[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems
Yes, by important and dominant I meant keystone (even if this seems to me to be an a posteriori concept, with scarce predictive value). However, I don't think that man causes habitat modifications, and other species' extinctions, for reasons different than survival (in an eco-evolutionary sense). Up to recent times, a naive playing mind has been a very adaptive trait of our apparently neotenic species, allowing it to thrive through the millennia. I don't think that cellphones and trinkets are exceptions in this sense. Now we may be reaching the limits of this adaptation, and the evolutionary bet could be to develop a holistic mind, evolve into a k-selective species, and coevolve with other keystone (at least) species. Gianluca Polgar Messaggio originale Oggetto:Re: [ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems Data: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 14:08:19 -0700 Mittente: Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net A: Gianluca Polgar gianluca.pol...@gmail.com, ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Ecolog: Certainly Polgar's remarks have a ring of truth, and they remind me that a large part of the world's almost 7 billion humans are simply going about their business of survival in an increasingly degraded environment--one for which there are no reliable statistics but about which there can be little question. Worse, there are no statistics on how the once biologically rich areas in parts of the earth, Africa, for example, were fairly recently (the last century) self-sustaining but now largely dependent, ironically upon the very imperial nations which impoverished them in the latter nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and continue to do so. I have a little trouble following Polgar's meaning concerning importance and dominance. If by important Polgar means keystone, I would certainly agree that H. sapiens' departure or diminishment might have salutary effects upon biological diversity, but I would suggest that bacteria are more likely to be important biologically. If by importance Polgar means the destruction of other species for reasons unrelated to survival and a seeming determination to foul its own nest (not to mention those of other species and others of its own kind) on the basis of clearly insane whims (e.g., production of artless and valueless trinkets and planned obsolesence; cell phones, ad nauseam), it would seem that H. sapiens wins that contest hands down. But again I would emphasize that it is the development of culture that is at the root of this phenomenon. Nature may drive us, but culture drives us crazy. WT - Original Message - From: Gianluca Polgargianluca.pol...@gmail.com To:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 7:42 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of ecosystems I'm afraid I have far more radical ideas about humans and ecosystems. In my opinion, humans are animals, not unlike any other animal on the planet. Any possible dichotomy between humans and other animals would be arbitrary from an ecological point of view, that is, anthropocentric. I believe that the big difference perceived between Homo sapiens and other organisms (not only animals) is merely the effect of the extraordinarily disproportionate interest we express for H. sapiens. For instance, let's think at the Gaia hypothesis: does anyone think that the impact of H. sapiens on the biosphere is quantitatively and qualitatively more important than any species of denitrifying bacteria, or than cyanobacteria? How rapidly the biosphere biogeochemical cycles, which are at the base of any biological process on Earth, would change if a crucial procariote strain or lineage suddenly disappears? My educated guess is that such changes would be much more drastic than any global change induced by greenhouse gases released by H. sapiens in the atmosphere. Fortunately (also for us, I would say), such pivotal organisms cannot apparently be threatened by human activity on Earth. Analogous examples can be made for several species of insects, with huge biomasses and numbers of individuals. I personally do not think that H. sapiens is the dominant species on the planet. Its ecological impact on the biosphere is gradually decreasing as we consider organisms that are less and less ecologically (and up to a certain extent, phylogenetically) related to (e.g. interacting with) H. sapiens. This is probably the main reason why we are the only hominid species on the planet, and why so few apes presently survive (most being at risk of extinction). This is the reason why H. sapiens drove the majority of mammal megafaunas to extinction much before industrialization, and one of the reasons why there are so many environmentalist campaigns for vertebrates than for arthropods, protists, or procariotes (apart from anthropomorphic and demagogical issues). It is clear that the ability of H. sapiens (or better of some its populations) to modify its habitat for his own survival is driving the
