. Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Microbiology
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 23:58:28 -0800
From: Robert Taylor <rtaylor@GEOG.UCSB.EDU>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
> In a true market mechanism the parties would include someone who might
e
> burdened with an externality and that person would agree on the price o
> having giving up something--a view, certain amount of clean air, having
to
> treat water more thoroughly, doing something to avoid a health risk, et
.
> This can be done, but greens seldom want that essential market ingredie
t: a
> voluntary exchange between willing parties.
But those who are currently benefiting from existence of externalities are
very seldom willing to voluntarily concede anything for it (I won't say
"never" for the sake of argument). They generally put the burden of proof
on others to demonstrate that an externality exists, then fight tooth and
nail every step of the way to avoid admitting that anything they're doing
is bad for anyone. Or that they should have to pay for it, even if it is
true. And they buy political influence with the money they're making off
the status quo to keep on doing it. And Aldo Leopold's 'world of wounds'
spirals downward.
It's easy to claim the moral high ground and bash the Greens or others for
proposing a coercive model for dealing with externalities. Please then
propose a persuasive alternative model for getting externalities paid for
in the real world in our lifetimes. How does someone damaged by an
externality freely negotiate a compensation package for it with the
offending industry whose official position is that the problem doesn't
exist until someone else can prove it to an impossible degree in a court
of law?
In one sentence you dismissed those who propose that government should
take money from an externality tax and try to do anything good with it
(yes, it is easy to dismiss government), and in the next you noted how
extremely difficult (you didn't say impossible, for the sake of argument)
it would be for anyone to effectively determine who should receive the
money in some hypothetical more moral alternative kind of free market
financial exchange. It seems intellectually dishonest to have it both
ways. Aren't you really just saying something like, "Zillions of people
get hurt by the business practices of others daily and that's just the way
it is and ever will be. Oh well. Only a child or an idiot would believe
that anyone could do anything to improve the situation. But I will pretend
to not be as shockingly amoral as this position makes me seem." (Excuse me
for putting words in your mouth like that. I'm just making a point.)
> ...And if the cost is not born by any one in particular, who gets to
> negotiate the price? Almost everything we do involves some change to
> environment, even greens walking the Appalachian trail or flying to Nep
l to
> hike...
I grant you that every action changes something. But you may not use it
as a silver bullet to shoot down any argument.
As long as we're tossing burden of proof around like a football and citing
carefully chosen examples to support our arguments, it has been noted that
dioxin now bioaccumulates to levels that public health officials believe
is hazardous in the breast milk of mothers- apparently across the globe.
It has been estimated that US children raised on breastmilk now ingest the
EPA's current standard for "safe" lifetime dosages after just a few months
of nursing. Would you care to argue that this is a good thing, or that
Monsanto and other chemical manufacturers should not rightly owe anybody
anything for this astonishingly personal kind of pollution? Shall we all
just cheerfully accept this situation as the unavoidable cost of somebody
else doing business and rejoice in the other presumed benefits of the
strong economy this business climate has helped create? I'll assume,
without proving it, that Monsanto could not remain in business and absorb
the increased cost in healthcare for the whole planet to abandon
breastfeeding forevermore if they had to pay for it themselves. But should
we just say, "Oh well" and walk away from this one? How ugly and stinky
and dangerous shall we let the world become before we decide we have had
enough?
It is admittedly an impossible technical feat to determine exactly how
much each person's risk of a myriad of highly specific medical conditions
has been changed by exactly how much of exactly which industrial product
or byproduct made by exactly whom. All the more so to determine the fair
market value of anything so intangible as fractional percentage points of
cancer risk at undefined times up to several decades in the future. How
much is the life of one person, right now, today, for sure, worth anyways?
And we certainly can't do all this research without paying some overhead.
But it is intellectually dishonest to pretend that you'd be happy and
willing to pay up if only the other side would hurry up and accomplish
these impossible tasks in such an airtight manner that they would hold up
in a court of law against the highest paid lawyers in the business.
Because you really know that the burden of proof is impossible.
> One common ground should be to prohibit direct subsidies, whether to hi
ers
> or to energy companies; even to alternative energy companies.
I agree wholeheartedly. As I understand economic theory (not very well-
I'm an ecologist), externalities are subsidies of a kind, since they pass
real costs of manufacture on to people who aren't buying the product and
have no choice about whether to assume the cost. This distorts markets and
causes overproduction and overconsumption of goods with hidden problems
for the environment (read, you and me). And I have yet to see any
libertarian (or anyone for that matter) propose a better mechanism for
eliminating environmental externalities from markets than some sort of
government intervention. If you take someone else's money directly, most
call it stealing. But if you take it indirectly by creating an expensive
problem for them to deal with, then what? If the law of the marketplace is
'let the buyer beware' then how can anyone amicably negotiate a fair
settlement for an externality without asking government to step in and
referee?
If you don't like government solutions, then can you suggest how we are to
avoid Tragedy of the Commons type scenarios without some sort of
regulation of markets? And who might effectively regulate markets if not
some form of government? Maybe some sort of direct marketplace democracy
could do this if we had excellent product labeling well beyond that which
now exists and a utopian level of public education and commitment to
solving environmental problems without simply passing the buck to somebody
else. But who will get industries that don't want to disclose problems
about the manufacture of their products to print it on these bigger,
longer labels if not some form of government? And how shall we produce the
necessary educated public without public education?
These are among the hardest questions humankind faces. It's OK if you
can't answer them well today. But our future quality of life depends
vitally on the answers.
Longer than I meant,
Robert Taylor
Department of Geography
University of California, Santa Barbara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 09:35:08 -0500
From: Elise Anderson <andersem@WFU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
I agree with Steve Erickson's view of the function and value of
governments in representing and acting for the common good. Capitalism
and market economics don't adequately attend to the needs of those
without the money to bribe good behavior. Good governments can.
