ECOLOG-L Digest - 8 Dec 2001 to 9 Dec 2001 (#2001-28)
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 8 Dec 2001 to 9 Dec 2001 (#2001-28) There is one message totalling 70 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. FIRST II- Faculty Teams sought by MSU/Kellogg Bio Stn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 13:12:47 -0500 From: Diane Ebert_May <ebertmay@PILOT.MSU.EDU> Subject: FIRST II- Faculty Teams sought by MSU/Kellogg Bio Stn THE FIRST II PROJECT AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY KELLOGG BIOLOGICAL STATION Regional Science Faculty are Invited to Participate in Faculty Institutes for Reforming Science Teaching (FIRST II) Through Field Stations Project Funded by the National Science Foundation to Michigan State University Request for Applications Applications for the formation of university or college Institutional Teams committed to improving undergraduate science education are requested. Faculty Opportunities in FIRST II: ^Å Learn about and gain experience in active, inquiry-based science teaching that increases student learning through workshops that model this kind of teaching. ^Å Learn and gain confidence in using new instructional designs and practices to enhance the effectiveness of your teaching and student learning. ^Å Learn how to include all students in inquiry-based, active learning activities. ^Å Learn and use multiple assessment strategies that provide evidence of student learning. ^Å Join a regional and national network of faculty committed to improving undergraduate science education. ^Å Facilitate collaboration among faculty teams about their reforms toward achieving excellence in science teaching, and about the criteria and strategies for the scholarship of teaching, so that teaching can be recognized, evaluated, and rewarded within institutions. ***If you wish to apply the applications are at this web site: http://www.msu.edu/unit/lbs/first.html The deadline for applications is January 30, 2002. For more information contact Diane Ebert-May, Ph.D. Director, Lyman Briggs School Professor, Plant Biology E-28 Holmes Hall Michigan State University E. Lansing, MI 48825-1107 Voice: (517) 432-7171 Fax: (517)-432-2758 ebertmay@msu.edu -- Diane Ebert-May, Ph.D. Director, Lyman Briggs School Professor, Plant Biology E-28 Holmes Hall Michigan State University E. Lansing, MI 48825-1107 Voice: (517) 432-7171 Fax: (517)-432-2758 ebertmay@msu.edu http://www.msu.edu/~lbs/ http://www.msu.edu/course/lbs/144/f01 ------------------------------ Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 9 Dec 2001 to 10 Dec 2001 (#2001-29) There are 7 messages totalling 441 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION SCIENCE: TNC STREAM PROJECT 2. grad student award announcement 3. Job posting 4. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork 5. New Graduate Program in Regional Sustainability 6. POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION IN POPULATION BIOLOGY 7. Eco-Compass: Global Biodiversity of Ecoregions (fwd) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 12:40:59 -0500 From: Mark Bain <mbb1@CORNELL.EDU> Subject: DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION SCIENCE: TNC STREAM PROJECT DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION SCIENCE: TNC STREAM PROJECT JOB TITLE: Director of Conservation Science ^Ö French Creek JOB FAMILY: Science JOB NUMBER: 6001 FLSA STATUS:Exempt SUPERVISOR: Director, French Creek Project LOCATION: Meadville, Pa., and Sherman, N.Y. DATE PREPARED: May 2001 SUMMARY OF POSITION Under the direction of the French Creek Project Director, the Director of Conservation Science at French Creek is responsible for providing comprehensive science support to conservation programs throughout the French Creek watershed in Pennsylvania and New York. The Director of Conservation Science is responsible for working with a wide range partners to develop the hydrological and biological information necessary to identify stresses and deploy conservation strategies to conserve French Creek^Òs diverse assemblage of plants, animals, and aquatic systems. Under the direction of the French Creek Project Director, and with the assistance of Nature Conservancy staff in Pennsylvania and New York, the Director of Conservation Science will serve as the conduit for bringing TNC resources to bear in the French Creek watershed. The Director of Conservation Science splits his/her time equally between New York and Pennsylvania and maintains an office at both the French Creek Project office in Meadville and The Nature Conservancy office in Sherman. The Director of Conservation Science reports to the French Creek Project Director and supervises The Nature Conservancy^Òs French Creek Field Representative in New York. DUTIES Assists French Creek Project in establishing and implementing strategic conservation programs within the French Creek watershed. With academic and public partners, develops models of biohydrology, life cycles, and ecosystem processes in order to clarify stresses and sources and focus conservation action. Identifies priority stream segments and tributaries throughout the watershed. Identifies and develops conservation strategies that prevent or abate threats to French Creek conservation targets and priority stream segments or tributaries. Ensures that the French Creek Project can measure conservation success at abating threats and enhancing populations of key species. Establishes watershed-wide monitoring programs for mussels and darters. Under direction of French Creek Project Director, conducts outreach to farmers and local communities to advance BMPs in New York. Maintains close relationships with local, state, and federal agencies, private landowners, and other partners in New York. Supervises and oversees TNC French Creek Field Representative in New York. Maintains close relationships with Freshwater Initiative and other Nature Conservancy programs and staff. Under the direction of the French Creek Project Director, assists with public education and outreach efforts throughout the watershed. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Advanced degree in the natural resource sciences, biological sciences, hydrology, aquatic ecology or a closely related field. At least three years experience in conservation or natural resources management with direct experience at developing and applying practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes. Demonstrated project management experience, including defining goals and deliverables, assembling and motivating teams, managing team assignments, scheduling, budgeting, and tracking progress and milestones. Excellent understanding of biological and land and water conservation issues and strategies. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously; flexibility to perform a wide variety of tasks and make decisions on incomplete information. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to gain the respect and cooperation of a wide variety of people, sell ideas, and conduct meetings to accomplish tangible results. Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends and travel on short notice. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: The Nature Conservancy >>> DO NOT EMAIL Mark Bain - poster <<<< 339 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14604 The Nature Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 13:32:04 EST From: "Swain, Pat (FWE) (Pat Swain)" <Pat.Swain@STATE.MA.US> Subject: grad student award announcement I've been asked to post the following, and to encourage proposals that deal with the biology of invasive species in New England, as well as the traditional topics given below. As always, the quality of the proposals is the deciding factor in making the awards. NEW ENGLAND BOTANICAL CLUB GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD The New England Botanical Club will offer up to $2,000 in support of botanical research to be conducted by graduate students in 2002. This award is made annually to stimulate and encourage botanical research on the New England flora, and to make possible visits to the New England region by thos who would not otherwise be able to do so. It is anticipated that two awards will be given, although the actual number and amount of awards will depend o the proposals received. The awards will be given to the graduate student(s) submitting the best research proposal dealing with systematic botany, biosystematics, plant ecology, or plant conservation biology. Papers based on the research funded must acknowledge the NEBC's support. Submission of manuscripts to the Club's journal, Rhodora, is strongly