[ECOLOG-L] Research opportunities, field courses, and human dimension of conservation in Costa Rica
Dear list members, I am a professor and researcher at the International Institute in Wildlife Management and Conservation (http://www.icomvis.una.ac.cr/) at the Universidad Nacional, a public university in Costa Rica. I just being appointed as the research coordinator of a private nature reserve (http://www.selvaverde.com/lang/en/) located in the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica where soon we will be creating, together with the Institute, the Center for Biodiversity, Sustainable Development, and Climate Change. As the research coordinator I will like to invite and offer all the facilities to anybody interested on developing research and field courses at these facilities. There are also opportunities for environmental education and volunteer work at the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (http://www.learningcentercostarica.org/) The use of the facilities will have a cost but we can offer very reasonable prices for researchers and academic institutions. The main goal from all the partners in this endeavor is to preserve the tropical rainforest within the nature reserve and the surrounding area. If you want more information please dont hesitate to contact me at: mspin...@una.ac.cr mspinol...@gmail.com Best, Manuel Spínola -- Manuel Spínola, Ph.D. Instituto Internacional en Conservación y Manejo de Vida Silvestre Universidad Nacional Apartado 1350-3000 Heredia COSTA RICA mspin...@una.ac.cr mspinol...@gmail.com Teléfono: (506) 2277-3598 Fax: (506) 2237-7036
[ECOLOG-L] 4-days geometric morphometric workshop in York
The Hull York Medical School Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences (CAHS) will host a four day workshop in York 11-14 October 2010 The course is aimed at postgraduates who already have some insight into GMM but may not have yet used these methods. During the four days of the course the basics of geometric morphometrics will be covered and key multivariate morphometric methods reviewed. Frequent examples will be presented using available GMM software and students will gain experience in using different software tools during the course of each afternoon's practical sessions using datasets we will provide. Faculty Paul O'Higgins CAHS, Hull York Medical School Andrea Cardini Dipartimento di Biologia, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia and CAHS, Hull York Medical School Leandro Monteiro Department of Biology, University of Hull Registration The fee for the workshop is £175 for the four days to include tea, coffee, soft drink breaks, lunch each day and dinner on the nights of 11 and 14 October. To book on the course please visit www.york.ac.uk/res/fme Paul O'Higgins Dr. Andrea Cardini Researcher / Lecturer in Animal Biology Dipartimento di Biologia, Universitá di Modena, via Campi 213, 41100, Modena, Italy tel: 0039 059 2055526 ; fax: 0039 059 2055548 Honorary Fellow Functional Morphology and Evolution Unit, Hull York Medical School University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK E-mail address: alcard...@interfree.it, andrea.card...@unimore.it, andrea.card...@hyms.ac.uk Webpage: http://sites.google.com/site/hymsfme/drandreacardini Datasets: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/archive/cerco_lt_2007/overview.cfm#metadata
[ECOLOG-L] Two-year Visiting Assistant Professor
Two-year Visiting Assistant Professor position in Biology. Teaching duties in the fall 2010 semester will include Biology of the Invertebrates (1 lecture and 1 lab section), and 2 lab sections of General Biology. A Ph.D. in the biological sciences, earned or in progress, is required. This is an excellent opportunity for Ph.D. candidates or postdoctoral fellows to obtain teaching experience at a liberal arts college. Biology of the Invertebrates is a semester-long study of the morphology, physiology, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships of the invertebrates. There are ample resources including syllabi, handouts, and laboratory and field equipment. The wage package includes health insurance benefits. Review of resumes will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a pdf document including cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information (including email addresses) of three references. Send applications to Ms. Eileen Martino, Biology Department, Siena College, 515 Loudon Rd., Loudonville NY 12211, (emart...@siena.edu). Siena College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages application from all qualified candidates, including women and minorities.
