Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 23 Sep 2003 to 24 Sep 2003 (#2003-237)
There are 9 messages totalling 498 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Passenger Pigeon ecology (3)
2. Faculty position in ecology/environmental toxicology deadline Oct15,200
3. Assistant Professor Position
4. forest tree allometry data (2)
5. Human Carrying Capacity
6. Passenger Pigeons (again)
[ Part 2: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 11:01:21 +0100
From: William Silvert <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
Subject: Passenger Pigeon ecology
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I recently started wondering about passenger pigeons in connection with some
work I am doing on biodiversity and in particular I am curious to know what
he ecological consequences of their extinction were. These were after all th
most abundant birds in the world, fairly specialised feeders and easy prey
or hawks and other predators - what happened when they were exterminated ove
just a few decades? Surely they must have been an important part of the foo
web, but I have not found any information on what happened when they became
extinct.
Granted there were no PhD students in ecology to study them at the time, but
surely there must have been some reports of changes in the areas where they
ccurred that would have been noted. Can anyone enlighten me on this?
My institute is rather short on books about passenger pigeons, since we work
on marine ecology, but I found it curious that although a Google search prod
ced over 15,000 references to passenger pigeons, only 9 of those contained w
rds like ecology or ecological.
Dr. William Silvert
Instituto de Investigaчуo das Pescas e do Mar
Departamento de Ambiente Aquсtico
Avenida de Brasэlia, s/n
1449-006 Lisboa, Portugal
[ Part 3: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:42:36 -0400
From: "Elisabeth Ar[ISO-8859-1] щvalo" <earevalo@PROVIDENCE.EDU>
Subject: Faculty position in ecology/environmental toxicology deadline
Oct15,2003
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The Department of Biology at Providence College invites applications for a
tenure-track position in ecology/environmental toxicology beginning
September 2004. Ph.D. is required; postdoctoral experience is preferred.
Applicants should have a commitment to undergraduate teaching, a research
program that can include undergraduates, and a willingness to seek
extramural funding. The successful applicant will be able to foster a
collaborative atmosphere among students and faculty in keeping with the
mission of the College. Teaching will include ecology and animal behavior
for majors. Providence College is a Roman Catholic, four-year, liberal arts
college conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars. Applicants
should submit curriculum vitae, transcripts, a statement of teaching
philosophy and research interests, and three letters of recommendation by
October 15, 2003, to: Dr. Michael S. Zavada, Biology Department, Providence
College, Providence, RI 02918-0001. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer, Providence College especially encourages the application of women
and minorities.
* -*-*-*-*-* -*-*-*-*-* -*-*-*-*-*
Elisabeth Arщvalo, Assist. Professor
Department of Biology
Providence College
Providence, RI 02918-0001 USA
Office ph. (401)865-2158
Lab ph. (401)865-2543
Fax (401)865-1438
Email earevalo@providence.edu
[ Part 4: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 08:56:23 -0600
From: Robert Sanford <rsanford@DU.EDU>
Subject: Assistant Professor Position
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Microbial Ecologist - Assistant Professor
The Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, invites
applications for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level to
begin September 1, 2004. We seek a microbial ecologist who is working with
populations, communities and ecosystems, and/or biodiversity. The
successful candidate will have a Ph.D. and post-doctoral experience in
appropriate fields, will develop an extramurally funded research program,
will be expected to supervise M.S. and Ph.D. students, and will teach
General Microbiology and undergraduate and graduate courses in areas of
specialty. Submit curriculum vitae, two recent publications, three letters
of recommendation and statements of a) teaching philosophy and b) research
interests to: Dr. Tom Quinn, Chair, Microbial Ecologist Search Committee,
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver CO 80208.
Applications should be received by November 22, 2003. The University of
Denver is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Information
about the Department of Biological Sciences, including its new undergraduate
major in Ecology and Biodiversity, can be found at
http://www.du.edu/biology/.
Robert L. Sanford Jr., Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208
[ Part 5: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 10:25:15 -0400
From: "Layton, Deborah" <dlayton@DEP.NYC.GOV>
Subject: Re: forest tree allometry data
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It may be useful for you to tell us what data was supposed to be in your
dataset, since not all of us are familiar with this lab exercise.
-----Original Message-----
From: D. Liane Cochran-Stafira [mailto:cochran@SXU.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 7:08 PM
To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: forest tree allometry data
Hi all,
I've just completed a field lab with my ecology class that involved
differential growth patterns in canopy vs understory trees. The whole
field portion turned out to be a bummer because our forest preserve areas
are so overwhelmed with deer that there is no recruitment of either tree
type. Basically they ended up just practicing using the equipment and
doing t-tests that didn't impress them (the results were too obvious).
Does anyone have a data set for this old lab classic that they would be
willing to share? I've search the ESA syllabus exchange and google, but
I've come up empty handed. I'd like to demonstrate a data set that makes
prediction of the outcome less obvious, and show them how resource
allocation differs between canopy and understory trees.
