Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade,
Thank you for bringing this issue to light. The Midwest PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) recently discussed this issue at the September meeting. Specifically, in many states there is no season for turtles, which makes nesting females an easy target. Midwest PARC discussed not only a bag limit, but also placing a season on turtles to avoid the capture of reproducing animals. In many of these midwest states, turtles are legal to capture with a valid fishing license. Clearly, limiting harvest by placing the same restrictions that are in place for many other vertebrates (deer, turkey, etc) would be a huge step in decreasing the loss of these animals and increasing the number of recruits into the population. I suggest that if you are interested in this, you contact your regional PARC as other regions may have similar initiatives. The national link is: http://www.parcplace.org/. From this website, you can be directed to your local PARC representatives. Lori Neuman-Lee ~~~ Lori Neuman-Lee Eastern Illinois University, M.S. 2010 Iowa State University, B.S. Biology 2007 Iowa State University, B.S. English 2008 lorin...@gmail.com On Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 10:43 PM, Michael E. Welker herp...@cox.net wrote: All, Amphibians are not declining due to harvest. There is a simple fix to turtle over-harvest and that is bag limits. Under no circumstances do we want to pass banning legislation, prevent sustainable harvest, inhibit captive propagation or ban commercial sales. Let's not knee jerk and go Animal Rights on all the breeders, collectors and dealers who are preserving gene pools in captivity and collecting in a sustainable manner. And doing this out of their own pocket. Especially since we are doing virtually nothing about habitat destruction, the impacts of roads and human population growth. Someone could make some good money ranching turtles but if they are banned that won't happen. We don't want to protect them into extinction. It is time to get away from the banning agenda and come up with win/win regulations. If game and fish doesn't want to do its job then they need to be restructured and allocate funding differently. The time for excuses is done and private hobbyists and business owners are tired of banning regulations as the supposed solution. It is time to open your mind. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Jorge Ramos jramo...@u.washington.edu To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, Amphibians have been experiencing a similar situation. A couple of days ago there was a news report by the BBC about a study coming out in Conservation Biology by Corey Bradshaw and others. The numbers are alarming and the images and their captions are interesting. Thanks Andrea for the heads up to this link: http://news.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm bbc http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm.co. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm uk http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm /2/hi/science/nature/7845306. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm Jorge -- Jorge Ramos Graduate Student College of Forest Resources University of Washington Box 352100 Seattle, WA 98195 http://www.ecojorgeramos.com/ jramo...@u.washington.edu On Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 6:53 AM, asalzb...@herpdigest.org asalzb...@herpdigest.org wrote: THE NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL Eating the Wild Published on-line January 25, 2009 Printed in January 26, 2009 edition In America, there are foragers among us, out searching for morels in the spring, and there are hunters too. Yet most of our food, except for fish caught from the sea, is farmed. We do not trap songbirds for savory pies. (We destroy too many of them through other means.) Once you look beyond the parochial culinary habits of most Americans you discover that wildness, and the tastes associated with it, have a talismanic power that is very hard to eradicate. It is what keeps the Japanese whaling and keeps some Africans eating bush meat. And it is one of the things that helps explain the voracious and utterly destructive Chinese appetite for turtles. As global wealth rises, so does global consumption of meat, which includes wild meat. Turtle meat used to be a rare delicacy in the Asian diet, but no longer. China, along with Hong Kong and Taiwan, has vacuumed the wild turtles out of most of Southeast Asia. Now, according to a recent report in The Los Angeles Times, they are consuming common soft-shell turtles from the American Southeast, especially Florida, at an alarming rate. Some scientists estimate that two-thirds of the tortoise and freshwater turtle species on the planet are seriously threatened. Some of
[ECOLOG-L] Field and lab technician position available
RESEARCH SPECIALIST I Position at the University of South Carolina The University of South Carolina in Columbia has an opening for a full time grant-funded technician to work on research projects on the North and South Carolina Coastal Plains. Time will be split between wetland field work and laboratory/data analysis. Field work will take place in both freshwater and brackish/salt marsh wetlands. Laboratory work will include chemical analysis of water and soil/sediment samples using standard analytical methods and equipment. Salary is $27,369 and offers full benefits of annual and sick leave, health insurance and retirement. A complete description of the position can be found at https://uscjobs.sc.edu https://uscjobs.sc.edu/ and applications must be submitted through this website. A cover letter and resume may be included, however, a list of three references is required. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Daniel L. Tufford, Ph.D. University of South Carolina Department of Biological Sciences 209A Sumwalt(office) 701 Sumter St, Room 401(mail) Columbia, SC 29208 Ph. 803-777-3292, Fx: 803-777-3292 e-mail: tuff...@sc.edu web: http://www.biol.sc.edu/~tufford P Please think before you print.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade,
Are there any catch and effort data to support this claim? Original message Clearly, limiting harvest by placing the same restrictions that are in place for many other vertebrates (deer, turkey, etc) would be a huge step in decreasing the loss of these animals and increasing the number of recruits into the population.