[ECOLOG-L] Humans in the definition of environment
Fans of (and participants in) our continuing conversation on misanthropy, etymology and environment might find the following background readings useful: An article on Ludwig Wittgenstein at the International Encyclopedia of Philosophy http://www.iep.utm.edu/wittgens/#H2 . Wittgenstein explored the difficulties of language and demonstrated (perhaps inadvertently) that using language was an insufficient means for solving the problems of using language. An article on P.D. Ouspensky at the Gurdjieff International Review http://www.gurdjieff.org/ouspensky3.htm . Aldo Leopold cited Ouspensky as his inspiration for concepts underpinning the idea of 'land health' and Ouspensky's thinking remains perceptible in various aspects of modern environmentalism. And please remember that replying without deleting the message you replied to results in unnecessary reposting. Matt Chew ASU Center for Biology Society Tempe, AZ 85287-3301 USA mc...@asu.edu or anek...@gmail.com
[ECOLOG-L] ACE - Forestry Internship
American Conservation Experience: Forestry Internship Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ is partnering with the Northern Arizona Field Office of the Nature Conservancy to conduct surveys of old growth ponderosa pine trees on the Kaibab National Forest. ACE is seeking interns to dedicate four weeks working in a small group to conduct tree surveys at two locations on the Kaibab Forest throughout the month of August, followed by assignment to other ACE projects, including trails and/or fuels reduction, on Forest Service lands in September and October. This opportunity is geared towards ambitious young adults with a background in Forestry and a dedicated interest in pursuing a career with the US Forest Service or other land management agency. These volunteer internships provide a $110 per week food allowance and the opportunity to learn and train among professional mentors in the execution of a significant forest health study and subsequent restoration project. Start date: August 2, 2010 End date: October 30, 2010. A three month commitment is required. Location: The month of August will be spent conducting old growth forest surveys in the Williams Ranger District, near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and on the North Kaibab Ranger District near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At the completion of the forest survey assignment in early September, interns will join ACE crews in either Arizona or California, subject to interns’ preference, to learn complex field skills such as trail construction, stone masonry, and fuels reduction. Both the forest survey component and the ACE crew restoration component will consist of work on Forest Service lands, exposing interns to a variety of career options with the USFS. Forest Survey Project Background and Objectives: Northern Arizona is home to the largest continuous Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. But this vast ecosystem is threatened by landscape level changes to the fire regime that, along with other contributing factors such as sheep, cattle, and non-native elk grazing, has altered the frequency and intensity of forest fires. A large volume of study indicates that until western settlement, ponderosa pine ecosystems were subject to frequent, low intensity fires carried by grasses and small shrubs. These lightning-caused fires occurred every 2 – 10 years on any given plot of land, killing most of the small seedlings, while failing to penetrate the thick, protective bark of mature ponderosas.The resulting alterations to the ecosystem favored the survival of the healthiest, strongest trees which thrived in the relative scarcity of young competitors and in the utter absence of high intensity crown fires.Western settlement brought grazing animals that reduced the fire carrying grasses, while land management agencies simultaneously sought to extinguish every fire, natural or man caused, that ignited in order to protect surrounding communities. These two fundamental changes caused vast thickets of undernourished ponderosas to crowd between stands of mature trees, essentially creating forests of unhealthy kindling with the potential to carry fire with an intensity that the previous grass matrix could not.Fueled by thick, woody, dry stands of small trees, fires now reach a height and intensity sufficient to obliterate entire stands, threatening the remaining old growth trees that were not already cut down in the era of rampant logging. With approximately 90 percent of old growth ponderosa previously logged in northern Arizona and with dense thickets of seedling threatening to carry intense crown fires to destroy many of the remaining mature trees, Northern Arizona has been at the cutting edge of ponderosa pine research and restoration activities for the past 15 years. The old growth forestry surveys to be conducted by ACE interns in August are designed to provide a better understanding of historic growth patterns and spacing of pre-settlement ponderosa pines. Interns will sample 100 acres of forest growing in basalt soils on the Williams Ranger District, and another 100 acres growing in limestone soils on the North Kaibab District.At each sampling location, all trees greater than 16” diameter at breast height will be mapped and a statistically valid number of tree increment cores will be taken to determine a localized relationship between size and age. Findings will be used to help determine the historic range in variability of the distance between clumps and groups of trees. This information will be used to provide additional guidance for future forest restoration and fuels reduction treatments. Internship Major Duties and Expectations: Navigating to sampling plots (with GPS or compass and map) Measuring DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of trees Use of compass Use of rangefinder Coring
