Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 13 Feb 2003 to 14 Feb 2003 (#2003-45)
There are 15 messages totalling 1030 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Need volunteer instructors to conduct student attitude survey.
2. Job: Research Associate II Special/GIS & Spatial Modeler, NREL - CSU
3. Monarch Butterfly overwintering population back to normal.
4. Sabbatical research opportunity: conservation, TNC
5. Freshwater and Coastal Sciences Masters Course
6. Position Annoucement: Research Specialist/Postdoc
7. Research Assistant Position: soil pathogens, forest ecology, Michigan
State University
8. SUMMER INTERNSHIP ON MOUNT WASHINGTON
9. Fw: accreditation in ecology? (long)
10. carrying capacity K
11. News: Research Links Climate to Rural Poverty, Through Ecology
12. Recording nocturnal birds surveys
13. temporary GS-5 (entry-level) bio science tech job
14. News: Conservationists Propose Alternative Arctic Oil Development Plan
15. textbooks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 20:46:49 -0800
From: Toshihide Hamazaki <toshihide_hamazaki@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Need volunteer instructors to conduct student attitude survey.
Apologies in advance for cross posting.
Dear Colleague,
I am looking for volunteer instructors who can proctor an attitudes survey a
out wildlife management, especially whaling issue to your students during th
class hours. The survey takes about 15 to 20 minutes. I am planning to di
tribute and collect the survey by mid-April to June (i.e., end of semester).
All participants will be acknowledged upon publication of the study.
For past four years I have been conducting studies about elements associated
with people's attitudes toward wildlife management, especially about whaling
Human dimensions of wildlife management issue has been gaining attentions,
and many public polls have been collected on people's attitudes about variou
wildlife management issues. However, few studies have examined elements th
t associating with people's attitudes on those issues empirically. In this
urvey, I am interested in relationship between view of nature and attitudes
oward hunting of wildlife and whaling.
This is my second survey. Last survey was conducted in 1998, and two public
tions are made. In both publications, all the participated instructors were
acknowledged.
Hamazaki, T. and D. Tanno 2002. Totemization of wildlife and NIMBY among
.S. college students Human Dimensions of Wildlife 7 (2): 107-121.
Tanno D., and T. Hamazaki 2000. Is American opposition to whaling anti-Jap
nese? Asian Affairs 27(2): 81-92.
While my previous survey targeted mostly the US college students, I am also
ery interested in obtaining data from other countries
Thank you in advance.
Note: The study is a continuing study with my colleague. This survey is not
unded by any organizations. Further. my current affiliation has no relation
with this survey.
Toshihide Hamazaki
http://www.geocities.com/toshihide_hamazaki/
My CV is accessed at
http://www.geocities.com/toshihide_hamazaki/Current_CVn.doc
---------------------------------
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Yahoo! Shopping - Send Flowers for Valentine's Day
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 10:40:33 -0500
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: Job: Research Associate II Special/GIS & Spatial Modeler, NREL - CS
Research Associate II Special/GIS & Spatial Modeler
The Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University
seeks a GIS analyst and spatial modeler to assist in projects at NREL to
develop better understanding of processes occurring at the wildland-urban
interface (WUI), especially in Colorado, but throughout the Rocky Mountain
West. This position will serve four functions with WUI-related projects at
NREL. First, the associate will contact local, state, and federal agencies
(e.g., county governments, Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado
Division of Wildlife, USFS, BLM, etc.) to acquire spatial data and develop
base GIS layers such as vegetation and ownership to determine a wide variety
of problems with includes fires. Second, the associate will assist in
developing spatial models to predict land cover patterns and intensities.
Third, the associate will conduct accuracy assessments to quantify model
accuracy using existing ground truth data, both from aerial photography
and field plots, with potential for some field sampling work. Fourth, the
associate will assist in conducting statistical analysis of the results and
will assist in preparing project reports, articles, presentations, and
modeling fine-grain maps.
The associate must have a Bachelors degree in forestry, geography, or other
related environmental science field a M.A./M.S. degree, significant progress
towards an advanced degree, or relevant professional experience preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in using ESRI s ArcView v3 GIS, including Spatial
Analyst and Avenue programming, and spatial modeling is required. Knowledge
of ArcInfo v7 and ArcGIS v8 software, statistical software (e.g., S-Plus,
SAS) and remote sensing software (e.g., ERDAS, ENVI) a plus. Must have
experience in working with an interdisciplinary team.
Starting date to be as soon as position is filled. Salary starts at $30,000
per year, dependent on experience. Send letter of interest, CV, and contact
information for three references to Natalie Lucero, Natural Resource Ecology
Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499, or
natalie@nrel.colostate.edu, postmarked by March 12, 2003.
