[ECOLOG-L] Open letter to the climate science community (from Ben Santer)

[David Inouye]

From: Ben Santer 
http://groups.google.com/groups/unlock?_done=/group/geoengineering/browse_thread/thread/d3aec95a5f27fbb6&msg=8aab47682ab84454>@llnl.gov> 


Date: Wed, Dec 2, 2009 at 4:58 PM
Subject: Open letter to the climate science community

Dear colleagues and friends,

I am sure that by now, all of you are aware of the hacking incident which
recently took place at the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research
Unit (CRU). This was a criminal act. Over 3,000 emails and documents were
stolen. The identity of the hacker or hackers is still unknown.

The emails represented private correspondence between CRU scientists and
scientists at climate research centers around the world. Dozens of the
stolen emails are from over a decade of my own personal correspondence with
Professor Phil Jones, the Director of CRU.

I obtained my Ph.D. at the Climatic Research Unit. I went to CRU in 1983
because it was - and remains - one of the world's premier institutions for
studying the nature and causes of climate change. During the course of my
Ph.D., I was privileged to work together with exceptional scientists - with
people like Tom Wigley, Phil Jones, Keith Briffa, and Sarah Raper.

After completing my Ph.D. at CRU in 1987, I devoted much of my scientific
career to what is now called "climate fingerprinting", which seeks to
understand the causes of recent climate change. At its core, fingerprinting
is a form of what people now call "data mining" - an attempt to extract
information and meaning from very large, complex climate datasets. The
emails stolen from the Climatic Research Unit are now being subjected to a
very different form of "data mining". This mining is taking place in the
blogosphere, in the editorial pages of various newspapers, and in radio and
television programs. This form of mining has little to do with extracting
meaning from personal email correspondence on complex scientific issues.
This form of mining seeks to find dirt - to skew true meaning, to distort,
to misrepresent, to take out of context. It seeks to destroy the reputations
of exceptional scientists - scientists like Professor Phil Jones.

I have known Phil for over 25 years. He is the antithesis of the secretive,
"data destroying" character being portrayed to the outside world by the
miners of dirt and disinformation. Phil Jones and Tom Wigley (the second
Director of the Climatic Research Unit) devoted significant portions of
their scientific careers to the construction of the land component of the
so-called "HadCRUT" dataset of land and ocean surface temperatures. The U.K.
Meteorological Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) took the lead in developing the
ocean surface temperature component of HadCRUT.

The CRU and Hadley Centre efforts to construct the HadCRUT dataset have been
open and transparent, and are documented in dozens of peer-reviewed
scientific papers. This work has been tremendously influential. In my
personal opinion, it is some of the most important scientific research ever
published. It has provided hard scientific evidence for the warming of our
planet over the past 150 years.

Phil, Tom, and their CRU and MOHC colleagues conducted this research in a
very open and transparent manner. Like good scientists, they examined the
sensitivity of their results to many different subjective choices made
during the construction of the HadCRUT dataset. These choices relate to such
issues as how to account for changes over time in the type of thermometer
used to make temperature measurements, the thermometer location, and the
immediate physical surroundings of the thermometer. They found that, no
matter what choices they made in dataset construction, their bottom-line
finding - that the surface of our planet is warming - was rock solid. This
finding was supported by many other independent lines of evidence, such as
the retreat of snow and sea-ice cover, the widespread melting and retreat of
glaciers, the rise in sea-level, and the increase in the amount of water
vapor in the atmosphere. All of these independent observations are
physically consistent with a warming planet.

Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof. The claim that our Earth
had warmed markedly during the 20th century was extraordinary, and was
subjected to extraordinary scrutiny. Groups at the National Climatic Data
Center in North Carolina (NCDC) and at the Goddard Institute for Space
Studies in New York (GISS) independently attempted to reproduce the results
of the Climatic Research Unit and the U.K. Meteorological Office Hadley
Centre. While the NCDC and GISS groups largely relied on the same primary
temperature measurements that had been used in the development of the
HadCRUT dataset, they made very different choices in the treatment of the
raw measurements. Although there were differences in the details of the
three groups' results, the NCDC and GISS analyses broadly confirmed the
"warming Earth" findings of the CRU and MOHC scientists.

