Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 30 Oct 2002 to 31 Oct 2002 (#2002-278)
There are 15 messages totalling 715 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. News: Study Reviews Ocean Management Practices
2. Herbicides Feminization of male frogs in the wild
3. Invasive Plant Talks at the USDA Interagency Research Forum
4. Vacant position: Tropical ecologist or tropical forester
5. Postdoc position available
6. How do we study created vs. natural wetlands? (2)
7. Invasive species/DNA markers and home ranges was Postdoc position
available
8. fence removal (5)
9. Call for Papers: 2003 Bay Area Conservation Biology Symposium
10. rare species environemental review job Massachusetts
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 19:22:30 -0800
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: Study Reviews Ocean Management Practices
OCEANS NEED BROADER MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
WASHINGTON, DC, October 29, 2002 (ENS) - Ocean ecosystems are being
strained by pollution, coastal development and harmful fishing practices,
warns a new study from the Pew Oceans Commission. These human caused
problems are endangering the ecological and economic benefits produced by
some of Earth's most diverse and productive ecosystems.
For full text and graphics visit:
http://ens-news.com/ens/oct2002/2002-10-29-06.asp
[The full report, "Ecological Effects of Fishing in Marine Ecosystems of
the United States," is available at:
http://www.pewoceans.org/reports/POC_EcoEffcts_Rep2.pdf]
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 09:50:48 -0500
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Herbicides Feminization of male frogs in the wild
Atrazine is the most commonly used herbicide in the United States and
probably in the world. Here we investigate the effects of exposure to
water-borne atrazine contamination on wild leopard frogs (Rana pipiens)
in different regions of the United States and find that 10-92% of males
show gonadal abnormalities such as retarded development and
hermaphroditism. These results are supported by laboratory observations,
which together highlight concerns over the biological effects of
environmental atrazine on amphibians
http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/nature/journal/v419/n69
10/abs/419895a_fs.html&filetype=&_UserReference=C0A804EC46519EA7CBB42615
34B93DC13E94
Herbicides: Feminization of male frogs in the wild
TYRONE HAYES, KELLY HASTON, MABLE TSUI, ANHTHU HOANG, CATHRYN HAEFFELE &
AARON VONK
Laboratory for Integrative Studies in Amphibian Biology, Museum of
Vertebrate Zoology, and Department of Integrative Biology, University of
California, Berkeley, California 94720-3140, USA
e-mail: tyrone@socrates.berkeley.edu
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 08:56:56 -0500
From: "Cynthia D. Huebner" <chuebner@FS.FED.US>
Subject: Invasive Plant Talks at the USDA Interagency Research Forum
I apologize for mutliple listings of this announcement.
The 14th Annual USDA Interagency Research Forum on Gypsy Moth and Other
Invasive Species will be held Tuesday January 14 -- Friday January 17, 2003
at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis, MD. Topics that will be covered
include:
Keynote Presentations:
New Strategeis and Opportunities in Pest Detection
The Role of Invasive Species in the Demise of the US Forests
General Sessions:
Invasive Plants
Update on Gypsy Moth Pathogens
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Recent Progress in Gypsy Moth Research
Risk Assessment for Invasive Species
The Invasive Plant Session takes place Wednesday January 15, 1:00 -3:00 pm.
Invited speakers and titles are:
A Multiple-Scale Assessment of Ailanthus altissima's Invasion Potential
Rick Landenberger, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Invasion Potential of Paulownia tomentosa (Scrophulariaceae) into a Managed
Forest Landscape
A. Christina W. Longbrake, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA
The Role of Density-Dependent Mortality in Weed Patch Spread
Dave Mortensen, Pennsylvania State University, Pittsburgh, PA
Predicting Invasion in Forested Systems: Which is more important, degree
of disturbance or environmental variables?
Cynthia D. Huebner, NE Research Station, Morgantown, WV
Please refer to http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/morgantown/4557/forum2003/ for
registration and hotel information as well as more details on additional
presentations.
Cynthia D. Huebner
Research Botanist
Disturbance Ecology and Management of Oak-Dominated Forests
USDA Forest Service
Northeastern Research Station
180 Canfield St.
Morgantown, WV 26505-3180
Telephone: 304-285-1582
Fax: 304-285-1505
E-mail: chuebner@fs.fed.us
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 14:06:20 -1000
From: "Katherine C. Ewel" <kewel@GTE.NET>
Subject: Vacant position: Tropical ecologist or tropical forester
The Pacific Southwest Research Station of the USDA Forest Service has
reopened its search for an internationally recognized scientist to
direct its Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Director will provide the vision, leadership, and coordination for
the Forest Service^Òs programs in Research & Development, State & Private
Forestry, and International Programs in Hawaii and US-affiliated islands
in the Pacific. Current research programs and technical assistance
target invasive species, wetlands, and forest restoration. The director
will conduct research as a member of one of these teams. Salary range is
$82,580 - $107,357 plus 25% cost of living allowance. Applicants must be
US citizens. A vacancy announcement that includes required
qualifications and application procedures is available on the USA Jobs
website (www.usajobs.opm.gov) and from Personnel Management, PSW
Research Station, PO Box 245, Berkeley, CA 94701, Attn: Pat Steverson
(phone: 510-559-6300, fax: 510-559-6352, email: psteverson@fs.fed.us).