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age,
color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status
or disability, or handicap. The University complies with the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the
Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Act of
1974, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, American
Disabilities Act of 1990, and all civil rights laws of the State of
Colorado. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment and admission shall
be extended to all persons and the University shall promote equal
opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative
action program. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student
Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its
affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women, and other
protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify
themselves
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 07:12:41 +0000
From: Paul Cherubini <monarch@SABER.NET>
Subject: Monarch Butterfly overwintering population back to normal.
Last year on this list Christopher Wells predicted the monarch butterfly
overwintering population in Mexico would recover to normal levels
by this winter. He was right
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/030213/180/39n20.html
Paul Cherubini
Placerville, Calif.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 10:43:14 -0500
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: Sabbatical research opportunity: conservation, TNC
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announces a call for David H. Smith Senior
Scholarships. These scholarships provide mid- and late-career scientists
opportunity to perform multi-scale and -site research leading to significant
innovations in the work of TNC and other conservation practitioners.
Applicants must be at the doctoral level and originate from academic,
government, and other research institutions as well as from conservation or
business organizations. Projects may vary in duration from months up to one
year. All else being equal, proposals that translate results more broadly
across TNC will be more competitive. Stature and reputation of the applicant
is also a major criterion for selection.
Themes of special interest include: 1) scenario modeling of conservation
approaches; 2) conservation costs and benefits of forestry practices; 3)
conservation networks for wide-ranging species; 4) integrating corridors and
connectivity into landscape conservation; 5) predicting and mitigating the
consequences of global change; 6) incorporating ecosystem services and
valuation into conservation planning; and 7) integrating social factors into
conservation.
Proposals should be three pages or less, provide a project timeline, budget,
and clear description of major deliverables from the project. All
applications must be co-sponsored by and show substantive evidence of
support from relevant TNC staff in order to be considered. Research must be
performed closely with TNC staff at US field offices and/or sites and
ecoregions described in the proposal. Broader and deeper networks proposed
by the applicant will be more competitive.
Review of applicants will commence on April 15, 2003 and continue until
suitable candidates are selected. Awards are expected to be announced in
late May 2003. Funding for Smith Senior Scholars will be available anytime
after and during the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2003. For more details,
see the Smith Program website: http://www.smithfellows.org, and follow the
"Smith Senior Scholars" link. You can also request guidelines by sending an
e-mail to postdoc@tnc.org or chaney@tnc.org, or writing J. Christopher
Haney, Ph.D., Director, David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship
Program, The Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100,
Arlington, VA 22203-1606. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity
Employer.
Kris Ohleth
David H. Smith Conservation Research
Fellowship Program
The Nature Conservancy
4245 North Fairfax Dr, Suite 100
Arlington, VA 22203
E-mail: kohleth@tnc.org Voice: 703-841-5383
FAX: 703-525-8024 web: www.smithfellows.org
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence
of our friends."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 11:44:07 +0000
From: Ewan Shilland <e.shilland@GEOG.UCL.AC.UK>
Subject: Freshwater and Coastal Sciences Masters Course
I would like to draw your attention to the following
Freshwater and Coastal Sciences Masters Course
offered jointly by the Department of Geography,
University College London and the School of Biological
Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London.
Places are available for 2003 entry
http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/MSC/FACS
______________________________________________
Environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, habitat
destruction, biodiversity loss and species introductions threaten the
sustainability of aquatic resources. As ever, therefore, there is a need
for highly trained individuals to be researching these threats in
universities/research institutes and applying sound, scientifically
informed aquatic management principles in environmental protection and
conservation agencies.
Responding to this, a new masters level taught course in Freshwater and
Coastal Sciences (http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/MSc/FACS/) is now offered
jointly by the Department of Geography (http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/),
University College London (UCL) and the School of Biological Sciences
(http://www.biology.qmw.ac.uk/index.htm), Queen Mary, University of
London (QMUL). Together these institutions offer considerable
multi-disciplinary expertise in aquatic ecosystem sciences. In the MSc
programme, this expertise is further complimented by involvement of
staff from organisations, such as the UK Environment Agency, NERC Centre
for Ecology and Hydrology and the conservation agencies. Research groups
closely involved with the programme include the UCL Environmental Change
Research Centre (http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/ecrc) and Environmental
Modelling and Monitoring Group (http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/emmg) and the
QMUL Aquatic and Whole Organism Research Group
(http://www.biology.qmw.ac.uk/research/res1/res_sec1.htm).
The course aims to:
1. Develop an integrated understanding of the structure, function and
management of aquatic environments from upland catchments to the coastal
zone.
2. Develop skills in field sampling, taxonomy, aquatic ecology,
monitoring, modelling and conservation that will provide students with a
strong foundation for PhD research, or for employment in environmental
protection agencies and the water industry.
Aquatic systems covered include streams, rivers, lakes, floodplains and
wetlands, estuaries and coastal marshes and specialist themes are
aquatic ecology and palaeoecology and linkages between ecological,
hydrological and geomorphological aspects. Taxonomic and ecological
expertise are offered for a broad range of aquatic organisms, including
algae, macrophytes, meiofauna, macroinvertebrates and fish.