Regards,
Elise Anderson
--
Elise Anderson
Electronic Resources Specialist
Z. Smith Reynolds Library
Wake Forest University
(336) 758-7179
(336) 758-8831 (fax)
andersem@wfu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 23:34:56 -0800
From: Wallace Kaufman <taconia@CAVENET.COM>
Subject: Carbon sinks
Thanks to Jack J for his highly condensed notes on carbon sinks and tree
cutting. I am not a member of the 'carbon community' except by virtue of
being a temporary sink for a small amount of C, but I trust I may respond.
The answer to my question, "Should an owner or a timber company pay for
'degradation?' is indeed "obscured by various on and off-site fates of live
tree biomass and cwd following clearcutting or other disturbance, as well as
decomposition vs growth rates."
With appreciation for all the jargon of the discipline, doesn't it come down
to how much carbon is locked up and how much carbon is being stored by new
growth vs how much carbon is being released by decay of material left in the
forests or put in open dumps? Wouldn't a good model or assessment have to
take into account how much carbon locked into paper is recycled? Does
burying paper in a landfill where it remains for perhaps centuries end up
being a net carbon sink (with apologies to composters)? So to say that
paper has a short lilfe span is not the same as saying it ends its life by
becoming atmospheric carbon.
Anaerobic landfilling, after all, has been nature's way of storiing carbon.
That's why we have carbon and petroleum. Not everything has to become
heirloom furniture or historic housing to produce a net carbon sink.
Now, if something is obscure to non members of the carbon community, it is a
statement like this:
"at least in the PNW even vigorously growing replanted forests are not
sequestering additional c, but working to repay such debts for many decades
after harvest just to get back where you started before harvest. thus, by
failing to consider temporal scale of process and so on artificial c sinks
are easily introduced into c accounting."
I live in the PNW, so I know about that. However, I admit to being a little
confused about the debt my forest owes to the previous forest or the carbon
bank. The old growth harvested on this land still exists as housing,
cabinets, floors, etc. Granted, a certain portion of it is out there as
rotting stumps and limbs releasing carbon into the atmosphere, but the new
growth certainly seems to be of much greater mass than this detritus.
Perhaps for a decade or two, however, it was not taking up as much carbon as
the stumps and limbs were releasing. If that's it, I think some light has
entered the obscurity. But I also assume for a number of decades into the
future, the new forest will be sequestering much more carbon than the debris
is releasing. Or perhaps the obscurity can be replaced by using numbers
rather than words:
Years 1-10, Carbon released by debris Carbon stored in new growth Net
storage/release
and so on for each decade?
Perhaps we also need numbers for the statement: "many productive regions are
now occupied by cities and cropland or are otherwise unsuitable for tree
growth. thus to be an effective form of atmospheric c mitigation enough
landbase would need to be found."
Urbanization and suburbanization seem all-consuming to people in growth
areas, but in fact are a very small consumer of land on this continent as a
percent of the whole. We need a number for net forest area increase or
decrease. With more efficient dairy and other farming, it may well be that
despite development, net forest area is increasing. I believe the figures
indicate this is the case.
Wallace Kaufman
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 11:25:09 -0500
From: Doug Karpa-Wilson <dkarpawi@INDIANA.EDU>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
> > This can be done, but greens seldom want that essential market
ingredient: a
> > voluntary exchange between willing parties.
<rant>
The most common myth of the markets is that markets exist in the absence of
a political context. Market behavior is very strongly influence by the
rules regime under which it operates (e.g. property law, contract law,
macroeconomic conditions) which are largely political outcomes, not economic
ones. Since those decisions are made as the result of political decisions
which are strongly influenced by the distribution of economic means in
virtually all cases, it's not much of a stretch to say that ideal markets do
not exist in any meaningful sense anywhere. Non-competitive forces arise
throughout any market economy as the result of legal and political
frameworks, and since these frameworks rely on the threat of public force to
maintain them, the idea that externalities are manageable through voluntary
exchange is ludicrous. Consider, for example, contracts. They can be
entered into, but only through legal force are they in any sense
enforceable. Thus, what parties are willing to do (i.e. honor the contract)
when contracts have legal force (which implies literal force) is very
different when contracts do not have legal force. Similarly, since there is
currently no real legal leverage for reclaiming externalities, the injuring
party is generally not willing to do very much. Unless the injured party
has standing to bring legal (by extension, political) force to bear, there
is little to know basis for negotiation. Whether or not legal force can be
brought to bear on the economic transaction (i.e. the inflicting of
externalities) is a political question, not an economic one, and arguments
that do not seriously consider the role of the rules regime in this debate
are simple obfuscation and little more.
humph!
</rant>
Doug
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 11:34:55 EST
From: JASchmid@AOL.COM
Subject: Pennsylvania Higher Plants
Those interested in Pennsylvania Higher Plants may find the following new
book of interest (description and ordering information):
CHECKLIST AND SYNONYMY OF PENNSYLVANIA HIGHER PLANTS, WITH SPECIAL REFERENC
TO WETLAND INDICATOR AND RARITY STATUS
The only comprehensive source that puts scientific and regulatory informatio
together for Pennsylvania wild plants:
¨ Alphabetical checklist of 3,509 kinds of wild plants in Pennsylvania by
English common name and by current Latin scientific name according to the
Biota of North America Project of John T. Kartesz et al.
¨ Accurate regional and subregional Wetland Indicator status classification
of every plant in Pennsylvania
¨ Detailed Endangered/Threatened/Rare status of all special concern plants i
Pennsylvania
¨ Growth habit description (native tree, introduced annual herb, etc.) and
Plant family for every plant
¨ Full synonymy with botanical authors linking current scientific names with
all field manuals and guidebooks for plant identification
¨ Thorough, analytical introduction and explanation of regulatory context
An indispensable field and office reference for
¨ Wetland Delineators, Soil Scientists, Hydrologists, and Engineers
¨ Federal, State, and Local Regulators in Pennsylvania
¨ Field Botanists, Wildlife Biologists, Foresters, and Ecologists
¨ Students, Naturalists, Conservationists, and Landscape Architects
ORDERING INFORMATION
$40 for single copies, plus $5 for postage and handling.