[ECOLOG-L] Summer Marsh Bird Position
4-5 MARSH BIRD FIELD TECHNICIANS needed to assist two Master’s research projects examining habitat use by secretive marsh birds in Ohio. The study will examine factors influencing the distribution and abundance of marsh birds at multiple spatial scales. Data collected for focal and secondary species will also be contributed to the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas II. Technicians will have an opportunity to work in large marsh complexes along Lake Erie and a variety of wetland habitats throughout the state. Positions run from late April to July (exact dates to be determined). Responsibilities include conducting call-back surveys in early morning and evenings, identifying marsh vegetation, measuring habitat characteristics, and maintaining field equipment. A six-day work week is possible, weather permitting. A valid driver’s license is required. Knowledge of marsh vegetation and the ability to identify marsh birds such as rails and bitterns by sound are preferred but not required. Preference will be given to applicants with strong vocal and visual bird identification skills. Experience using a GPS unit and excellent navigational skills are also desired. Applicants must be comfortable working in an aquatic environment, be able to use a kayak, have a strong work ethic, and be in good physical condition. Housing will consists of tents and/or a camper at various campsites throughout the state. Applicants will need to supply their own binoculars. SALARY: $7.51 to $8.00 per hour depending on experience (Approximately $1,300 to $1,385 per average month at 40 hours per week) with possible overtime opportunities. TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to KAREN WILLARD(willard.39 AT osu.edu) or BEN KAHLER (Kahler.14 AT osu.edu). Email preferred but applicants may mail information to The School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Rd., 210 Kottman Hall, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1085. For more information, call Karen or Ben at (614) 292-9825.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade,
Andrew and others, The tissue levels of various toxins became an issue with turtles and their use Native Americans in upstate (and I mean the real upstate) NY in the 1980s when I was in Potsdam Here's a link with some data collected in that area as well as the Hudson R http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bioeco/snturtle.htm http://www.tuscaroras.com/graydeer/pages/Toxicturtle1.htm Bob A Robert K. Antibus Chair Science Department Professor of Biology Bluffton University -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:ecolo...@listserv.umd.edu] On Behalf Of Andrew Rypel Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 9:34 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, This is an interested conservation issue, and something I haven't heard talked about much. I've seen a good deal of research showing very high mercury accumulations in turtles. Snapping turtles accumulate especially high concentrations because of their high position in food chains. However, even low trophic position turtles such as sliders can accumulate high concentrations because the areas they forage in (i.e., wetlands) are often sites of high methylation, in addition to their longer lifespan. I wonder whether developing a better understanding of the distribution of contaminants in turtle populations, and setting consumption advisories in tandem with low bag limits could significantly depress harvest. Obviously human consumption limits wouldn't be a solution, just another tool to help discourage major consumption. Andrew L. Rypel, Ph.D. Post-doctoral Researcher Department of Biology The University of Mississippi Oxford, MS 38677 Phone: 205.886.9916 On Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 11:39 PM, Lori Neuman-Lee lorin...@gmail.comwrote: Thank you for bringing this issue to light. The Midwest PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) recently discussed this issue at the September meeting. Specifically, in many states there is no season for turtles, which makes nesting females an easy target. Midwest PARC discussed not only a bag limit, but also placing a season on turtles to avoid the capture of reproducing animals. In many of these midwest states, turtles are legal to capture with a valid fishing license. Clearly, limiting harvest by placing the same restrictions that are in place for many other vertebrates (deer, turkey, etc) would be a huge step in decreasing the loss of these animals and increasing the number of recruits into the population. I suggest that if you are interested in this, you contact your regional PARC as other regions may have similar initiatives. The national link is: http://www.parcplace.org/. From this website, you can be directed to your local PARC representatives. Lori Neuman-Lee ~~~ Lori Neuman-Lee Eastern Illinois University, M.S. 2010 Iowa State University, B.S. Biology 2007 Iowa State University, B.S. English 2008 lorin...