Thanks in advance,
Note the new homepage URL
***************************
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: 773-779-3536
email: cochran@sxu.edu
http://www.sxu.edu/~cochran/
[ Part 6: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 17:27:59 +0100
From: William Silvert <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
Subject: Re: Passenger Pigeon ecology
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I thank all those who contacted me about this. I do not have access to all
the sources cited, but several of the replies have referred to the idea that
the Passenger Pigeon population exploded after the arrival of Europeans,
presumably because the decimation of the native Indian populations removed
competitors for the acorns and other food sourses of the pigeons. I find
this a bit hard to follow - supposedly there were as many as 5 billion
pigeons at one stage, and it seems hard to believe that the competitition
from the relatively few Indians who foraged for acorns and other nuts and
fruits could significantly supppress a population with such enormous growth
potential.
Several correspondents have also suggested that the distribution of oak
forests was affected by the extinction of the pigeons who served as
dispersal agents. I have no idea whther this is the case, but all in all the
effects of this mass extinction seem pretty minor.
Bill Silvert
----- Original Message -----
From: "William Silvert" <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:01 AM
Subject: Passenger Pigeon ecology
> I recently started wondering about passenger pigeons in connection with
> some work I am doing on biodiversity and in particular I am curious to
> know what the ecological consequences of their extinction were...
[ Part 7: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:30:28 -0500
From: D. Liane Cochran-Stafira <cochran@SXU.EDU>
Subject: Re: forest tree allometry data
Colleagues,
Thanks very much to all who have responded to my request. I was in a bit
of a rush yesterday, and didn't clarify the types of data needed. The
intro to the exercise reads as follows:
The static function of foliage display (for light capture) was
hypothesized to be most important for understory trees, which spend their
entire lives in a reduced light environment. To maximize light capture
these trees are predicted to have large crowns with large leaf area. To
hold up these large crowns, the trees are predicted to have thick trunks.
King (1990) hypothesized that the dynamic function of height growth
ill
be most important for tree species that ultimately form the canopy. These
trees are predicted to put their resources into vertical growth to rapidly
pass through the understory, rather than massive crown area for efficient
light capture. Compared to mature understory trees of similar height,
young subcanopy/canopy trees will have small crowns, which reduces the
cross sectional area needed in the trunk (hence smaller diameter trunks).
King, D.A. 1990. Allometry of saplings and understory trees of a
Panamanian forest. Functional Ecology 4:27-32.
We want to compare morphologies of mature understory tree species to that
of young (sapling) canopy tree species.
The following data are required:
trunk diameter (or circumference)
tree height
estimated canopy area - two diameters of canopy at right angles
These two would be nice to have, but are not critical.
mean leaf area (from 5 leaves per species)
estimated leaf counts - to determine total leaf area
I guess if all else fails, I can use this as an excuse to take a relaxing
field trip myself this weekend to find some usable data.
Liane
>
>Hi all,
>I've just completed a field lab with my ecology class that involved
>differential growth patterns in canopy vs understory trees. The whole
>field portion turned out to be a bummer because our forest preserve area
>are so overwhelmed with deer that there is no recruitment of either tree
>type. Basically they ended up just practicing using the equipment and
>doing t-tests that didn't impress them (the results were too obvious).
>
>Does anyone have a data set for this old lab classic that they would be
>willing to share? I've search the ESA syllabus exchange and google, but
>I've come up empty handed. I'd like to demonstrate a data set that make
>prediction of the outcome less obvious, and show them how resource
>allocation differs between canopy and understory trees.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Note the new homepage URL
>***************************
>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: 773-779-3536
>email: cochran@sxu.edu
>http://www.sxu.edu/~cochran/
>
>
Note the new homepage URL
***************************
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: 773-779-3536
email: cochran@sxu.edu
http://www.sxu.edu/~cochran/
[ Part 8: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 15:36:49 -0400
From: "Williams, Steve L." <Steve.L.Williams@DEP.STATE.FL.US>
Subject: Human Carrying Capacity
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I am fairly new to the listserv and apologize for any recent postings on
similar topics.
The Indian River Lagoon, like most coastal water bodies, has been subjected
to a dramatic increase in population with no signs of slowing. As a natural
resource manager, I am charged with maintaining this system in its current o
natural state. Numerous studies have identified human effluent as a cause
for the degredation of estuarine systems. Building on this research, have
there been any studies which correlate population size to level of
environmental impact, i.e. human carrying capacity?
The reason I ask is because of boating traffic within the lagoon. As more
docks are introduced to the estuary, seagrasses are impacted through shading
and prop scarring, manatees are subjected to more boating traffic, and fish
populations are impacted by increased fishing pressure. Looking through the
vast entries on Google ET AL, I find many references to the need for more
research without any research attached? Does anyone have any experience or
access to this type of information? Thank you very any help
Steve Williams
East Coast Florida Aquatic Preserves
1000 Buffer Preserve Drive
Fellsmere, FL 32948
Ph: 321/953-5004
Fax: 321/953-5006
Cell: 321/508-4074
[ Part 9: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 16:07:46 -0500
From: Dave McNeely <dlmcneely@LUNET.EDU>
Subject: Re: Passenger Pigeon ecology
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Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ..............
I don't have access to all the references, either, and in fact, don't even
know what all the references are.