30% discount on orders of 10 or more copies.
Send check or money order to Schmid & Co., Inc., Consulting Ecologists
1201 Cedar Grove Road
Media PA 19063-1044
(610) 356-1416 Fax (610) 356-3629
email: jaschmid@aol.com
webpage: schmidco.com
About the Author
James A. Schmid is a biogeographer and plant ecologist with over 30 years of
field experience in environmental impact assessment, wetland delineation, an
regulatory consulting. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in geography
from the University of Chicago, and taught ecology and environmental science
in the Department of Biological Sciences at Barnard College and Columbia
University. Since 1980 he has headed Schmid & Company, Inc., Consulting
Ecologists, of Media, Pennsylvania. Dr. Schmid is certified as a Senior
Ecologist by the Ecological Society of America, as a Professional Wetland
Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists, and as a Wetland Delineator
by the Baltimore District, Army Corps of Engineers.
Other Recent Publications by James A. Schmid:
Schmid, James A. 2001. Checklist and synonymy of New Jersey higher plants,
with special reference to their rarity and wetland indicator status. Schmid
& Co., Inc. Media PA. 325 p.
Schmid, James A., and Stephen P. Kunz. 2000. Wetlands and longwall mining
Regulatory failure in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Raymond Proffitt
Foundation. Langhorne PA. 79 p. Electronic version at
http:\\www.rayproffitt.org
Schmid, James A. 2000. Wetlands as conserved landscapes in the United
States. In A. B. Murphy and D. L. Johnson, eds. Cultural Encounters with
the Environment: Enduring and Evolving Geographic Themes. Rowman &
Littlefield. Lanham MD. p. 133-155.
Schmid, James A. 1997. Wetland mitigation case studies. Chapter 9 in Mark
S. Dennison. Wetland Mitigation. Rockville MD. Government Institutes
Press. p. 157-182.
Schmid, James A. 1994. Wetlands in the urban landscape of the United
States. In R. H. Platt, R. A. Rowntree, and P. C. Muick (eds.). The
Ecological City: Preserving and Restoring Urban Biodiversity. University o
Massachusetts Press. Amherst MA. p. 106-133.
Schmid, James A. 1994. Wetland creation using native plants. In "A
Preference for Natives". Proceedings of the symposium, 22 March 1991.
Longwood Graduate Program, University of Delaware, Longwood Gardens. Kennet
Square PA. p. 30-47.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 10:21:19 -0500
From: Will Cook <cwcook@DUKE.EDU>
Subject: Re: How to submit messages to the ECOLOG-L list: no HTML or attache
files please
If you have trouble figuring out how to turn off html, this site is very
useful - it has instructions for most e-mail programs:
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/1236/nomime.html
My experience is that html in e-mail messages is most useful for
spreading viruses, not for communicating.
> A growing number of messages submitted to ECOLOG-L are being sent with
wo
> versions of the text, plain ASCII and HTML. Many e-mail programs have
n
> option you can set to send messages with or without the HTML
> version. Listserv software doesn't handle HTML well, and messages with
> HTML code were responsible for problems some of you experienced recentl
> trying to receive daily digests of messages.
>
> When sending messages to the list, please send them as plain ASCII text
> only, no HTML, and no attachments. Otherwise I have to send them back
o
> you to fix, or take the time myself to cut and past the ASCII version
> (which is one reason why so many messages come from me). Thanks.
>
> David Inouye, list owner and moderator
--
Charles W. "Will" Cook w 919-660-7423
http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/index1.html cwcook@duke.edu
Biology Dept., Duke University, Box 90340, Durham, NC 27708
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 07:19:34 -1000
From: Dan Gruner <dgruner@HAWAII.EDU>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
Wallace,
Net "forest" area may be increasing in the United States, but not all
forest is created equal. Tree farms and old fields are not forests areas
that house the biological diversity and complexity of old growth. In other
parts of the world, however (e.g. Indonesia, Madagascar, Amazonia) forest
area clearly is declining at a rapid rate.
Viewing forests merely as carbon sinks ignores many of the other important
properties of "natural" forested ecosystems. In Tahiti, up to 70% of the
forest cover is dominated by a single introduced tree Miconia calvescens.
Dense closed canopy forest, a nice carbon sink, right? But this tree has
shallow roots which promote erosion and landslides, and its dense shade
allows virtually no other plants to survive. Is this "forest"?
I, for one, would like to see your figures. If they are the same that
Lomborg cites, they are deeply flawed and biased.
Dan
PS for more on market mechanisms for conservation, I highly recommend
"Natural Capitalism" By Hawken, Lovins & Lovins. If finances are the
primary currency by which this society operates (would anyone argue with
this?), then regulation and enforcement can only go so far. Market-based
incentives and the removal or re-distribution of special interest subsidies
can take us much further.
At 09:34 PM 11/20/2001, Wallace Kaufman wrote:
>Urbanization and suburbanization seem all-consuming to people in growth
>areas, but in fact are a very small consumer of land on this continent a
a
>percent of the whole. We need a number for net forest area increase or
>decrease. With more efficient dairy and other farming, it may well be t
at
>despite development, net forest area is increasing. I believe the figur
s
>indicate this is the case.