@gmail.com On Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 10:43 PM, Michael E. Welker herp...@cox.net wrote: All, Amphibians are not declining due to harvest. There is a simple fix to turtle over-harvest and that is bag limits. Under no circumstances do we want to pass banning legislation, prevent sustainable harvest, inhibit captive propagation or ban commercial sales. Let's not knee jerk and go Animal Rights on all the breeders, collectors and dealers who are preserving gene pools in captivity and collecting in a sustainable manner. And doing this out of their own pocket. Especially since we are doing virtually nothing about habitat destruction, the impacts of roads and human population growth. Someone could make some good money ranching turtles but if they are banned that won't happen. We don't want to protect them into extinction. It is time to get away from the banning agenda and come up with win/win regulations. If game and fish doesn't want to do its job then they need to be restructured and allocate funding differently. The time for excuses is done and private hobbyists and business owners are tired of banning regulations as the supposed solution. It is time to open your mind. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Jorge Ramos jramo...@u.washington.edu To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, Amphibians have been experiencing a similar situation. A couple of days ago there was a news report by the BBC about a study coming out in Conservation Biology by Corey Bradshaw and others. The numbers are alarming and the images and their captions are interesting. Thanks Andrea for the heads up to this link: http://news.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm bbc http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7845306.stm.co.
[ECOLOG-L] PhD position, ecological modelling
--- PLEASE POST WIDELY --- In the framework of the European COST Action FP0603 (Forest Models for Research and Decision Support in Sustainable Forest Management, http://www.isa.utl.pt/def/fp0603forestmodels/) and the Swiss research project MOUNTLAND (http://www.cces.ethz.ch/projects/sulu/MOUNTLAND) on impact of land use and climate change on mountain ecosystems and landscape, we are looking for a Ph.D. student in ecological modelling who will undertake the specific task Vegetation dynamics in pasture-woodland landscapes under climate change: towards a modeling tool for active adaptive management of silvopastoral systems. Your tasks: You will achieve the development of a spatially explicit dynamic model of landscape dynamics (WoodPaM), based on several existing models (e.g., LandClim, TreeMig). For this, you will work in strong collaboration with modelers at ETH Zurich and WSL, as well as with plant and soil ecologists at EPFL, in the framework of the MOUNTLAND project (for more information on these institutions, see further below). Your model will implement key ecological processes operating at three organization levels in a hierarchically structured silvopastoral system: interactions among tree species, plant functional types and cattle, influenced by topography, land use and climatic constraints. You will apply this model to the simulation and the prediction of future changes in landscape structure and ecosystem services in selected areas of the Jura Mountains, through various scenarios of climate change and management. Your model will be used to design novel strategies for the sustainable land use of mountain ecosystems and landscapes based on the concept of active adaptive management. You will be affiliated to the Doctoral Program Environment at the EPFL Doctoral School (http://phd.epfl.ch/page55510.html), hosted at ECOS in Lausanne and start your work as soon as possible, i.e. in early 2009. Your qualifications: You have an M.Sc. degree in mathematical ecology or environmental engineering, preferably with a thesis topic in spatial ecological modeling. You have good English communication and writing skills. You have gained knowledge and practice in dynamic modeling of complex systems, including the use of visual modeling environments such as Simile, and the experience of at least one programming language. You have some interest in community ecology or landscape ecology and you are familiar with GIS. You work cooperatively in an interdisciplinary team effort and wish to take initiatives and go at work with ambition. Interested? Please send your complete application, including a motivation letter and a CV with photo, brief description of M.Sc. thesis work as well as a list of publications, preferably by e-mail, to Prof. François Gillet, invited professor at EPFL (francois.gil...