Refer to PSW-Demo-599-02. Deadline for receipt of applications is
December 30, 2002. Questions regarding the position should be directed
to Julie S. Denslow (phone: 808-933-8121, x 16; email:
jdenslow@fs.fed.us). USDA is an equal-opportunity employer.
--
Katherine C. Ewel, Senior Scientist
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service
1151 Punchbowl St. Rm. 323
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone: (808) 522-8230 ext. 109
fax : (808) 522-8236
email: kewel@gte.net
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 16:30:28 -0800
From: Patrick Foley <patfoley@CSUS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Postdoc position available
Dear Ecologers,
I can't resist telling you that I wrote a grant proposal to USDA/ARS in
1987 as a recent UCDavis Genetics PhD to do very similar of work with
Yellow Star Thistle DNA.
The proposal got generally good reviews, except that the USDA reviewers
were quite sure that protein electrophoresis not DNA was the wave of the
future.
I realized there was little immediate future in working on the population
genetics of biological control in this country.
Patrick
patfoley@csus.edu
Doug Luster wrote:
> The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ft. Detrick (Frederick) MD,
> is seeking a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, (Plant Population
> Biologist-Weeds). A recent Ph.D. in plant ecology, plant population
> biology, botany, weed science or plant molecular biology is required.
> Salary is commensurate with experience ($46,469-$72,400).
>
> The incumbent will study the genetic diversity and geographic origins
> of the invasive weed, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.).
> The objectives of the research are to 1) Use DNA fragment pattern
> analysis and sequencing of Mediterranean, Eurasian and U.S. YST
> populations to identify the origins and estimate the genetic
> complexity of U.S. YST populations; and 2) Identify YST molecular
> markers associated with susceptibility and resistance of U.S. YST to
> biocontrol pathogens.
>
> Experience with nucleotide fragment analysis (microsatellite, RAPD,
> AFLP or RFLP), Polymerase Chain Reaction, and DNA sequencing is
> required, and knowledge of techniques for phylogenetic analysis of
> molecular data and comparative alignment of nucleotide sequence is
> desirable.
>
> Portions of the Research will be performed in a biocontainment
> facility. Appointment is contingent upon the applicant's successful
> completion of a pre-employment suitability determination.
>
> Send application materials (curriculum vitae, statement of
> qualifications, name and email addresses of three references ) to:
>
> Dr. Douglas Luster
> USDA/ARS/NAA
> Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit
> 1302 Ditto Avenue
> Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5023
> Phone: 301-619-7344
> Fax: 301-619-2880
> Email: dluster@fdwsr.ars.usda.gov
> USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
>
> --
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 07:57:42 -0500
From: Stefani Melvin <smelvin@SFWMD.GOV>
Subject: Re: How do we study created vs. natural wetlands?
Stacey,
Dr. James Webb at Texas A&M University, Galveston organized a largescale
study of that exact question back in the early 1990s. I participated in
the study for my Master's thesis. I compared bird use of created
Spartina alterniflora salt marshes (anywhere from 3-20 years old) with
similar natural marshes. Other parts of the study included vegetation
analysis (above and below ground), GIS analysis of fetch, area to
perimeter ratio, and other physical characterisits, fish use, and
sedimentation. A portion of my results were published in Wetlands
(1998). The fisheries data were published just prior to that in a
fisheries journal (I don't remember which one). You should be able to
get copies of three theses from Texas A&M from this project: mine
(Stefani Melvin--birds), Andrea Albertson--vegetation, and Timothy
Delaney--GIS. I would be happy to discuss this with you off-list if you
would like. You can contact me by email at smelvin@sfwmd.gov.
Stefani
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 09:31:37 -0800
From: John Gerlach <jdgerlach@UCDAVIS.EDU>
Subject: Invasive species/DNA markers and home ranges was Postdoc position
available
How can DNA work can identify the "home range" of a species such as yellow
starthistle which is an obligate outcrosser, has been introduced widely
across Eurasia as a contaminant of crop seed for over 2000 years, and was
introduced into the same areas in the US and other areas of the world
multiple times over a period of 80 years from multiple Eurasian
populations. From historical records I can tell you with 100% certainty
that the "home ranges" of the "invasive genotypes" of this species are the
alfalfa and clover seed producing regions of France, Spain, and Italy.
According to USDA research reports there are no useful specialist
biocontrol insects in those regions. The current insect biocontrol
collecting expeditions to Turkey and southern Russia are collecting insect
genotypes that have never experienced the yellow starthistle genotype that
is considered an invasive species.
John Gerlach
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Ecology Graduate Group
Dept. of Agronomy and Range Science
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1701
FAX (530) 752-4361
jdgerlach@ucdavis.edu
> Dear Ecologers,
>
> I can't resist telling you that I wrote a grant proposal to USDA/ARS in
> 1987 as a recent UCDavis Genetics PhD to do very similar of work with
> Yellow Star Thistle DNA.
>
> The proposal got generally good reviews, except that the USDA reviewers
> were quite sure that protein electrophoresis not DNA was the wave of th
> future.
>
> I realized there was little immediate future in working on the populati
n
> genetics of biological control in this country.