>
>Wallace Kaufman
---------------------------------
Daniel S. Gruner
Department of Zoology/U Hawaii
2538 the Mall - Edmondson Hall 464
Honolulu, HI 96822
Phon (808)956-4722 Fax (808)956-9812
@ Bishop Museum (808)848-4163
email: dgruner@hawaii.edu
http://www.hawaii.edu/gk-12/evolution/
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 11:17:51 -0600
From: Steven Murphree <murphrees@MAIL.BELMONT.EDU>
Subject: job position: biologist-ecology/botany
Biologist-Ecology/Botany: Belmont University invites applications for a
tenure-track position beginning August 1, 2002.
Qualifications: Candidates must have earned a Ph.D. in the area of
Ecology or Botany or expect to complete Ph.D. requirements by June 30,
2002. Preference will be given to applicants who can demonstrate
excellence in both teaching and the potential to maintain a strong
undergraduate research program. Willingness to teach non-majors biology
is essential and experience with TEM is desirable.
Responsibilities: Normal duties include twelve hours of undergraduate
teaching per semester, advising, and department and university
responsibilities. Academic rank and salary will be competitive and
commensurate with experience. For details about this position, visit:
http://www.belmont.edu/science/biosearch.htm.
Belmont University: A coeducational university located in Nashville, TN,
Belmont is a student-centered, teaching university focusing on academic
excellence. The university is dedicated to providing students from
diverse backgrounds an academically challenging education in a Christian
community and is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. With
approximately 200 full-time faculty from diverse Christian backgrounds
and an enrollment of 3100 students, Belmont offers baccalaureate degrees
in 57 programs, master^?s degrees in eight programs, and one doctoral
degree. Belmont^?s vision is to be a premier teaching university
bringing together the best of liberal arts and professional education in
a Christian community of learning and service.
Application Process: Each applicant should send a letter of application,
curriculum vita, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of research
interests, statement indicating how his/her knowledge, experience, and
beliefs have prepared him/her to support Belmont's vision, mission, and
values, copies of all transcripts, and the names of at least three
professional references by e-mail (murphrees@mail.belmont.edu) or by
mail to:
Dr. C. Steven Murphree
Department of Biology
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212-3757
Application Deadline: Applications received after January 7, 2002 will
not be guaranteed consideration.
Belmont is an EOE/AA employer under all applicable civil rights laws.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 13:00:29 -0500
From: "David M. Bryant" <dmbryant@CISUNIX.UNH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
>
>
>At 09:34 PM 11/20/2001, Wallace Kaufman wrote:
>
> >Urbanization and suburbanization seem all-consuming to people in gr
wth
> >areas, but in fact are a very small consumer of land on this contin
nt as a
> >percent of the whole. We need a number for net forest area increas
or
> >decrease. With more efficient dairy and other farming, it may well
be that
> >despite development, net forest area is increasing. I believe the
igures
> >indicate this is the case.
> >
> >Wallace Kaufman
>
>This may be true, but ONLY on THIS continent. Unfortunatley though the
>major threat to forests in the US is not logging but development which i
>a relatively permanent (human time scales) distrubance. And, as Dan
>Gruner points out, forests as C sinks are only one small part of the
>picture. We need to take of the blinkers of our own disciplines and see
>the big picture every now and again.
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: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 10:33:55 -0800
From: Wallace Kaufman <taconia@CAVENET.COM>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
Dan,
I have no argument with you or anyone about tree farms (or any farms) being
equal to natural forests. That was not the topic under discussion, tho it's
an excellent issue that deserves full discussion. The discussion began with
a comment about clearcutting apropos of carbon release and lockup and that's
all I addressed so please exonerate me from any charge of promoting
monoculture in place of natural forest diversity.
However, while this topic is in the air, we should note that a monoculture
or second growth forest is much kinder than a farm since all farms and
pastures are permanent clearcuts and annual monocultures.
> I, for one, would like to see your figures. If they are the same that
> Lomborg cites, they are deeply flawed and biased.
As I recall I suggested some problems with a particular assumption about
carbon budgets and asked for better figures. I didn't endorse any particular
conclusion.
The discussion also started with my note that dividing the world into
'environmentalism' and 'marketism' made a false and discussion stopping
dichotomy. It's interesting that you cite Hawken, a man who would be
nowhere except for having made a fortune as a market capitalist, and a man
whose use of his profits for non-profit interests demonstrates that
capitalism finances most environmental action. Even Lovins makes his
appeals for energy savings by offering calculations of bottom line money
savings.
We are in full agreement that the removal of what you call 'special interest
subsidies' is essential. But note, that's not essential to take us further
than market based incentives. Removing subsidies actually restores a market
system by removing non-market distortions.
Wallace
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 13:54:12 -0500
From: Joseph Paul Gathman <gathmanj@PILOT.MSU.EDU>
Subject: Re: carbon sinks
Thanks, Wallace, for a little humor in this thread (finally):
> cutting. I am not a member of the 'carbon community' except by virtue
f
> being a temporary sink for a small amount of C, but I trust I may respo
d.
BUT, I'd bet that the amount of carbon a human body converts from solid to
gas in its lifetime is probably much greater than the amount it temporarily
sequesters. Especially when one considers all the opinions (a.k.a. "hot
air") we spew (speaking for myself, of course). And don't forget all the
carbon that comes out the other end as gas or more-easily-converted solids.
Carbon sinks may not be as common as they appear to be, at first glance.
Nonetheless, you have prompted me to consider making a t-shirt that says
"temporary carbon sink" on it. Thanks for the idea.
Joe Gathman
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 15:26:27 -0500
From: Clinton Jenkins <rontavius@UTK.EDU>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
> We are in full agreement that the removal of what you call 'special int
rest
> subsidies' is essential. But note, that's not essential to take us furt
er
> than market based incentives. Removing subsidies actually restores a m
rket
> system by removing non-market distortions.
