Re: semi-silly question from John Nielsen
RE: Invasives we loathe. In the Great Basin and much of the Intermountain west: cheatgrass. Cheatgrass readily invades disturbed soil and has spread throughout the West in the wake of grazing, agriculture and development. An invasive annual grass, it readily displaces native bunchgrasses and forbs, and steers plant succession in new directions. Because cheatgrass cures out earlier in the season than native bunchgrasses (hence the term 'cheat' from livestock growers), it creates a layer of fine, dry fuels throughout the shrub-steppe understory that not only carries fire better, but allows rangelands to burn earlier in the season. Where cheatgrass dominates the understory, the result is vastly larger, sometimes earlier, and often more severe range fires than were seen historically. Where these severe range fires burn hot enough to kill the shrub overstory, it becomes increasingly difficult to naturally re-establish native plants, as few green patches are left to provide seed sources. Yet what does readily re-establish after such fires is more cheatgrass, other annual grasses and invasive weeds. With this second generation of non-native grasses we often see a complete shift from native shrub-steppe and perennial grasslands to uniform non-native annual grasslands that burn frequently, at intervals of three to five years--hence sustaining the non-native annual grasslands. Cheatgrass appears to be an entry-weed for other exotic species, such as medusahead wildrye, halogeton, yellow star thistle and skeleton weed. Ultimately, cheatgrass is contributing to the destruction of western sagebrush shrub-steppe habitat (think greater sage-grouse, pygmy rabbit, Brewer's sparrow, sage sparrow, sage thrasher, sagebrush vole, sagebrush lizard and pronghorn--all sagebrush dependent species). Global warming and drought may also be factors in cheatgrass getting the upper hand in native shrub-steppe and grasslands. I'm also none too fond of spotted knapweed, a coarse invasive that has taken over many of the native grasslands of western Montana. Brought to Montana originally by bee-keepers as an outstanding source of nectar for honey (it really does make yummy honey), spotted knapweed has turned many of our lovely bunchgrass- and wildflower-strewn hillsides into knapweed monocultures. Course and dense, it is miserable to walk through and only domestic goats seem to have any taste for it. Control requires herbicides or intensive management efforts via timed mowings, intensive grazing by goats or sheep, and introducing knapweed pests as bio-controls. Knapweed also seems to open the door for other noxious weeds, such as leafy spurge. And the ripples continue... I'll stop now. Hope this helps! Christine Paige, M.Sc. Wildlife Biologist Ravenworks Ecology Stevensville, MT
Department of Defense Grant
What are the chances of the Department of Defense funding a graduate student in community ecology? Does anyone know ecologists with these grants? Their previous awards seem to tend towards physics, math, and engineering.any thoughts?
Tenure track Ecology Evolutionary Biology faculty positions at Tulane University
TWO TENURE-TRACK ASSISTANT PROFESSORS The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, invites applications for two tenure-track positions to be filled at the Assistant Professor level: one in global change biology, wetland ecology, or tropical biology; and one in computational biology preferably involving theoretical ecology, ecology and evolution modeling, or landscape ecology. See website: http://www.tulane.edu/~ebio/news/new-positions.php for more details about these positions and the Department. Send a letter of application indicating the position, curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, selected publications, and names and addresses of three references to: Faculty Searches, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 400 Lindy Boggs Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118-5698 Review of applications will begin soon after January 1, 2008, and the searches will remain open until the positions are filled. These positions are subject to a final University determination on funding. Tulane University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
DISCCRS Climate Research Network for early career Ph.D. Graduates
Please distribute to PhD students and early career colleagues - DISCCRS Climate Research Network for New Ph.D. Graduates http:/disccrs.org Did you recently get your Ph.D.? Are you interested in climate change and its impacts? If yes, then read on... DISCCRS (pronounced discourse ) is an interdisciplinary initiative for recent Ph.D. graduates conducting research related to climate change and its impacts. The goal is to broaden research interests and establish a collegial peer network extending across the spectrum of natural and social sciences, humanities, mathematics, engineering and other disciplines related to climate change and its impacts. The initiative includes a public webpage, electronic newsletter, and annual symposia funded through 2008. Register NOW at http://www.disccrs.org/register.html to have your Ph.D. dissertation abstract archived on the DISCCRS webpage and receive the weekly electronic DISCCRS Newsletter. You will also receive reminders of the upcoming symposium: DISCCRS IV Symposium http:/disccrs.org/disccrsposter.pdf November 2 - 8, 2008 Saguaro Lake Ranch, AZ Application