@epfl.ch), Université de Franche-Comté - CNRS, UMR Chrono-environnement 6249, 16 route de Gray, F-25030 Besançon cedex (France). EPFL is, together with ETH Zurich, one of the two federal institutes of technology in Switzerland (http://www.epfl.ch/index.en.html). These academic institutions have three missions: education, research and technology transfer at the highest international level. Associated with several specialized research institutes, these two institutes form the EPF Domain, which is supervised by the Federal Department of Home Affairs. The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL is part of the EPF Domain. Approximately 500 people work on topics related to the sustainable use and protection of the environment and on an integrated approach to handling natural hazards. The Ecological Systems Laboratory ECOS (http://ecos.epfl.ch/) in Lausanne features a multidisciplinary team of scientists affiliated with either EPFL or WSL, with a focus on community and restoration ecology.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship - Nitrogen in Grazing Systems
MS/PhD Graduate Research Assistantship: Nitrogen Cycling in Managed Grasslands Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Review/Close Date: Tentative start date June 2009 Description: An MS or PhD level graduate research assistantship is available in the grassland ecosystem ecology lab of Dr. Rebecca McCulley (see http://rebecca.mcculley.googlepages.com/) at the University of Kentucky to explore the effects of plant community composition and fungal endophyte symbiosis on nitrogen cycling, retention, and loss in cattle grazed, transition zone, managed grasslands. Familiarity with the techniques used to measure trace gas fluxes and nitrogen isotopes is preferred (though not required). Interested applicants are encouraged to send a CV and cover letter to: Dr. Rebecca McCulley N-222D Ag Sci North Dept. of Plant Soil Science University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Phone: (859) 257-6388 Fax: (859) 323-1952 Email: rebecca.mccul...@uky.edu The successful candidate will receive a graduate student stipend, health insurance, and tuition remission for at least 2 years. Start Date: June 1, 2009.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship - Decomposition in Aridlands
Graduate Research Assistantship Available at the University of Kentucky: A graduate research assistantship (MS or PhD level) is available in the Department of Plant Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY). This position is affiliated with the grassland ecosystem ecology lab of Dr. Rebecca McCulley (see http://rebecca.mcculley.googlepages.com/) and is being supported by an NSF funded project entitled, COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Decomposition in drylands: Soil erosion and UV interactions. As suggested by the title, the project is collaborative in nature (with Drs. Steve Archer, Dave Breshears, Heather Throop, and Paul Barnes), and the field sites for this work are in the desert grasslands of New Mexico and Arizona (see http://www.snr.arizona.edu/project/decomposition for more information). The assistantship in Kentucky will support the microbial-side of the project; therefore, applicants for this position should have demonstrated skills with traditional and/or modern microbial techniques. Candidates with an MS degree in soil science, ecology, microbiology, or related fields and proven interest, experience, and/or knowledge of dryland ecosystems are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will receive a graduate student stipend, health insurance, and tuition remission for at least 3 years. For more information, please contact: Dr. Rebecca McCulley N-222D Ag Sci North Dept. of Plant Soil Science University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40546-0091 Phone: (859) 257-6388 Fax: (859) 323-1952 Email: rebecca.mccul...@uky.edu
[ECOLOG-L] APECS Polar Science Policy Essay Contest for travel to the 2009 Antarctic Treaty Summit
With the changing climate in the Polar Regions comes an increasing need for better cooperation between scientists and policy makers. As early career researchers, we have an important challenge not only to do great science, but to find ways to work with policy makers to set the direction of cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic. We need to share our thoughts on environmental and political issues with our leaders so they can shape policy that will represent the views of young people throughout the world. As part of this challenge, APECS, together with the organizers of the Antarctic Treaty Summit, are asking all young researchers to share their thoughts and opinions in form of an essay focusing on how to better integrate science and policy, and on the needs for new policy dealing with current issues in the Antarctic as well as the Arctic. Application information is attached. Winners will receive a travel fellowship to represent the new generation of polar researchers at the Antarctic Treaty Summit, which will be held in Washington , DC 30 Nov – 3 Dec, 2009. Deadline for submissions is 15 March 2009. For more information, please visit: http://arcticportal.org/apecs/antarctic-treaty-essay-contest Please feel free to forward this information or include it in your newsletters/ listservs. Thank you!
