ECOLOG-L Digest - 25 Sep 2003 to 26 Sep 2003 (#2003-239)
Subject: ECOLOG-L Digest - 25 Sep 2003 to 26 Sep 2003 (#2003-239) There are 3 messages totalling 186 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Researchers say whaling (may have) altered the food chain 2. a parting shot at pigeons 3. Assoc Dir Education, Big Sky Institute [ Part 2: "Included Message" ] Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 11:24:49 +0100 From: William Silvert <ciencia@SILVERT.ORG> Subject: Re: Researchers say whaling (may have) altered the food chain [ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Thanks to David Thomson for posting this interesting account. Actually there is a link between the whale story and passenger pigeons, and perhaps this is time to wrap up the PP postings and move on. First, the issue of whether fisheries managers should be paying attention to ecological issues is an old and frustrating one. Part of the problem is that whereas fisheries data tend to be precise (which is of course not necessarily the same thing as accurate), the large uncertainties evident in the whale hypothesis are hard for some scientists to accept. A similar idea about food-chain effects was developed many years ago by Ken Mann, that lobsters were keystone predators and that overfishing of lobsters led to an explosion of the urchin population, which in turn denuded the kelp forests of Atlantic Canada. Since kelp provides shelter for juvenile lobsters, this caused a decline in lobster recruitment and made matters irreversibly worse (actually the situation was eventually reversed when an epizootic disease wiped out the urchins). Another marine ecologist, Paul Brody, suggested that since there was a large bycatch of sharks in the swordfishery, the shark populations were depleted which permitted an explosion of seals which ate lots of commercial fish and also served as vectors for codworm, a nematode parasite of groundfish. Both of these hypotheses were heavily attacked, not only with conflicting data, but also with charges that they were speculative and thus unscientific. OK, and how do passenger pigeons come into this? I had expected that some similar arguments about food, competition, etc. would come forth, but have not seen much written on this sort of trophodynamic and bioenergetic response. For example, I wonder whether predation by pigeons would be a controlling factor on the reproduction of trees, which seem to produce far more nuts, acorns, etc., than they need to. If so, then forests should have started springing up after they vanished. If not, then did the uneaten fruits provide a bounty for squirrels, or did they just decay into humus? There was some inconclusive debate about whether pigeons served as dispersal agents. And what about their predators? Were they depleted, or did they switch to squirrels and keep that competing population under control? I'm not sure whether the difference between the whale story and the pigeons reflects a difference in approaches between marine and terrestrial ecology, or whteher it just is an indication that different kinds of people subscibe to different mailing lists. Certainly terrestrial ecology is very different from marine ecology, and habitat issues tend to be much more complicated on land. Still, after I send off my biodiversity paper later today I think I will start philosophising about the different kinds of ecology we see in the world today! Bill Silvert ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Thomson" <dthomson@HARVEYECOLOGY.COM> To: <ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU> Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 6:56 PM Subject: Researchers say whaling (may have) altered the food chain > Ecolog (and especially passenger pigeon fanatics ;-) > > I thought you would appreciate this news and search out the paper on th > Academy's web site. - David Thomson > > http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/141208_whales25.html > > ============================================ > Thursday, September 25, 2003 > Researchers say whaling altered the food chain ... [ Part 3: "Included Message" ] Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 16:07:53 -0400 From: Liza Knapp <lknapp@NSM.UMASS.EDU> Subject: a parting shot at pigeons [ The following text is in the "ISO-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] I'm hesitant to post this as I think we've reached pigeon saturation, but fo the record,there is an article on this subject coming out in the December is ue of Conservation Biology: JW Ellsworth and BC McComb. 2003. Potential effects of passenger pigeon floc s on the structure and composition of presettlement forests of eastern North America. Cons. Bio. 17(6): 1-11. [ Part 4: "Included Message" ] Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003 18:22:10 -0600 From: "Graumlich, Lisa" <lisa@MONTANA.EDU> Subject: Assoc Dir Education, Big Sky Institute Position Vacancy Announcement Associate Director for Education of the Big Institute, Montana State University Starting Date: Upon successful completion of the selection process. Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience Departmental Information: The Big Sky Institute (BSI) focuses on research, education, and outreach in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. BSI is dedicated to creating, applying and communicating science-based knowledge. We combine current research with inquiry-based learning for people of all ages and all walks of life. To do this, BSI initiates and supports quality research and education programs that promote and enhance the understanding of ecosystems, both in their own right and in relationship to the human communities that depend on them. BSI is developing a research and education facility on land donated to MSU at Big Sky, 12 miles northwest of Yellowstone National Park. MSU is located in the scenic Gallatin Valley, 55 miles north of Yellowstone, in Bozeman, Montana, a cultural, economic, and technological center with world-renowned outdoor recreational activities. MSU is a comprehensive land grant university. More detailed information about facilities and programs can be obtained from the address below or at our Web site: www.bsi.montana.edu. <http://www.montana.edu> Duties and Responsibilities: In accordance with BSI's mission, the Associate Director of Education (ADE) reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the development and management of BSI's portfolio of educational products that target a variety of audiences, including but not limited to, K-12 teachers, K-12 students, university undergraduates and graduate students, and adult learners of all ages. The ADE leads efforts to build and sustain external funding for education programs from grants, contracts, and foundation gifts; works with partners, university faculty and organizations to deliver educational events and products to a variety of audiences; manages the transfer of scientific data via internet, distance learning venues, and other technology for multiple projects; builds and maintains partnerships between existing university education programs, BSI partners, school districts, schools, and teachers; works with and prepares reports and materials for BSI Executive Director, advisory boards and subcommittees; designs, manages and coordinates instructional programs, outreach activities, and interpretive materials in concert with BSI research and development activities; provides supervision and evaluation for BSI education staff; and serves as a BSI representative among the university's other education/outreach entities Required Qualifications: 1. Bachelors degree 2. Significant level of relevant professional experience. 3. A record of excellence in science outreach, OR science educational program development and management. 4. Demonstrated success in fund raising and in securing extramural support. Preferred Qualifications: * Master's degree in a field represented within the BSI. * At least five years experience in outreach, AND teaching. * Evidence of leadership abilities through past positions. * Demonstrated success in generating substantial and sustained program funding from highly competitive sources such as the National Science Foundation * Demonstrated experience in program development, evaluation, assessment and strategic planning. * Experience with and development of on-line education programs and products * A record of experience in personnel and finance management. * An understanding of marketing - defining target markets for the purpose of educational program and product development * Evidence of success in building and maintaining partnerships. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The Successful Candidate will: Possess excellent communications skills for articulating and marketing the shared vision of the University, the BSI Executive Director and advisory boards. Exhibit the willingness and ability to work in an open, highly collaborative environment with a wide range of collaborators and partners. Application Procedures: Screening of applications will begin October 15, 2003 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send a letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a resume or curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references to: Jeanette Goodwin, Administrative Associate Big Sky Institute Search Committee 107 AJM Johnson Hall Montana State University Bozeman MT 59717 Phone: 406-994 2374 FAX: 406-994-5122 Email: jeanette@montana.edu From LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Wed Oct 1 14:39:50 2003 Date: Tue, 30 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 - 26 Sep 2003 to 29 Sep 2003 (#2003-240) [ Part 1: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 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 - 26 Sep 2003 to 29 Sep 2003 (#2003-240) There is one message totalling 47 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Field Biologist Position [ Part 2: "Included Message" ] Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 08:54:14 -0400 From: Brian Beckage <bbeckage@UVM.EDU> Subject: Field Biologist Position We are still accepting applications for a field biologist position in support of a pine demography study in Everglades National Park. The position requires an individual that is capable of working independently with a minimum amount of supervision. The primary responsibilities of the position will be to census pine trees, measuring growth and survivorship, to maintain seed traps and to census tree seedlings. Secondary tasks