So, I don't know how many native Americans there were, how many of them
foraged for acorns, how many acorns they consumed, how many passenger
pigeons there were before Europeans arrived, how many acorns and other
fruits a passenger pigeon consumed in its life, what the fecundity of
passenger pigeons was, what degree of reproductive compensation and
mortality compensation either the passenger pigeon or its food species
exhibited in response to each other, what the population trends for
passenger pigeons were over the course of European colonization and American
settlement of their habitat, what the role of the passenger pigeon in
dispersal or dispersion of forest trees was ..................... .
Therefore, I don't know what the effect of this extinction was. I'm not
sure that I would know that if I did know all the things I could learn from
all the references I don't have, but I do know that since I don''t have the
references, I don't know the effect. A lot of changes in the American
landscape took place concurrently with the changes in passenger pigeon
populations. Not all changes in forest and woodland distributions were the
result of forest clearing, logging, or clearing for agriculture.
What about the Carolina parakeet, which occurred also in large flocks, had
large populations, ate the fruits of forest trees, and is extinct?
David L. McNeely, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
P.O. Box 1500
Langston University
Langston, OK 73050
Telephone (405) 466-6025
Email dlmcneely@lunet.edu
Web page http://www.lunet.edu/mcneely
FAX (405) 466-3271
"Are we there yet?"
Source unknown
----- Original Message -----
From: "William Silvert" <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Passenger Pigeon ecology
> I thank all those who contacted me about this. I do not have access to
ll
> the sources cited, but several of the replies have referred to the idea
that
> the Passenger Pigeon population exploded after the arrival of Europeans
> presumably because the decimation of the native Indian populations remo
ed
> competitors for the acorns and other food sourses of the pigeons. I fin
> this a bit hard to follow - supposedly there were as many as 5 billion
> pigeons at one stage, and it seems hard to believe that the competititi
n
> from the relatively few Indians who foraged for acorns and other nuts a
d
> fruits could significantly supppress a population with such enormous
growth
> potential.
>
> Several correspondents have also suggested that the distribution of oak
> forests was affected by the extinction of the pigeons who served as
> dispersal agents. I have no idea whther this is the case, but all in al
the
> effects of this mass extinction seem pretty minor.
>
> Bill Silvert
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "William Silvert" <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
> To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
> Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:01 AM
> Subject: Passenger Pigeon ecology
>
>
> > I recently started wondering about passenger pigeons in connection
with
> > some work I am doing on biodiversity and in particular I am curiou
to
> > know what the ecological consequences of their extinction were...
[ Part 10: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 23:09:01 +0100
From: William Silvert <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG>
Subject: Passenger Pigeons (again)
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Here are the comments that I have received so far. These were all sent to me
off the list, but I received so many inquiries to pass on what I learned
that I suggest that any further information be posted to the list. Thanks to
all who wrote.
I was originally going to identify the people who wrote me, but after
consulting with the list moderator, David Inouye, I am posting the responses
anonymously. Apologies to anyone who feels that they are being deprived of
credit for their ideas.
Bill Silvert
#1:
Unfortunately, shortly after they went extinct from Northern Michigan and
Wisconsin, these areas were completely deforested in the "timber era." The
loss of the passenger pigeon was superceded by this more signficant event.
An anecdotal note on passenger pigeons: Here in Michigan and much of the
midwestern US we have a shrub called Staghorn Sumac, with red berries in the
fall. Nothing eats the slightly fuzzy berries. Dan Janzen, king of
hypotheses about extinct dispersers, suggested that these were dispersed by
Passenger Pigeons before their extinction. Interesting. It would be cool
if somewhere there were some gut content studies or anything of the like.
#2:
Passenger pigeons were feeders on acorns. I think Sara Webb
suggested that the loss of passenger pigeons reduced the dispersal of
acorns. Her paper is in Quaternary Research (vol26, pp 367-375). We
certainly find that oak dispersal is limited in Illinois. Fakhir Bazzaz
mentioned that in an early paper in Ecology, Although oaks will easily
grow in open, sunny fields, they are rare in these locations because the
seeds do not get there. Most secondary succession in Illinois is
dominated by old, abandoned farm fields. Oak trees too far from these
fields for most acorns to be dispersed into them. In modern times,
acorns are distributed by squirrels. In general, they do not go out
into open fields. The passenger pigeon might have been able to disperse
acorns into such habitats.
#3:
Neumann, Thomas W. 1985. Human-wildlife competition and the passender
pigeon: population growth from system destabilization. Human Ecology
13(4):389-410.
Neumann does not address the results of the pigeons' extinction.
Instead, he argues that the pigeon population was not large before
European settlement. He says pre-settlement, the pigeons would not have
had much food because native people would have been eating much of the
mast produced. He concludes that the large population sizes of pigeons
represent an outbreak after release from competition.
#4:
I have two fine books on the natural history of the passenger pigeon. I
would suggest you look at Mitchell, M.H. 1935. The passenger pigeon in
Ontario. The University of Toronto Press, and Schorger,A.W.1955. The
passenger pigeon: its natural history and extinction. TheUniversity of
Wisconsin Press. They both have substantial references. I believe they
might help.
In response to my second posting about the relative impact of pigeons and
Indians, correspondent #5 wrote:
I am also skeptical of these claims. In our Department office in grad
school were two stuffed passenger pigeons. I have also seen many many
acorns. I seriously doubt those birds ate many acorns, much less acted
as dispersal agents.