Other extraordinary cla

[ECOLOG-L] radio transmitters for sale

[David Inouye]

FOR SALE–Ten glue-on radio transmitters, model 
A2426 by Advanced Telemetry Systems. Specs: 0.6g 
mass, 5 inch antenna, 40 ppm, 148-152 mHZ 
frequency range, 21 day battery life. Useful for 
birds 20g and up. Custom manufactured August 2009 
for $140 ea. For sale for $40 ea. Contact C. SEEWAGEN (PH: 917-532-1303).

[ECOLOG-L] 2010 ornithology programs at Hog Island Audubon Center

[David Inouye]

You can sign up­now!­for summer 2010 ornithology 
programs at 
Hog 
Island Audubon Center.


As you know, a committee of Audubon and Maine 
Audubon staff has worked with expert consultants 
for nearly a year, envisioning options for the 
island consistent with its celebrated 
environmental education history and potential. 
The work continues, and while it does, the two 
organizations have agreed to re-establish programming in 2010.


Audubon’s internationally recognized Project 
Puffin Seabird Restoration Program will lead five 
distinct sessions of bird-loving bliss, working 
with a team of dynamic instructors, including Kenn Kaufman and Pete Dunne:

   * Maine Seabird Biology and Conservation (May 30-June 4)
   * Field Ornithology I (June 13-18)
   * Field Ornithology II (June 20-25)
   * Maine Coast Birding Studies for Teens (June 20-25)
   * Maine Seabird Biology and Conservation (September 12-17)
Get more information and download registration 
forms at: 
www.projectpuffin.org. 
Or e-mail projectpuf...@audubon.org.


We hope that, like us, you see this as good news, 
and will spread the word. These are the only 
programs the historic center will offer in 2010, and space is limited.


As our committee continues its work, we want you 
to know that we share with Hog Island’s loyal 
alumni, past instructors, and supporters the 
desire for long-term arrangements that will 
continue Hog Island’s historic service to 
conservation. Toward that goal, we hope you will 
help us fill our 2010 sessions with enthusiastic participants.


Thank you for your continuing support.


Sincerely,

Ted Koffman,
Excecutive Director,
Maine Audubon

[ECOLOG-L] North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program

[George Wallace]

Please spread the word:

NORTH STAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSMITTER GRANT PROGRAM - North Star 
Science and Technology, LLC and American Bird Conservancy  announce the 7th 
bi-annual North Star Science and Technology Transmitter Grant Program.  In the 
spirit of giving back to the research community that they serve, North Star 
will award a total of eight (8) battery-powered or solar satellite  
transmitters (Argos Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs)), to 1-3 recipients 
(8 PTTs to one project or 4 PTTs to each of two projects, or 4 to one, 2 to 
one, and 2 to another).  PTTs are powerful, cutting-edge tools for the study of 
bird  migration that greatly extend the range over which individual birds  can 
be tracked.  The program is open to projects throughout the world.  Research 
that contributes to our knowledge of avian biology and that provides data 
useful for bird conservation, particularly of threatened species, will receive 
preference in the selection process.  American  Bird Conservancy (http://w!
 ww.abcbirds.org) will handle the proposal  submission process, review 
proposals, and select the winning projects. Please see 
http://www.northstarst.com for more information and  proposal guidelines. 
Deadline for proposals is February 5, 2010. Any  further questions about the 
program can be directed to George E. Wallace, American Bird Conservancy (EM: 
gwall...@abcbirds.org; PH: 540-253-5780; FX: 540-253-5782).


George E. Wallace, PhD
Vice President, Oceans & Islands Division
American Bird Conservancy
4249 Loudoun Avenue
P.O. Box 249
The Plains, VA   20198   USA
Tel: 540-253-5780
Fax: 540-253-5782
E-mail: gwall...@abcbirds.org
On the web at: www.abcbirds.org

[ECOLOG-L] MS graduate student opportunities in aquatic ecology/limnology

[David White]

We are looking for two MS students interested in aquatic ecology or 
limnology through our Water Science Masters program. Both are paid 
research assistantships and would be through Murray State 
University's Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake.  Students 
would have the option of residing at the Biological Station, about 15 
miles from the main campus.


Both students would assist with deployment of lake environmental 
sensors and bi-weekly monitoring cruises through an NSF-funded 
cyberinfrastructure grant.  Specific thesis research areas would be 
based on each student's interests and the Station's ongoing research 
programs.  These might include but are not limited to analysis of 
sensor data, zooplankton ecology and invasive species, lake algae, 
zebra mussels and native mussel species, the effects of water level 
fluctuations, and lake benthos dynamics.  In the later case, the 
benthos of Kentucky Lake is quickly disappearing but the reasons for 
it remain unclear.