>
> Patrick
> patfoley@csus.edu
>
> Doug Luster wrote:
>
> > The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Ft. Detrick (Frederick) M
,
> > is seeking a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, (Plant Population
> > Biologist-Weeds). A recent Ph.D. in plant ecology, plant populati
n
> > biology, botany, weed science or plant molecular biology is requir
d.
> > Salary is commensurate with experience ($46,469-$72,400).
> >
> > The incumbent will study the genetic diversity and geographic orig
ns
> > of the invasive weed, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L
).
> > The objectives of the research are to 1) Use DNA fragment pattern
> > analysis and sequencing of Mediterranean, Eurasian and U.S. YST
> > populations to identify the origins and estimate the genetic
> > complexity of U.S. YST populations; and 2) Identify YST molecular
> > markers associated with susceptibility and resistance of U.S. YST
o
> > biocontrol pathogens.
> >
> > Experience with nucleotide fragment analysis (microsatellite, RAPD
> > AFLP or RFLP), Polymerase Chain Reaction, and DNA sequencing is
> > required, and knowledge of techniques for phylogenetic analysis of
> > molecular data and comparative alignment of nucleotide sequence is
> > desirable.
> >
> > Portions of the Research will be performed in a biocontainment
> > facility. Appointment is contingent upon the applicant's successf
l
> > completion of a pre-employment suitability determination.
> >
> > Send application materials (curriculum vitae, statement of
> > qualifications, name and email addresses of three references ) to:
> >
> > Dr. Douglas Luster
> > USDA/ARS/NAA
> > Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit
> > 1302 Ditto Avenue
> > Fort Detrick, Maryland 21702-5023
> > Phone: 301-619-7344
> > Fax: 301-619-2880
> > Email: dluster@fdwsr.ars.usda.gov
> > USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
> >
> > --
>
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 11:07:13 -0700
From: William Hayes <dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG>
Subject: fence removal
I'm looking for evidence that removal of typical barbed wire fencing =
(for cattle) with replacement with 1 strand electric fencing is =
beneficial to wildlife (especially predators and threatened or =
endangered species). I would appreciate any info on this. Sufficient =
evidence for positive benefits could result in fence replacement on as =
much as 150,000 acres in New Mexico.
Thanks for any help. (I am also doing my homework the old fashioned way =
with literature search but thought their may be some things I miss or =
gray literature, etc. which I would not run across).
Best wishes,
William Hayes
Heritage Ranch Institute
Lake Valley NM
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 11:01:52 -0800
From: "Baker, Jack" <jack.baker@SJECCD.CC.CA.US>
Subject: Re: fence removal
I don't mean to pick on Mr. Hayes, as this may not have been his intent, but
looking for positive evidence is advocacy not science. I always warn my
students to be sensitive to the difference. Tobacco companies and trial
lawyers (favorite heavies these days) have a long history of "looking for
evidence" and producing junk science. It worries me that I see so much of
the same under the guise of environmental science. I also worry that
replacing fences on 150,000 acres won't be cheap and might not do much for
wildlife, although it would be a real windfall for 1-strand electric fencing
companies.
--jbII
-----Original Message-----
From: William Hayes [mailto:dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 10:07 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: fence removal
I'm looking for evidence that removal of typical barbed wire fencing =
(for cattle) with replacement with 1 strand electric fencing is =
beneficial to wildlife (especially predators and threatened or =
endangered species). I would appreciate any info on this. Sufficient =
evidence for positive benefits could result in fence replacement on as =
much as 150,000 acres in New Mexico.
Thanks for any help. (I am also doing my homework the old fashioned way =
with literature search but thought their may be some things I miss or =
gray literature, etc. which I would not run across).
Best wishes,
William Hayes
Heritage Ranch Institute
Lake Valley NM
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 12:25:25 -0700
From: Ryan Miller <rsmiller@LAMAR.COLOSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Re: fence removal
Wyoming Geoscience Center has/had a study looking for effects. Not sure of
results
>From a practical standpoint why not just remove the bottom strand? Much
more cost effective.
==============================================
Ryan Miller, M.Sc.
Laboratory Coordinator / GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist
Wilkes Technologies, Inc.
350 West Lake Street
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Voice: 970.491.2158
Fax: 970.491.2940
Email: rsmiller@lamar.colostate.edu
----- Original Message -----
From: "Baker, Jack" <jack.baker@SJECCD.CC.CA.US>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 12:01 PM
Subject: Re: fence removal
> I don't mean to pick on Mr. Hayes, as this may not have been his intent
but
> looking for positive evidence is advocacy not science. I always warn m
> students to be sensitive to the difference. Tobacco companies and tri
l
> lawyers (favorite heavies these days) have a long history of "looking f
r
> evidence" and producing junk science. It worries me that I see so muc
of
> the same under the guise of environmental science. I also worry that
> replacing fences on 150,000 acres won't be cheap and might not do much
or
> wildlife, although it would be a real windfall for 1-strand electric
fencing
> companies.
>
>
> --jbII
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: William Hayes [mailto:dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG]
> Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 10:07 AM
> To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
> Subject: fence removal
>
>
> I'm looking for evidence that removal of typical barbed wire fencing =
> (for cattle) with replacement with 1 strand electric fencing is =
> beneficial to wildlife (especially predators and threatened or =
> endangered species). I would appreciate any info on this. Sufficient =
> evidence for positive benefits could result in fence replacement on as
> much as 150,000 acres in New Mexico.