Deadline April 30, 2008 Eligibility: Ph.D. requirements completed April 1, 2006 - March 31, 2008 in any discipline related to climate change and impacts. Although the focus is on the U.S., recent Ph.D. graduates from all countries are invited to join the DISCCRS network and apply to be a DISCCRS symposium scholar. Thirty-six applicants will be selected by an interdisciplinary committee of research scientists. During the week, participants will provide oral and poster presentations in plenary format, hone interdisciplinary communication and team skills, and discuss emerging research, societal and professional issues with each other and with established researchers invited to serve as mentors. Symposium Participant Expenses: Airfare and on-site expenses are provided through NSF grant EAR-0435728 to Whitman College. Sponsors : DISCCRS is jointly sponsored by the following societies: AAG, AGU, AMS, ASLO, ESA, ESS-ISA, STEP/APSA and USSEE. Funding: DISCCRS is supported through U.S. National Science Foundation Collaborative Grants EAR-0435728 to Whitman College, C.S. Weiler PI, and EAR-0435719 to University of Oregon, R.B. Mitchell PI. Contact : [EMAIL PROTECTED] ** C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D. Office for Earth System Studies Tel: 509-527-5948 Whitman College Fax: 509-527-5961 Walla Walla, WA 99362 [EMAIL PROTECTED] DISCCRS: Initiative for recent PhD's engaged in climate change and its impacts: http://disccrs.org/ Poster: http://www.disccrs.org/DISCCRSposter.pdf NGPR Symposium for IPY researchers: http://www.disccrs.org/ngpr/
Graduate Assistantships in Forest Ecology
Graduate Assistantships in Forest Ecology are available for study at the M.S./Ph.D. level in the Department of Environmental and Plant Biology (http://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/http://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/) at Ohio University (http://www.ohio.edu/http://www.ohio.edu/), Athens, OH. The department has 13 full-time faculty, five of whom are affiliated with the Forest Ecology focus group. General areas of study include: ecophysiology, population biology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, and landscape ecology. Specific research emphases include: restoration ecology, conservation biology, invasive species biology, and environmental stress. Our ecology group emphasizes research in the eastern deciduous forest (http://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/epb/faculty/research/for_ecolindex.htmhttp://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/epb/faculty/research/for_ecolindex.htm). Detailed information about our graduate programs can be found at http://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/epb/grad/graduate.htmhttp://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/epb/grad/graduate.htm. Online application and admissions information can be found at: http://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply.cfmhttp://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply.cfm. Questions concerning graduate study should be directed towards individual faculty. All application materials (including GREs, transcripts, and letters of recommendation) should be received by 15-January-2008 for September (or earlier) admission. Brian C. McCarthy, Ph.D. Professor of Forest Ecology Dept. of Environmental and Plant Biology 317 Porter Hall Ohio University Athens, OH 45701-2979 USA eml [EMAIL PROTECTED] tel 740-593-1615 fax 740-593-1130 www http://www.plantbio.ohiou.edu/epb/faculty/faculty/bcm.htm
Re: ECOSYSTEM Health Alien invasions persistence decline limits control Re: semi-silly question from John Nielsen
Another point I'd like to pick up on is that a distinction should be made between introduced species (those outside of their native range) and invaders (introduced species that aggressively expand their range and cause problems). While I agree that it may be counterproductive to be hyper-vigilant and crusade against every introduced species, I think that increasing awareness of the problems posed by invaders is valuable. Furthermore, because a fraction of species introductions inevitably become invasive, minimizing introductions is a way of averting future invasions. One very important example of this is the ongoing introduction of species to San Francisco Bay in ballast water -- at a rate of 1 every 14 weeks! (Cohen Carlton 1998, Science) I think that directing the public's attention to the importance of concerns like this is the only way that we'll convince our leaders to muster the political will to address these problems. Additionally, the hypothesis that healthy, intact ecosystems are necessarily resistant to invasion, is at best context dependent. While in general, anthropogenic disturbance often facilitates invasion, there is variation in the aggressiveness of invaders -- and there is also variation in the susceptibility of different ecosystems and habitat types. I strongly disagree with the implication that without other human impacts, invasions would not be a problem. -Joe Tyburczy P.S. In keeping with my marine theme, the invader I love to hate is Caulerpa taxifolia, the introduced green alga that has few natural enemies and has invaded marine environments across the globe, including large areas of the Mediterranean. William Silvert wrote: I'll pick up on two of Wayne's points. One is that some aliens that do little harm -- this is true, and some aliens are introduced