For more information on the Station, go to 
www.murraystate.edu/hbs If you are 
interested in these projects, please contact me.




David S. White

Professor, Biological Sciences www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/bio/bio_inf.htm
Director, Hancock Biological Station www.murraystate.edu/hbs
Commonwealth Endowed Chair www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/sci/colofsci.htm
Editor, Journal Kentucky Academy of Science www.kyscience.org

561 Emma Drive
Murray, KY 42071

Phone: 270-474-2272
FAX: 270-474-0120
Cell: 270-293-9141  

[ECOLOG-L] Fw: Alaska Invasive Plant SCA Internships for summer 2010

[Miranda Terwilliger]

Please pass the word on to any interested students! If they have questions
have them contact Bonnie Million, bonnie_mill...@nps.gov.

- Forwarded by Miranda Terwilliger/WRST/NPS on 12/03/2009 12:23 PM
-
   
 Bonnie
 Million/AKSO/NP   
 S 
   
 12/03/2009
 08:03 AM  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   



Morning all -

Just a heads up that the Alaska Exotic Plant Management Team has a TON of
SCA internship posted right now at the following website:
http://www.thesca.org/serve/internships/browse?keys=invasive+plant+management+alaska

So, if you know anyone who maybe interested I will be forever in your debt
if you pass on the info - please feel free to pass on my contact info as
well.  I really appreciate your help!!

Bonnie M. Million
Alaska EPMT Liaison
Alaska Regional Office
240 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
Office: 907-644-3452
Fax: 907-644-3809
bonnie_mill...@nps.gov

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Research Assistantship

[David Cooper]

PhD Assistantship in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 
80523.
Influence of Climate Change on the Water and Carbon Budgets and Vegetation 
of Rocky Mountain Peatlands.  A graduate research assistantship is 
available to analyze the short and long-term influences of climate change 
on fens in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S.  We will analyze hydrologic, 
carbon and nutrient dynamics in fens located in areas with different 
precipitation regimes (San Juan Mountains, Colorado and Medicine Bow 
Mountains, Wyoming) and at different elevations.  The student will conduct 
detailed hydrologic analysis of well and piezometer nests, carbon gas 
fluxes, plant production and decomposition dynamics, as well as long-term 
history of peat accumulation and vegetation composition.  This project is 
a collaborative effort between Colorado State University (CSU) and the 
USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.  The student will be 
enrolled in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at CSU, and housed in 
the Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship.  Applicants 
must possess a Masters degree in a suitable scientific field (hydrology, 
wetland ecology, or plant ecology), be physically capable of working in 
wilderness setting at high elevation sites (up to 3500 m elevation), and 
performing demanding work.  Student will be provided with a monthly 
stipend, and tuition and field expenses are provided.  Send letter of 
interest, CV and list of references to Dr. David J. Cooper at: 
david.coo...@colostate.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Special Session on Ecosystem Size at ASLO/NABS 2010 Sante Fe Meeting

[Pete McHugh]

Dear colleagues,

We invite submissions to the upcoming special session entitled ‘Ecosystem 
size: a fundamental driver of processes in freshwaters’ to be held at the 
joint ASLO/NABS 2010 Annual Meeting in Sante Fe, NM (6-11 June 2010; 
http://aslo.org/santafe2010/).  Conference organisers have recently made 
the first call for papers, and on-line abstract submission will be 
available shortly (submittal closes 12 February 2010).  

A bit more background on the special session and its intended scope:

Ecosystem size: a fundamental driver of processes in freshwaters
Ecologists have long recognized an over-riding influence of habitat or 
ecosystem size on the structure and function of biological communities and 
whole ecosystems.  One of the earliest quantitative generalizations made in 
ecology, for instance, involved the demonstration of positive species 
richness–area relationships for island environments.  Recent research has 
documented linkages between the size of freshwater ecosystems and a range 
of biological traits, like food web structure and stability, the importance 
of cross-ecosystem subsidies, and the cycling of nutrients.  It is also a 
dynamic feature of aquatic ecosystems, varying seasonally or on longer time 
scales.  Moreover, size is arguably the most imperilled attribute of the 
Earth’s freshwater environments, as stream, lake, and wetland hydrology are 
increasingly altered to meet human demands, and global climate change 
impinges on hydrological cycles.  Thus, improved knowledge of how the size 
of freshwater ecosystems affects biological communities is central to 
advancing ecological understanding and the management of these systems.  