Applications
Successful candidates will normally have good graduate degrees in
Geography, Biology and Environmental Sciences, although consideration
will also be given to those with degrees in other relevant natural
science disciplines and appropriate experience and professional
qualifications. Overseas applicants are welcome.
If you are interested in applying for the course an application pack and
further information on fees, financial support, language requirements
and studying at UCL can be obtained from:
Graduate Admissions Secretary
Department of Geography
University College London
26 Bedford Way
London
WC1H 0AP
tel: +44 (0)20 7679 5500
fax:+44 (0)20 7679 7565
e-mail: masters@geog.ucl.ac.uk
If you have any further enquiries please contact the course
co-ordinator, Dr Carl Sayer: c.sayer@ucl.ac.uk
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ewan Shilland
Environmental Change Research Centre
Department of Geography, University College London
26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP, UK
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 09:20:14 -0600
From: "Latty, Erika" <eflatty@FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU>
Subject: Position Annoucement: Research Specialist/Postdoc
Research Specialist or Postdoctoral Fellow
Forest Landscape Ecology Lab
Forest Ecology & Management Department
University of Wisconsin-Madison
We are seeking a Project Manager for an experimental study examining the
interactive effects of coarse woody debris (CWD) and canopy openings on
carbon and nitrogen cycling through effects on microclimate, and the
invertebrate, microbial, vascular, and non-vascular plant communities in
northern Wisconsin. The co-investigators on the project include Drs. David
Mladenoff, Tom Gower, Craig Lorimer, Kenneth Raffa, Suzy Will-Wolf, and
Erika Latty. The project involves collecting pretreatment data and
conducting a replicated manipulation of CWD addition/removal and gap
creation in northern hardwood forests. The manager will be responsible for
daily operations and long-term planning of research activities including
participation in data analyses, manuscript writing, and leading laboratory
and field efforts. The coordination of multi-investigator work plans and
the facilitation of overall project development will also be expected.
Candidates are expected to have a M.S., or Ph.D., in biology, natural
resources, or related field with an emphasis in forest or terrestrial
ecosystem ecology. However, considerable relevant experience may be
accepted in place of an advanced degree. A minimum of two years prior
research experience with measurements and instrumentation used in forest
ecosystem ecology applications is expected. Understanding of forest
nutrient cycling (carbon and nitrogen) and strong organizational skills are
required. Proficiency in vegetation identification, GPS use, and/or the
monitoring of meteorological stations is highly desired. The candidate
must be capable of independent work and supervising field and lab
technicians. Experience with database, statistical, GIS, and spreadsheet
software is also preferred. A valid drivers license is required as
frequent travel between field sites and the laboratory will be necessary.
This is an annual appointment with the possibility of renewal. The salary
range is $25,562 - $32,000, dependent on qualifications and
experience. For further information about the project please refer to our
website:
http://landscape.forest.wisc.edu/projects/oldgrowth2/oldgrowth2.html
HOW TO APPLY: An application should consist of a cover letter, resume or
CV, and contact information for 3 references. Review of applications will
begin April 1st and will continue until a suitable candidate is
found. These materials may be submitted electronically to Dr. Erika Latty,
eflatty@facstaff.wisc.edu or as hardcopies to:
Dr. David J. Mladenoff
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Forest Ecology & Management Department
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1598
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 09:57:38 -0500
From: Sarah McCarthy <mccar162@MSU.EDU>
Subject: Research Assistant Position: soil pathogens, forest ecology,
Michigan State University
The Michigan State University Department of Forestry is hiring one research
assistant to work on a project looking at the role of soil pathogens on
tree seedling establishment. We are seeking a recently graduated
undergraduate or master student to help with an NSF-funded project located
at Michigan State University. Familiarity with lab/greenhouse work as well
as Microsoft Excel is a plus and experience (research &/or class work) with
fungal spore identification is highly preferred. Duties in the greenhouse
include planting tree seedlings, watering and taking measurements for
seedling survivorship and growth every week and harvesting seedlings at the
end of the experiment. Duties in the lab will primarily be with fungal
spore extraction from soil, fungal pathogen isolation from diseased
seedlings and data entry. I need a hard-working person with good attention
to detail and good organizational skills. The most important qualifications
are a willingness to work hard and independently as well as learn a lot
about forest ecology.
Applicants who can start full-time beginning in April are preferred, but I
will also consider applicants who start full-time in May. Work commitment
through September 1st 2003 is needed although potential exists for up to a
2-year position with half of the research being conducted at La Selva
Biological Station, Costa Rica. Pay is $8.50 ^Ö $10.00/hr depending on
experience and skill.
Contact Sarah McCarthy at the address below. Please send a brief resume and
a letter of interest. E-mail is preferred, but paper mail or FAX is
acceptable. Call and leave a message for more information, and I will
return your call as soon as I can. Deadline for applications is April 1st
2003.