encouraged. Applicants must submit FOUR paper copies of each of the following: a proposa of no more than three double-spaced pages, a budget, and a curriculum vitae. Two letters in support of the proposed research, one from the student's thesis advisor, should be sent directly to the Awards Committee by sponsors. All materials should be sent to: Awards Committee, The New England Botanical Club, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138-2020. Proposals and supporting letters must be received no later than Friday, March 1, 2002. The recipient(s) will be notified by April 30, 2002. Pat ----------- Patricia Swain Phone: 508-792-7270 x 160 Plant Community Ecologist FAX: 508-792-7821 Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Rt. 135 Westborough, MA 01581 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 10:37:25 -0700 From: Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park <cdnp@ZIANET.COM> Subject: Job posting PROGRAM COORDINATOR ($10.00 - 12.50/hr; 20hr/wk; no benefits) Dedicated, energetic person needed at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, a= =20 nonprofit organization providing environmental science education programs=20 for over 8,000 K-12 students, 300 teachers and 1,200 other adults each year= =20 in southern New Mexico and west Texas. The Program Coordinator will work=20 with the Executive Director and 70 volunteers to schedule, plan and deliver= =20 the Nature Park=92s education programs (field trips to the 960-acre Nature= =20 Park site, classroom visits, schoolyard ecology program, teacher workshops,= =20 and annual events). The Program Coordinator will also assist with Nature=20 Park fundraising efforts, volunteer and membership program, and site=20 development plans. Must be flexible and willing to work more than 20 hours= =20 some weeks when large projects or events are underway (unofficial comp time= =20 available). Responsibilities: 1) Work with the Executive Director and volunteers to schedule, plan=20 and deliver the Nature Park=92s education programs to K-12 students,=20 teachers, and other adults; 2) Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors with annual=20 fundraising plans, including helping to write and review grant proposals=20 and manage fundraising events; 3) Direct membership services, including maintaining Nature Park=20 library, writing articles for the quarterly newsletter, maintaining a=20 membership database and helping update the web site; 4) Assist with the volunteer program, including recruiting new=20 volunteers, providing volunteer recognition, and managing volunteer work; 5) Provide assistance with the Nature Park=92s site development plans,= =20 especially NEPA compliance; and 6) Present talks about the Nature Park at occasional meetings. Qualifications: =B7 Excellent ability to communicate the scientific method and natural =20 science concepts in an age-appropriate manner to K-12 students, teachers=20 and other adults =B7 Extremely well organized and capable of juggling multiple projects =20 and tasks =B7 B.A. or B.S. in ecology-related field (advanced degree preferred) =B7 Experience with the NEPA compliance process =B7 Ability to work independently as well as in a team =B7 Good writing and public speaking skills =B7 Excellent record of completing assigned tasks in a timely manner =B7 Valid driver=92s license =B7 GIS experience desirable =B7 Fundraising experience desirable =B7 Spanish fluency desirable Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension contingent on funding Start Date: Flexible (January 7 preferred) Application Deadline: December 19 or until position is filled To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and contact information for=20 three references (name, position, phone, email and mailing address) to: Dr. Stephanie Bestelmeyer, Executive Director Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park P.O. Box 891 Las Cruces, NM 88004 505-524-3334 E-mail: cdnp@zianet.com (E-mail submissions welcome; attachments must be=20 in Microsoft Word) Nature Park web site: www.cdnp.org ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 16:00:17 -0500 From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork Title: Senior Biologist Company: Specialty Additions, Inc. (recruiter) Location: Roseville, California For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4931 Title: Sr. Environmental Planner/CEQA Project Manager Company: Specialty Additions, Inc. (recruiter) Location: Roseville, California For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4930 Title: Consumer Services Coordinator Company: Horizon Organic Dairy Location: Boulder, Colorado For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4929 Title: Quality Systems Specialist Company: Horizon Organic Dairy Location: Boulder, Colorado For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4928 Title: Pre-Doctoral Summer Fellowships Company: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) Location: near Vienna, Austria For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4927 Title: Seasonal Environmental Education Intern Company: HawkWatch International Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4926 Title: Research Fellows Company: Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs Location: New York, New York For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4925 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 15:09:10 -0600 From: lgough <lgough@BAMA.UA.EDU> Subject: New Graduate Program in Regional Sustainability Graduate Program in Regional Resilience and Adaptation The Interdisciplinary Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) Progr m at the University of Alaska Fairbanks http://www.regional-resilience.uaf.edu Target date for applications February 1, 2002 The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a graduate training program in Regional Resilience and Adaptation (RR&A) to train scholars, policy-makers, and managers to address issues of regional sustainability in an integrated fashion. This program prepares students to address a major challenge facing humanity: To sustain the desirable features of Earth's ecosystems and society at a time of rapid changes in all of the major forces that shape their structure and functioning. The program provides training at the PhD and Masters level. It integrates the tools and approaches of ecology, economics, anthropology, climate dynamics, philosophy, and community and regional development in a systems framework to understand the functioning of regional systems. Our underlying assumptions are: The major problems facing the world must be addressed at the regional scale, and no solution is tenable unless it is ecologically, economically, and culturally sustainable. The program emphasizes high-latitude ecosystems, where current management issues require an application of the integrated understanding of these disciplines. This approach is, however, equally applicable to all developing and developed nations, and we welcome students who seek to apply this training to any region of the globe. The RR&A program provides training at the PhD and Masters levels. Our goal is to educate a new generation of scholars, policy makers, and managers to integrate the perspectives of natural and social sciences in addressing both the basic understanding of regional systems and the application of this understanding to management issues. The program provides training to graduate students from the University of Alaska and to graduate students at other universities who wish to enroll for one year of intensive course work in Regional Resilience and Adaptation at the University of Alaska. We provide course work and a seminar program that integrates ecology, economics, and anthropology in a systems-modeling framework. We also provide faculty mentorship and internships in areas outside each student's parent discipline. The RR&A program is associated with numerous research programs at the University of Alaska and in state and federal agencies. These research programs provide interdisciplinary research opportunities for RR&A students. The program emphasizes cross-cultural communication through heavy involvement with the Alaskan Native American community and with managers, businesses, and conservation groups. We offer NSF-funded fellowships to PhD candidates entering the program. Additional funding is available to both PhD and Masters students through participating departments. A detailed description of the program and application forms are available at or by contacting F. Stuart Chapin, III (terry.chapin@uaf.edu) at the Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775. February 1 is the target date for reviewing applications to the RR&A program, although applications received after that date will also receive consideration. We strongly encourage applications from ethnic minorities and other under-represented groups. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 16:24:58 -0800 From: Robin Petsick <rpetsick@UCDAVIS.EDU> Subject: POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW POSITION IN POPULATION BIOLOGY POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN POPULATION BIOLOGY--The Center for Population Biology at U. C. Davis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Biology, broadly defined to include ecology, systematics, population genetics, and evolution. The position is for two years, subject to review after one year, and can begin as early as 1 June 2002 with an annual salary of $28,000. Up to $1,500 in removal expenses, and $4,000 per annum in research support, will be available. The Fellow will be a fully participating member in the Center for Population Biology, and will be expected to have an independent research program that bridges the interests of two or more CPB laboratory groups. For more information about UCD programs in population biology, see our web pagehttp://www.cpb.ucdavis.edu. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, three letters of reference, a short (1-2 page) description of research accomplishments, and a short (1-2 page) description of proposed research indicating potential faculty mentors to: CPB Fellow Search Committee, Center for Population Biology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8755. Evaluation of applications will begin on February 15, 2002. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the development of a climate that supports equality of opportunity and respect for differences. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 18:54:54 -0800 From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU> Subject: Eco-Compass: Global Biodiversity of Ecoregions (fwd) ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 22:59:10 +0000 From: Alphonse MacDonald <ipress@igc.org> To: islandpress-l@igc.topica.com Subject: Eco-Compass: Global Biodiversity of Ecoregions Eco-Compass: Global Biodiversity of Ecoregions http://www.islandpress.org/ecocompass/archives/ecosystems/ecoregions.html The Ecoregions of the World project, and subsequent mapping, database, and educational and scientific reports that have resulted from this endeavor, have been a focus of the World Wildlife Fund - US Conservation Science Program for just over eight years. Developing the methods for delineating and classifying the biodiversity of the world into ecoregions has been an ongoing and evolving process that has enlisted the support and participation of thousands of regional experts and organizations from around the world. The project has been an exercise in working across country borders and has set the stage for improved conservation initiatives at the international, regional, and landscape levels. Importantly, it has changed the way we look at conservation issues and how we address them. The results of these assessments are being published by Island Press (www.islandpress.org). The third assessment - Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific - will be available in late December, 2001 at a 20% discount for orders placed before January 31, 2002. The two previous volumes - Terrestrial Ecoregions of North American and Freshwater Ecoregions of North America - are also available at a 10% discount; all three volumes are available as the Ecoregions Set at a special price of $185.00 until January 31, 2002. For more information on this project or to order these volumes visit Eco-Compass at http://www.islandpress.org/ecocompass/archives/ecosystems/ecoregions.html __________________________________________________ To subscribe to Eco-Compass send a message to islandpress-l-subscribe@igc.topica.com To unsubscribe from Eco-Compass send a message to islandpress-l-unsubscribe@igc.topica.com ___________________________ Eco-Compass by Island Press The Environmental Publisher 1 (800) 828-1302 1 (707) 983-6432 Fax: 1 (707) 983-6414 info@islandpress.org www.islandpress.org ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: vasishth@scf.usc.edu EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://igc.topica.com/u/?aVxinR.aVxMkw Or send an email to: islandpress-l-unsubscribe@igc.topica.com T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================ ------------------------------ Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 6 Dec 2001 to 7 Dec 2001 (#2001-26) There are 14 messages totalling 1465 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Secondary Data (3) 2. job posting 3. Plant ecologist position 4. Job Announcement 5. RESULTS: post-clearcut eastern permanent plot studies of plant recovery 6. experimental error tolerance in field work (2) 7. Endowed Chair Position 8. Lomborg's extinction rate argument 9. Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork 10. Student Grant Announcement 11. [Nature Potpourri] Digest Number 147 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 08:49:10 -0500 From: eann@JUNO.COM Subject: Re: Secondary Data Confusing matters are varying interdisciplinary usages. For example, in the physical sciences, "datum" refers specifically to a numerical or geometric quantity or value that **serves as a base or reference for other quantities or values** (emphasis added), the plural of which is "datums". The plural "data" is used for a group of statistical or inclusive references, such as a list of related latitudes and longitudes. Ann ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ E. Ann Poole, Ecologist and Environmental Planner Concord, NH "Helping Communities Meet the Challenges of Growth" ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ On Thu, 6 Dec 2001 15:01:58 -0600 Brian Ritzel <ritzel@PRAIRIENET.ORG> writes: > I find it easier, in terms of correct usage and avoiding blank > stares, > to use the terms "data point" and "data set" in place of "datum" and > "data". No muss, no fuss. :) > > And then there is this humorous usage note from webster.com: > > "Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which > it > was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a > plural > noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (as > these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a > referent > for plural pronouns (as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun > (like > information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (as > this, > much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). > Both > constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common > in > print, evidently because the house style of several publishers > mandates > it." > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news > > [mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Dave McNeely > > Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2001 2:28 PM > > To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU > > Subject: Re: Secondary Data > > > > > > Warren, remember that according to most grammarians, usage > > rules. Therefore, some dictionary soon is almost certain to > > recognize "data" as a collective noun, like sugar, and drop > > the separate singular and plural forms. I know, these are > > Latin forms, and the endings indicate whether singular or > > plural. And by maintaining that usage, we are able to convey > > whether we collected one piece of information, or more than > > one. I am careful to preserve in MY use, these correct > > forms. But languages evolve, and I often get blank stares > > when I attempt to correct my students, who then, once I > > explain to them, seem to understand. But they then continue > > the use of "data" as a collective, as in "this data," despite > > the explanation. I have stopped attempting to correct anyone > > else, for the sake of decorum. Precision of language seems > > to be going the way of too many species. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:18:25 -0600 From: Dave McNeely <dlmcneely@LUNET.EDU> Subject: Re: Secondary Data But of course, many data do not exist as "points," and so cannot be so referenced in the singular. They do exist in sets, where the plural is concerned. I wonder if the writer of the passage below even realizes how unlikely it is that the average speaker will be able to follow its meaning? But then, I guess anyone who was bothering to look, probably would. Thanks. Brian Ritzel wrote: >I find it easier, in terms of correct usage and avoiding blank stares, >to use the terms "data point" and "data set" in place of "datum" and >"data". No muss, no fuss. :) > >And then there is this humorous usage note from webster.com: > >"Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it >was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural >noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (as >these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent >for plural pronouns (as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun (like >information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (as this, >much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Both >constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in >print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mandates >it." > > David L. McNeely, Ph.D. Professor of Biology P.O. Box 1500 Langston University Langston, OK 73050 Telephone (405) 466-6025 Email dlmcneely@lunet.edu Web page http://www.lunet.edu/mcneely "Are we there yet?" Source unknown ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:36:47 -0500 From: Kate Jones <kate.jones@VIRGINIA.EDU> Subject: job posting Opportunities for research in biodiversity and conservation in John Gittleman's lab, University of Virginia. GIS Research Assistant Full time research assistant needed for 18 months beginning January 2002 in the Department of Biology, University of Virginia. The research assistant is needed for an international collaborative project with Conservation International, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), and other prominent conservation and university research groups around the world. The applicant must have extensive experience in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms (including ArcView and ArcInfo). Computer programming skills must include ability to program in ArcView and ArcInfo as well as the technical ability to perform complex spatial analyses. Experience with database platforms is also required, especially Microsoft Access. Applicant must also have the ability to handle multiple tasks, deal with large databases, and provide technical problem- solving. Graduate Student: PhD Candidate in Biodiversity and Macroevolution PhD candidate position available in biodiversity and comparative biology. Specifically to study large-scale questions in mammalian evolution, including biogeographical patterns and processes, biodiversity, macroecology, life history evolution, phylogenetics and conservation. Applicants should have a strong quantitative analytical background; any experience in phylogenetic methods, relational databases and geographic information systems would be an advantage. Stipends will be provided by teaching and research assistantships in the department. Positions to begin at the latest in Fall 2002. Our lab is interested in large-scale questions in biodiversity and macroevolution see http://www.faculty.virginia.edu/gittleman for more details. We are located at the University of Virginia, in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia, close to the Shenandoah National Park. For more information, please contact Dr. Kate Jones Department of Biology, Gilmer Hall University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA 22904 Phone: +00 1 (434) 982-5629 Email: kate.jones@virginia.edu ********************************************************* Dr. Kate Jones Department of Biology Gilmer Hall University of Virginia Charlottesville VA 22904-4328, USA +00 1 (804) 982-5629; Fax: +00 1 (804) 982-5626 ********************************************************* http://faculty.virginia.edu/katejones/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 09:58:58 -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: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 12:44:38 -0600 From: Dave McNeely <dlmcneely@LUNET.EDU> Subject: Re: Secondary Data When I wrote this, I failed to observe precision of language, and so failed to note that some might think I meant that what you wrote was difficult to follow for the average person. Not at all. It was the webster.com passage that I referred to. I apologise if my meaning was misunderstood. Dave McNeely wrote: > But of course, many data do not exist as "points," and so cannot be so > referenced in the singular. They do exist in sets, where the plural > is concerned. I wonder if the writer of the passage below even > realizes how unlikely it is that the average speaker will be able to > follow its meaning? But then, I guess anyone who was bothering to > look, probably would. > > Thanks. > > Brian Ritzel wrote: > >> I find it easier, in terms of correct usage and avoiding blank star s, >> to use the terms "data point" and "data set" in place of "datum" an >> "data". No muss, no fuss. :) >> >> And then there is this humorous usage note from webster.com: >> >> "Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which t >> was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plu al >> noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (as >> these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a refe ent >> for plural pronouns (as they, them); and as an abstract mass noun ( ike >> information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (as thi , >> much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun (it). Bo h >> constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common n >> print, evidently because the house style of several publishers mand tes >> it." >> >> > > David L. McNeely, Ph.D. > Professor of Biology > P.O. Box 1500 > Langston University > Langston, OK 73050 > > Telephone (405) 466-6025 > Email dlmcneely@lunet.edu > Web page http://www.lunet.edu/mcneely > > "Are we there yet?" > Source unknown > > > > -- David L. McNeely, Ph.D. Professor of Biology P.O. Box 1500 Langston University Langston, OK 73050 Telephone (405) 466-6025 Email dlmcneely@lunet.edu Web page http://www.lunet.edu/mcneely "Are we there yet?" Source unknown ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 12:59:37 -0600 From: Jorgensen.Eric@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV Subject: Job Announcement Sorry for the Subject Line that was in error before. Vacancy Announcement ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) Vacancy Announcement Number: EPA-02-SES-ORD-6230 Go to USAJOBS for more information. Opening Date: 12/03/2001 Closing Date: 01/18/2002 Position: DIRECTOR, SUBSURFACE PROTECTION & REMEDIATION DIVISION - USEPA ES-0340-01/03 Salary: $117,749 - $128,570 per year Duty Location: 1 vacancy at Ada, OK WHO MAY APPLY: Open to all qualified persons. MAJOR DUTIES: This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position located in Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, in Ada, Oklahoma. Serves as the Director, Subsurface Processes and Systems Division and is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, directing and implementing a number of national research, development and demonstration programs for which assigned Agency-wide. These programs are in the broad areas of subsurface systems management and ground water cleanup. Incumbent will assess needs, define goals, develop program plans, establish organizational structure of the Division, delegate authority and responsibility, establish over-all Division operating policies, priorities and procedures, develop long- and short-range plans and projects, allocate dollar and manpower resources within broad budgetary limitations, establish optimum intramural vs. extramural (contract and grant effort) balance, direct, coordinate and review all Division conducted or directed activities, reviews and evaluates progress and performance of these activities. Incumbent selects, assigns and provides leadership, direction and guidance to a multi-disciplined staff to achieve assigned program objectives. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: This position is interdisciplinary in nature. It may be filled by an applicant from one of several occupational series and is also announced under those series. Qualifications include both general management skills and characteristics that are applicable to all SES positions AND technical or program responsibilities specific to this position. Applicants must have substantive general experience which provides a good basic or general knowledge of the principles of organization, management and administration; and substantive specialized (operating administrative or managerial) experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to this position. ECQ 1 -- LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity. Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision ECQ 2 -- LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building ECQ 3 -- RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility ECQ 4 -- BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making. Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management ECQ 5 -- BUILDING COALITIONS/COMMUNICATION: This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication Executive Core Qualification Key Characteristics ECQ 1 LEADING CHANGE (a) Exercising leadership and motivating managers to incorporate vision, strategic planning, and elements of quality management into the full range of the organization's activities; encouraging creative thinking and innovation; influencing others toward a spirit of service; designing and implementing new or cutting edge programs/processes. (b) Identifying and integrating key issues affecting the organization, including political, economic, social, technological, and administrative factors. (c ) Understanding the roles and relationships of the components of the national policy making and implementation process, including the President, political appointees, Congress, the judiciary, state and local governments, and interest groups; and formulating effective strategies to balance those interests consistent with the business of the organization. (d) Being open to change and new information; managing ambiguity; adapting behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; adjusting rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution. (e) Displaying a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment to public service; being proactive and achievement-oriented; being self-motivated; pursuing self-development; seeking feedback from others and opportunities to master new knowledge. (f) Dealing effectively with pressure; maintaining focus and intensity and remaining persistent, even under adversity; recovering quickly from setbacks. ECQ 2 LEADING PEOPLE (a) Providing leadership in setting the workforce's expected performance levels commensurate with the organization's strategic objectives; inspiring, motivating, and guiding others toward goal accomplishment; empowering people by sharing power and authority. (b) Promoting quality through effective use of the organization's performance management system (e.g., establishing performance standards, appraising staff accomplishments using the developed standards, and taking action to reward, counsel, or remove employees, as appropriate). (c ) Valuing cultural diversity and other differences; fostering an environment where people who are culturally diverse can work together cooperatively and effectively in achieving organizational goals. (d) Assessing employees' unique developmental needs and providing developmental opportunities which maximize employees' capabilities and contribute to the achievement of organizational goals; developing leadership in others through coaching and mentoring. (e) Fostering commitment, team spirit, pride, trust, and group identity; taking steps to prevent situations that could result in unpleasant confrontations. (f) Resolving conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; this includes promoting labor/management partnerships and dealing effectively with employee relations matters, attending to morale and organizational climate issues, handling administrative, labor management, and EEO issues, and taking disciplinary actions when other means have not been successful. ECQ 3 RESULTS DRIVEN (a) Understanding and appropriately applying procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to specialized expertise; understanding linkages between administrative competencies and mission needs; keeping current on issues, practices, and procedures in technical areas. (b) Stressing results by formulating strategic program plans which assess policy/ program feasibility and include realistic short- and long-term goals and objectives. (c ) Exercising good judgment in structuring and organizing work and setting priorities; balancing the interests of clients and readily readjusting priorities to respond to customer demands. (d) Anticipating and identifying, diagnosing, and consulting on potential or actual problem areas relating to program implementation and goal achievement; selecting from alternative courses of corrective action, and taking action from developed contingency plans. (e) Setting program standards; holding self and others accountable for achieving these standards; acting decisively to modify them to promote customer service and/or the quality of programs and policies. (f) Identifying opportunities to develop and market new products and services within or outside of the organization; taking risks to pursue a recognized benefit or advantage. ECQ 4 BUSINESS ACUMEN (a) Assessing current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals and budget realities. Applying merit principles to develop, select, and manage a diverse workforce. (b) Overseeing the allocation of financial resources; identifying cost-effective approaches; establishing and assuring the use of internal controls for financial systems. (c ) Managing the budgetary process, including preparing and justifying a budget and operating the budget under organizational and Congressional procedures; understanding the marketing expertise necessary to ensure appropriate funding levels. (d) Overseeing procurement and contracting procedures and processes. (e) Integrating and coordinating logistical operations. (f) Ensuring the efficient and cost-effective development and utilization of management information systems and other technological resources that meet the organization's needs; understanding the impact of technological changes on the organization. ECQ 5 BUILDING COALITIONS/COMMUNICATION: (a) Representing and speaking for the organizational unit and its work (e.g., presenting, explaining, selling, defining, and negotiating) to those within and outside the office (e.g., agency heads and other Government executives; corporate executives; Office of Management and Budget officials; Congressional members and staff; the media; clientele and professional groups); making clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals and groups; listening effectively and clarifying information; facilitating an open exchange of ideas. (b) Establishing and maintaining working relationships with internal organizational units (e.g., other program areas and staff support functions); approaching each problem situation with a clear perception of organizational and political reality; using contacts to build and strengthen internal support bases; getting understanding and support from higher level management. (c ) Developing and enhancing alliances with external groups (e.g., other agencies or firms, state and local governments, Congress, and clientele groups); engaging in cross-functional activities; finding common ground with a widening range of stakeholders. (d) Working in groups and teams; conducting briefings and other meetings; gaining cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; facilitating "win-win" situations. (e) Considering and responding appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of different people in different situations; is tactful and treats others with respect. (f) Seeing that reports, memoranda, and other documents reflect the position and work of the organization in a clear, convincing, and organized manner. Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication Applicants that are currently serving under Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointments or are eligible for reinstatement to the SES, should include a copy of their Standard Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) documenting their career appointment to the SES. Graduates of OPM-approved candidate development programs should provide proof of OPM Qualifications Review Board certification. Applicants that are currently serving under Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointments, eligible for reinstatement to the SES and those who have successfully completed an SES candidate development program approved by OPM may omit the five Mandatory Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's), but should address the Mandatory Technical and Desirable Technical Factors. Public Health Service (PHS) Officers are eligible to apply. MANDATORY EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQ's) - Factors 1-5 must be addressed in a supplemental statement to your application. Your supplemental statement should be clear and concise and show level of accomplishment and degree of responsibility. The responses to these statements allow you to highlight significant experience, training, and achievements which will be of great assistance to the panel in their assessment of your qualifications. Your responses will be used in conjunction with the SF-171, OF-612, or resume. Additional sheets may be attached. If additional sheets are attached, be sure to include your name and the announcement number. *Failure to address ECQ's may result in your application being disqualified.