deliberately. Mustangs are alien to N. America, and are widely appreciated. Many ornamental plants are deliberately introduced. My mother was a member of the Florida Native Plants Society, and felt that they were fighting a losing battle against the imports. An interesting downside is that often introduced plants in dry areas require lots of water and this creates problems. As for the comment that healthy ecosystems resist invasion, this depends on whether they have had a chance to immunise themselves by past experience. Because mammals were unknown in Australia, their introduction was impossible to resist. The same is often true when snakes or mosquitos arrive in regions where nothing similar has every been present. Often the best defence against an invading species is a predator that can control it, but if such predators are not already present, it may take a few million years for them to evolve. Sometimes man has tried to counter one alien invasion by introducing another alien species to control it -- which brings into action the Law of Unintended Consequences. It's a tricky game to play. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 1:08 AM Subject: ECOSYSTEM Health Alien invasions persistence decline limits control Re: semi-silly question from John Nielsen There are some aliens that do little harm; some even provide benefits. This statement is anathema, heresy, fighting words, to many, many very caring people. But so many of those caring people have their egos inextricably wrapped up in this very laudable mission--it is often their reason for living, often it is a filler of a hole in a person's life. One can't argue with that. Here's the heart of my rant. Healthy ecosystems tend to resist invasion. (However, the introduction of an alien species can, in some cases, but not all, truly invade healthy ecosystems. -- ~~~ Joe A. Tyburczy Oregon State University Department of Zoology 3029 Cordley Hall Corvallis, OR 97331-2914 541-737-5359 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ~~~
Ph.D. opening in climate change plant-herbivore interactions
Plant-herbivore interactions, trophic mismatch, and climate change Applications are being solicited for a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology at Penn State University, to begin fall 2008. The student will conduct research under the direction of Dr. Eric Post as part of a long-term project on the influences of climate change on plant-herbivore interactions in a low-Arctic community in West Greenland. A major focus of this research will include investigating the role of recent warming in the development of trophic mismatch between the timing of offspring production by an herbivore, caribou, and plant phenology. Additionally, the contribution of trophic mismatch to herbivore population dynamics will be modeled. There is considerable room for expansion of the research beyond these themes under the PIs general research on ecological consequences of climate change (see www.bio.psu.edu/people/faculty/post/homepage.htm). The project requires a combination of experience with, and interest in, remote field work, as well as strong quantitative and analytical skills. The student will be supported in part by a three-year NSF grant that includes a full-time research assistantship during one semester each year, and field and travel expenses. Contact Dr. Eric Post for further details or with questions. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Study Abroad in Namibia, Africa
Dear Student/Colleague The Fisheries Wildlife Sciences program at NC State University offers a three week study abroad program to Namibia (south western Africa) from May 18 to June 06, 2008. This program focuses on African wildlife-, savanna- and desert ecology, park management, conservation and ecotourism. Program highlights are the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and the Cheetah Conservation Fund where we spend some time conducting field work. The program will be directed by Dr Dörgeloh, a wildlife ecologist with extensive knowledge and many years experience in southern Africa. This combination offers students a unique and valuable experience in Africa. Non-NCSU, out of state and non-bona fide students are welcome to apply. For further information about the program please visit http://cnr.ncsu.edu/for/fishwild/fwstudab.html or contact the program director. Online applications are available through the NCSU Study Abroad Office at http://studyabroad.ncsu.edu I will appreciate it if you can distribute this notice amongst your students and colleagues. Please note: The closing date for applications is Dec. 14, 2007 Sincerely WG Dörgeloh (PhD Wildlife Management) Program Director North Carolina State University Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources Box 8002 Raleigh, NC 27695 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CIPM Director job announcement
DIRECTOR, Center for Invasive Plant Management, Montana State University. Seeking talented and enthusiastic individual to promote ecologically sound invasive plant management by facilitating collaboration and communication among researchers, educators, and land owners/managers. Complete announcement and application instructions: http://www.montana.edu/level2/jobs.html under Professional Positions or contact M. Johnson (406-994-5633; email [EMAIL PROTECTED]). Screening begins December 15, 2007. No fax/email applications. ADA/AA/EO/VET PREF.