Sarah McCarthy
Forestry Department
126 Natural Resources
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-355-7599 (office)
517-432-1143 (FAX)
mccar162@msu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 09:45:26 -0500
From: APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB <gmurray@AMCINFO.ORG>
Subject: SUMMER INTERNSHIP ON MOUNT WASHINGTON
The Appalachian Mountain Club Research Department operates four air quality
monitoring sites in the White Mountains including three tropospheric ozone
monitoring sites, two fine particulate matter (PM2.5) monitoring sites and
acid cloud and rain collectors. In addition, the AMC research Department has
undertaken cooperative research on the effects of smog in the mountains
including studies of wilderness stream chemistry, health effects of smog on
hikers, and visitor perceptions of visibility impairment. AMC's research is
accomplished cooperatively with institutions and agencies such as USFS,
Harvard, University of NH, University of MA, EPA and the State of NH.
Responsibilities
The AMC Research Department hires two summer research assistants to manage
the set up, operations and take-down of the four air quality monitoring
sites, as well as to make measurements and to compile and analyze the
resulting data. The summer research assistant at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut
is responsible for daily operations of the acid rain and fine particle
monitors at the high elevation site. The monitoring site is located at
5,050 feet on the south flank of Mount Washington in New Hampshire and is
only accessible by foot. Much of the monitoring equipment must be carried to
the monitoring site. Weather conditions at the site may be extreme, for
example, during the summer, the temperatures may fall below freezing, it may
snow on occasion, and winds have been recorded over 100 miles per hour. The
research assistant will live at the hut on a two-week schedule comprised of
10.5 days on and 3.5 days off. Room and board is paid by AMC.
Duties include the backpacking of equipment to the site at the start of the
monitoring season, the set up of the site, daily set up and take down of
monitors, laboratory analyses in the basement laboratory at the hut and
final inventory and packing up of the site at the end of August. The summer
research assistant will work closely with the research assistant located at
Pinkham Notch in coordinating daily monitoring. The research assistant at
the Lakes of the Clouds Hut will also provide nightly interpretive talks to
the approximate 90 guests, describing the purposes and operations of the
Lakes of the Clouds hut monitoring site and the air quality issues that face
open spaces and public lands. To accomplish this, the summer research
assistant will be responsible for research and study leading to an excellent
and conversant understanding of the science and issues relating to rural air
quality. The assistant will also study the results of AMC research
undertaken since the early 1980s. The assistant will also update any public
information available at the hut on air pollution and its effects and will
assist the Pinkham summer research assistant in quality assurance and
analytical tasks such as ozone monitor chart analyses. In addition, the
summer research assistant at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut may be required to
assist in other research projects including biological inventories of alpine
plants located near the hut and collecting stream water samples.
Employment Period:
Late May to Labor Day.
Qualifications
· Enrollment in or graduation from an undergraduate degree program in the
sciences.
· Strong oral communications skills.
· Excellent physical fitness and ability to backpack equipment to the hut.
· Ability to work independently without close supervision.
· Good attention to detail, ability to carefully collect and document data,
and excellent organizational skills.
Desirable:
· A two year commitment to work at Lakes of the Clouds Hut in the first
summer and as a senior intern in the second year coordinating all monitoring
activities from the Research Department at the Pinkham Notch Visitors
Center.
· Personal commitment to environmental protection.
· Background in chemistry and statistics.
· Desire to live in a mountain hut with the Lakes of the Clouds Hut crew.
· Mechanical ability.
Compensation
$250/ week plus room and board.
Contact:
Georgia Murray
Staff Scientist
AMC Research Department
PO Box 298
Gorham, NH 03581
(603) 466 2721 , X 111
gmurray@amcinfo.org
Accepting Application Until:
March 15th, 2003.
Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AMC values
diversity in the workplace.
v. 11/19/01
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 23:27:27 -0600
From: Dave McNeely <dlmcneely@LUNET.EDU>
Subject: Fw: accreditation in ecology? (long)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stan Rowe" <stanrowe@netidea.com>
To: "Dave McNeely" <dlmcneely@lunet.edu>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 11:52 PM
Subject: Re: accreditation in ecology? (long)
> Dave,
>
> You make good points. Why not put it on the list and see what others ha
e
> to say?
>
> Cheers, Stan
>
> At 03:40 AM 2/12/03 -0600, you wrote:
> >Well, that's not exactly what I meant. But, to be pedantic, Haecke
coined
> >the term, defined the discipline, whatever, and some say he simply
mistook
> >the rootstock of biology (natural history) for a branch -- and name
the
> >perceived branch. It has evolved into ecology. So in that sense,
ecology
> >is the parent science. But, it generally is treated as a subdiscip
ine
of
> >biology.