will be to design and install seed predation and fire mortality experiments. This work is part of a study of the effects of fires and hurricanes on pine demography. More information on research questions including some photographs of Everglades field sites can be found at http://www.uvm.edu/~bbeckage/. The position requires extensive time spent in the field, usually not accompanied by others. The Florida Everglades can be a challenging environment in which to work, with high temperatures, humidity and insects. The position is available immediately and will continue through June with the possibility of continued employment beyond June. Salary will be $12 per hour with a 40 hour work week. The position does not include medical insurance, paid leave or sick time. Inexpensive park housing may be available depending on occupancy levels. The position requires a bachelor's degree in the biological or environmental sciences or a related area, an interest in plant ecology, and a desire to work outdoors. To request more information regarding the position or if you have specific questions, please contact Dr. Brian Beckage via email (bbeckage@uvm.edu). To apply, email a cv, a letter describing your interests and experience in ecology, and names and telephone numbers/email addresses of 3 references to: bbeckage@duke.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until a suitable candidate is found. Brian Beckage, Ph.D. Department of Botany University of Vermont From LISTSERV@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Wed Oct 1 14:40:04 2003 Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 00:00:11 -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 - 29 Sep 2003 to 30 Sep 2003 (#2003-241) [ Part 1: "Included Message" ] Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2003 00:00:11 -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 - 29 Sep 2003 to 30 Sep 2003 (#2003-241) There are 6 messages totalling 423 lines in this issue. Topics of the day: 1. Course Announcement-Please Post 2. Position available in Mauritius 3. Biodiversity Conservation and National Security: a Professional Link t the Intelligence Community 4. Undergraduate Environmental Symposium - Call For Abstracts! 5. Natural Resources Program Coordinator Vacancy - Minnesota DNR 6. Web Site for western North American seed identifications and climate [ Part 2: "Included Message" ] Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 19:45:33 -0400 From: Les M. Lynn <leslynn@OPTONLINE.NET> Subject: Course Announcement-Please Post [ The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Course Announcement: Intensive Wolf Study, Bio 119 Bergen Community College, Paramus, New Jersey is pleased to offer for the eighth year, Bio 119, Intensive Wolf Study, and taught at the International Wolf Center, Ely, MN. This is a 3-credit (from BCC), one hundred level biology course taught from 2 January-8 January 2004. Students will receive formal lectures during the morning sessions, including basic wolf biology and ecology, reintroduction and management issues, etc. Fieldwork will be conducted in the afternoon and evening sessions. Scheduled are ground and aerial telemetry, a possible necropsy, snowshoe to an abandoned den, wolf communications, wolf parasites and observations of the captive pack at the International Wolf Center. Cost: $825 for room, board (except for one meal), and use of the IWC's facilities and equipment. Tuition: ~$200 for Bergen County, NJ residents, ~ $500.00 for out-of-state residents and transportation costs (~$450 airfare). Space is very limited to 12 students Contact: Dr. Les M. Lynn Phone (201) 612 5263 leslynn@optonline.net [ Part 3: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 12:48:00 -0400 From: Lee Brown <lbrown@LIFE.BIO.SUNYSB.EDU> Subject: Position available in Mauritius [ The following text is in the "ISO-8859-1" character set. ] [ Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set. ] [ Some characters may be displayed incorrectly. ] Reply-To: <cjmaure@intnet.mu> From: "John Mauremootoo" <cjmaure@intnet.mu> To: <ECOLOG-L@umdd.umd.edu> Subject: Position available in Mauritius Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 10:55:15 +0400 Dear colleagues, I would be very grateful if you could circulate the following job announcement: Vacancy Available from January 2004 Volunteer Science Coordinator Ile aux Aigrettes, Mauritius The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is restoring the globally significant Ile aux Aigrettes ecosystem. A great deal of effort has been made to use this island as a living laboratory for the documentation of the ecosystem effects of restoration work and as an ideal location for the testing out of novel ecological restoration methods. As part of this project MWF requires a volunteer science coordinator for a minimum period of six months. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is a highly successful Non- Governmental Organisation working to save the globally endangered fauna and flora of Mauritius and Rodrigues. Notable successes include the conservation of the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parakeet and ecosystem restoration projects in Mauritius, its offshore islets and Rodrigues. Ile aux Aigrettes & the Ile aux Aigrettes Restoration Project Mauritius and the majority of it's offshore islets show the characteristic features of small oceanic islands, namely extensive habitat degradation and high rates of extinction. A few of Mauritius's offshore islets have remained important refuges for native and endemic species that have been driven to extinction on mainland Mauritius or on the more degraded islets. Among these valuable islets, Ile aux Aigrettes, a 26 ha. island close to the Mauritian mainland, is one of the most important, housing the best-conserved remnant of coastal ebony forest that used to cover a great deal of lowland Mauritius. The island has been cleared of rats and most other introduced mammal species and is an ideal site for marooning endangered plant and animal species now found in tiny numbers on the mainland or on other offshore islets. When the restoration process on the island began in 1985 the vegetation of Ile aux Aigrettes was dominated by a large number of highly invasive woody weeds. In subsequent years these weeds have been gradually cleared and in some places nursery grown native pioneer plant species have been planted. Currently approximately 10% of the island remains to be weeded and planted. The position The volunteer science coordinator will report to the MWF Plant Conservation Manager who is overall manager of the restoration work on Ile aux Aigrettes. Conditions The post does not have a salary although it may be possible to raise funds for one at a future date. This, however, cannot be guaranteed. Accommodation is provided free of charge whilst on the island and basic, shared accommodation is also provided free of charge on the Mauritian mainland for time spent off the island. Food is not included and you should budget Rs1,000 per week for food. The position is for six months with possible extension by mutual agreement. Airfare is not provided. The successful applicant is required to make appropriate additional personal insurance arrangements. Job Outline The jobholder will form undertake experimental work on Ile aux Aigrettes on two main projects: Project one: An Investigation into the use of Aldabran Giant Tortoises as a Tool for the Sustainable Restoration of Degraded Mauritian Ecosystems The proposed project plans to investigate, in an experimentally rigorous way, an innovative conservation management technique, the use of analogue species of giant tortoises for weed management and for the dispersal of the seeds of native species. The proposed project has the following aims: a. The determination of the level of biological control of invasive plant species provided by the grazing of tortoises within a managed nature reserve. b. The determination of the relative viability of seeds post tortoise consumption and seedling success of plants germinated from tortoise faeces. c. Determination of the effect of tortoise grazing on populations of key endangered plant species. d. The determination of the potential of tortoises as seed dispersers on a small island undergoing restoration. Project two: Quantification of the process of Restoration of the plant communities of Ile aux Aigrettes A great deal of data already exist on parameters such as the time taken for restoration operations on Ile aux Aigrettes, vegetation changes in recent years and soil seed bank and seed rain changes over time. All of this data collection activity is on-going. It is proposed that the jobholder integrates all of this information to document the process of Ile aux Aigrettes restoration over time. The jobholder will be helped by Ile aux Aigrettes staff, the Plant Conservation Manager and Plant Conservation Post-Doctoral Assistant in this work. Further details of both these projects can be given upon request. Essential requirements for the post Academic background The candidate should have a degree or equivalent qualification in Biology/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, etc., and some work experience in the field of conservation. Ideally the candidate should have a strong ecological research background and a post-graduate degree. Technical qualifications and aptitudes a. Previous experience in projects with ecosystem restoration goals is desirable b. A desire to work closely with extremely rare plants and invasive weeds. c. Previous practical experience in projects with restoration goals and working in remote areas for prolonged periods. Management experience would be an advantage, although working for long periods in small field teams would be acceptable. He/ she must be comfortable working with, and leading, small teams of people of mixed age, culture and experience. d. A full car driving licence. A motorcycle licence would also be an advantage. e. Ability to communicate clearly in English, to publication quality science, enter and analyse data. f. Spoken French is desirable. If not the candidate must be happy to learn basic Mauritian Creole. g. The candidate must have an ability to live and work in tropical conditions. Temperatures on Ile aux Aigrettes can reach over 40°C. h. The candidate should have excellent organisational and logistical abilities. i. The candidate must be fit and healthy. Character Mauritius is a multicultural developing country. Candidates must be able to work happily under what may sometimes appear