May I suggest an alternative hypothesis: Europeans arrived, planted
orchards (fruit) and farms (grain) and associated insect pests. Pigeons
suddenly had wonderful food sources and populations exploded.
Just a thought. And I could be wrong.
From LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Fri Sep 26 09:59:05 2003
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 00:00:21 -0400
From: Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Reply-To: "Ecological Society of America: Society News and Business Only"
<ESANEWS@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ESANEWS digests <ESANEWS@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ESANEWS Digest - 10 Sep 2003 to 23 Sep 2003 (#2003-23)
There is one message totalling 212 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 11:29:57 -0400
From: David Inouye <inouye@umd.edu>
Subject: Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
Policy News from ESA's Public Affairs Office
A Bi-Weekly Publication of the Ecological Society of America
September 22, 2003
In this issue:
FOREST FIRE BILLS IN THE SENATE
FIRE FIGHTING FUNDS RESOLVED
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR SPENDING BILL
CANADIAN INDIANS CHALLENGE FISH FARMS IN COURT
NATIONAL ACADEMIES REPORT ON NEON RELEASED
FOREST FIRE BILLS IN THE SENATE
As the Bush administration and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN)
attempt to secure a filibuster-proof margin for the Administration's
Healthy Forests Restoration Act, environmental groups are throwing their
weight behind an alternative bill sponsored by Democratic Senators
Patrick Leahy (VT) and Barbara Boxer (CA).
Leahy and Boxer's Forestry and Community Assistance Act of 2003 would
focus money and resources on the areas around communities most at risk
for catastrophic wildfires without drastic cuts in environmental laws,
supporters say.
The best chance for supporters of the Healthy Forests bill may be to
add it to the Interior appropriations bill or a possible omnibus
appropriations bill on the Senate floor or in conference.
The regulatory changes in the Administration's bill would limit
alternatives that can be studied under required National Environmental
Policy Act assessments, streamlining the appeals process and increasing
the usage of categorical exclusions that allow agencies to bypass the
study process altogether.
The Leahy/Boxer bill would prioritize projects within a half-mile from
at-risk communities and require that 85 percent of the funds utilized be
within a half mile from communities or for protection of municipal water
supplies. Most projects within the half-mile radius around communities
would be exempted from the National Environmental Policy Act.
Democratic Senators Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Ron Wyden (OR) are
sponsoring a third bill, which allocates 70% of funds to areas within
three quarters of a mile of an at risk community, while allowing the
remaining funds to be spent on high priority areas outside this area.
FIREFIGHTING FUNDS RESOLVED
A House-Senate conference committee approved legislation last week
giving the Forest Service and Interior Department $319 million in
supplemental fire management funds, but that figure will not be enough
to cover the agencies' skyrocketing costs, officials said.
The conference report approves $253 million for Forest Service
firefighting costs in fiscal year 2003 and $36 million for the Bureau of
Land Management's firefighting budget. However, the Forest Service and
Interior will still be forced to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars
from other agency accounts to pay for such programs this year.
The practice of borrowing from other programs ensures that agencies can
pay for firefighting, but the solution often comes to the detriment of
other essential programs because the money is usually not restored. For
the Forest Service this year, the practice has delayed land
acquisitions, postponed backlog maintenance and construction programs
and slowed various basic agency operations such as planning and
permitting.
Most importantly, forest thinning and rehabilitation programs designed
to prevent future wildfires are also affected, angering Western
lawmakers who say that by not financing the firefighting budget in full,
Congress only exacerbates the wildfire problem.
The agencies may have to borrow $850 million above their budgeted costs
for this year, said Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), who is considering adding
an amendment to the Interior appropriations bill to fully reimburse the
agencies.
The conference report also includes $30 million to combat bark beetle
infestations in Southern California forests this year.
ESA recently joined with 43 other diverse organizations to call for
sufficient supplemental funding of suppression activities this year to
end the transferring of funds from other accounts. In addition, it was
urged that a long term solution to this problem be implemented by
Congress.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR SPENDING BILL
Speaking on the Senate floor the afternoon of September 17th, Majority
Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) and Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) said
they hope for final passage of the FY 04 Interior Appropriations Bill on
Tuesday.
Amendments on key issues such as competitive sourcing, Tongass National
Forest and firefighting funds are either at the desk or in the works,
but there is no indication a compromise amendment that would attach
wildfire legislation is forthcoming.
House and Senate conferees on the FY'04 Legislative Branch
appropriations bill approved $319 in FY 03 supplemental fire management
funds, including $289 million for firefighting costs incurred by
Interior and the Forest Service.
Regardless of the conference committee's action, Interior
Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Conrad Burns (R-MT) said he may
introduce an amendment increasing FY 03 supplemental firefighting funds
for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, agencies annually
forced to borrow large amounts of money from other programs in order to
pay their firefighting bills.
Ignoring a Bush administration veto threat, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
introduced an amendment yesterday that would prohibit the use of funds
for competitive sourcing studies in Interior and the Forest Service.
The amendment mirrors language in the House-passed bill. In its
statement of administration policy, the Bush administration threatened
to veto a bill barring competitive sourcing studies.
Competitive sourcing opponents said the studies are an attempt to
privatize jobs in the National Park Service and the Forest Service that
are inherently governmental and are wasting money that is better spent
on operating and maintaining the parks and forests.