Final Announcement: SWS Minority Undergraduate Travel/Mentoring Awards
The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) announces the availability of minority undergraduate student awards for travel to attend the annual SWS meeting â May 26-30, 2008 in Washington, DC. This has been a rewarding and enriching experience for many students the past four years. The SWS is committed to increasing diversity in its membership and is offering full travel awards and mentoring at the meeting for undergraduate students from underrepresented groups. These awards are supported by the National Science Foundation, the Washington meeting organizers, several SWS Chapters (Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, South Atlantic, and Western), and Huffman Carpenter, Inc. The number of awards has been increased this year so there are more opportunities for applicants to receive an award. The interest areas of students in the program have been exceptionally broad and varied. Undergraduate student participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Application materials and additional information are available from Dr. Frank P. Day, Old Dominion University ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Application deadline is November 30, 2007.
Re: Department of Defense Grant
We have had DoD grants for studying the demography of endangered species nearly continuously for 12-13 years. It is important to ensure that the work provides the installation supporting it with the data necessary to make effective management recommendations, to work with the base to make sure the management is informed by the science, and that the research is conducted so that results of management actions can be monitored and management adaptively modified if needed. We have found it relatively easy to tailor our demographic research to meet both our research agenda and to meet the installations needs. Reed Bowman Reed Bowman, Ph.D. Associate Research Biologist Head, Avian Ecology Lab Archbold Biological Station PO Box 2057 Lake Placid, FL 33862 (office) 863-465-2571 ext 230 (mobile) 863-214-3644 (fax) 863-699-1927 (e-mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (web) http://www.archbold-station.org/abs/staff/rbowman/srbowman.htm For packages: Archbold Biological Station 123 Main Dr. Venus, FL 33960 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mia Sent: Friday, November 16, 2007 8:29 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Department of Defense Grant What are the chances of the Department of Defense funding a graduate student in community ecology? Does anyone know ecologists with these grants? Their previous awards seem to tend towards physics, math, and engineering.any thoughts?
Columbia Science Fellows Post-doc
The Columbia Science Fellows Post-doc Applications are invited for post-doctoral positions combining research with experience in undergraduate science education via Columbia's innovative Frontiers of Science course (http:// www.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/projects/frontiers/fellows.html). Applicants must first contact a sponsoring faculty member or Department (Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Evolution, Ecology and Environmental Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics). The application (including a CV plus 1 - 2 pages each of research accomplishments and plans, a 1-2 page statement of teaching experience, and 3 letters of recommendation) should then be sent to: Columbia Science Fellows c/o Elina Yuffa, Asst. Director Center for the Core Curriculum 202 Hamilton Hall MC 2811 New York, NY 10027 (212) 854-2453 Fax (212) 854-3236 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Appointments are for 3 years subject to annual review at a starting salary of $46,000 and an annual research allowance of $4,000. The application deadline is January 18, 2008. Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Elina Yuffa Assistant Director Center for the Core Curriculum 202 Hamilton Hall MC 2811 Columbia University New York, NY 10027 tel: (212) 854-4690 fax: (212) 854-3236 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get easy, one-click access to your favorites. Make Yahoo! your homepage. http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
Re: Department of Defense Grant
Check out the DOD Legacy Fund. Almost went to grad school @ Yale (FNR) with a (partially) funded Legacy project (restoring a Chamaecyparis t. swamp), but got a better offer @ UCONN. http://www.dodlegacy.org/Legacy/intro/LegacyGuidebook_print_June07.pdf --- Mia [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What are the chances of the Department of Defense funding a graduate student in community ecology? Does anyone know ecologists with these grants? Their previous awards seem to tend towards physics, math, and engineering.any thoughts?