> >
> >What I really meant was simply that if a degree program that we wou
d
like
> >to see accredited is a biology program (say a B.S. in Biology), the
its
> >accreditation should be addressed by the AIBS. If it is an ecology
program,
> >then ESA might want to address that. On the other hand (and this m
st
not
> >have been evident to readers) ESA accredits ecologists (not degree
> >programs). ESA might address in that accreditation program the qua
ity
of
> >the degree program where credentials were acquired by ecologists se
king
> >accreditation. For example, professional accreditation specifies c
rtain
> >coursework. ESA might further specify that the coursework must hav
been
> >taken in a degree program with some minimum number of ecologists as
faculty
> >members, or where faculty members teach no more than some certain n
mber
of
> >contact hours each, and so on. I am not saying that these particul
r
> >examples are desirable, I am just offering them as examples.
> >
> >Of course, for some small schools, that might just result in
administrators
> >deciding that offereing ecology serves no benefit to their students
since
> >the students could not become accredited unless the schools expande
their
> >faculty, which they choose not to do for financial reasons.
> >
> >Chemistry is one of the few disciplines with accreditation of tradi
ional
> >arts and sciences bachelor's degree programs. I think I remember,
ut
it's
> >been a long time since I looked at this, that AIBS has refrained fr
m
> >accrediting biology programs because of the large range of subject
matter.
> >Most disciplines with accreditation are professional programs such
s
> >engineering, education, or medicine, and not traditional arts and
sciences
> >programs. Many professional programs lead to a license to practice
> >
> >I've blathered on too long.
> >
> >Dave McNeely
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "Stan Rowe" <stanrowe@NETIDEA.COM>
> >To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
> >Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2003 11:09 AM
> >Subject: Re: accreditation in ecology?
> >
> >
> > > >Dave McNeely has posed a good question seldom addressed b
ecologists:
> > >
> > > > " One question would be, are the programs for which we
want
> > > >accreditation ecology programs, or are they biology progr
ms, or
what?
> >If
> > > >biology programs, perhaps the place to address this is wi
h the
American
> > > >Institute of Biological Science."
> > >
> > > Put more succinctly, is Ecology a sub-discipline of Biology o
is
Biology
> >a
> > > sub-discipline of Ecology?
> > >
> > > Stan
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 13:03:13 -0600
From: "D. Liane Cochran-Stafira" <cochran@SXU.EDU>
Subject: carrying capacity K
Hi all,
Here's a good hurray it's Friday question. It was actually asked by a
student in my gen bio class. "Why is carrying capacity abbreviated with a
K?" I joked it was because ecologists can't spell, but I then explained
that it might be from Gause's writings in which perhaps the word began with
a K. Does anyone know? I promised I'd try to find out (besides, I'd like
to know too).
Liane
***************************
Liane Cochran-Stafira, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
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, 14 Feb 2003 18:03:38 -0800
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: Research Links Climate to Rural Poverty, Through Ecology
http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2003/2003-02-13-09.asp
Climate Linked to Rural Poverty
LONG BEACH, California, February 13, 2003 (ENS) - A team of scientists has
examined the relationship between climate and income, and has concluded
that the climate plays an important role in determining the distribution
of rural poverty.
The scientists, led by Alan Basist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center, analyzed upper
level soil wetness data along with population densities and economic data
from the most recent U.S. Census. They also used climate data provided by
NOAA to identify relationships between climatic and agricultural
production, per capita income, and land value in rural districts across
the United States and Brazil.
The climate data, including surface temperature and wetness, were derived
from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager, flown by the Defense
Meteorological Satellite Program. Another climatic variable, the
vegetation halth index, was derived from NOAA's polar orbiting
environmental satellites.
Three separate analyses were conducted for rural counties in Brazil and
the United States. The first analysis established that climate is
correlated with income. Higher temperatures are associated with reduced
income in both Brazil and the United States.
Over the United States, higher incomes correspond with higher amounts of
upper level soil moisture. In Brazil, lower incomes correspond with lower
amounts of soil moisture.
The second analysis showed that the predicted value of land, or net
revenue, has a strong direct relationship with income. Areas with more
valuable land have higher incomes.
The third analysis separated the impact of the climate from other factors
that affect farm productivity. Findings reveal that climate explains most
of the variation in agricultural production.
The evidence from the United States and Brazil reveals that climate
influences income, and plays a role in determining rural poverty. It is
more difficult to generate income in places with lower productivity. This
is evident even in the United States, which has plenty of access to
capital and modern technology.
The results of the study, which was funded by the World Bank, were
presented February 11 at the annual meeting of the American Meteorological
Society in Long Beach.
* * *
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material
is distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes
only. ***
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 12:19:45 -0500
From: "Manire, Kerry" <kmanire@DCHEALTH.COM>
Subject: Recording nocturnal birds surveys
Hello,
Someone else recently posted about recording amphibians in urban areas. I
am in a similar situation--I would like to conduct some basic surveys of
nocturnal birds in Washington, DC. I would like to avoid hanging out in our
friendly neighborhood parks after dark though, and was contemplating setting
up recording equipment to record for several hours. Does anyone have
experience or references on conducting nocturnal bird surveys by recording
them? How about equipment recommendations? Also, wondering if anyone has
any recommendations on software to ease wading through hours of recordings.