>
> Thanks for any help. (I am also doing my homework the old fashioned way
=
> with literature search but thought their may be some things I miss or =
> gray literature, etc. which I would not run across).
>
> Best wishes,
> William Hayes
> Heritage Ranch Institute
> Lake Valley NM
>
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 15:36:57 EST
From: Aneyww@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: fence removal
In a message dated 31-10-2002 10:54:28 Pacific Standard Time,
dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG writes:
<< I'm looking for evidence that removal of typical barbed wire fencin
=
(for cattle) with replacement with 1 strand electric fencing is =
beneficial to wildlife (especially predators and threatened or =
endangered species). >>
Although I don't necessarily agree that Jack Baker's concern about advocacy
is the big issue here (applied ecology sometimes means seizing the
opportunity rather than a dispassionate and objective study of the
situation), I do agree that there might be better things to do with the mone
this would cost. Unless there is site specific evidence that these barbed
wire fences are causing significant mortalities of at risk species, it might
be better to concentrate on other aspects of habitat improvement such as
range and cover improvement, water developments, and invasive species contro
.
Warren Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
Tigard, OR
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 01:40:21 -0700
From: "William A. Hayes" <dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG>
Subject: Re: fence removal
I don't take it as being picked on, Jack. It is a very legitimate statement.
We, however, are not examining the fence removal as an experimental
action... instead, if there is sufficient evidence already out there in
support of it, it will be done as a practical remediation action. We are
also not trying to force fence removal on anyone. It is a choice being
considered by a major rancher in our area.
I am also open to counter information that typical barbed wire fencing is
beneficial to predators and threatened or endangered species. I do not rule
that out (just suspect the balance of info to be the other direction :-) ).
Best wishes,
Bill
William A. Hayes II, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Heritage Ranch Institute
and
Professor of Biology
Delta State University
HC 66 Box 75
Deming NM 88030
505-895-3332
dochayes@hrinstitute.org
http://milagro-nm.com/dochayes
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU]On Behalf Of Baker, Jack
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 12:02 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: fence removal
I don't mean to pick on Mr. Hayes, as this may not have been his intent, but
looking for positive evidence is advocacy not science. I always warn my
students to be sensitive to the difference. Tobacco companies and trial
lawyers (favorite heavies these days) have a long history of "looking for
evidence" and producing junk science. It worries me that I see so much of
the same under the guise of environmental science. I also worry that
replacing fences on 150,000 acres won't be cheap and might not do much for
wildlife, although it would be a real windfall for 1-strand electric fencing
companies.
--jbII
-----Original Message-----
From: William Hayes [mailto:dochayes@HRINSTITUTE.ORG]
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 10:07 AM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: fence removal
I'm looking for evidence that removal of typical barbed wire fencing =
(for cattle) with replacement with 1 strand electric fencing is =
beneficial to wildlife (especially predators and threatened or =
endangered species). I would appreciate any info on this. Sufficient =
evidence for positive benefits could result in fence replacement on as =
much as 150,000 acres in New Mexico.
Thanks for any help. (I am also doing my homework the old fashioned way =
with literature search but thought their may be some things I miss or =
gray literature, etc. which I would not run across).
Best wishes,
William Hayes
Heritage Ranch Institute
Lake Valley NM
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 09:55:53 -0700
From: Mark Dixon <Mark.Dixon@ASU.EDU>
Subject: Re: How do we study created vs. natural wetlands?
I think that Sue Galatowitsch (University of Minnesota) has also carried on
ome
comparative work on restored vs. natural wetlands. James Dinsmore (recently
retired from the Animal Ecology department at Iowa State University) also ha
a
series of studies in the 1980s or 1990s comparing birds, vegetation, etc. in
natural and restored prairie pothole marshes.
Mark Dixon
Quoting Stefani Melvin <smelvin@SFWMD.GOV>:
> Stacey,
> Dr. James Webb at Texas A&M University, Galveston organized a
> largescale
> study of that exact question back in the early 1990s. I participated
> in
> the study for my Master's thesis. I compared bird use of created
> Spartina alterniflora salt marshes (anywhere from 3-20 years old) with
> similar natural marshes. Other parts of the study included vegetation
> analysis (above and below ground), GIS analysis of fetch, area to
> perimeter ratio, and other physical characterisits, fish use, and
> sedimentation. A portion of my results were published in Wetlands
> (1998). The fisheries data were published just prior to that in a
> fisheries journal (I don't remember which one). You should be able to
> get copies of three theses from Texas A&M from this project: mine
> (Stefani Melvin--birds), Andrea Albertson--vegetation, and Timothy
> Delaney--GIS. I would be happy to discuss this with you off-list if
> you
> would like. You can contact me by email at smelvin@sfwmd.gov.
>
> Stefani
>
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 13:27:24 -0700
From: Sarah Reed <sreed@NATURE.BERKELEY.EDU>
Subject: Call for Papers: 2003 Bay Area Conservation Biology Symposium
The Berkeley Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology announces
The 5th Annual
Bay Area Conservation Biology Symposium
Saturday, February 1, 2003
8:00am-7:30pm
Valley Life Sciences Building
University of California, Berkeley
This one-day symposium invites students, faculty, and local organizations to
present and discuss recent findings in the growing field of conservation
biology. A major goal of the symposium is to provide a forum for Bay Area
graduate students to receive feedback on ongoing research projects, and
submissions from graduate students are strongly encouraged. This annual
meeting has become a valuable opportunity to increase communication and
collaboration among Bay Area scientists, practitioners, and policy makers.