>
> Wallace
I think this is a point that receives too little attention. Many destructiv
industries (e.g., logging, fossil fuel, cattle ranching) are not playing on
level playing field in the market economy. They receive all sorts of subsid
es
to keep them alive. I think many economists would agree that perverse subsi
ies
are in general bad. They are not even an efficient way to protect jobs. Th
y
protect specific jobs at the expense of other jobs that would result from
spending that money elsewhere.
Are their any economists on the list that could comment on how the economics
community perceives subsidies? When politicians support subsidies, are they
actually listening to economists, or do they just get blamed by the
environmental community?
--
Clinton Jenkins - Doctoral Fellow
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
569 Dabney Hall
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-1610
Office: (865) 974-1982 FAX: (865) 974-0978
E-mail: rontavius@utk.edu
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 12:27:45 -0800
From: Brendan Bohannan <bohannan@STANFORD.EDU>
Subject: microbial ecology postdoc
POSITION AVAILABLE
Post-doctoral Researcher - Microbial Ecology
Requirements: Ph.D. in microbiology or related field, experience in
molecular microbial ecology, and an interest in ecological theory and
its application to microorganisms. This position is part of an
on-going project studying how bacterial diversity responds to
eutrophication in aquatic systems. The appointment is initially for
one year with the possibility of renewal if satisfactory progress is
made.
A more detailed description of this position can be found at:
http://www.stanford.edu/~bohannan/Pages/gradstudent.html
Applicants should send a current C.V. with the names and contact
information of 3 referees to:
Dr. Brendan Bohannan
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
371 Serra Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-5020
(650) 723-3344
(650) 725-8221 Fax
bohannan@stanford.edu
http://www.stanford.edu/~bohannan
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 12:53:39 -0800
From: "Janisch, Jack" <JAJA461@ECY.WA.GOV>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
its odd that confusion about forest c debts does not lead to confusion about
forest c credits since its the same issue in reverse. instead of thinking
of forests owing direct debts of any kind a more useful way to frame this
might be in turns of c losses and gains relative to baseline stores with
forests as a mechanism of c dynamics, the idea of debts extending from this.
regardless, forest c storage relative to the atmosphere is indeed a question
of growth vs decomposition-these are the two competing forest processes of
interest since one is sequestering atmospheric c and one is returning forest
c to the atmosphere. however, its also a question of relativity to baseline
stores (what you start with), mass and fate of forest c pools, and temporal
scale of the process. we should also be careful about judging the apparent
significance of various c pools. members of a meeting a few years ago began
throwing out detrital pools because they appeared small. pretty soon they'd
solved the c sequestration problem by discarding all the detrital pools, one
by one. so, consider an example:
assume an og pnw conifer stand and, to simplify things, consider only live
trees (boles and coarse roots and bark) but not foliage, fine branches,
understory, etc-these can be dealt with through allometrics. in terms of
mass of forest c pools this is generally reasonable as it captures about 85%
of the 'live'-side c mass. a number of references for such numbers exist in
the literature, based on the allometrics of taking mature trees apart and
estimating volume and mass. also, for simplification, consider only cwd
(stump, coarse roots, logs) but not litter or fine woody debris on the
decomp side. these detrital pools, like the above neglected live pools (as
well as soil), can be dealt with later as we know what their dynamic
is-litter increases the decomp pool and live branches, for example, increase
the live pool. since cwd is generally about 1/4-1/3 of the live pool (also
in the literature) lets use 400 Mg C ha for the live side and 100 Mg C ha
for the dead side. also assume such an og stand to be oscillating around
biomass saturation, meaning that its biomass, for both live and cwd pools,
appears to be asymptotic so that biomass change is on average near zero. the
reason this is important is because we are actually interested in net
changes in c stores at all stages of succession. so, we know the trees are
growing since they're still alive but if this growth is balanced on average
by transfer of live wood to the cwd pool (tree death) and decomp then the
stand is neither a source or sink on average but is in c balance relative to
the atmosphere. this point is still somewhat disputed, mainly due to lack
of data. however, the 50-yearish data sets we do have for PNW forests seem
consistent with such a mass balance-based model in og stands, despite fairly
high mortality. this means 1) that to date evidence appears to indicate such
forests do not go on accumulating mass indefinitely (you can get a sense of
this easily by a simple calculation based on live tree growth rates and
stand age. where this the case forest biomass might be expected to be higher
than that observed); 2) simple exponential growth (such as richardson) and
decomp function appear to be appropriate models for dynamics of such
systems.
now, until recently the dominant way of deciding whether such stands were c
sources or c sinks relative to the atmosphere was through net ecosystem
productivity (NEP) analysis. this involves measuring either net c exchange
(such as by eddy covariance or c flux) directly, repeated measures, or
measuring the mass of individual c pools on the live and detrital sides,
summing them up, and calculating net change in stores for observed growth
and decomp rates. so, assume that our stand now burns, killing all live
trees. the fire is out in a few days but as a result all live wood has now
moved to the cwd pool (cwd=400 Mg C ha and live=0 Mg C ha). if we begin
analysis just post burn then the stand is a c source to the atmosphere
because c losses from cwd are overwhelming c gains from the seedlings. after
a few decades the live biomass catches up and then the stand becomes,
according to NEP, a c sink relative to the atmosphere.
there is a problem with the simple NEP approach, however, and this is
because the timing of the source to sink transition is somewhat insensitive
to the mass of the pools. say, instead we somehow completely burn our
stand, boles, roots and all, and convert it to co2 in a week, meaning a
pulse of 500 Mg C ha back to the atmosphere over a few days. then, the next
week, we replant the stand. without consideration of stand history and
tracking of c pool fates the measured NEP of the replanted stand would be
positive, meaning it would be treated as a c sink, even though the system
had just blown off 500 Mg C ha and the live c stores of the regenerating
stand was insignificant. in this case the appropriate question to ask is how
long does it take the regenerating stand to reaccumulate that 500 Mg C ha
released due to harvest. that answer is very different from the NEP-based
answer, its much longer- a good guess being length of time to regain og-type
live and cwd stores. thus, temporal scale of measurement is important since
a single point measure of NEP may be very misleading. that's also why
weighing c debts or credits relative to baseline stores is important-if mass
balance is neglected artificial c sinks are introduced. implications of
harvest of og forest for the past few decades, generally resulting in
conversion to sg forest of shorter rotation lower biomass, should now be
clear as reducing net c storage on the landscape.