Thanks!
Kerry
Kerry Manire
Wildlife Biologist
Fisheries and Wildlife Division
Environmental Health Administration
DC Department of Health
51 N Street, NE 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 12:19:24 -0800
From: Anne Hopkins Pfaff <ahpfaff@USGS.GOV>
Subject: temporary GS-5 (entry-level) bio science tech job
Date Opened: 2/13/03 Announcement Number: WERC-39-03-01
Date Closed: 3/3/03
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with
disabilities.
Job Announcement
U.S. Geological Survey
Equal Opportunity Employer
Temporary Position: Biological Science Technician, GG-0404-05
Salary: $25,467 yearly, actual salary based on hours worked
Type of Appt: Temporary, Not-to-Exceed 180 working days
Work Schedule: Full Time-First 40
Field Station: USGS, Biological Resources Division, SEKI Field
Station
Duty Station: Three Rivers, CA
Start Date: May 19,2003
THIS IS A TEMPORARY EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION for which all qualified
applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.
Appointment to this position will not convey permanent status in the
Federal service. Appointment will only be for the duration of the
position, approximately 180 days. Temporary employees are covered by the
Social Security Retirement system; annual and sick leave will be accrued;
employees are ineligible for health and life insurance coverage.
Duties: Incumbent performs technical work in a laboratory or field
environment in support of professional or technical employees engaged in
data collection activities or analysis of biological data collection
activities or analysis of biological samples. Performs one or more of the
following duties:
· Primarily collects botanical data in the Sierra Nevada foothills
and/or mountains.
· Examples of Duties:
Measure forest demographics, including measuring trees and seedlings
and determining cause of death. Gain knowledge and experience in
ecological research, identifying Sierra Nevada trees, and forest
pathology.
OR
Study the seasonal variation of ecological impacts of prescribed fire
on a mixed conifer forest. Gain knowledge and experience in
ecological research and sampling relating to prescribed fire.
OR
Evaluate post-fire recovery of chaparral shrublands. Gain knowledge
and experience in ecological research and sampling and plant
taxonomy.
· Operates a government motor vehicle or a boat as an incidental
driver.
Physical Demands: Work is physically demanding and includes walking,
bending, climbing and lifting of equipment up to 100 pounds when in the
field, sometimes during adverse conditions.
Qualifications: 9 months specialized experience in a field survey party, or
3 years sub professional experience, or 3 years college study (equivalent
90 semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work
experience.
Basis of Evaluation: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of
education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience).
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the
closing date of this announcement.
Note: Applicants will receive a basic eligible or ineligible rating based
upon the qualification requirements. First preference in referral will be
given to eligible applicants entitled to 10-point veterans preference who
have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. All
other qualified applicants entitled to veteran's preference will be given
preference over qualified applicants not entitled to veteran's preference.
All applicants must be United States citizens. Under regulations contained
in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment in this
position is limited to those persons who are authorized to work in the
United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at
the time of appointment.
As a condition of employment, all new employees reporting for duty will be
paid through direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
Applicants selected for Federal employment will be required to complete a
Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to
determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a
background investigation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and
completely or providing false statements on the application may be grounds
for not hiring the applicant, or for firing the applicant after he/she
begins work. Also, he/she may be punished by fine or imprisonment (U.S.
code, Title 18, section 1001).
Prior to or at the time of appointment, male applicants born after December
31, 1959 will have to certify that they have registered with the Selective
Service system in order to be appointed to a position with the USGS, unless
legally qualified for an exception.
Employees of the USGS are subject to the provisions of Title 43, U.S. code,
Section 31 (a) and may not according to this legislation and related
regulation: (A) have any personal or private interest, direct or indirect,
in lands or mineral wealth of such lands or a region under survey and whose
title is in the U.S.; (B) execute surveys or examination for private
parties or corporations; or (C) have personal or private interest, direct
or indirect, in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business in
the U.S. except where specifically authorized by the director of the USGS.
How to Apply: Carefully read all information and instructions. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to insure the application is completed.
The personnel office will not be responsible for soliciting additional
information from applicants or from official personnel records, but will
consider individuals based on their applications as submitted.
Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to be
considered.
Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) resume or (b) OF-612,
Optional Application for Federal employment (download at
http://www.opm.gov/forms), or (c) other written format. Also, please
submit college transcript or list of college courses, specifying title of
course work, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course
title, and grade earned.
If claiming 5-point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of
discharge is required. If claiming 10-point veterans preference, a SF-15
with proof of claim is required.
The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position
will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard
to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin,
non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other
non-merit factors.