* IMPORTANT! In responding to each of the ECQ statements, please structure your responses in terms of specific problem or goal (CHALLENGE); the environment in which you worked to tackle the problem or goal (CONTEXT); the specific actions taken (ACTION); and the outcome from such actions (RESULTS). Please provide at least 2 examples for each area, where practical. An applicant's ECQ's MUST NOT EXCEED 10 PAGES. For additional guidance, applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of Personnel Management's 'Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications' located at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/handbook.html ECQ 1. Leading Change. ECQ 2. Leading People. ECQ 3. Results Driven. ECQ 4. Business Acumen. ECQ 5. Building Coalition/Communications. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS In addition, applicants must possess the following technical qualifications which represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Failure to address these factors will result in your application being disqualified. 6. Experience in demonstrating leadership in scientific management of state-of-the-art programs in areas such as groundwater protection research, cleanup of contaminated soils and groundwater, and ecosystem restoration. 7. Experience which demonstrates the ability to initiate action and follow through to completion the resolution of complex problems and issues. 8. Experience which demonstrates the ability to communicate complex environmental scientific and non-scientific programs to a variety of audiences. 9. Experience in dealing with high-level officials in Congress, Federal, State, or local government, public interest groups, private industry, academia and/or the general public. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Although not required, addressing these desirable qualifications provides more information for the Rating Panel to evaluate. Applicants will be rated and ranked using only the information submitted for consideration. Failure to address the desirable qualifications could result in lowering your score. 10. Experience which demonstrates ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the national science and technical policy community. 11. Experience in working with a variety of diverse environmental organizations or health programs at local and national levels with Federal, State, or local governments. 12. Experience in managing and directing a diverse technical organization consisting of senior scientists in various disciples as well as staff in other occupations. 13. Experience in more than one administrative/environmental program and/or more than one organization or entity (e.g., headquarters and field experience). BASIS OF RATING: Candidates will be rated on the basis of meeting the qualifications criteria stated. Only candidates meeting all of the mandatory qualifications will be deemed eligible for further consideration. In determining the degree to which candidates possess the required or desired knowledge, skills, and abilities, the rating panel will consider related experience, education, training, awards, assessments and appraisals, and professional references. PAY, BENEFITS, AND WORK SCHEDULE: All Federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit. Salary for Senior Executive Service jobs will vary depending on your qualifications and locality pay rates. Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Under Executive Order 11935, only United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island) may compete for civil service jobs. Agencies are permitted to hire noncitizens only in very limited circumstances where there are no qualified citizens available for the position. As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. This position requires completion of a one year probationary period. Government facilities are required to provide a smoke free environment for their employees. Smoking will be permitted only in designated areas. OTHER INFORMATION: Selectee MUST file an Executive Personnel Disclosure Report, SF-278 form, upon entering the position as well as annually. HOW TO APPLY: If application is submitted by mail, it must be postmarked by the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Hand delivered applications must be received by closing date. Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal federal government mail systems are in violation of agency and postal regulations and will not be accepted. Fax/electronic application materials will not be accepted. Application Package: All candidates are required to provide the following information. Candidates who do not submit complete packages will be eliminated from consideration. Applicants must submit FOUR (4) copies (Original & 3 copies) of the following documents: (1) Job Application. You may use an OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment), the SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment) OR a resume or some other format as long as it includes the information listed below. Failure to include this information may result in the loss of job consideration. - Announcement number and job title. - Your full name and mailing address, along with day and evening telephone numbers. - Your Social Security number. - Country of citizenship. - Name and location of colleges/universities you attended. Major field of study. Semester/quarter hours completed and date of graduation. - List any other qualifications or training (e.g., honors, awards, special accomplishments, publications, memberships in professional societies, etc.) you have which you feel makes you a good candidate for this position. (2) A Supplemental Applicant Statement which address each of the five executive core qualifications (ECQ's), the mandatory technical factors and the desirable factors. This statement must provide examples of your experience training, and accomplishments which are relevant to the position. DO NOT simply repeat entries from other parts of your application package. Instead, elaborate on your training, experience, and accomplishments highlighting the problems involved in and the objectives of your work, how you handled the problems and met work objectives, and the result of your efforts (evidence of your success) and recognition received. Applications MUST BE POSTMARKED by the CLOSING DATE. If hand delivered, applications must be received in the Office of Human Resources and Organizational Services (Room 3711 Mall) by the closing date (office closes at 4:30pm). Where to mail applications: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency OARM/OHROS/Executive Resources & Special Programs Division Attn: SES Human Resources Staff Mailcode: 3650 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20460 Contact number: (202) 260-6374 Where to hand carry or send Federal Express/UPS packages: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency OARM/OHROS/Executive Resources & Special Programs Division Attn: SES Human Resources Staff 401 M Street, S.W. Room 3711 Mall Washington, DC 20460 For additional information about this position please contact: SES HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM 2022606374 Submit your application package to: U.S. EPA/OARM/OHROS/SES TEAM 1200 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. MAILCODE: 3650 ATTN: CGG WASHINGTON, DC 20460-0001 It is the policy of the Government of the United States to provide equal opportunity in Federal employment for all persons and to prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, or sexual orientation through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency. This Agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 16:05:24 -0400 From: fmoola <fmoola@IS2.DAL.CA> Subject: RESULTS: post-clearcut eastern permanent plot studies of plant reco ery hello friends, these are the preliminary results of my inquiry on permanent plot studies (PSP) of understory plant recovery in eastern North America. Thank you to a l those folks who sent me their citations. I have organized the citations into geographical regions, and have listed the length of time the most recent publication covered. You will notice two major trends. Firstly, most studies cover short