now we can start making the system more complicated, for example by harvest
of the stand and transfer of stores off site rather than letting it burn and
decompose in situ, discussed briefly earlier. regardless of treatment,
however, the starting mass of the stand does not change-we still need to
track the baseline stores to their ultimate fates. so, if forest stands
could somehow be transferred intact to permanent storage without incurring
major c losses from decomp or the soil profile, sort of like pulling up
carrots from the garden, then harvesting and replanting are a useful means
of storing c as woody biomass. to date, however, this has not been the case,
and even lifespans of long-term structures like houses may be short relative
to forest lifespans (and then what happens to the house?). even with
recycling (which, unless 100% efficient slowly leaks c unless the leaks go
to permanent storage) initial losses are still substantial when the system
is considered in detail(for further clarification of c losses following
harvest see harmon et al 1996). landfills might be a partial answer but at
the very least landfill-based c policy would require more landfills and need
to consider releases of c from soil profiles and hydrocarbon burning
equipment used in the moving. it should also be clear that while burying
paper in anaerobic landfills or building long-term structures would count as
c STORAGE as long as it persisted, this does not automatically count as a c
SINK. this determination is a system-level question that must consider full
c accounting, including whether such stores are actually accumulating and
what is gained relative to what was released during disturbance. this is
again, the idea of mass balance and conservation of matter mentioned
earlier, which remains in effect even with lateral transfer (distance
between losses and gains).
for acreage gains and losses try ipcc publications, which i think do this
for a number of countries of both hemispheres. but even 'gains' in forest
acreage need to be interpreted with caution as pointed out with the earlier
forest-to ag-to forest example. if i remember correctly roughly 50% of
disturbed tropical forest land is now thought to be in some stage of
regrowth and thus sequestering c. such forests are likely recapturing c lost
when harvested so the c is cycling between forest and atmosphere rather than
constantly accumulating, as might be wanted in an ideal c sink. an
analogous situation is underway in the eastern us and all such forests may
eventually reach biomass saturation. about productivity, some regions grow
trees faster, larger. the point was that to lose these areas, for example
river terraces where cities are often cited, means that more acreage of
relatively inferior sites are needed to grow an equivalent biomass.
settlement patterns in the pnw appear to be concentration in lowlands while
leaving steeper, often less productive slopes. where are the national
forests and national parks, for example? so, trees may be grown but to
sequester c on a Pg scale takes a lot of trees but this is not the only
objective of land management. unless carefully drafted, forestation
policies could conflict with biodiversity conservation, food production,
private property rights, and so on. sea level rise and ecosystem migration
could also affect forestation goals.
this was a long post so sorry to all if i've bored you. there are, however,
strong feelings about these issues so clarifying them is important.
otherwise, we could, for example, be mistaking c sources for c sinks and
creating incentives to continue cutting og forest and turn biodiversity rich
or unique regions into plantation forests.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2001 18:19:11 -0600
From: "Randall E. Hicks" <rhicks@D.UMN.EDU>
Subject: Postdoctoral Associate in Environmental Microbiology
I would like to send the following advertisement for a Postdoctoral
Associate in Environmental Microbiology to the ECOLOG-L listserve.
Thank you for your help.
Randall E. Hicks
=============================================================
Environmental Microbiology Postdoctoral Associate
University of Minnesota Duluth
The Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD)
seeks applications for a postdoctoral associate in environmental
microbiology or microbial ecology.
Responsibilities: This person is expected to conduct research with
teams examining the survival and virulence of Salmonella in aquatic
ecosystems, the distribution of E. coli in watersheds and their
relationship to land use, and microbial diversity and function in large
lakes. These projects are funded, collaborative, and use molecular
biology methods to identify and enumerate bacteria. Investigators on
these projects are housed in several university units on two campuses
of the University of Minnesota. Thus, the abilities to work
independently, collaborate, and supervise lab operations are important.
We seek an individual who will welcome the opportunity to expand
ongoing research programs in aquatic and environmental microbiology.
Further information about this position and current research projects
is available at: http://www.d.umn.edu/~rhicks1/postdoc.html.
Essential Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in biological sciences,
biochemistry, molecular biology or related area (conferred by start
date of position); 3 years of research training experience in
environmental, aquatic, or experimental microbiology; familiarity with
molecular biology techniques; demonstrated ability to publish in
peer-reviewed journals; potential for developing proposals for new
research projects; demonstrated communication skills to support quality
teaching.
Desired Qualifications: Broad academic training and research experience
used to address fundamental questions concerning microbial populations
and communities; two years demonstrated skill with molecular biology
techniques (experience with DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, cloning,
screening libraries using probes or fingerprinting methods, FISH, DNA
sequencing/analysis and/or gene expression using microarrays is
desirable); at least one publication in the fields of environmental
microbiology, aquatic microbial ecology or microbial systematics;
experience writing research proposals; one year of relevant college
teaching experience (GTA experience is acceptable).
This position can start immediately and is available for up to two
years. It is primarily research-focused but includes the potential of
teaching up to 75%-time in the Department of Biology during one
academic year as an Assistant Professor. Salary will be commensurate
with education and training. The successful candidate should be
self-starting and bring creativity, enthusiasm, and additional
molecular expertise to a research group in aquatic microbial ecology.