[ECOLOG-L] Field Technician position Texas
Field Technician needed to begin in March/April 2009 to assess the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats. Work will be through private contract with consulting firm. Own field vehicle is required with paid mileage. Housing may be provided. This position will last until Feb 2010 and would require a commitment until the end of project. Location: Abilene, TX Salary: Hourly Qualifications: Field experience, rabies vaccination or post vaccination titer, Bird and/or Bat ID skills and AAS or BS preferred. Applicant must be physically fit and will need to maintain concentration while searching over long distances in heat, wind and cold and in the presence of venomous snakes. Please send resume to: Linda Slobodnik lmsconsult...@yahoo.com
[ECOLOG-L] Field Technician positions Penn
Field Technicians needed to begin in March/April 2009 to assess the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats. Work will be through private contract with consulting firm. Own field vehicle is required with paid mileage. Housing may be provided. This is a temporary position that will require a commitment until November/December 2009. Location: near Altoona, Penn Salary: Hourly Qualifications: Field experience, rabies vaccination or post vaccination titer, Bird and/or Bat ID skills and AAS or BS preferred. Applicant must be physically fit and will need to maintain concentration while searching over long distances in heat, wind and cold and in the presence of venomous snakes. Please send resume to: Linda Slobodnik lmsconsult...@yahoo.com
[ECOLOG-L] WRI Intensive Ecosystem Services Review Training for Consultants
Hello: The World Resources Institute is holding an event I thought some of you might be interested in: The Intensive Ecosystem Services Review Training for Consultants (February 10-11 in DC) is designed for business consultants to learn about a new methodology that helps managers develop strategies in response to ecosystem change. More information about the event is at www.wri.org/ecosystems/esr Thank you. About the Ecosystem Services Review: Companies depend on the services that healthy ecosystems provide such as freshwater, wood, water purification, pollination, natural hazard protection, among others. Degradation of these ecosystem services, therefore, can pose a number of risks to corporate performance, as well as create new business opportunities. Unfortunately, many companies often fail to make the connection between the health of ecosystems and the business bottom line. The ESR is designed to meet this need. www.wri.org/ecosystems/esr
[ECOLOG-L] Summer internship in Tropical Ecology, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate Internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution – Summer 2009 University of Puerto Rico The Institute for Tropical Ecosystem Studies is accepting applications for the Summer 2009 internship in Tropical Ecology and Evolution at El Verde Field Station, Puerto Rico. The internship will run from June 1st to August 7th, 2009. Application deadline: 28 February 2009. The program will offer students the opportunity to have hands-on experience fields such as: - Plant Systematics and Population Biology. - Plant Community Dynamics and Forest Ecology. - Plant eco-physiology. - Terrestrial Arthropod Ecology. - Aquatic Insect Ecology. Students will receive a stipend of $4,000.00 for the ten weeks duration of the program. Round-trip plane ticket from home institution to Puerto Rico will be reimbursed, up to a maximum of $600.00. The program will cover housing at the University of Puerto Rico and El Verde Field Station. The National Science Foundation and the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus, fund the program. The program is limited to undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor degree at a college or university during summer 2009 and to US citizen or permanent resident. Application materials and further information can be found at http://ites.upr.edu/REU/
[ECOLOG-L] SUMMER 2009 Field Biology Courses and REU Internships; Mountain Lake Biological Station; MLBS.org
SUMMER 2009 Field Biology Courses and REU Internships; Mountain Lake Biological Station; MLBS.org Mountain Lake Biological Station (University of Virginia) announces its summer field biology program: 1) Courses - Field-based undergraduate and graduate-level biology credit courses and workshops offered by nationally recruited faculty. 2) NSF REU-Sites Program - Undergraduate independent research internship program now in its 17th year. Work at MLBS focuses on field-based ecology, evolution, physiology, and behavior. Courses web page: mlbs.org/courses.html REU web page: mlbs.org/REU.html Fliers to Distribute or Post: mlbs.org/download/MLBS_Poster.pdf mlbs.org/download/MLBS_Courses.pdf mlbs.org/download/MLBS_REU_Poster.pdf Learn all about Mountain Lake opportunities at MLBS.org Best wishes. Butch Brodie, Director Eric Nagy, Associate Director
[ECOLOG-L] Wetland Ecology Technicians / Project Leads - COLORADO