periods of time (< 10 years) and second, all the studies docu ent the successional changes following clearcutting of second-growth forest of harvest or old-field origin. As far as I am aware, no PSP studies of plant recovery exist following the logging of remnant old-growth eastern forest. Please contact me if you are aware of data documenting changes in understory richness and composition before and after clearcutting of old-growth eastern forest. For those of you who are interested in the impacts of harvesting on eastern old-growth flora, several retrospective-type studies exist: (Duffy a d Meier 1992; Meier et al. 1995; Rooney and Dress 1997;Nichols 1913; Oosting and Reed 1944). the citations are below. I have only listed citations of PSP studies which document post-logging understory recovery . cheers faisal 1 Appalachian permanent plot studies: (1 year pre-treatment, up 17 years post-treatment) Response of Vascular Plant Communities to Harvest in Southern Appalachian Mixed-Oak Forests: Two Year Results . Bryan W. Wender, S. M. Hood, D. W. Smith, S. M. Zedaker and David L. Loftis, 10th Biennial S. Silv. Res. Conf., Shreveport, LA Feb 16-18, 1999. GTR-SRS-30 Floral Diversity Following Harvest on Southern Appalachian Mixed Oak Sites Danial K. Hammond, DW Smith, SM Zedaker, DK Wright and JW Thompson, 9th Biennial S. Silv. Res. Conf., Clemson SC, Feb. 25-27, 1997. GTR-SRS-20 Elliot, J.K., Boring, L.R., Swank, W.T. & Haines, B.R. 1997. Successional changes in plant diversity and composition after clearcutting a Southern Appalachian watershed. For. Ecol. Manage. 92: 67-85. Boring, L.R., Monk, C.D. and Swank., W.T. 1981. Early regeneration of a clearcut Southern Appalachian forest. Ecology. 62: 1244-1253. 2. Missouri Ozarks permanent plot studies: (three years pre-treatment, 5 yea s post-treatment) Brookshire, B. L. and S. R. Shifley, eds. Proceedings of the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project symposium:an experimental approach to landscape research; 1997 June 3-5; St. Louis,MO. General Technical Report NC-193. St. Paul, MN: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 3. New Hampshire permanent plot studies: (up to 60 years post-treatment) Hornbeck, J. W., and W. B. Leak. 1992. Ecology and management of northern hardwood forests in New England. General Technical Report NE-159, USDA Fores Service, Radnor, PA. Leak, W. B. 1991. Secondary forest succession in New Hampshire, USA. Forest Ecology and Management 43:69-86. Leak, W. B., and S. M. Filip. 1977. Thirty-eight years of group selection in New England northern hardwoods. Journal of Forestry 75:641-643. Leak, W. B., and M. L. Smith. 1996. Sixty years of management and natural disturbance in a New England forested landscape. Forest Ecology and Manageme t 81:63-73. 5. Acadian forest permanent plot studies (1 year pre-treatment, 2 years post-treatment) Roberts, M. 2001. Early responses of the herbaceous layer to harvesting in a mixed deciduous-coniferous forest in New Brunswick, Canada. For. Ecol. Manag . (in press) 5. Hubbard Brook permanent plot studies (up to 10 years post-treatment) Gove, J.H., Martin, C.W., Patil, G.P., Solomon, D.S. and Hornbeck, J.W. 1992 Plant species diversity on even-aged harvests at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest: 10 year results. Can J.For. Res. 22: 1800-1806. Bormann, F.H., Likens, G.E. 1979. Pattern and process in a forested ecosyste . Springer-Verlag. New York. NY. USA Faisal Moola, Forest Ecologist MSc.,Biology, Lakehead University Ph.D. candidate, Biology, Dalhousie University 2-524 MacLaren Street Ottawa, Ontario K1R-5K7 CANADA 613-236-3513 fmoola@is2.dal.ca ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 12:17:26 -0800 From: "Eric B. Peterson" <peterson@GOVMAIL.STATE.NV.US> Subject: Re: experimental error tolerance in field work This didn't get sent right the first time I tried, but that gives me a chance to make a couple corrections: This doesn't give any answers, it's just an amusing way that I like to explain the differences in perspective between lab sciences (population or community) ecology... Chemists like to speak of quantities in terms of moles... "lets see what happens when we add a mole of this to a mole of that." A mole being Avogadro's number of molecules, or 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 molecules. (Yes they often work with fractions... I'll get to that later.) Let's consider such for ecology. Say we want to study a mole of trees. (note for you animal ecologists: I did consider using a particular rodent for this example but thought the wording would get too confusing.) Hmmm... 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 trees. I don't want to even begin to think of the time or number of graduate students required for the sampling. I'll just start with the area. Coming from forests of the Pacific Northwest, I'll go with Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). There is evidence that many of the existing old-growth forests grew at about 50 trees per hectare, but most younger, human initiated forests now are much denser. I'll go with a figure of 200 trees per hectare. The surface of land on the Earth is 1.48 X 10^8 km^2 ( http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/phys_props_earth.html ), or 1.48 X 10^10 ha (14,800,000,000 ha). If all the land on Earth were covered by Douglas fir at 200 trees per hectare, we could fit 2.96 X 10^12 trees on the planet (2,960,000,000,000 trees). At that rate, it would take just 203,378,378,378 Earths to supply 1 mole of Douglas Fir. Yes. Over two hundred billion Earths. At a dollar an Earth, even Bill Gates would have a hard time funding the research. Of course, we don't exactly have that many Earths to work with. So lets see what we do have. For chemists, it is a very small amount, but I think I've heard of picomoles. Covering the planet in douglas fir gives us 1.2 X 10^-11 mol trees, or 12 picomoles. But Douglas fir covers only a small part of the planet, and studies of it generally involve even smaller portions. A pretty good sized study might cover 100 ha. That comes to 50000 trees (I'm thinking studies of forest structure, or things living in the forest where each individual tree would not be sampled). 100 ha provides 8.3 X 10^-20 moles, or 0.083 of what would be called 'attomoles'. Try telling chemists that their experiments must all be done in hundredths of attomoles and watch their expressions. But it gets worse. Those 100 ha of forest generally have varying slope, aspect, elevation, precipitation, ..., ..., ..., ... To make comparable work for our poor chemists, we should tell them to conduct their hundredths-of-an-attomole experiments within a sponge of varying densities that is separating an acid from a base, resulting in complex pH variations. And this still hasn't addressed the time scale issue of growing those trees and the monkey wrench it can throw into "experiments". Considering that it would take 203 billion Earths to grow one mole of trees at 200 per ha seems to help people to understand that ecologists have a different perspective on experimental precision, and have different tools, methods, and even philosophies of how to deal with it (as many other respondents have been explaining). Have fun, -Eric -- Eric Peterson, Ph.D. Plant/Landscape Ecologist (and Lichenologist) Nevada Natural Heritage Program 1550 E. College Pkwy Suite 145 Carson City, NV 89706-7921 Voice: (775) 687-4245 FAX: 687-1288 http://www.state.nv.us/nvnhp/ alternate email: ecomodeler@yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 15:12:27 -0600 From: "D. Liane Cochran-Stafira" <cochran@SXU.EDU> Subject: Re: experimental error tolerance in field work Ouch - I just gave my last lectures of the semester and now my brain really hurts!!!!!! Thanks for the diversion! Now back to grading labs. Liane Cochran-Stafira At 12:17 PM 12/7/01 -0800, you wrote: >This didn't get sent right the first time I tried, but that gives me a >chance to make a couple corrections: > >This doesn't give any answers, it's just an amusing way that I like to >explain the differences in perspective between lab sciences (population >or community) ecology... > >Chemists like to speak of quantities in terms of moles... "lets see what >happens when we add a mole of this to a mole of that." A mole being >Avogadro's number of molecules, or 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 >molecules. (Yes they often work with fractions... I'll get to that later ) > snip *************************** Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D. Department of Biology Saint Xavier University 3700 West 103rd Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 