Featured keynote speakers:
Peter Kareiva, The Nature Conservancy
Tyrone Hayes, U. C. Berkeley
Abstract submission date for presentations and posters:
December 1st, 2002
For information on on-line submission and registration,
please visit www.cnr.berkeley.edu/consbio/symposium
or email sreed@nature.berkeley.edu or abidlack@nature.berkeley.edu
Please post and distribute; pdf flyer is available on-line.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 16:54:38 EST
From: "Swain, Pat (FWE) (Pat Swain)" <Pat.Swain@STATE.MA.US>
Subject: rare species environemental review job Massachusetts
Please post and pass to appropriate individuals!
Massachusetts has just posted a job announcement for the position in the
Mass. Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program that reviews all project
in the state that come under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. This
is a regulatory position that requires biological knowledge - and provides
chance to make a real difference.
The application deadline is Nov. 13, 2002. The job description is found at:
http://ceo.hrd.state.ma.us/ceo.nsf/42719dc0df11664f85256a2b005f440e/7ba135fe
b7
ba23d85256bf2004df765?OpenDocument
Pat
-----------
Patricia Swain 508-792-7270 x 160
Community Ecologist FAX: 508-792-7821
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westboro, MA 01581
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 28 Oct 2002 to 29 Oct 2002 (#2002-276)
There are 12 messages totalling 558 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. News: So Cal Park Uses Pervious Concrete Paving
2. Position, botanist, Fairchild Tropical Garden
3. Conference on pollen and sperm competition
4. How do we study created vs. natural wetlands? (2)
5. hemispherical photo summary
6. new book
7. Position available: Wetland ecologist
8. Posdoctoral Position Available
9. Error bars for Excel on a Mac? (2)
10. Job: Tenure Track Ecologist
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 08:02:24 -0600
From: Wayne Simoneau <simoneau@EV1.NET>
Subject: Re: News: So Cal Park Uses Pervious Concrete Paving
We (SWT chapter of National Assoc. of Environmental Professionals) are
planning the use of just such a material for a short walkway in an
interp xeriscape we have done at the Geography Dept. at Southwest Texas
State Univ. It's called Ecocreto (http://www.ecocreto.com/default2.htm).
The Facilities Dept. has already used it in a run-off control
application in the form of a retention wall. The rapid run-off is
trapped behind a low wall and allowed to percolate through at a rate
that eliminates erosion.
The only concern I have is the manufacture of the material. Its cured
state seems to be fine - what I have not been able to find out is what
chemical components go into the manufacturing. It's not cheap and
requires installation by trained personnel, but has great potential in
replacing conventional concrete. I have some ethical questions about its
use if the manufacturing process turns out to be detrimental.
Wayne Simoneau
ws1007@swt.edu
-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Ashwani Vasishth
Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2002 6:59 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: News: So Cal Park Uses Pervious Concrete Paving
I am trying to get more information on the pervious concrete mentioned
in the story, below. If you're curious too, let me know and I'll relay
any information I do get.
In this context, there is a quite useful article on the use of
impervious surface coverage as an environmental indicator. Arnold, C.L.
& C.J. Gibbons. 1996. "Impervious Surface Coverage: The Emergence of a
Key Environmental Indicator," APA Journal, (Spring 1996):243-258.
Also, American Rivers/NRDC/Smart Growth America released a report,
recently, "Paving Our Way to Water Shortages: How Sprawl Aggravates
Drought," which can be accessed at:
http://www.amrivers.org/landuse/sprawldroughtreport.htm
Ashwani
Vasishth vasishth@usc.edu
http://www-rcf.usc.edu/~vasishth
--------------------------------------------------------
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
http://www.usc.edu/dept/sppd/
Southern California Association of Governments
http://scag.ca.gov
--------------------------------------------------------
* * *
http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-me-park25oct25,0,5248559.story?co
ll=la%2Dnews%2Dscience
Los Angeles Times:
October 25, 2002
LOS ANGELES
Park Pavement Breaks New Ground
By Wendy Thermos, Times Staff Writer
A group of people will gather in a park today to chip away at the notion
that concrete is the bane of nature.
The occasion could mark a watershed event -- literally -- in
environmental thinking.
Regional and state officials will break ground for a state-of-the-art
gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the
nation's largest urban park.
The big draw will be a poured sample of "environmentally friendly"
concrete that will be used to pave parking and walkway areas of the
parkland on Mulholland Drive, just off of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
It will be the first large-scale use of the material by a state agency
in California, officials say.
"This is unbelievable stuff," said Stephanie Landregan, chief landscape
architect for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which owns the new
park. "It's just the coolest thing to watch water go right through it."
Environmentally friendly concrete may sound like an oxymoron, but
environmentalists are going gaga over it, Landregan said.
It consists of dun-colored porous pavement that looks like a combination
of soil and gravel. The difference is that it stays put--it doesn't
"give" like dirt or crunch like gravel. And it looks natural, Landregan
said. "If you didn't look too hard, you wouldn't realize that it's
artificial."