CANADIAN INDIANS CHALLENGE FISH FARMS IN COURT
Several First Nations tribes in British Columbia are accusing the 30 or
so salmon farms that float on the bays of the Broughton Archipelago to
the north of Vancouver Island for an orange foam that appears on local
beaches, suffocating clam beds and discoloring the meat of the surviving
clams. More than that, they say, the farming has caused pink salmon
runs to collapse in the last two years, depriving the natives of an
important protein source and jeopardizing the entire food chain of the
river system and nearby forests.
Now the Indians are waging their battle in the courts, on
constitutional grounds. The Sierra Legal Defense Fund has filed a suit
in the British Columbia Supreme Court on behalf of the Tsawataineuk,
Kwicksutaineuk, Namgis and Gwaraenuk bands who live in the islands.
The Indians of the Broughton Archipelago have chosen to make their
fight in the courts, citing the country's constitutional obligation to
protect their fishing and rights. That means that if the suit prevails,
large coastal areas populated by native peoples could be affected. The
suit, which could take months or years to be resolved, intends to force
the provincial and federal governments to prohibit the issuance of new
licenses for open cage salmon aquaculture. In particular it wants to
force Heritage Salmon Limited and Stolt Sea Farm Inc., two multinational
companies that operate here, to stop stocking their farms, remove
diseased fish from the environment, and stop using a pesticide for lice
that the natives contend harms local crustaceans.
Company officials say they do not fear the suit and deny any
significant responsibility for environmental damage. They say that the
natives do not want their commercial fishermen to have to compete with
the farms.
NATIONAL ACADEMIES REPORT ON NEON RELEASED
The National Research Council released the report NEON: Addressing the
Nation's Environmental Challenges on September 17, 2003. The committee
that authored the report identified the areas of biodiversity,
biogeochemical cycles, climate change, ecology and evolution of
infectious diseases, invasive species as topics that would require a
network of infrastructure and research sites such as NEON would provide.
The committee strongly endorsed the concept of NEON. They also
recommended that the National Science Foundation structure NEON
according to the environmental challenges to be addressed. Thus, NEON
would consist of a total of six nationwide observatories (rather than
the 17 regional observatories originally proposed), each focused on a
major environmental challenge. Each observatory would consist of
multiple sites chosen simultaneously and located strategically across
the nation to ensure adequate regional and national coverage. NEON would
provide large-scale infrastructure that are beyond the budgets of
single-institution and consortium of universities.
ESA has strongly supported NEON and has worked with both Congress and
the Administration on this topic. For recent ESA comments on NEON
please go to our website at
<http://www.esa.org/pao/statements_resolutions/statements/esaresponse_neo
_061203.htm>http://www.esa.org/pao/statements_resolutions/statements/esar
sponse_neon_061203.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
Sources: Congressional Green Sheets; E&E Daily; The Seattle P-I; The
National Academies of Science
Send questions to Maggie Smith, ESA Policy Analyst,
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------------------------------
From LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Fri Sep 26 09:59:11 2003
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 00:00:19 -0400
From: Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Reply-To: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 20 Sep 2003 to 23 Sep 2003 (#2003-236)
[ Part 1: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 00:00:19 -0400
From: Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Reply-To: "Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news"
<ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
To: Recipients of ECOLOG-L digests <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 20 Sep 2003 to 23 Sep 2003 (#2003-236)
There are 13 messages totalling 528 lines in this issue.
Topics of the day:
1. POST-DOCTORAL POSITION
2. Collecting Peltodytes sp.
3. Wildlife Management Field Course, Dec 03 - Jan 04, South Africa
4. Ecotoxicologist position - deadline 1 October
5. NAS: National Research Network Could Help Solve Environmental Problems
6. Grad. RA in benthic microalgal ecology
7. Walkingstick outbreaks
8. FW: orthorectification of old aerial photos
9. M.S. - Insect Ecology
10. Aquatic Ecology Post Doc
11. Faculty positions in ecology and evolution deadline Oct15,2003
12. forest tree allometry data
13. Systems Analyst position
[ Part 2: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 10:59:36 EDT
From: Douglas T. Bolger <Douglas.T.Bolger@DARTMOUTH.EDU>
Subject: POST-DOCTORAL POSITION
POST-DOCTORAL POSITION. The successful applicant will co-direct an NSF-fund
d study of fragmentation and edge effects on avian breeding success and surv
val in San Diego, CA. This position is funded for 2.5 years (encompassing t
ree full field seasons). Applicants should possess considerable experience
tudying avian breeding biology. Also essential are demonstrated abilities i
data analysis and publication-quality writing. Experience conducting large-
cale field research and supervising a field crew is also highly desirable, a
is familiarity with radio-telemetry. This position involves collaboration
ith Dr. Jay Diffendorfer at San Diego State University who will be studying
nake and mammalian nest predators on the same sites. The successful applica
t will spend approximately four months per year in San Diego and the remaini
g time at Dartmouth. Start date approximately February, 2004.
Submit curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, representative rep
ints, and names, addresses and email addresses of three references to: Doug
Bolger, Environmental Studies Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755-
577. FAX (603) 646-1682. email: dbolger@dartmouth.edu. Review of applicati
ns will begin on October 8.