This special session aims to gather freshwater scientists exploring 
ecosystem size-related questions from a diversity of perspectives, as well 
as to synthesise the state of knowledge on the influence of habitat size on 
a range of ecological processes.  Further, it will serve as a forum for 
linking lotic and lentic ecologists pursuing related research themes.  We 
encourage submissions that consider a role of ecosystem size—either 
explicitly or implicitly—at any level of biological organization (i.e., 
from behaviour to biogeochemistry) and using a range of tools for 
scientific enquiry (i.e., from mesocosms to mathematical models).  
Ultimately, we hope that this ecosystem size-focused session will both 
facilitate the exchange of new ideas and help pave the path towards new 
size-based conceptual models of aquatic ecosystem structure and function.

If this session sounds like a suitable outlet for your work, we encourage 
you to submit your abstract via the conference website 
(http://aslo.org/santafe2010/) and indicate Session Topic Code S26 
(Ecosystem Size: A Fundamental Driver of Processes in Freshwaters) upon 
submission.  If you have any session-related questions, please contact the 
co-chairs at the email addresses below.  

Regards,

Angus McIntosh (angus.mcint...@canterbury.ac.nz)
Ross Thompson (ross.thomp...@sci.monash.edu.au)
Pete McHugh (pete.mch...@canterbury.ac.nz) 

[ECOLOG-L] Research opportunities at Huron Mountains in northern Michigan

[Kerry Woods]

The Huron Mountain Wildlife Foundation supports research focused on the
landscape and ecosystems of the Lake Superior basin, particularly the Huron
Mountains area of northern Michigan.

The Foundation operates the Ives Lake Field Station north of Big Bay, MI,
providing housing and facilities for approved research projects. The
Foundation also offers small research grants, with particular priority given
to 'seed' projects that might lead to successful proposals to major funding
agencies.

HMWF provides exclusive access to a large (ca 10,000 ha), diverse, and
well-protected natural area in the Huron Mountains, with extensive
old-growth forests and pristine aquatic systems.

HMWF is interested in both hypothesis-driven research and ecological
monitoring, and proposals for long-term research are welcome. The Foundation
also supports taxonomic documentation in connection with an all-taxa
biodiversity inventory of the Huron Mts. (taxa of particular interest
include arachnids and lepidopterans).

More details and guidelines for research proposals may be found at the
Foundation's website, www. hmwf.org, under the 'for researchers' link.

Proposals for the 2010 field season should be submitted by 1 Feb if funding
is requested.

Address inquiries to Kerry Woods, Director of Research, at
kwo...@bennington.edu


-- 
Kerry D. Woods
Bennington College, Natural Sciences
Dir. of Research, Huron Mt. Wildlife Found.
www.hmwf.org
faculty.bennington.edu/~kwoods
kwo...@bennington.edu

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship Forest Soil Ecology Univ. of Florida

[Jason Vogel]

A graduate research assistantship (Masters Level) is available in forest
soil ecology at the University of Florida.  The project’s focus is on
belowground carbon (C) allocation in loblolly pine, and how variation in C
cycling affects soil C cycling.  The student will be using a radiocarbon
isotopic method, and other techniques, to partition soil CO2 efflux to
determine how belowground allocation responds to family level genetic
selection and different levels of fertilization.  The student will be
co-advised by Drs. Eric Jokela and Edward Schuur.  

Overview: Bi-monthly field visits will be required to sample for soil CO2
efflux, and thrice yearly visits to estimate the radiocarbon signatures of
soil CO2 efflux.  Radiocarbon estimates of root and microbial respiration
will be made two times over the course of the project.  The student will
also assist in the collection of aboveground productivity and litterfall
estimates, and the installation of root exclusions.  The student will be
responsible for analyzing data, preparing technical reports, presenting
results at national conferences, and developing at least one peer-reviewed
publication.  

Students with a background in forestry, soil science, biology, botany, or
environmental science with strong analytical skills are encouraged to apply.
 Two years of funding (stipend, tuition waver and health insurance) are
available for this position with at least one semester of student teaching
Starting Date: May 2010 (Application Deadline:  April 1, 2010).