COLORADO NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM Position Announcement: TITLE: Wetland Ecology and Botany Field POSITION: Technicians / Project Leads Temporary Research Associate I / II - Open Pool NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2-8 (temporary) WORK LOCATIONS: Statewide Colorado PAY RATE: $1800 - $3000/month DURATION: 2-8 months (approx. April –December 2009) Summary of All Positions: The Colorado Natural Heritage Program seeks experienced field technicians and project leads for summer field projects in wetland ecology and botany. All projects require field botany or field ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and species identification required. Experience in wetland ecology and identifying Colorado flora preferred. Specific positions available include: Wetland Ecology Project Lead and Technicians for Wetland Condition Assessment Projects (Rio Grande Headwaters, North Platte River, and additional locations statewide) • Project Lead will aid the Principal Investigator with pre-field season logistics and planning, such as assisting with the random sample survey design, securing permission to access survey sites on private land, preparing field maps in ArcGIS 9.2, preparing field supplies, etc. During the field season, the Project Lead will work with field technicians to carry out the tasks listed below and will be the point of contact between the Principal Investigator and the field team. Project Lead will begin in April 2009. • Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting data in wetlands within several locations across the state (Rio Grande Headwaters basin, North Platte River basin, and additional locations) as part of three separate wetland condition assessment projects. Data will be collected using both rapid assessment protocols (Floristic Quality Assessment and Ecological Integrity Assessment) and more in-depth vegetation surveys (Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity). Fieldwork will involve extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, and detailed completion of field survey forms. Successful applicants will navigate to randomly selected wetlands, both in remote areas that require multi-day backcounty trips and in agricultural areas such as the San Luis Valley and North Park. Field Technicians will begin in June 2009. Wetland Ecology Project Lead and Field Technicians for Gilpin and Jackson County Surveys • Project Lead will direct a survey of wetland natural communities in Gilpin County. The project involves working with stakeholders, targeting wetlands of interest throughout the county, securing permission for access from landowners, conducting surveys and documenting findings, and analyzing collected data and developing the project report. The project lead is responsible for managing field technicians, field equipment, and other project resources for successful completion of the fieldwork. The fieldwork involves extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, identifying plant species, and completion of field survey forms. This position will require knowledge of Colorado flora and ability to use GPS and GIS tools. Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules, live in rustic conditions and backpack into remote areas of Colorado are to be expected. Project Lead will begin April 2009. • Field Technicians will be responsible for assisting the Project Lead in all of the above duties. Technician positions are available for both the Gilpin County Survey and a separate Jackson County Survey. Field Technicians will begin in June 2009. Duties Wetland Condition Assessment Projects 1. Assist Principal Investigator with random sample survey design for selecting target wetland sites. 2. Prepare field maps in ArcGIS 9.2 and plan logistics for 7–10 days work sessions. 3. Determine land ownership of targeted wetlands and (if on private land) obtain permission to collect data from property. 4. Using GPS and provided maps, navigate to plot locations via paved roads, dirt roads, trails, and off-trail. 5. Collect data on vegetation, soils, hydrology, and landscape setting following predefined wetland condition assessment methodologies. Requires ability to reliably identify plants and plant communities within Rocky Mountain wetlands and riparian areas. 6. Collect and prepare plant specimens for verification and long term storage in a regional herbarium. 7. Enter and maintain data in electronic formats (databases, spreadsheets, GPS, GIS). 8. Other duties as needed. Gilpin and Jackson County Survey 1. Identify Targeted Inventory Areas (TIA’s) that contain wetlands of interest in Gilpin County. 2. Form Stakeholders Committee. 3. Inventory TIAs to identify rare species and ecological community occurrences. 4. Work with land owners to access and inventory private lands. 5. Use maps, GPS, and GIS tools for orienteering and
[ECOLOG-L] EcoEd Digital Library: Call for image and activity submissions
HELP BUILD THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA'S DIGITAL LIBRARY FOR UNDERGRADUATE ECOLOGY EDUCATION Next deadline for submissions: 18 February 2009. Do you have activities you've developed for lecture, laboratory, or field classes? Do you have digital images-- including photos, figures, or tables-- that have potential value for use in an ecology class? Why not publish your work and share it with your colleagues? You can publish those images and activities through EcoEd Digital Library, ESA's online library of free digital resources for teaching undergraduate ecology. Submissions will be peer reviewed for scientific accuracy and pedagogical value. Accepted resources will be made available through the EcoEd website (http://www.ecoed.net). Resources will be searchable through EcoEd and a larger biology library, the Bioscience Education Network (BEN). EcoEd DL is managed by the ESA's Education and Diversity Programs Office and is advised by a committee of ESA members. It is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. For more information about the submission process, visit http://www.ecoed.net/pages/submit, or contact either Ken Klemow or Jennifer Riem (emails below). We also are looking for reviewers for the February submission cycle. Contact Jennifer Riem if you are interested in reviewing. Please include a description of your area of specialty. Jennifer Riem ESA Education Coordinator jenni...@esa.orgmailto:jenni...@esa.org Kenneth M. Klemow, Ph.D. EcoEd Visual Resources Editor kenneth.kle...@wilkes.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Seasonal field botanist (TNC Texas)