Research opportunity in invasive tree - salmonid interactions in Alaska
Graduate research (M.S.) opportunity at the University of Alaska Fairbanks studying the effects of an invasive tree on stream-riparian interactions. We are seeking to fill a Masters-level teaching assistant position to study the ecological effects of an invasive riparian tree species on elements of stream-riparian function. European birdcherry, a small ornamental tree, has been widely planted in urban areas of Alaska, and has spread aggressively along streams in the Anchorage municipality. The successful candidate will develop a project that could include, but would not necessarily be limited to, 1) mapping birdcherry distribution along streams, 2) contrasting the aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities associated with birdcherry-dominated forest versus native vegetation, 3) understanding if birdcherry leaf litter decomposition in streams differs from that of native plants, 4) investigating terrestrial invertebrate prey subsidies to stream salmonids from birdcherry, and 5) modeling the future spread and ecological effects of birdcherry. This project will be a highly collaborative research effort among the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Anchorage Parks Foundation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service. Strong academic training, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, field experience and competence, and ability to work in team and individual settings are essential. The studentâs program will be based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and fieldwork take place within the municipality of Anchorage, 350 miles south of campus. The successful candidate will be on campus during most of the school year (Sept-April), and work out of Anchorage during the field season (May-Aug). The successful candidate will have the option of applying to and obtaining their degrees in either Fisheries or Biology. Stipend will be $27,526 to $30,487 up to three years, with health benefits and tuition covered. Fieldwork, lab costs, and work-related travel are covered by the grant. To learn more about the position or project, contact Mark Wipfli ( [EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Tricia Wurtz ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). To begin the application process, submit (preferably by email) a cover letter that includes a brief review of your research experience, interests and goals (2 page max), resume, transcripts, GRE scores, and three letters of reference to: Dr. Mark S. Wipfli Institute of Arctic Biology 209 Irving I Bldg University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK 99775 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.iab.uaf.edu/~mark_wipfli/ To learn more about graduate studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, visit www.uaf.edu/gradsch. Positions are open until filled. Successful applicants may begin work as early as spring term, 2008.
Silviculture Position at Michigan State
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking a full-time (12 month) tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Silviculture (70% research, 30% teaching). The successful candidate will be expected to build a nationally recognized program of scholarship in Silviculture, as demonstrated by research grants, publications in leading refereed journals, and Ph.D. and M.Sc. student recruitment and training, as well as to conduct rigorous, conceptually-based research that addresses emerging needs in the areas of forest productivity, stand dynamics, and sustainable forest management. Teaching duties will include undergraduate courses in Silviculture and Wildland Fire and the development of a graduate-level course that will compliment existing courses and enhance departmental graduate education opportunities. A Ph.D. is required by the time of appointment. MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. To ensure full consideration, please submit: curriculum vita, statement of research experience and future directions (2 pp max), statement of teaching interests (2 pp max), examples of publications, and 3 letters of reference by January 15, 2008 to (electronic applications are encouraged): David E. Rothstein Silviculture Search, Chair Michigan State University Department of Forestry 126 Natural Resources Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] phone: (517) 432-3353 fax: (517) 432-1143 MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation David E. Rothstein Associate Professor Department of Forestry Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior Program Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 Phone:517-432-3353 FAX:517-432-1143 http://www.for.msu.edu/fbl/index.html