The student will be part of two larger research groups: The Forest Biology
Research Cooperative and the Ecosystem Dynamics Lab at the University of
Florida.  As a result, she/he will interact closely with colleagues having a
wide range of research interests, including forest genetics, silviculture,
and boreal and arctic ecology.   The University of Florida is located in the
north central Florida, within a 2-hour drive of either the Atlantic coast or
Gulf of Mexico.  The University of Florida has nearly 50,000 students, and
as a result, it boasts a diverse set of cultural, intellectual, and
recreational opportunities. 

Application: Please send 1) transcripts and GRE scores (unofficial copies OK
for initial inquiry), 2)  curriculum vitae, 3) contact information for 3
references, and 4) letter of application which (i) describes your interest
in the position, (ii) describes your career goals, and (iii) details your
work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position.

For more information contact:
Dr. Eric Jokela 
353 Newins-Ziegler Hall 
P.O. Box 110410 
University of Florida   
Gainesville, FL 32611-0410  
Phone: (352) 846-0890   
e-mail: ejok...@ufl.edu

[ECOLOG-L] US Fish and Wildlife Service opening - endangered species and white-nose syndrome - do not reply to poster

[Meretsky, Vicky J.]

The Bloomington, Indiana Field Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service is 
hiring a full-time, permanent biologist.  The person will focus on endangered 
species issues and WNS initially.  It is a full performance GS-12 position 
(requires a doctorate for full-performance level, but those with master's 
degrees can also apply and work their way up to a GS-12 through job 
experience).  Please let any and all you know who might be interested and have 
them give me a call if they would like to learn more. The announcement(s) are 
posted on USAJOBS or you can click on these links. The posting for GS-9 (2nd 
link below) should be used by those with a master's.

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=84757231&JobTitle=Fish+and+Wildlife+Biologist&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&jbf522=0401&vw=d&re=0&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=series.aspx&pg=1&q=R3-09-301615-DD&AVSDM=2009-11-30+00%3a03%3a00

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=84678712&JobTitle=Fish+and+Wildlife+Biologist&jbf574=IN*&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&vw=d&re=0&caller=basic.aspx&pg=1&cnme=bloomington%2cin&rad=20&rad_units=miles&rfn=1&AVSDM=2009-11-30+00%3a03%3a00

Thank you,

Scott Pruitt
Field Supervisor
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Bloomington Field Office
620 South Walker
Bloomington, IN 47403
(812) 334-4261 ext. 214
(812) 334-4273 FAX
scott_pru...@fws.gov

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate Assistantship Weed Ecology/Biology ND

[Greta Gramig]

One graduate research assistantship is available in the area of weed biology
and ecology to pursue an M.S. or Ph.D. in Plant Sciences at North Dakota
State University in Fargo, ND.  Possible topics of study include biology and
ecology of weed seed predation in agricultural systems, biological control
of invasive weeds in rangeland and wild lands, effects of management and
cropping systems on weed population dynamics, and crop variety effects on
crop-weed competition in organically-managed cropping systems.  The graduate
research assistant will conduct field/lab studies, collect data, analyze
research results, prepare reports, write journal articles, and prepare a
thesis/dissertation.  This assistantship will provide a monthly stipend and
a full tuition waiver.  Prospective students should hold a Bachelor’s degree
in plant sciences, agronomy, biology, ecology, or other related field. 
Desired qualifications include a strong quantitative/ statistical
background, excellent oral and written communication skills, field research
experience, and an interest in ecologically-based weed management. 
Candidates must also meet the admission requirements of NDSU's Graduate
School and the Department of Plant Sciences.  Applications must be made
on-line through the NDSU Graduate School at http://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/.  

Inquiries should be addressed to:
Dr. Greta Gramig, Assistant Professor
NDSU Plant Sciences 
166 Loftsgard Hall 
North Bolley Drive 
Fargo, ND 58102
Office phone: 701-231-8149
Email: greta.gra...@ndsu.edu

Please include a recent CV and research interests with any inquiries.