[ Part 3: "Included Message" ]
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 09:38:08 -0400
From: Cindy Kolar <ckolar@USGS.GOV>
Subject: Collecting Peltodytes sp.
Hello Ecolog,
We've been advised to use individuals of Peltodytes sp. as
surrogates for the Hungerford's water beetle (Brychius hungerfordi) in
some toxicology tests. We're going to need several hundred adults and
larvae to run the tests.
First: is there a trick we can use to collect the adults? I
spent a couple of hours this weekend picking through algae and macrophytes
and found only several beetles. Could a light trap work to attract
adults, for instance?
Second: does anyone have any experience collecting large numbers
of larvae or have any advice how we should proceed with getting our hands
on several hundred Peltodytes sp. larvae?
Thanks!
Cindy
[ Part 4: "Included Message" ]
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 10:41:02 -0400
From: "Ellen Rogers, DVM" <ellenm@SEACOAST.COM>
Subject: Wildlife Management Field Course, Dec 03 - Jan 04, South Africa
Apologies for cross postings.
Course Announcement: WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT FIELD COURSE
EcoLife Expeditions, South Africa
International Universities Program
South Africa
4 credits from the University of Pretoria
28 December 2003 -12 January 2004
Join Ecolife Expeditions for a wildlife management course in the African
bush. Learn about managing African wildlife while traveling through African
parks and participating in hands-on projects. Participate in formulating
management strategies for game animals in different African ecosystems and
learn about the adaptation of game and populations dynamics under these
conditions.
The course includes lectures, classes, and projects taught by instructors
from the University of Pretoria's Centre for Wildlife Management. Topics
include animal behavior, water utilisation, game condition, diseases,
parasites, nutrition, feed selection, game capture and relocation.
This program is open to students of all ages as well as professionals in
wildlife biology, wildlife management, and conservation.
ACADEMIC CREDITS: 4 credits from the University of Pretoria.
COST: $1400 (US dollars)
FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL: education@ecolife.co.za
ECOLIFE
EcoLife Expeditions is endorsed by the Centre for Wildlife Management at the
University of Pretoria and draws on the outstanding expertise and experience
of the staff and graduate students from the Centre.
Ecolife Expeditions
976 Duncan Street
Brooklyn
Pretoria 0181
South Africa
education@ecolife.co.za
[ Part 5: "Included Message" ]
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 11:40:50 -0400
From: Matthew Harwell <Matthew_Harwell@FWS.GOV>
Subject: Ecotoxicologist position - deadline 1 October
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Apologies for cross-posting.....
*********************
National Park Service, Ecotoxicologist, GS-408-13 level, Boynton Beach, FL
A permanent, full-time, senior-level ecotoxicologist is sought with
expertise in the sources, transport, and fate of contaminants in aquatic
ecosystems to be a National Park Service (NPS) expert evaluating and
contributing to ecosystem restoration in south Florida. The incumbent
will: work on multi-disciplinary teams as part of the Comprehensive
Everglades Restoration Plan; evaluate wetland ecotoxicological impacts
from hydrological modifications and water management practices; perform
detailed technical assessments of proposed restoration projects on south
Florida's natural resources, particularly NPS lands and waters; contribute
to technical reports and professional publications for administrative and
judicial proceedings; and attend meetings representing Everglades National
Park on technical issues. Job location is Boynton Beach, FL, at the A.R.M.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. This recruitment is open to all
qualified United States citizens. Job requirements: Bachelor's degree in
biology or related field of science underling ecological research that
included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological
sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in
ecology, and 12 semester hours in physics and mathematical sciences. In
addition to the above requirements, candidates must posses 1 year of
specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level that
equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and
abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is
typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Salary:
$67,143 - $87,289 per year. Closing date: October 1, 2003. For additional
information, contact Dr. Nicholas G. Aumen, Everglades Program Team,
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Rd., Boynton Beach, FL
33437, Phone 561 735-6001, E-mail: nick_aumen@nps.gov. The National Park Ser
ice is an Equal Opportunity employer. Selection
for this position will be based solely on the basis of fitness,
qualifications and merit after fair and open competition, and will be made
without regard to political, religious, or labor organization affiliation
or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, sex, national
origin, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, age, or
any other non-merit factors.
To apply, go to http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov and search for EVER-DEU-03-
0
[ Part 6: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 12:01:06 -0400
From: Karen Claxon <kclaxon@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: NAS: National Research Network Could Help Solve Environmental
Problems
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National Research Network Could Help Solve Environmental Problems
Sept. 17 -- A proposed national network of research sites, designed to
facilitate regional- and continental-scale ecological monitoring, would
be an important tool for understanding the vulnerability of ecosystems
to environmental changes, says a new report from the National Academies'
Board on Life Sciences. The network should focus on major environmental
issues such as biodiversity, climate change, emerging infectious
diseases, invasive species and land use.