[ECOLOG-L] Job Announcement - Coral Reef Watershed Management Specialist
I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG, http://www.imsg.com) is seeking a Coral Reef Watershed Management Specialist for the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The position will be located at NOAA’s facilities in Silver Spring, Maryland. OCRM houses the headquarters of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP, www.coralreef.noaa.gov). The CRCP seeks to understand the impacts of land-based sources of pollution (LBSP) on reef ecosystems and to implement actions to mitigate those impacts. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the CRCP in achieving its goals and objectives (see link below) related to LBSP. (http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcrcp/strategy/currentgoals/resources/3threa ts_go.pdf). To achieve these goals and objectives, the incumbent will provide leadership on LBSP issues within the CRCP, multi-year planning of simultaneous initiatives, individual project development and implementation, and coordination with external partners. The incumbent will be responsible primarily for LBSP efforts in south Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and will work in close collaboration with other OCRM staff responsible for similar efforts in the U.S. Pacific coral reef jurisdictions. Regular travel to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is required (approximately 25% time). Responsibilities: The contractor’s duties will include, but not be limited to: �� Leading the development of a multi-year implementation plan for the CRCP’s LBSP goals and objectives, given existing funding �� Advising senior CRCP leadership on watershed management and LBSP reduction issues in coral reef jurisdictions �� Overseeing existing watershed management projects within the CRCP’s portfolio �� Initiating and managing new projects that conform with the LBSP implementation plan �� Providing technical assistance and/or training to relevant individuals working on watershed management issues for State and Territorial governments and federal agencies in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands �� Strengthening existing and forging new partnerships with other federal agencies, state and territorial governments, academics, non- governmental organizations, and private industry to achieve mutual watershed management and LBSP reduction goals in coral reef jurisdictions �� Reviewing grants proposals related to watershed management and LBSP reduction �� Managing a database of Local Action Strategy projects proposed, ongoing, or completed in the seven U.S. coral reef jurisdictions �� Participating on behalf of the CRCP or OCRM on internal NOAA and external working groups, councils, and committees �� Supporting general activities for the relevant Division and Office to which this position will report Qualifications: Minimum Requirements: �� Master’s degree (highly preferred) or bachelor’s degree with equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline such as watershed management, coastal planning, environmental management or policy or marine science �� 2 or more years post-graduate work experience in the watershed management field �� 2 or more years of program development and project management experience �� Understanding of coral reef ecosystems, the threats that LBSP pose to reefs, and strategies for minimizing and mitigating the impacts �� Demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance or training to watershed management practitioners �� Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a range of individuals that are geographically separated and that represent a range of different cultures �� Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to shift priorities as needed �� Fluency in oral and written English, and strong communication skills �� Experience coordinating efforts and projects with multiple partners �� Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office programs Strongly Desired: �� 4 or more years post-graduate work experience in the watershed management field �� Experience working on or with small island states, preferably in the Caribbean �� Understanding of the unique topographic and hydrologic complexities influencing LBSP minimization and mitigation in south Florida, Puerto Rico, and/or the U.S. Virgin Islands �� Experience managing individual grants (as the grant recipient) and/or administering grant programs (as the grantor) �� Experience working in a matrix organization and/or demonstrated ability working in team settings �� Experience in a governmental work environment To Apply: Applications will be accepted until July 30. Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter explaining how their qualifications meet the requirements of this position, a resume, and the