THE UNIVERSITY 
North Dakota State University is enjoying a remarkable period of growth and
success. Located on the state's eastern border in Fargo, North Dakota's
largest city, NDSU is the state's Morrill Act land-grant institution. 
Recognized as an engaged university and considered a leader among its peers,
NDSU has set numerous enrollment records in recent years. With more than
13,200 students, NDSU encompasses a broad spectrum of curricular offerings,
scholarly activity and service. The university strives to be an innovator in
information systems, technology transfer, economic development and lifelong
learning. NDSU also is home to the state's first full NCAA Division I
athletic program.
Innovative teaching and learning are conducted in nine academic units: the
Colleges of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; Arts,
Humanities and Social Sciences; Business Administration; Engineering and
Architecture; Human Development and Education; Pharmacy; Science and
Mathematics; University Studies; and the Graduate School. NDSU has 42
doctoral and professional doctorate programs, 59 master's degree programs,
one specialist degree, three professional degree and 102 baccalaureate majors. 
NDSU researchers are leading major initiatives in such areas as
nanotechnology, microelectronics, polymers, food safety and materials
science. In a partnership with Alien Technology Inc., NDSU's Research and
Technology Park will soon be home to the world's first mass scale Radio
Frequency Identification tag research and production facility. 
The North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and NDSU Extension Service
are integral parts of the university. 
One of the university's latest additions is the new 75,800-square foot,
five-story NDSU Downtown, which provides a cutting-edge facility for art,
architecture and landscape architecture students. A $10 million project
renovated the century-old building to include studios, classrooms, a wood
shop, digital media room, gallery and an outdoor sculpture area.
NDSU employs almost 821 ranked faculty and lecturers, about 250 extension
educators and experiment station researchers, and more than 700 graduate
assistants and fellows. In total, the university has nearly 5,878 full-time
and part-time employees across the state. 
NDSU, which is one of two major research universities in an 11-institution
state university system, is striving to substantially increase the number of
international students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
NDSU also serves people across the state through continuing education and
extension programs. NDSU participates in the Tri-College University
consortium with neighboring Minnesota State University Moorhead and
Concordia College. 

THE COMMUNITY 
Named one of the most desirable places in the country to live by Money
magazine, Fargo is quickly earning a reputation as a great place to live.
Located in the rich farmlands of the Red River Valley, the Fargo-Moorhead
community has many qualities that contribute to this reputation, including
highly-respected educational opportunities K-12 through college, advanced
medical technology, a progressive business community, numerous cultural and
arts opportunities, a clean environment and good-hearted, friendly people. 
Fargo's revitalized downtown has gained recent national publicity through
such media outlets as the Los An

[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student opportunity in prairie ecology/restoration in Nebraska

[Johannes Knops]

I am looking for a MS or Ph D student interested in vegetation dynamics in 
prairie remnants and prairie restorations. 

The Nature Conservancy has restored 1,500 acres of grassland and manages 
2,000 acres of remnant prairies and uses prescribed fire and grazing to 
increase habitat quality around Grand Island, Nebraska. However, it is 
increasingly clear that environmental factors such as soil composition and 
fertility, drought susceptibility, site history and species pools 
significant influence the vegetation composition. For instance, 
observationally, we see that remnant prairies are often dominated by 
invasive grasses and are low in forb diversity. Even when subjected to years 
of management to suppress invasive grasses and repeated over-seeding 
attempts, forb diversity fails to increase. Conversely, cropland 
restorations planted with 150-230 species successfully establish diverse 
plant communities. However, these restorations are threatened by the same 
invasive grass species and we see large variation among sites. There seems 
to be environmental variability, presently unaccounted for, that is 
hindering successful efforts to rehabilitate remnant prairies and restored 
prairies. 

A student working on this project would examine remnants and restored 
prairies to determine how management (including fire and grazing), site 
history and site environmental factors correlate with vegetation 
composition, diversity, and the abundance of at-risk and invasive species. 
Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the factors that control 
diversity, and develop control and management strategies that increase 
diversity, decrease the prevalence of invasive species, and increase the 
abundance of at-risk species. For this permanently marked plots will be set 
up and an annual monitoring program will be started. Longer term we want to 
examine temporal vegetation changes in relation to climate and succession 
and determine the trajectory of vegetation changes within these permanent 
plots and develop experiment to test what environmental factors drive these 
patterns. This project will start in May 2010 and the permanent plot setup 
and the initiation of the monitoring program are funded by the Nebraska Game 
and Parks Commission.

If you are interested in this project please contact me.


Johannes (Jean) M H Knops
School of Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska
348 Manter Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588
Phone (402) 310 3904
Email: jkno...@unl.edu