Full Report
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10807.html?onpi_topnews_091703
Project Web Site
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10807.html?onpi_topnews_091703
[ Part 7: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 11:28:55 -0500
From: Chris Taylor <ctaylor@RA.MSSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Grad. RA in benthic microalgal ecology
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DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP IN BENTHIC MICROALGAL ECOLOGY
A research assistantship ($15K per year) is available for a doctoral
student in the lab of Dr. Michael J. Sullivan. The start date is 1
February 2004 and the project is funded by the Mississippi-Alabama Sea
Grant Consortium for a period of 2 years. The title of the research
project is ^гA New Paradigm: the Trophic Importance of Sediment
Microalgae in Seagrass Beds.^д Stable isotope studies in seagrass beds
have shown that food webs in these important fisheries habitats are based
mainly on algal rather than on seagrass carbon. However, the epiphytic
algae have received the lion^вs share of the attention but the role of
the sediment microalgae within and adjacent to seagrass beds may be just
as important. We will employ 14N-enriched fertilizer in Halodule wrightii
beds of Perdido Key, Florida to simulate eutrophication and serve as a
tracer of N (and organic matter) flow within the system. Response
variables include the primary production rates and HPLC photopigments of
the sediment microalgae and the structure (species present and their
relative abundances) of the dominant diatom component of the microalgal
assemblage. *15N values of primary producers and consumers will be
determined to trace the uptake of the added nitrogen and its movement
through the food web. The relative importance of epiphytic versus
sediment microalgae will be quantified by examining the assemblage
structure of diatoms present in the guts of selected consumers. In Year 2
the effects of grazers (density and size will be manipulated) and
nutrient enrichment and their interactions on sediment microalgae
consumption will be determined by a series of experiments involving the
placement of exclosures and enclosures within H. wrightii beds. Dr. Brian
Fry of Louisiana State University is a Co-PI on this project.
For further information contact Dr. Michael J. Sullivan, Biology
Department, Mississippi State University (phone: 662-325-7575, FAX:
662-325-7939, e-mail: mjs2@ra.msstate.edu).
*******************************************
Christopher M. Taylor
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
P.O. Drawer GY
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: 662-325-8591
Fax: 662-325-7939
Email: ctaylor@ra.msstate.edu
http://www2.msstate.edu/~ctaylor/ctaylor.htm
[ Part 8: "Included Message" ]
Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2003 13:14:58 -0400
From: Linda Fink <lfink@SBC.EDU>
Subject: Walkingstick outbreaks
I would like to correspond with anyone who has been observing, whether
systematically or informally, natural populations of the northern
walkingstick, Diapheromera femorata. This is a charismatic and
underappreciated arthropod, and I am contemplating turning my casual
natural history observations of a large local population into a formal
study of their population biology and behavioral ecology.
Please contact me directly:
Linda Fink
lfink@sbc.edu
Department of Biology
Sweet Briar College
Sweet Briar VA 24595
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to whi
h it is addressed and may contain confidential, and/or privileged material.
o confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any errant transmission.
If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all c
pies of it from your system and notify the sender. E-mail transmission cann
t be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercept
d, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses
Barry University - Miami Shores, FL (http://www.barry.edu)
[ Part 9: "Included Message" ]
Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2003 15:14:12 +0200
From: kalwij@WSL.CH
Subject: Re: FW: orthorectification of old aerial photos
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I have written a very short simplified protocol to orthorectify aerial
photographs using Erdas Imagine Orthobase 8.5.1, dealing with most of the
problems you described.
This protocol can be found on the webpage:
http://www.wsl.ch/staff/jesse.kalwij/phd/Protocol/
The protocol also includes an estimated camera protocol of the old aerial
photographs with the mirrored number '17', which might even be the fairchild
camera you are referring to.
Best regards,
Jesse Kalwij
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This mail sent through IMP (http://horde.org/imp/) at WSL (http://www.wsl.ch
[ Part 10: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 15:05:23 -0400
From: Jon C. Gering <jgering@TRUMAN.EDU>
Subject: M.S. - Insect Ecology
Graduate Assistantships (M.S.) in Insect Ecology
Biology Discipline, Division of Science, Truman State University,
Kirksville, MO
One (or two) graduate assistantship (M.S.) in insect ecology is available
beginning January 2004 (preferred) or August 2004. The teaching
assistantship includes a two-year stipend and a full tuition waiver.
Summer support may be available. The student will be expected to commit
~15 hrs per week to teaching activities to fulfill the requirements of the
assistantship. The primary goal of the student will be to complete a
thesis research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor and a thesis
committee. Potential research projects include (but are not limited to)
the effects of urbanization on insect communities; the effects of an exotic
species, the Asiatic Oak Weevil [Cyrtepistomus castaneus (Roleofs)], on oak
regeneration; or the effect of reproductive mode (e.g., parthenogenesis) on
the success of exotic insect species (mainly beetles).
The biology graduate program at Truman State is comprised of 8-12 dynamic
graduate students who have high levels of interaction with their faculty
advisors. The main emphasis of the program is to prepare students for
entrance into doctoral programs. Therefore, the student should be
committed to furthering their graduate and/or professional training beyond
the Master's level. More information on the program can be found at the
Truman State Biology Website(http://science.truman.edu/biology/index.htm).
Interested students should provide Dr. Jon C. Gering (jgering@truman.edu)
with the following materials: 1) letter of interest stating professional
goals, research interests, and qualifications; 2) a resume or CV; 3)
unofficial copies of transcripts and GRE scores; and 4) the names,
affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references.