[ECOLOG-L] Two New Positions with COMPASS
Dear Colleagues, COMPASS is seeking candidates for two new positions: Assistant Director of Science and Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach. (1) Assistant Director of Science: Seeking candidates with a recent PhD (within last 5 yrs) in marine related sciences. This individual will support and continue to grow a program to capture and advance the state of the science of ocean ecosystems and connect that science to decision-making audiences. Applications due July 19. Contact: Dr. Karen McLeod, karen.mcl...@science.oregonstate.edu (2) Assistant Director of Science Policy Outreach: Seeking candidates with solid grounding in both marine related science and federal ocean policy. This individual will support and help shape a growing program to connect peer-reviewed science to federal and state policymakers. Position is open until filled. Contact: Dr. Chad English, cengl...@compassonline.org COMPASS works to advance marine conservation science and communicate that science to policymakers, practitioners, the media and the public. We seek to raise awareness of ocean issues and inform ocean policy discussions with credible, peer-reviewed science. Staff are based at locations throughout the country including academic institutions (Oregon State University; the University of Washington; the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis / University of California, Santa Barbara; Stanford Universitys Hopkins Marine Lab; and Clark University) and other organizations (Monterey Bay Aquarium and SeaWeb in Washington DC). See www.compassonline.org for more details. MORE DETAILS (1) Assistant Director of Science Position Description The Assistant Director will work with COMPASS Director of Science to support and continue growing a program to capture and advance the state of the science of ocean ecosystems and strategically connect that science to decision-makers. The Assistant Director will support the synthesis, development, and communication of peer-reviewed science related to the role and importance of ocean ecosystems, the threats those ecosystems face, and policy solutions to address those threats. These efforts are designed to ensure that the latest science informs, frames, and catalyzes policy discussions and that the scientific community is well-positioned to address key gaps that arise in those discussions. The Assistant Director will also work with the broader COMPASS team to support a broad range of activities. In support of COMPASS science development and synthesis program, the Assistant Director will: Build relationships and synergies within the ocean science community Stay current on new and emerging marine science Support the synthesis of emerging marine science and the strategic communication of that science to decision-makers Support the implementation of ongoing initiatives to advance salient ocean science through policy-relevant scientific working groups, workshops, and larger meetings Create opportunities to advance the state of the science by seeding and supporting symposia at key scientific meetings, catalyzing new research, and seeding new collaborations Develop and lead the implementation of new strategies to capture and advance the state of ocean science Stay current on regional and national ocean policies Work with COMPASS communications and policy teams to ensure science is better communicated and used Provide scientific content and strategic input to COMPASS staff, programs, and initiatives Qualifications COMPASS welcomes applications from candidates with strong communications skills, exceptional organizational skills, strong backgrounds in relevant marine science, and experience in marine policy and/or ocean conservation issues. The candidate must have: A recent PhD (within last 5 years) in marine sciences (marine ecology, fisheries science, oceanography, or related social sciences with a marine emphasis) A detailed understanding and appreciation for marine sciences beyond her specific area of expertise Ability to evaluate and synthesize diverse marine scientific concepts Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate scientific information to broad audiences, especially managers and policymakers Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously Excellent written and oral communications skills Excellent organizational skills In addition, the candidate will preferably have: Ability to understand and evaluate national, regional and state-level marine policy and management issues, particularly science needs related to these issues Experience with science-policy communications Ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse audiences (government, non-governmental organizations, academia and/or the private sector) Demonstrated initiative Familiarity with social media and online communications Application Deadline:
[ECOLOG-L] snakes in gar diets?