Individuals with research accomplishments involving molecular
identification approaches would be particularly qualified for this
position. Review of completed applications will begin on January 14,
2002 and continue until the position is filled. To apply, send a letter
of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least
two references by post or email to:
Dr. Randall E. Hicks
Department of Biology
1110 Kirby Drive
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN 55812
Tel: 218-726-7263
Fax: 218-726-8142
E-mail: rhicks@d.umn.edu
The University of Minnesota Duluth is a campus of the University of
Minnesota System. Aquatic research is a major focus here. Local
collaborations exist between the Department of Biology and scientists
in the Universityıs Natural Resources Research Institute, the Large
Lakes Observatory, and the UMD School of Medicine, as well as the EPAıs
Mid-Continent Freshwater Ecology Laboratory. Duluth is a friendly,
small city of 90,000 located on the western shore of Lake Superior.
There is ready access to Lake Superior and excellent field research
sites in the region. Outstanding recreational opportunities like
hiking, fishing, canoeing, and skiing exist in national forests and
wilderness areas within an hourıs drive from Duluth. Duluth has an
impressive selection of restuarants and quality fine arts programs. It
was recently named one of the ten best cities to live in by Outside
magazine.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and
employer.
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 22 Nov 2001 to 23 Nov 2001 (#2001-12)
There are 7 messages totalling 355 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. biostatistics
2. Market environmentalism and common grounds (2)
3. Carbon sinks (2)
4. Environmental Jobs at EnvironmentalCAREER.com
5. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Nov 2001 20:06:43 -0600
From: "Prock, Ryan J" <Ryan.J.Prock@UWSP.EDU>
Subject: biostatistics
Does anyone know of any job openings or internships available in
biostatistics or any related fields? Thank you.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 02:05:11 EST
From: Aneyww@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
In a message dated 21-Nov-2001 23:21:06 Pacific Standard Time,
taconia@cavenet.com writes:
<< I don't believe we are talking about the same thing. Game ranching
as in
shooting gallery set ups is not the same thing as 'ranching for wildlife'
programs in the Western states. We're talking about programs that include
several million acres now in which state wildlife authorities grant
landowners the rights to issue tags and gain some income from hunting. >
>
You're right; we weren't talking about the same thing. The game ranching yo
describe requires a certain degree of privatizing a public resource
(wildlife) held in trust by the states. This concept has received some
acceptance in the southwest but not in the northwest. Here landowners can
sell access but cannot sell tags, although there was a legislative attempt i
Oregon several years ago to change this.
Warren Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 06:42:29 -0800
From: Russell Davis <SweetWater_Oysters@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
----- Original Message -----
From: "David M. Bryant" <dmbryant@CISUNIX.UNH.EDU>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2001 10:00 AM
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
Thanks, for the rich commentary.
| >And, as Dan Gruner points out, forests as C sinks are
only one
| >small part of the picture. We need to take of the
blinkers of our
| >own disciplines and see the big picture every now and
again.
|
| "Not all that is counted counts
| and not all that counts can be counted"
| A. Einstein
It seems to me that the *effective* realities in the
atmoshperic CO2 dynamic can only be known with reasonable
certainty when the assessments are made across the full
range of time and distance scales and the differing view
resolutions reconcilled against each other.
This is no mean task - particularly when there is so much
motivation for a rush to judgement - everyone seems to have
appetite that exists independantly from the hunger for
truth.
I would not exclude myself from that proviso.
My desire is that we wake up from our hydrcarbon binge to
find that we are much closer to the Garden of Eden than we
are to a hell of environmental debasement.
Now that you are warned against my perceptual bias I ask you
for a reality check: I have heard that atmospheric CO2
generally diminishes as the prevaling winds move the air
from the West coast to the East coast of the US. Can this
be true? I can imagine a dynamic that would be consistant
with such data. Can anyone direct me to the source data?
Russell_P_Davis@att.net
56 Shellfish Hatchery & Culture Inventions in Patent Pending
Under Construction:
http://www.Shellfish-Unlimited.org
http://www.Shellfish-Unlimited.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 12:55:59 -0500
From: "David M. Bryant" <dmbryant@CISUNIX.UNH.EDU>
Subject: Re: Carbon sinks
>Now that you are warned against my perceptual bias I ask you
>for a reality check: I have heard that atmospheric CO2
>generally diminishes as the prevaling winds move the air
>from the West coast to the East coast of the US. Can this
>be true? I can imagine a dynamic that would be consistant
>with such data. Can anyone direct me to the source data?
Russell_P_Davis@att.net
The folks at Harvard Atmospheric Chem. division have donoe the most
extensive work I know of in the area of tropospheric C concentration and
budgets. See the link below for recent updates.
>http://www-as.harvard.edu/chemistry/exhibit/index.html
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: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 14:32:10 -0500
From: Environmental Career Center <eccinfo@ENVIRONMENTALCAREER.COM>
Subject: Environmental Jobs at EnvironmentalCAREER.com
The following are recent job listings at EnvironmentalCAREER.com -
http://environmentalcareer.com:
NEPA Analysts, Hawaii
http://environmentalcareer.com/NEPAclientHawaii.htm
Environmental Specialist, Fiore Industries, northern CA
http://environmentalcareer.com/FioreIndustries.htm
Green Century Capital Management Senior Associate, Santa Barbara, CA or
Denver, CO
http://environmentalcareer.com/GreenCentury.htm
Environmental Driller, Layne Western, CO and surrounding states
http://environmentalcareer.com/LaneWestern.htm
Hygienist/Environmental Specialist C, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.,
Research Triangle Park, NC
http://environmentalcareer.com/UL.htm
Fish & Game Warden Exam, California Dept of Fish & Game
http://environmentalcareer.com/CalDeptFishGame.htm
Wildlife Biologist III, Habitat Restoration Specialist/Botanist IV, Sapphos
Environmental, Southern California
http://environmentalcareer.com/SapphosEnv.htm
Naturalists, International Crane Foundation, Baraboo, WI
http://environmentalcareer.com/IntlCraneFoundation.htm
--------------------------------------------------
Debbie Gunn, Manager
Environmental Career Center
100 Bridge Street
Bldg. C
Hampton, VA 23669
http://environmentalcareer.com
eccinfo@environmentalcareer.com
757-727-7895
757-727-7904 (fax)
Helping people work for the environment since 1980
--------------------------------------------------
The Environmental Career Center's entire jobs list (500 to 1,000 jobs) is
published monthly in the comprehensive National Environmental Employment
Report. Info: http://environmentalcareer.com/subscribe.htm.
