Help requested: Zaprionus indianus invasion
Dear List, I would like to solicit some help with documenting the ongoing invasion of a Drosophilid fly, Zaprionus indianus. The species was found last July in Central Florida, and had reached by the end of last year the panhandle (Tallahassee). See http://www.fcla.edu/FlaEnt/fe89p402.pdf This year, we have documented the ongoing invasion, and by the end of August, we have documented it from Mississippi (the farthest place we sampled). As summer is now almost over, we would like to get a snapshot of a much wider area, and for that reason would like to solicit the help of Drosophila researchers in the gulf-coast states towards Texas and north of these states. It is very well possible that this species has jumped large stretches (fruit transport), and that the expansion Tallahassee-Mississippi is just a severe underestimate of the new territory that this species has conquered. The current confirmed distribution can be found here: http://www.kimvdlinde.com/pictures/Zaprionus/Florida.gif The species is very easy to catch and to identify as it has two nice white lines across the head and thorax, which is absent in all US species. See http://www.kimvdlinde.com/professional/Zaprionus_indianus.html for an image made by Gary Steck. The species is relative large, and I can see the white stripes with my bare eyes under good light conditions (really handy). Catching is easy with some rotting fruit, or mused banana with some yeast (or beer) over it. We often collect them at the fruit dump of fruit stands. The species is a pest on figs, at least in Brazil and as such, there is some concern as it spreads towards California. I would appreciate any help on getting a decent snapshot of the current distribution. In that context, negatives are as important as positives Thanks, Kim van der Linde Florida State University -- http://www.kimvdlinde.com
Job opening: Santa Barbara - Natural Areas Resource Planner
NATURAL AREAS RESOURCE PLANNER (ASSOCIATE PLANNER) $2,301 - $2,797 Biweekly $59,834 - $72,729 Yearly THE POSITION In the Parks Division of the Parks and Recreation Department, perform high level professional planning and related duties associated with planning and/or natural resource/open space planning. Assist Parks Manager, Landscape Architect/Project Management Team, and Assistant Parks and Recreation Director with variety of park planning functions; assist in the planning and management of all phases of project development for park improvement projects. Prepare grant applications; secure local, state and federal permits for parks and natural area operations, and maintenance and capital projects. Assist in the development of plans for sensitive environmental areas such as the Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Mission Lagoon and involvement in a multi-jurisdictional effort to develop a master plan for Front Country Trails. Manage projects as assigned related to natural areas, environmentally sensitive areas, and planning and special studies, and inter-departmental teams reviewing projects which will have an impact on parkland or open space; and perform other duties as required. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Knowledge of: Principles and practices of urban planning and development, landscape architecture, natural resource management and project planning, environmental review for projects, and landscape construction including planting design, irrigation design, construction details, grading, and specification writing, preparation of reports, graphs, and maps; applicable sections of Federal and State laws and regulations and their practical application to local situations; principles and practices of municipal planning, policy development, public participation, and environmental issues. Ability to: Manage multiple and complex park improvement or landscape construction projects; undertake local, State and Federal permit processing; write comprehensive and concise reports; work with interdepartmental teams on major projects; communicate clearly and make verbal presentations to Boards, Commissions and City Council; read and understand site plans, project proposals; propose and analyze projects for consistency with CEQA, Coastal Act, and Federal, State and local planning and environmental regulations; effectively operate Microsoft Office products; maintain effective communication with others, reading and writing, and operating assigned equipment. Experience and Education: Bachelor's degree in planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, city and regional planning, or closely related field is desirable. Four to five years of increasingly responsible experience in current or comprehensive urban planning or natural resource planning, parks and recreation and landscape architecture including at least two years with a local governmental agency is highly desirable. License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid California Driver's License. SELECTION PROCESS It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all relevant education, training, experience, knowledge, abilities and skills you possess that qualify you for this position. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may consist of an oral exam and/or application rating. Those candidates receiving a passing score will have their names placed on the eligibility list. FILING DEADLINE CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2006. http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/Government/Employment/Openings/Natural+Areas+Resource+Planner.htm
Imagine Earth without people
I thought this was an interesting article.. A bit long, but worth reading. Imagine Earth without people 12 October 2006 Exclusive from New Scientist Print Edition. Bob Holmes Humans are undoubtedly the most dominant species the Earth has ever known. In just a few thousand years we have swallowed up more than a third of the planet's land for our cities, farmland and pastures. By some estimates, we now commandeer 40 per cent of all its productivity. And we're leaving quite a mess behind: ploughed-up prairies, razed forests, drained aquifers, nuclear waste, chemical pollution, invasive species, mass extinctions and now the looming spectre of climate change. If they could, the other species we share Earth with would surely vote us off the planet. 15,589 Number of species threatened with extinctionNow just suppose they got their wish. Imagine that all the people on Earth - all 6.5 billion of us and counting - could be spirited away tomorrow, transported to a re-education camp in a far-off galaxy. (Let's not invoke the mother of all plagues to wipe us out, if only to avoid complications from all the corpses). Left once more to its own devices, Nature would begin to reclaim the planet, as fields and pastures reverted to prairies and forest, the air and water cleansed themselves of pollutants, and roads and cities crumbled back to dust. Full story at http://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg19225731.100