SEASONAL FIELD BOTANIST (4 positions available) SALARY: $13.00/hour START DATE: June 29, 2009 LOCATION: Fort Hood, TX BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: •Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. •Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. •Experience performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks. •Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software. •Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people •Valid driver’s license. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Fort Hood Military Reservation, located adjacent to Killeen, TX, is home to two endangered birds: the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, is conducting long-term monitoring and research on these species. The seasonal field botanists will participate in several vegetation studies related to The Nature Conservancy's endangered species research. Projects include characterization of golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo habitat and studying the effects of fire on grasslands. Duties will include collecting detailed vegetation data using plots, transects, and pin frames; locating vegetation plots using GPS units; data entry and verification; and preparation of equipment for field work. This is a seasonal position running from June 29 to October 23. Four to six positions are available, depending on funding. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: •Experience collecting biological field data and keeping accurate, detailed field records. •Familiarity with the vegetation (woody and herbaceous) of the Edwards Plateau is highly desirable. •Experience using GIS software and data to create maps, as well as using GPS units and reading maps. •Familiar with the operation of 4WD, standard transmission vehicles. Field sites are located in rugged, remote terrain. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: The Seasonal Field Botanist will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may include the following: •exposure to intense heat and sunshine •long work hours in isolated settings •contact with poison ivy, chiggers, fire ants, scorpions, thorns, and venomous snakes •extensive walking through brush, over loose rocks, and on steep slopes •require physical exertion and/or muscular strain •present occasional possibility of injury ABOUT US: The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To apply, visit http://www.nature.org/careers. Click “how to apply”, “view positions” and then conduct an advanced search by Job opening ID #10783. Please upload your cover letter and resume as one document (Word or text file). Application deadline is April 15, 2009. Applicants will be screened, interviewed, and hired as applications are received. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade,
Tom, I don't believe there are to many studies on this but all animals have a sustainable harvest amount based on the fact that they produce a great deal more offspring then they need to replace those lost to predation and other factors. Turtles are so long lived that funding a study would cost a lot and wouldn't be complete for many years. We know that turtles have been predated (harvested) for 1000's of years and they are still here. I know that isn't a scientific study but it is true. Long lived species do need to be managed differently then short lived species. But I question some of the opinions concerning the fragility of turtles. I also believe that over-harvest does occur and can cause damage to populations. But proper management can bring these populations back to reasonable stability. All I am saying is that herps are different then almost every other species in the sense that they are nongame species that is harvested like a game species. The other unique thing about herps is that they are kept alive, propagated and sold across state and federal lines. All of these realities must be considered when making management and regulatory decisions. Herps, basically, need a totally different approach then regulatory agencies currently give to all other groups. This is where the problem lies: Changing the good ole boy approach and ingrained mentality that has been practiced for over the last 100 years. The approach of today's academics and agency biologists toward herps and herp management is not working. Partnerships with the private sector need to be created and nurtured. This will require many to move to the middle and take a more inclusive approach. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Tom Mosca III t...@vims.edu To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 7:03 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, Are there any catch and effort data to support this claim? Original message Clearly, limiting harvest by placing the same restrictions that are in place for many other vertebrates (deer, turkey, etc) would be a huge step in decreasing the loss of these animals and increasing the number of recruits into the population.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade,