APPLY TO: Peggy Hamilton, USGS/BRD, 7801 Folsom Blvd, Suite 101,
Sacramento, CA 95826, FAX (916) 379-3765. Please list the WERC
announcement number on the application.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 18:04:48 -0800
From: Ashwani Vasishth <vasishth@USC.EDU>
Subject: News: Conservationists Propose Alternative Arctic Oil Development P
an
http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2003/2003-02-13-09.asp
Conservationists Offer Alternative for Arctic Drilling
WASHINGTON, DC, February 13, 2003 (ENS) - Conservation groups are touting
their own proposal for balancing oil development and environmental
protection in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
On January 17, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released a draft
environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing four alternatives for the
future management of the 8.8 million acre Northwest Planning Area of the
National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), also known as the Western
Arctic.
Three of the alternatives would make part or all of the Planning Area -
the nation's largest remaining block of unprotected public land -
available for oil and gas leasing.
Conservation groups have united behind a fifth alternative - the "Wildlife
Habitat Hotspots Alternative," which is based on the scientific findings
in a new Audubon report on "biological hotspots" in the region.
"The draft EIS for oil and gas leasing and drilling on the Western Arctic
is totally inadequate. Americans deserve better than the only two
alternatives seriously at play - as they allow leasing on all or nearly
all of this wild land," said Sara Chapell, Alaska representative of the
Sierra Club. "While we recognize that there will be oil development in
America's Arctic, there are some places that are too special to drill.
These biological hotspots in the Western Arctic - like the Arctic Refuge
coastal plain - deserve permanent protection from roads, pipelines and
drill pads."
The Wildlife Habitat Hotspots Alternative calls for the designation of
four new special areas, in addition to the existing special areas at
Teshekpuk Lake and on the Colville River, which were established by the
Department of the Interior:
Dease Inlet-Meade River - important wetland habitat for waterfowl, loons
and shorebirds, a denning area for polar bears, and a habitat for
caribou;. Peard Bay - a high-density shorebird and waterfowl habitat
which includes nesting areas for the threatened spectacled eider;
Kasegaluk Lagoon - the habitat of spotted seal, beluga whales, polar
bears, and an important molting and fall staging area for Pacific black
brant; South Ikpikpuk River - home to nesting peregrine falcons.
Conservationists contend that the BLM's draft EIS does not study the lands
and rivers in the northwest planning area for their wilderness and wild
and scenic river potential. The conservation community is calling for an
adequate review of wilderness and wild and scenic river potential, as a
way of further refining the hotspots alternative, as well as the use of
best management practices throughout the area to minimize future threats
from industrial development on valuable fish and wildlife resources.
"Today we are calling on the Bureau of Land Management to go back to the
drawing board and present plans to the public that provide a responsible
balance between protection of this area's spectacular wildlife and
wilderness values, and oil development," said Deb Moore, Arctic
coordinator for the Northern Alaska Environmental Center. "The Wildlife
Habitat Hotspots Alternative strikes a true balance between protection and
development. While safeguarding the Western Arctic's most special places,
it actually also provides significantly more industry access to areas of
high oil and gas resource potential than the BLM's 'conservation'
alternative."
Noting that the Bush administration earlier this week issued new leases in
the Beaufort Sea off the coast of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and
the Western Arctic, Mike Matz, executive director of the Campaign for
America's Wilderness, charged the administration with planning to "hand
over all of northern Alaska to oil and gas companies."
"This shouldn't all be handed over to special oil and gas interests," Matz
said. "This administration's plans for the Western Arctic are an
irresponsible abrogation of our responsibility to protect special areas
for our children."
The public comment period on the administration's plan for the northwest
planning area ends March 18, though a coalition of conservation
organizations have requested a 30 day extension to give the public the
more time to comment. Hearings in Alaska began Wednesday, but no hearings
have yet been scheduled in the lower 48 states.
The same conservation coalition has requested that public hearings be held
in the Lower 48 states, as the BLM did when it leased lands for oil
development in the northeast planning area in 1998.
For more information, visit: http://www.ak.blm.gov/nwnpra/index.html
* * *
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material
is distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes
only. ***
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 12:35:43 -0800
From: caryn prentice <texbooks2002@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: textbooks
To whom it may concern: Scholastic Aid Society is a
non-profit corporation that recycles college textbooks
to needy students in this country, and throughout the
world. We obtain the textbooks through donations, and,
ship them ourselves, or, through other organizations
such as the United Negro College Fund, Light of the
World, etc. The books are sent to many countries,
including Nigeria, Tanzania, Ecquador, Belize, Guam,
Philippines, etc. To obtain books, we visit faculty
members at Colleges and Universities and ask for
donations of current textbooks they may not be using
(i.e., duplicates of books,unused review books, or
just unneeded books). We ask for the most current
books for many reasons, but, mostly because it's
what's requested and what the students deserve,and,
the cost of shipping is highly prohibitive.The texts
we send are used for the most part to make classes.We
also obtain books through drives by student
organizations, or, from schools that hold drives for
us. In these cases, schools such as Stetson Univ.,
Valencia Comm. College, Armstrong Atlantic Univ.,Med.