Traditional concrete sheds water that in turn digs gullies or collects
in puddles. Porous concrete allows water to percolate into the ground.
It recharges ground water, prevents erosion, filters out harmful
substances and, if it is used in urban settings, decreases the amount of
water that flows uselessly to the ocean in storm sewers, Landregan said.
"This represents the merger of green infrastructure with traditional
construction," she said.
The new 61-acre portal to the vast national recreation area straddling
the Santa Monica Mountains has been chosen as a showcase for the new
material. "This is the first state-sponsored project in California to do
this," Landregan said. Porous concrete will be used to pave the
mile-long entry road, a 70-car parking lot and walkways.
The new parkland is also important, officials said, because it will
provide San Fernando Valley residents with easier access to the
recreation area, which is a patchwork of parks stretching from Point
Mugu in Ventura County to Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Visitors from north of Mulholland currently have to make a long drive
through winding Topanga Canyon to get to the most popular parts of the
recreation area.
By next summer, the added parkland will allow nature lovers to zip south
from the Ventura Freeway on a short stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard
and be in the wilderness in record time.
"If you're not a big hiker or mountain biker, you might not want to go
the long route," conservancy spokeswoman Dash Stolarz said. "This is a
very easy-to-get-to place." The newly acquired land is surrounded on all
sides by trails leading to the heart of the recreation area.
When visitors arrive at Mulholland Gateway Park, they'll be greeted by
state-of-the-art facilities, including solar-powered lighting,
self-composting restrooms and a half-mile interpretive nature trail
accessible by wheelchair.
The land was purchased with $6 million in state funds from a
voter-approved bond measure after years of efforts by activists to
prevent residential development, Stolarz said.
Among the dignitaries expected to attend today's ceremony are state
Resources Secretary Mary Nichols, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks),
Assemblywoman Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and Los Angeles City
Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski.
* * *
Copyright 2002 Los Angeles Times
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this
material is distributed, without profit, for research and educational
purposes only. ***
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 10:58:13 -0500
From: "Menges, Eric" <EMenges@ARCHBOLD-STATION.ORG>
Subject: Position, botanist, Fairchild Tropical Garden
POSITION VACANCY
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL GARDEN
Field Botanist
Position Description: Working with the FTG conservation team, the Field
Botanist will assist with the mapping and monitoring of endangered plant
species in the south Florida region using GPS and GIS technologies; gather
and synthesize existing literature on endangered species and enter into
Procite database; update and write conservation action plans; update,
expand, and help maintain the South Florida Rare Plant Database; assist with
ongoing endangered species horticultural and ecological research projects;
design, implement, and analyze new biological studies on south Florida rare
plants; represent Fairchild Tropical Garden Conservation Program to lay,
government, and scientific groups through oral presentations, lay and
scientific publications; track budget expenditures, write annual reports,
and coordinate Rare Plant Task Force Meeting and stakeholders workshop(s).
The Project Field Botanist reports to the Conservation Ecologist/ Team
leader.
Qualifications: BS or MS degree in conservation biology, ecology, botany,
or a combination of plant sciences and ecology. Plant identification,
excellent written and oral communication, computer literacy, experience in
biological surveys and monitoring, mapping with GPS unit, data collection,
entry and analysis are required. Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of
endangered plant species issues and will preferably be familiar with south
Florida native plants and ecosystems and relevant federal, state and local
rules, regulations and permitting policies. Knowledge of MS Access, ArcView
GIS, and statistical software is preferred. Ability to perform demanding
outdoor physical labor, lift and carry 30 lbs, and hike in uneven terrain
for 2 miles is required. Ability to work independently and as part of a
team. Must have a valid Florida operator's license, own vehicle and be
willing to make field visits; mileage will be reimbursed. Must be willing
to complete other duties as assigned.
Salary & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. One-year, renewable
pending fund availability. Health benefits provided.
Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
To Apply: Send letter of interest, resume, transcripts, salary history and
three letters of recommendation to: Dr. Joyce Maschinski, Fairchild Tropical
Garden, Research Center,
11935 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables (Miami), FL 33156-4299 or preferably,
jmaschinski@fairchildgarden.org <mailto:jmaschinski@fairchildgarden.org>
.
See our website for further details about our program:
www.fairchildgarden.org <http://www.fairchildgarden.org>;
www.ftg.org/research/n_reintroduction.html;
www.ftg.org/research/n_southflorida.html
<http://www.ftg.org/research/n_southflorida.html>).
Closing date for applications: November 18, 2002 or until position is
filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug Free Workplace
Dr. Eric S. Menges
Archbold Biological Station
PO Box 2057 packages: 123 Main Dr.
Lake Placid, FL 33862 Venus, FL 33960
phone: 863-465-2571 ext. 235 or 234
fax: 863-699-1927
email: emenges@archbold-station.org
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 09:38:02 +0100
From: Giorgina Bernasconi <bernasco@UWINST.UNIZH.CH>
Subject: Conference on pollen and sperm competition
Symposium
Evolutionary ecology of the pre-zygotic stage in animals and plants
February 16-21, 2003, Monte Verita, Ascona, Switzerland.
FOCUS
Efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying competition and
selection on the gametic/gametophytic level have increased nearly
independently for animals and plants. The workshop aims to bring
together zoologists and botanists interested in different aspects of
reproductive biology, e.g. pollen competition and sperm competition.