to be alien conditions to those who are used to working in the west. Patience is essential. Respect for Mauritians on the Ile aux Aigrettes team and support staff is essential as any expatriate is here as a guest. It is essential that the candidate helps to build the capacity of Mauritian staff in areas as appropriate since Mauritians represent the long-term future of projects such as these. Recruitment Procedure If you are interested in the position of Ile aux Aigrettes Volunteer Science Coordinator please e-mail Plant Conservation Manager, John Mauremootoo - cjmaure@intnet.mu - stating how you found out about the vacancies and when you would be available. Please enclose an up to date Curriculum Vitae including details of at least three referees, one of whom should be from your current or most recent job. Further details If you require further details please e-mail John on the above address [ Part 4: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 21:55:07 GMT From: brianczech@JUNO.COM Subject: Biodiversity Conservation and National Security: a Professional Link t o the Intelligence Community Fellow Ecologists, As we continually seek ways to make biodiversity conservation more relevant o 21st century society, I propose we begin to emphasize the importance of bi diversity conservation to national security and international stability. Re ently I addressed the intelligence community on this subject, and I was amaz d at the cognizance and concern about conservation as national security. It was an international crowd dealing primarily in ^Ñopen source^Ò (non-clandes ine) intelligence, so perhaps they were some of the more open-minded and les ideological representatives of their profession. Nevertheless, the likes o the CIA, DIA, and FBI were all represented, as well as many of their intern tional counterparts and consortiums including the UN and NATO. The conference was one of the most fascinating I have been to (and on the he ls of a great Wildlife Society conference in Burlington). I have often wond red about the ethic of the intelligence community, and I came away favorably impressed that this ethic, at least among the participants at the conference may be summarized by the phrase ^Óspeaking truth to power^Ô. The convener, Open Source Solutions, has posted my slideshow from the conference at: http://www.oss.net/extra/news/ as well as a two-page briefing that may be useful for meetings with your con ressmen. I prepared the briefing for a meeting last fall with Dennis Kucini h after being introduced to Kucinich at a simplicity forum at Oberlin Colleg . Unfortunately and ironically, our meeting was cancelled at the last minut because Kucinich got called into an emergency war meeting. I was too busy or quick followup and of course Kucinich became very scarce once his 2004 pr sidential candidacy was announced. Now it's time to resurrect the briefing nd use it as opportunities afford. My slideshow, ^ÓThe Steady State Revolution for National Security and Intern tional Stability^Ô is also posted at my website: Www.steadystate.org on the News page, along with a more detailed description of the link between the ecological and intelligence professions. In a nutshell, though, the arg ment goes like this: 1) There is a fundamental conflict between economic growth and biodiversity onservation. 2) Biodiversity is an integral component of the global economic foundation with a forthcoming article by Costanza et al. to provide a value estimate of $6 trillion, or pushing 20% gross global product). 3) There is a fundamental conflict, therefore, between economic growth and ong-term economic security, because economic growth steadily erodes the econ mic foundation via biodiversity depletion (and via other mechanisms). 4) National security is always and everywhere a function of economic securi y. 5) National resource-hogging and gaudy consumption in the face of regional conomic insecurity produces cultural enmity and international instability, i cluding 21st century forms of terrorism. This issue of biodiversity conservation, economic sustainability, and nation l security will be one of the issues addressed by our TWS Working Group for he Steady State Economy. More on that in pending messages. Brian Czech Arlington, VA WWW.STEADYSTATE.ORG ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To unsubscribe from this list, send a message to listserv@listserv.vt.edu wi h the words "signoff tws-l" in the body of the message. [ Part 5: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 17:59:25 -0500 From: Kimberly Smith <kgsmith@UARK.EDU> Subject: Undergraduate Environmental Symposium - Call For Abstracts! Colleagues, Please forward this "Call for Abstracts" to your colleagues, and to any undergraduate students who you feel may be interested in presenting their research. The deadline for abstract submission is November 3, 2003. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS! Second Annual Undergraduate Environmental Research Symposium Bridgewater State College Saturday, November 15, 2003 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Guest Speaker: Berkeley W. Cue, Jr., Ph.D. Vice President, Pfizer Global Research and Development "Green and Sustainable Chemistry - A Perspective From Pfizer" http://www.bridgew.edu/Environmental/ Bridgewater State College will host the Second Annual Undergraduate Environmental Research Symposium on Saturday, November 15, 2003. Student research posters in all areas and disciplines of environmental research from colleges and universities in the Northeastern U.S. are welcome! Registration and Abstract submission information can be found at the Symposium web page above, and the deadline for submission is November 3. Please contact the Symposium Coordinators if you have any questions: Don Padgett, (508) 531-2089, dpadgett@bridgew.edu or Ed Brush, 508-531-2116, ebrush@bridgew.edu. **************************************** Edward J. Brush Department of Chemical Sciences Bridgewater State College Bridgewater, MA 02325 (508) 531-2116 (office) (508) 531-2610 (lab) http://webhost.bridgew.edu/ebrush/ **************************************** [ Part 6: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 17:16:59 -0500 From: Richard Baker <rich.baker@DNR.STATE.MN.US> Subject: Natural Resources Program Coordinator Vacancy - Minnesota DNR Natural Resources Program Coordinator Vacancy Analyst for Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological Services Application deadline: October 6, 2003 Location: St. Paul, MN. Duration: Temporary through December, 2004 Responsibilities: Compile, evaluate and analyze natural resource data related to Minnesota wildlife "species of greatest conservation need" using GIS tools and technology to assist with the preparation of a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan. The work includes: 1) identify and compile relevant data sets and layers; 2) identify gaps in our current knowledge; 3) analyze existing data to identify conservation needs and priorities; and 4) collaborate with DNR scientists in interpreting the results and significance of analyses; and 5) succinctly summarize and display analysis in a comprehensive conservation plan. Qualifications: A. Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, ecology, wildlife management, zoology or related AND three years of advanced professional experience in preparation and implementation of nongame and/or endangered species assessments; OR B. Master's degree in above degrees AND two years of advanced professional experience in preparation and implementation of nongame and/or endangered species assessments. Additional skills required: *Ability to apply GIS and data analysis techniques to natural resource data; *A broad knowledge of ecological science and Minnesota's natural history; *Experience designing research studies and analyzing complex data sets; * A solid working knowledge of analytical tools including GIS technology, statistical analysis techniques, database management processes and modeling approaches; * A working knowledge of spreadsheets, databases, Windows NT and 2000 and multivariate statistical applications in ecology; *GIS experience with both vector and raster data and their applications (ArcView, Spatial Analyst, Image Analyst, or ERDAS); *Human relations skills to motivate, provide guidance, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, and staff; *Advanced degrees are preferred; and *Strong project management skills. Salary: $41,739 - 61,533/year. Medical, dental, life insurance, pension, and deferred compensation plans offered. Contact: Lee Pfannmuller Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25 St. Paul, MN 55155 Lee.pfannmuller@dnr.state.mn.us Phone: 651.296.0783 Fax: 651.296.1811 Application Process: To be considered, please submit a letter of interest and vitae or resume to the address listed above prior to October 6, 2003. [ Part 7: "Included Message" ] Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2003 15:33:35 -0700 From: Ken Cole <Kenneth.Cole@NAU.EDU> Subject: Web Site for western North American seed identifications and climate A web site is now available providing information for ecological research in western North America at: http://www.usgs.nau.edu/global_change/ The site contains several research tools: 1). A Macrobotanical and Desert Seed Digital Library - On-line detailed microscopic images of modern and fossil plant parts especially seeds of plants from southwestern deserts. These images can assist identification of plant parts likely to be found in packrat middens or desert seed bank studies. 2). Modern climate surfaces of North America west of Ohio for use in GIS. Monthly precipitation and extreme monthly mean temperatures are extrapolated to a 1 km grid. These climate surfaces are made especially for use in arid to semi-arid regions with diverse topography. 3). Range maps of modern plant species distributions suitable for fine-scale use in GIS. Currently available: Creosote bush, one and two needled pinyon pines and varieties, Joshua Tree. Development of this site is continuing and additional features will be added as available. Input, comments, and relevant links are welcome. ***************************************** Ken Cole USGS Southwest Biological Research Center Colorado Plateau Field Station P.O. Box 5614, Bldg. 24 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5614 Phone:(928) 556-7466 ext. 230 FAX:(928) 556-7500 E-mail: Kenneth.Cole@nau.edu ****************************************** 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