Hello Lori and All, I have been a member of PARC since 2000. I agree that management is a good idea but banning is definitely the wrong idea. Many PARC folks are against collecting and the sale of wild caught. We have an impasse right there. There are issues with PARC: pushing of a preservationist AR agenda, elitism, use of opinion instead of data, use of the precautionary principle, denial of the disconnect between them and the private sector and they are made up primarily of academics and those that come from academia. The private sector has been virtually ignored and what it will take to get their involvement many in PARC are not willing to do. There is a great divide between the private sector and academia because of the actions of academia and their non-inclusion of the private sector. They need to fix this in order to move forward and many are not willing. I have been working to try and bridge this disconnect but the hardest thing so far has been getting folks to admit there is one. Privates feel alienated and under attack and academics just want to push their views of preservation. Not all PARCers are unwilling to bridge the gap. And not all privates are unwilling to come to the table. But there is a lot of work to do to mend this divide. I have talked with some members of PARC about creating a MOU (Memo of Understanding) between PARC and the private sector. The private herp folks have formed a new group called USARK (United States Association of Reptile Keepers) to fight for private herpers rights. I am hopeful at some point that we can work together to conserve (wise USE) herps and fight the big issues that all wildlife populations face: Habitat destruction, the impact of roads and human population growth to name a few. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Lori Neuman-Lee lorin...@gmail.com To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 10:39 PM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, Thank you for bringing this issue to light. The Midwest PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) recently discussed this issue at the September meeting. Specifically, in many states there is no season for turtles, which makes nesting females an easy target. Midwest PARC discussed not only a bag limit, but also placing a season on turtles to avoid the capture of reproducing animals. In many of these midwest states, turtles are legal to capture with a valid fishing license. Clearly, limiting harvest by placing the same restrictions that are in place for many other vertebrates (deer, turkey, etc) would be a huge step in decreasing the loss of these animals and increasing the number of recruits into the population. I suggest that if you are interested in this, you contact your regional PARC as other regions may have similar initiatives. The national link is: http://www.parcplace.org/. From this website, you can be directed to your local PARC representatives. Lori Neuman-Lee ~~~ Lori Neuman-Lee Eastern Illinois University, M.S. 2010 Iowa State University, B.S. Biology 2007 Iowa State University, B.S. English 2008 lorin...@gmail.com On Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 10:43 PM, Michael E. Welker herp...@cox.net wrote: All, Amphibians are not declining due to harvest. There is a simple fix to turtle over-harvest and that is bag limits. Under no circumstances do we want to pass banning legislation, prevent sustainable harvest, inhibit captive propagation or ban commercial sales. Let's not knee jerk and go Animal Rights on all the breeders, collectors and dealers who are preserving gene pools in captivity and collecting in a sustainable manner. And doing this out of their own pocket. Especially since we are doing virtually nothing about habitat destruction, the impacts of roads and human population growth. Someone could make some good money ranching turtles but if they are banned that won't happen. We don't want to protect them into extinction. It is time to get away from the banning agenda and come up with win/win regulations. If game and fish doesn't want to do its job then they need to be restructured and allocate funding differently. The time for excuses is done and private hobbyists and business owners are tired of banning regulations as the supposed solution. It is time to open your mind. Mike Welker El Paso, TX - Original Message - From: Jorge Ramos jramo...@u.washington.edu To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] 1/26 N.Y. Times Editorial on Wild Turtle Trade, Amphibians have been experiencing a similar situation. A couple of days ago there was a news report by the BBC about a study coming out in Conservation Biology by Corey Bradshaw and others. The numbers are alarming and the images and their captions are interesting. Thanks Andrea for the heads up to this link:
[ECOLOG-L] WA State DNR Deputy Supervisor - Aquatic Administration
The following is a new DNR job opportunity. For details visit the Employment page on DNR's Internet site: http://sharepointcms/AboutDNR/Employment/Pages/Home.aspx Deputy Supervisor - Aquatics Administration Exempt Position First screening February 6, 2009 Roberta Searles HRC-Recruiter WA State Department of Natural Resources 360.902.1350 roberta.sear...@dnr.wa.gov DNR Jobs http://www.dnr.wa.gov/AboutDNR/Employment/Pages/Home.aspx