It provides a forum in which evolutionary biologists, behavioural
ecologists, reproductive physiologists and theoreticians can exchange
ideas, highlight common ground and explore new directions.
Confirmed speakers (provisional list): Tim Birkhead, John Bishop,
Diane Marshall, Rhonda Snook, Douglas Taylor, Irene Till-Bottraud,
Paul Ward, Jeanne Zeh
Detailed information and registration (please view with Explorer):
http://www.unizh.ch/uwinst/MonteVerita/ascona.html
Organisers: Bernhard Schmid, Giorgina Bernasconi (University of
Zurich, Switzerland), Barbara Hellriegel (Technical University
Munich, Germany) and Io Skogsmyr (University of Lund, Sweden)
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 07:04:44 -0800
From: Stacey Hoeltje <shoeltje@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: How do we study created vs. natural wetlands?
I am a first-year graduate student in the process of designing
my thesis project. My broad idea at this point is to compare
functions occurring in natural wetlands to those in created
wetlands. I also intend on looking at different ages of created
wetlands to see at what point (if any) created sites begin to function
like natural sites.
In searching the literature, I have not been able to find any
information on the best way to approach this type of problem.
Because created wetlands generally do not resemble natural wetlands
in any sense, and they are usually not the same type of wetland
as it replaces, how do I go about comparing them? If I focus on
landscape setting (ie., natural floodplain vs. created
floodplain), I run the risk of comparing very different types of
wetlands, even though they are located in the same geomorphic setting
(e.g., open water systems vs vegetated systems). Or I could
examine functions based on the type of wetland replaced, such as
comparing a natural slope wetland to a depressional wetland that was
created to replace a slope. In this case, I run the risk of
comparing "apples to oranges", as these two types are obviously
different.
I am hoping someone with some experience with this dilemma could
provide some guidance or could recommend literature that may be
helpful.
Thank you.
Stacey Hoeltje
---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
HotJobs - Search new jobs daily now
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 12:21:11 -0500
From: "David J. Hicks" <DJHicks@MANCHESTER.EDU>
Subject: hemispherical photo summary
My thanks to those who answered my query about use of a fisheye lens with
Nikon Coolpix for canopy analysis:
Jerry Howard, David Jenkins, Benjamin Gilbert, Jeff Klemens, Eliza Maher,
Peter Weisberg, C.E. Tripler, Spencer Hall, and Mike Kearsley.
Several people requested a summary of the replies, so here's my digest of
it:
1. All those who replied had successfully used this system, although
several camera models are in use. Most input images into Gap Light
Analyzer (GLA).
2. Camera stability is an important issue, and a tripod or
self-levelling system is necessary. (I have been taking canopy photos with
a 35 mm SLR, and use a Bogen video tripod or step ladder to get the camera
to the right height. Then I use a hand level and compass to orient it
correctly. Using the camera's time-release feature helps to avoid shake
problems, and allows
the photographer to get out of the image.)
3. There are several variants of both the camera and the lens, and it is
essential to purchase an adaptor for some camera-lens combinations.
4. There may be issues with (some? all?) Nikon lenses, since GLA expects
a 180 degree image with a certain distortion pattern. The Nikons take a
183 degree image, but this can be fixed by masking or by manipulating the
registration of the image when it is entered into GLA. (However, no one
seems to have a fix for the distortion issue, nor is it clear if it
significantly affects the results.)
5. One person recommended the Coolpix 995, a model which makes setting
up the photo simpler when using a tripod.
6. Cameras settings matter, since it is possible to mask off part of the
image.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 12:30:02 -0500
From: Parmeliamm@AOL.COM
Subject: Re: How do we study created vs. natural wetlands?
Stacey:
Look into the HGM approach... Hydrogeomorphic... which was started/"invented
by USGS, I think, for the purpose of comparing existing and created wetland
. There are folks in the Army Corps of Engineers who are working on databas
s and reference wetlands throughout the country in an attempt to make HGM TH
assesment methodology for Section 404 (Clean Water Act) permitting. There
hold be tons of info out there on it.
I also personally know people who have done studies similar to your proposal
but have used birds as their indicator of function. Be sure to look through
journals like Wetlands, and Restoration Ecology. College of William & Mary p
ofessor, Dr. Dan Cristol, has done work on this too.
We need studies like you are proposing! Good luck!
-Melissa McCanna
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 14:50:57 -0300
From: Rob Jackson <jackson@DUKE.EDU>
Subject: new book
Dear Ecologists,
I have a new tradebook about the environment that's just been
released this week (Rob Jackson, The Earth Remains Forever,
University of Texas Press). Some information about it can be found
at the links below. If any of you read the book and have comments or
suggestions, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
rob
Information: http://www.biology.duke.edu/jackson/book0.html
Press Release:
http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/news/newsrelease.asp?p=all&id=735&catid=2
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0292740557/104-4383298-5397510
--
Robert B. Jackson
Department of Biology and Nicholas School of the Environment
Box 90340
Phytotron Building
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708-0340
(919) 660-7408 (Ph)
(919) 660-7425 (FAX)
jackson@duke.edu
http://www.biology.duke.edu/jackson
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 11:55:37 -1000
From: "Katherine C. Ewel" <kewel@GTE.NET>
Subject: Position available: Wetland ecologist
The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, part of the Pacific Southwest
Research Station in the USDA Forest Service, seeks an ecologist with
experience in coastal
forested wetland landscapes and biogeochemistry. The position will be
based in Honolulu, Hawaii, but most research will be conducted on
mangrove forests and
freshwater swamps in Micronesia. This position is GS-12; some
postdoctoral experience is expected. Salary range is $49,959 to $64,944
+ 25% cost-of-living allowance. Applicants must be US citizens. A
vacancy announcement that includes qualification requirements and
application procedures is available on the USA Jobs website
(www.usajobs.opm.gov) and from Personnel Management, PSW Research
Station, PO Box 245, Berkeley, CA 94701 (phone: 510-559-6350, fax
510-559-6352, email psw job applications@fs.fed.us. Refer to Position
773-02. Questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr.