(The December issue will be mailed to subscribers o/a 10 Dec 2001. The
November issue is still available)
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 16:00:55 -0500
From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM
Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork
Title: Environmental Engineers
Company: Roy F. Weston, Inc.
Location: Raleigh, NC; Boston, MA & Santa Clara, CA
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4846
Title: Environmental Scientist
Company: SECOR International Incorporated
Location: Dublin, Ohio
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4845
Title: CSR Writer
Company: The Corporate Citizenship Company
Location: London, United Kingdom
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4844
Title: Senior Consultant, Environmental Management, Susta
Company: Stanger Science & Environment
Location: London, United Kingdom
For more information click below:
http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4843
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 17:16:55 -0800
From: Steve Erickson <wean@WHIDBEY.NET>
Subject: Re: Market environmentalism and common grounds
This presents ideologically based positions as simple conclusory
statements. For example:
"the belief . . . ."is outdated"
"assigning private property rights to the commons has been has been
the PREFERRED solution."
""majority rule is a quaint means. . . ";
"Majority rule however does not produce policies that will promote
the common good."
The problem with such statements from a scientific standpoint is that
they are simply untestable. The function of a forest as a carbon sink
or source can be measured. I defy anyone to tell me how they will
prove (through a testable hypothesis) that "Majority rule however
does not produce policies that will promote the common good". First
we would have to agree on a definition of "the common good." Then,
since the statement is presented as an absolute, if even one outcome
produced by majority rule promoted the defined "common good" then the
statement is shown to be false. Or, we can simply conclude that
policies produced by majority rule are by definition not for the
"common good."
In practical terms, this says that the following policies supported
by majority rule in substantial portions of the world) do not promote
the common good:
murder, rape, and robbery break the social contract and should not be
considered permissible conduct;
slavery should be abolished;
women should have the same civil rights as men;
there should be legal recognition and protection of private property rights.
Since these are policies supported by majority rule in, for example,
the United States, they are therefore not for the common good.
Of course, the presentation of ideologically based beliefs in
"everyone knows" terms is a time honored technique for "setting the
terms of the debate"and devaluing opposing views so they will be
considered sufficiently beyond the pale that they cannot be seriously
contemplated. Any passibly competent propagandist (aren't we all when
it comes to the ideologies we believe in) intimately knows this
technique.
-Steve Erickson
============================================================================
At 9:35 AM +1300 11/23/01, Dr Brendan Moyle wrote:
>Well I've been trying to stay out of this one but a few comments are
>warranted:
>* Externalities
>- the belief that government intervention is a general -or practically
>universal solution- to the problem of externalities is outdated.
>Governments in fact *have generated many externality problems* by 'well
>intended' regulation. There are well-described costs and institutional
>impediments to government's solving externality problems.
>* Governments and Markets
>- actually anthropological and historical evidence (try Herodotos and hi
>account of the Phoenicean trading system) does not show that government
>regulation is a necesssary precondition of markets. Likewise 'black
>markets' survive quite nicely in the absence of government sanction. Wh
le
>it is true that a system of commercial law is useful, markets exist
>primarily because of the mutual gains that can be captured by both parti
s.
> The majority of contracts are settled amicably without threat of legal
>sanction because of reputation and other effects.
>* The Commons
>- The Tragedy of the Commons is not a manifestation of 'market failure'.
>It is caused by the failure of public or communal access rules to contro
>'externalities'. Markets require private property and the 'commons' is
>defined in terms of a _lack_ of private property. In many instances,
>assigning private property rights to the commons has been the preferred
>solution.
>*Subsidies
>- the economics profession by and large, has a long track record opposin
>the use of production subsidies. The unsubsidised and lightly regulated
NZ
>commercial fishery for instance, is more profitable and ecologically
>sustainable than the highly regulated and subsidised Northern Hemisphere
>fisheries.
>* Democracy
>- majority rule is a quaint means by which democracies change government
.
>The chief benefit of such a rule is fewer people tend to get shot when
>governments change. Majority rule however does not produce policies tha
>will promote the common good. Voting paradoxes and the impossibility of
>lumping individual values together (cf Arrow's Impossibility Theorem)-
>allied with voter ignorance- make the pursuit of a 'liberal' common goo
>impossible. Democracies work by extending the freedom of the individual
>citizen to determine their 'own good life', and argue that the common go
d
>will be met with such protection of such freedoms.
>
>Kind regards
>
>Brendan
>
>
>
>Brendan Moyle M.Sc., Ph.D.
>Senior Lecturer, Department of Commerce
>Massey University (Albany), PB 102 904,Auckland, New Zealand
>Tel.: +64 9 443 9799 ext 9472; Fax.: +64 9 441 8177
>e-mail: b.j.moyle@massey.ac.nz
>Work: http://www.massey.ac.nz/~bjmoyle/
>Hobby: http://mywebpage.netscape.com/chthoniid/
****************************************
Frosty Hollow Ecological Restoration
Box 53, Langley, WA, USA 98260
phone: (360) 579-2332
fax: (360) 579-4080
wean@whidbey.net
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 22 Nov 2001 to 23 Nov 2001 (#2001-12)
**************************************************************
˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙
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