Univ. of S.C., and others send e-mails asking faculty
to donate and we pick up the books.We feel this is a
very worthy cause, and we were given your e-mail
address by a grad student and teacher ass't. at Univ.
of North Fl. who thought you might be able to help us
obtain textbooks.If so, please contact us by phone
(954) 599-3792, or by e-mail at your earliest
convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours, Caryn Prentice, President.
heart College. They were definitely heartwarming. We
don't often get to see the fruits of our efforts. We
will be in touch about the elementary and secondary
level books once we get back to Jacksonville. Hav a
Happy THANKSGIVING! Caryn & Tom
__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Shopping - Send Flowers for Valentine's Day
http://shopping.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 14 Feb 2003 to 15 Feb 2003 (#2003-46)
There are 3 messages totalling 88 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. accreditation in ecology
2. Position announcement: seasonal bird surveyors (4)
3. split data set regression
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 10:04:16 -0600
From: "Delong, Michael" <mdelong@WINONA.EDU>
Subject: accreditation in ecology
I think Stan makes a good point that the difficulty with a broad accreditati
n in biology is the diversity of disciplines within biology. I would think,
however, that it would be possible to have a general accreditation in biolog
with a breakdown of fields or disciplines for which a department is also ac
redited. In the case of our program, we offer options in cell and molecular
biology, allied health (typically health pre-professionals), ecology, biolog
-teaching, and environmental science. It would be necessary to keep the cat
gories under which a biology dept. would be accredited so as not to dilute t
e credibility of accreditation and to make it manageable for the governing b
dy. I know the administrators here place great weight on the fact that chem
stry, nursing and engineering are accredited and these departments are given
special consideration because of their accreditation. There are already nat
onal program reviews (e.g., Council for Undergraduate Research) a!
vailable. Wouldn't some combination of this and a large body like AIBS esta
lish a foundation for biology accreditation?
Mike
Dr. Michael D. Delong
Professor and Director
Large River Studies Center
Biology Department
Winona State University
Winona, MN 55987
507-457-5484; fax 507-457-5681
http://bio.winona.msus.edu/delong/
http://bio.winona.msus.edu/delong/LRSC
************************************************************************
No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation
as a dog does.
- Christopher Morley
************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 14:25:15 -0700
From: Russell Norvell <RUSSELLNORVELL@UTAH.GOV>
Subject: Position announcement: seasonal bird surveyors (4)
WILDLIFE TECHS (4). Positions start May 1 or ASAP (1) to approximately
Sept 15, with some flexibility on either end. Enthusiastic and curious
birders needed to conduct point counts and assist with MAPS sites for
the 12th year of Utah's statewide riparian bird survey. Salary up to
12/hr (depending upon experience) PLUS we provide vehicle and food!.
Applicants must be willing to work long hours solo, (car) camp for
extended periods, hike up to 5 miles/day, and have excellent vision,
hearing and a valid diver's license. Preferred candidates will be: 1)
able to identify western riparian breeding birds by sight and sound, 2)
experienced with unlimited distance point count methods, and 3)
experienced with mist netting (MAPS), and 4) able to play well with
others. Opportunities exist for publication credit for motivated folks.
First year surveyors MUST attend mandatory week-long training,
tentatively scheduled for May 5-9, in Moab (paid, we provide food &
lodging). Positions are administered out of the Salt Lake area, but
study sites are in some of the most beautiful spots in a state known for
beautiful spots. Send a cover letter and resume (email best) and copy
of transcripts if a student with the names, addresses and phone numbers
of three references to RUSSELL NORVELL, Avian Ecologist, Non-Game Avian
Program, UT Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 W. North Temple, Suite
2110, Box 146301, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6301. For more information
phone (801) 537-3463 or email russellnorvell@utah.gov
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2003 17:47:41 -0500
From: Rom Lipcius <rom@VIMS.EDU>
Subject: split data set regression
We are analyzing a regression data set by splitting it into two subsets,
and then fitting the same function separately to each subset. We are
attempting to determine the "optimal" cut-off between subsets of the data
so that the separate functions fit the subsets best. I recall that there
was a previous thread on this but don't have the references for the best
approach to the problem. Does anyone have any information on the
problem? Thanks in advance.
--Rom Lipcius
Romuald N. Lipcius, Ph.D.
Professor of Marine Science
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
The College of William and Mary
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
804-684-7330 (fax 804-684-7734)
rom@vims.edu
http://www.vims.edu/fish/faculty/lipcius_rn.html
------------------------------
End of ECOLOG-L Digest - 14 Feb 2003 to 15 Feb 2003 (#2003-46)
**************************************************************
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