300 Million and Growing....
These are serious questions, no sarcasm intended. Is this something we should be concerned about? If so, what should we or can we realistically do? I will be pleased to compile all responses and resend.=20 If so inclined, please respond to me directly. http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=3D6729 Source: Cato Institute Thank you. Mike Nolan If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your = number, best time to return your call and/or your e-mail address. =20 After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request. Sincerely, J. Michael Nolan, Director =20 Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit *= *** Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest Marine Ecology Spanish Immersion offered in Mexico, Costa Rica,=20 Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru Web: http://iwanttolearnspanish.org (being updated for 07) United States: Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit P.O. Box 141543 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49514-1543 USA Phone: 1.616.604.0546=20 Toll Free: 1.877.255.3721 Skype Phone: mikenolan1 Live Chat and Phone MS Live Messenger: [EMAIL PROTECTED] E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://www.rainforestandreef.org=20 Latin America: P.O. Box 850-1150 San Jos=E9, Costa Rica, Central America Att: Juan Pablo Bello C. Program Director, Latin America Phone: 011.506.290.8883/011.506.822.8222 (Cell)/Fax: 011.506.290.8883 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Europe: Att: Marion Stephan Frankfurt, Germany Phone: 011.49.172.448.3899 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *= ***
COYOTE ECOLOGY IN YELLOWSTONE
Coyotes on the northern range of Yellowstone National Park-- Field technician position Fieldwork with a long-term, ecological field study of coyotes on the Northern Range of Yellowstone National Park. . January 1, 2007- April 15, 2007 (4 positions) . April 15, 2007- Aug. 15, 2007 (4 positions) Project Description: The long-term ecological study of coyotes focuses on spatial distribution, and ecological relationships with prey and sympatric carnivores, as disclosed by both field observation and radio-telemetry protocols. Position Description: Successful applicants will have a strong work ethic, with a high degree of initiative and enthusiasm. The protocol includes a broad variety of elements, with 90% of the job requiring capabilities for sustained physical work under demanding field conditions. Working schedule of 5 days on/2 days off, followed by 6 days on/1 off. Background Required: B.S. or B.A. degree in biology, zoology, wildlife, or similar background is required. Applicants must be experienced and highly competent in back-country settings, demonstrate a history of a high degree of initiative and motivation, and be enthusiastic about executing a rigorous and demanding field protocol. The majority of time will be spent in the field, but duties also include data entry and management. Housing is in very basic bunkroom accommodations, in a remote and isolated field station setting. Experience with radio-telemetry is required. Compensation: Stipend of $400/month (pro-rated for partial months) with housing provided. To Apply: Send resume, three reference contacts, and cover letter expressing interest to email listed below: contact: Michelle Uberuaga, Field Crew Coordinator Yellowstone Ecological Research Center 2048 Analysis Drive, Suite B Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 556-1414 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _
Fire science research funding
The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) is an interagency research partnership focused on wildland fire and fuels management issues. Each year at this time we post Announcements for Proposals on our website: http://jfsp.nifc.gov Proposal opportunities are open from October 13 to December 13, 2006 and include the following: Rapid Response * future fires (wildfires and wildland fire use fires) * past (2006) fires (wildfires and wildland fire use fires) Managers Request * Reestablishment of native vegetation after fires on arid lands * Fire and deep organic soils Fire in the Wildland Urban Interface * Wildland urban interface fire behavior models * Social, cultural, economic, and aesthetic issues and tradeoffs Pre-proposal opportunities are open from October 13 to November 20 and include the following: * Build on or extend results of completed JFSP research * Re-measurement of past JFSP-funded study sites or experimental plots * Evaluation and testing of models or modeling systems that were created or modified with JFSP funding. The proposal and pre-proposal packets can be found at the website and contain all of the required forms and background information for submission.