Katherine Ewel (see contact information below). Deadline for
applications is December 6, 2002. USDA is an equal-opportunity employer.
--
Katherine C. Ewel, Senior Scientist
Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry
USDA Forest Service
1151 Punchbowl St. Rm. 323
Honolulu, HI 96813
phone: (808) 522-8230 ext. 109
fax : (808) 522-8236
email: kewel@gte.net
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 16:03:43 -0600
From: Randy Linder <rlinder@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU>
Subject: Posdoctoral Position Available
PLEASE POST
Postdoctoral Research Position at the University of Texas, Austin
A postdoctoral research position is available immediately on an
NSF-sponsored ITR (Information Technology Research) project entitled,
"Reconstructing Complex Evolutionary Histories." The main focus of the
grant is to develop, test, and validate methods for reconstructing
reticulate evolutionary histories. Funding for the postdoctoral position
is for a minimum of two years, but could be extended under appropriate
circumstances. Minimum salary starts at $25,000, but can be higher
depending upon an applicant's skills and experience. The principle part of
the project for which the postdoctoral researcher will be responsible is
the identification and development of multiple DNA markers that could be
used throughout flowering plants for the reconstruction of reticulate and
bifurcating phylogenies. The ideal candidate for the position will have
experience with the computational aspects of phylogenetics, including
programming experience, as well as some experience in the lab with DNA
extraction and purification, PCR, and sequencing. Depending upon the
experience of the candidate there will also be ample opportunities to aid
in the development and testing of tools and algorithms for reconstructing
reticulate phylogenies. Interested candidates should send a letter of
interest, CV, and the names and contact information for three recommenders
to: Randy Linder, Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, 1
University Station, A6700, Austin, TX 78712 or
rlinder@mail.utexas.edu. Employment at the University of Texas includes
extensive benefits. The University of Texas is an equal opportunity employe
.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 17:50:05 -0500
From: Charlene D'Avanzo <cdavanzo@HAMPSHIRE.EDU>
Subject: Error bars for Excel on a Mac?
I am having trouble with error bars on bargraphs for Excel on a Mac. When I
elect
"custom" Excel puts the same error bars on each histogram, even when I const
uct
the figure by adding data sets one by one. Can anyone help me?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 15:38:05 -0800
From: Charles Welden <Welden@SOU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Error bars for Excel on a Mac?
Yes, though it's a bit hard to describe in words. You need to construct a ne
series for the error bars. If, for example, you want to show +/- one StdDev
use Excel's function to calculate the standard deviations for each bar, and
put them into a series parallel to the data. Then use the plus/minus error b
r option, setting its range to the StdDev series.
I'm working from memory, so I may not have the steps exactly right, but hope
ully that will get you started on the right track.
Charles
Charles W. Welden
Department of Biology
Southern Oregon University
welden@sou.edu
(541) 552-6868 (voice)
(541) 552-6415 (fax)
>>> "Charlene D'Avanzo" <cdavanzo@HAMPSHIRE.EDU> 10/29/02 02:
0PM >>>
I am having trouble with error bars on bargraphs for Excel on a Mac. When I
elect
"custom" Excel puts the same error bars on each histogram, even when I const
uct
the figure by adding data sets one by one. Can anyone help me?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 18:45:45 -0500
From: "Peter D. Smallwood" <psmallwo@RICHMOND.EDU>
Subject: Job: Tenure Track Ecologist
TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
ECOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
The Department of Biology at this highly selective, private, primarily
undergraduate university invites applications for a tenure-track position
in ecology at the assistant professor level to join a growing department in
a remodeled and expanded facility. The successful candidate will be
expected to maintain a research program that complements existing strengths
in the department, attracts extramural funding, and actively engages
undergraduates. Teaching excellence that includes participation in the
introductory biology core, in an upper level elective in area of
specialization, and participation in general education is expected. A
doctoral degree, postdoctoral experience, and a record of research
productivity are required. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae,
three recent publications, separate statements of (1) research interests
and plans and (2) teaching experience and plans, and should have three
letters of reference sent to: Dr. Valerie M. Kish, Department of Biology,
University of Richmond, VA 23173. Review of applications will begin
December 1 and continue until the position is filled. Anticipated starting
date of August 2003. The University of Richmond is committed to increasing
the diversity of our faculty and strongly encourages applications from
women and minorities. For more information on the department, resources,
and teaching assignment, see
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/as/biology/
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 28 Oct 2002 to 29 Oct 2002 (#2002-276)
***************************************************************
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