These materials may be emailed (see above) or sent by postal mail to the
following address: Biology Discipline, Division of Science, Truman State
University, Kirksville, MO 63501.
[ Part 11: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 15:07:55 -0500
From: David S. White <david.white@MURRAYSTATE.EDU>
Subject: Aquatic Ecology Post Doc
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, Center for Reservoir Research,
Murray State University. Position to begin November
2003. Qualifications: Ph.D. required in the area of Stream or Lake
Ecology; a knowledge of aquatic insects preferred.
Responsibilities: Provide assistance to Center scientists in conducting
basic and applied research on reservoirs and their attendant ecosystems,
primarily Kentucky Lake and its watersheds. To Apply: Send letter of
interest, vitae, names, and addresses of three references to: Dr. David
White, Center for Reservoir Research, 561 Emma Drive, Murray, KY
42071. For further information, call (270) 474-2272 or e-mail
David.White@murraystate.edu. Women and minorities are encouraged to
apply. Murray State University is an equal education and employment
opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer.
David S. White
Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
Director, Hancock Biological Station
Coordinator, Center for Reservoir Research
561 Emma Drive
Murray, KY 42071
Phone 270-474-2272
FAX 270-474-0120
[ Part 12: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 16:01:37 -0400
From: Mark Ritchie <meritchi@SYR.EDU>
Subject: Faculty positions in ecology and evolution deadline Oct15,2003
Biocomplexity Faculty Positions
The Department of Biology at Syracuse University invites applications for
two tenure-track positions (Assistant to Full Professor) to be filled by
August 2004. Applications will be considered from individuals who already
have, or who show a promise of developing, strong, extramurally funded and
highly innovative research programs in ecology and/or evolutionary biology
to join an emerging interdisciplinary research group in biocomplexity.
Examples of suitable research interests include speciation, phylogenetics,
coevolution, plant physiology, microbial ecology and trophic interactions.
Successful applicants will complement current research strengths within the
department and university intellectual community related to the evolution
and functioning of complex adaptive biological systems in different
environments. Syracuse University places a high priority on effective
teaching. Successful candidates will be expected to be effective teachers
at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The successful applicants will join a highly productive faculty with strong
links to other programs at Syracuse University, including engineering,
public and environmental policy, biochemistry and earth system sciences.
Specific information about individual Biology faculty research programs may
be found at http://biology.syr.edu/facultyresearch/facultyresearch.html.
The Syracuse biocomplexity group has close intellectual ties to more than
60 other faculty at several other universities including the State
University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry school (SUNY-ESF)
and Cornell University. Collaborations among the faculty in this group
would allow successful applicants to explore several new interdisciplinary
funding initiatives at NSF, including NSF's Biocomplexity Initiative,
Emerging Frontiers, and Biology & Mathematics programs.
Applicants should forward (preferably as attachments in an e-mail:
biosearch@cas.syr.edu) a curriculum vitae, a description of past research
accomplishments, a clearly focused description of his/her proposed future
research goals and a statement of teaching interests. We also request that
applicants arrange to have at least three letters of reference sent to the
address below. Please include the name, address, phone number and e-mail
addresses of your references. The position will be open until filled, but
to be assured your application receives full consideration, we urge that
you arrange to have all necessary materials to us by October 15, 2003.
[ Part 13: "Included Message" ]
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003 18:08:06 -0500
From: D. Liane Cochran-Stafira <cochran@SXU.EDU>
Subject: forest tree allometry data
Hi all,
I've just completed a field lab with my ecology class that involved
differential growth patterns in canopy vs understory trees. The whole
field portion turned out to be a bummer because our forest preserve areas
are so overwhelmed with deer that there is no recruitment of either tree
type. Basically they ended up just practicing using the equipment and
doing t-tests that didn't impress them (the results were too obvious).
Does anyone have a data set for this old lab classic that they would be
willing to share? I've search the ESA syllabus exchange and google, but
I've come up empty handed. I'd like to demonstrate a data set that makes
prediction of the outcome less obvious, and show them how resource
allocation differs between canopy and understory trees.
Thanks in advance,
Note the new homepage URL
***************************
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: 773-779-3536
email: cochran@sxu.edu
http://www.sxu.edu/~cochran/
[ Part 14: "Included Message" ]
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 06:44:42 +0800
From: Craig.James@CSIRO.AU
Subject: Systems Analyst position
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CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Centre for Arid Zone Research, Alice Springs,
ustralia
Systems Analyst
$71k - $97k pa plus Superannuation
Ref: PG:03/39
We seek an early-mid career systems analyst with a keen interest in regional
studies and in the challenges of integrating the environmental, economic and
social outcomes of rangeland land uses. Although we do not expect the succe
sful applicant to have experience in all these areas, he or she will be happ
to explore across the boundaries in the context of providing insights into
ow to better manage the vast extent of inland Australia.
We expect applicants to demonstrate their skills in systems analysis and the
application of this ability in at least one of social, economic and environm
ntal disciplines, and an interest in the outback. He or she will work well
n a small, close team, and be prepared to collaborate widely. The position
s for three years with the possibility of becoming indefinite.
For selection documentation and details on how to apply visit
<http://www.csiro.au/careers> www.csiro.au/careers
Alternatively contact 1300 301 509
џџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџџ
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