phone: 773-298-3514 fax: 773-779-9061 email: cochran@sxu.edu http://www.sxu.edu/science/faculty_staff/cochran_stafira/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 15:02:47 -0800 From: "David S. White" <David.White@MURRAYSTATE.EDU> Subject: Endowed Chair Position Please post the following. Endowed Chair of Environmental Science and Engineering/College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Murray State University. Full time, tenure track position to begin July 2002. Applicants must be recognized leaders in basic and/or applied research in aquatic environmental systems. Chair will have an active role in a new undergraduate Environmental Engineering program and the Commonwealth Center for Reservoir Research. Qualifications: Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or closely related discipline and a distinguished record of research and scholarship appropriate to the rank of full-professor. Some environmental engineering credential via degree or experience required. Responsibilities: Develop a nationally visible and externally funded research program that complements existing interdisciplinary research activities in reservoir and watershed science. Teach one upper level specialty course or seminar course per year. Develop an active graduate program. Specific research area open but should be complementary to both environmental engineering and water science. Application Deadline: March 1, 2002. To Apply: Send statement of research interests, current vitae, and names, addresses and phone numbers of four references to Dr. David S. White, Center for Reservoir Research, 561 Emma Dr., Murray, KY 42071 (Phone 270-474-2272). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Murray State University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer. ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------- David S. White Professor, Biological Sciences, Murray State University Director, Hancock Biological Station Coordinator, Center for Reservoir Research Address: Hancock Biological Station 561 Emma Drive Murray, KY 42071, USA Phone 270/474-2272 FAX: 270/474-0120 Email: david.white@murraystate.edu http://www.mursuky.edu/qacd/cos/bio/davidswhite.htm http://www.mursuky.edu/qacd/cos/hbs/hbs.htm http://www.mursuky.edu/qacd/cos/crr/crr-wtr.htm ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 13:13:37 -0800 From: Patrick Foley <patfoley@CSUS.EDU> Subject: Lomborg's extinction rate argument Environmentalists, skeptical and not, I just skimmed through the Biodiversity section in Lomborg's recent book the Skeptical Environmentalist. He appears to admit that extinction rates may be running at something like 0.07% per half century and believes this is a manageable problem rather than a cause for hysteria. Lomborg does not make the easy calculation that such a rate would lead to the loss of 13% of the world's species in one thousand years. (that is exp(-0.007*20) = 0.8693582). He does make the easy joke about most of these extinctions would be insects, bacteria and viruses (an uninformed joke, since the usual calculations are not based on viral or bacterial Species-Area curves). While his book does not seem overly rabid and rhetorical, I was surprised by the superficial treatment of the biodiversity problem, which is the problem that most environmentalists today are most troubled by. It seems to make his book weak at the core, and I wonder why he did not pursue the problem in more depth. Does anyone who has read more deeply (I couldn't bring myself to send him money for this superficial analysis), have any insight into Lomborg's cop out on this serious issue? Perhaps I took Lomborg too much at his word that he is an environmentalist and a skeptic (good things), and should assume instead that he is an opportunist with a superficial understanding of the key issues. Patrick Foley patfoley@csus.edu ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 16:00:06 -0500 From: EnviroNetwork@NATURALIST.COM Subject: Environmental Job Openings from EnviroNetwork Title: Senior Scientist/ Archeologist Company: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. Location: Chesterfield, Missouri For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4916 Title: Senior Environmental Engineer Company: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. Location: Denver, Colorado For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4915 Title: Associate in Science Instruction, Environmental Sc Company: Middlebury College, Program in Environmental Studies Location: Middlebury, Vermont For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4914 Title: Environmental Education Interns Company: YMCA Camp Colman Location: Longbranch, Washington For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4913 Title: Kamchatka Program Coordinator Company: Wild Salmon Center Location: Portland, Oregon For more information click below: http://www.naturalist.com/eco-jobs/index.cfm?temp=job&job=4912 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 15:34:10 -0500 From: John Graham <jgraham@BERRY.EDU> Subject: Student Grant Announcement Research Grant Announcement Coosa Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is offering a research grant of up to $2,000 to provide partial financial support for undergraduate and graduate research in cold-water fisheries biology, fisheries management, stream ecology, tail-water fisheries, and water quality. Grant applications are judged on a competitive basis, considering the qualifications of the applicant, the objectives of the research proposal, and the design of the research project. Grants are awarded only to individuals. Eligible individuals include undergraduate or graduate students in fisheries biology, fisheries management, and biological or environmental science. There are no restrictions with regard to nationality, gender, age, or Trout Unlimited membership. For more information and application forms, contact John H. Graham at jgraham@berry.edu <mailto:jgraham@berry.edu> Deadline for applications is 1 March 2002. This grant is made possible by the Coosa Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited's Annual Chili Cookoff, <http://www.tuchilicookoff.org> John H. Graham Department of Biology 490446 Berry College Mount Berry, GA 30149-0446 jgraham@berry.edu <mailto:jgraham@berry.edu> office: (706)-290-2671 fax: (706)-238-7855 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 8 Dec 2001 10:33:15 +1100 From: "Vr. Richard Bejsak-Colloredo-Mansfeld" <ricardo@ANS.COM.AU> Subject: Re: [Nature Potpourri] Digest Number 147 Dear colleagues, Our website about beetles / coleoptera on www.coleoptera.org has been updated You can look on earth from 100's different satellites in real time in section <other useful things> <Locality search> You can search fir any locality in section <FAQ> You can download special program for naturalists and webmasters in section <software house> there is Free delta program, true font (male female symbols) and FREE very good ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM, free font, graphic, bullets in section <Intereste for internet?> You can search Organism names, Journal Index etc. in section <Other usefu things> <For taxonomists> We have updated Entomologists glossary on front/index page. and front index page you can subscribe free newsletter/ discussion forum for anyone who is interested for beetles / coleoptera. and more.. Regards Keep care and be of good cheer. Regards (name) Vratislav Richard Eugene Maria John Baptist (surname) of Bejsak (Bayshark)-Colloredo-Mansfeld website: http://www.coleoptera.org listserver: coleoptera on www.egroup.com/group/coleoptera/info.html Coleoptera - Australia, Tenebrionidae of World (incl. Lagriinae, Alleculinae) University of Sydney The Wentworth Bldg., Box 62 NSW 2006 AUSTRALIA phone : +61 414 540 465 email: vratislav@bigfoot.com ricardo@ans.com.au (before Ricardo@compuserve.com and ricardo@login.cz ) Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money can not be eaten.' CREE INDIAN PROPHECY. Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). ------------------------------ End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 6 Dec 2001 to 7 Dec 2001 (#2001-26) ************************************************************ ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ
Thanks to discussion with TVR, I have decided to put a link to back files of the discussion group. This months back files.
The link to complete archives is available elsewhere.
This text was originally an e-mail. It was converted using a program
RUPANTAR- a simple e-mail-to-html converter.
(c)Kolatkar Milind. kmilind@ces.iisc.ernet.in