Anyone familiar with any published reports of gar feeding on snakes? I'm coming up with zilch. THanks! -- Malcolm L. McCallum Managing Editor, Herpetological Conservation and Biology 1880's: There's lots of good fish in the sea W.S. Gilbert 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction MAY help restore populations. 2022: Soylent Green is People! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humans in the definition of environment
Jim and Ecolog: I rather like Crants' definitions . . . a society is a collection of interacting people with a group identity, and their culture is all the values, beliefs, and practices that they hold largely in common. I must have missed this definition in your earlier posts Clearly, I have failed to make myself understood. I suspect that part of it may be an artifact of trying to respond to different responses at different times and pixels that pass in cyberspace, but I'll accept responsibility anyway. I'm sorry you had to go searching through other emails; now I'll have to do the same, as there are so many fragments--especially when the thread is not retained with the response, which would make reference to the previous message(s) that are referenced or relevant more convenient when following up. Perhaps it would be better to simply re-state the case, in the hope that I can clarify my own thinking as well as the literal chore of communicating them in a stream-of-consciousness manner, but that's all to the good--my errors will not be edited and I can have the benefit of y'all's spontaneous reactions. I'm learning a lot, and realizing great benefit from all of your responses. Jim, I lifted your definitions of culture and society right out of your text--I didn't summarize them in nearly identical terms (see your email of 7-13-10). Here is the part of the text from which I lifted them; I have placed the text I lifted in [[double-brackets]]: Regarding your response to my post, it's clear that we're talking about different things when we talk about culture. I've been writing with Merriam-Webster's fifth definition for culture in mind: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture. [[By this definition, pretty much any collection of humans with a group identity will have a culture.]] It's the definition people use when they talk about corporate culture, Trekkie culture, pop culture, or ancient Inca culture, and it's the one I assumed you were using when you said culture was a sociopathological phenomenon. By society, I was thinking of Merriam-Webster's third definition: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/society. If you look at that definition, bearing in mind the definition of culture that I was thinking of, I hope you can see how it sounds absurd to call culture sociopathological. To put it briefly, [[a society is a collection of people with a group identity]], and any such collection will inevitably have a culture, so what could it mean to say the culture is bad for society? If this is incorrect, please let me know, and call my attention to the definitions that truly reflect your definitions. Maybe I lifted the wrong parts? Jim, you make an excellent point that all social animals have hierarchies, and I was not clear enough on that point. My contention is that culture is a pathological expression of social hierarchies. Social hierarchies tend to be based on the merits of the leader, and leaders remain so only as long as the merits that gave them their position exist; any primogeniture, for example, would genetic, not cultural (i.e., rule-based, as when the psychopath son of a king becomes king even though there are far more capable individuals in the group--social unit, if you will). Briefly, that's another way of expressing how I see the difference between cultural and purely social behavior. Social behavior (cooperation) is the originally adaptive behavior which initially permitted the species to survive; cultural behavior is the acquired values, beliefs, and practices that they hold largely in common. It is culture that produces anti-social behavior and institutionalizes it. Some cultures are more social (cooperative) than others; others are more egocentric and competitive. This distinction is merely an observation; I have intentionally not loaded it with values. I am not suggesting, within the confines of my assertion, that we change culture. I am suggesting that, by whatever labels, there are differences in, and consequences to, the two clearly discernable differences in behavior. However, some of the responses have asked, perhaps from some deep social intuition, perhaps as intellectual enquiry. How do we change culture. We, I believe, do not. The short proactive answer is to become more social and less egocentric, but that has to be an individual choice and one that is functional and feasible within a cultural context. But that is not part of this thread. In any case, I do not intend to suggest that we go back to hunting and gathering, but I will suggest that, if we truly are the advanced and sapient species we claim to be, we can find a way to reconcile the needs and works of humankind with those of the earth and its life. I hope that human intelligence is up to the task, and that it gets going on it before we go the way of the passenger pigeon, taking other pigeons with us. Intuitively and intellectually,
[ECOLOG-L] Lake Tahoe Trail Crew Internship
American Conservation Experience: Lake Tahoe Trail Crew Internship ***New dates and more positions have been added!*** Internship Description: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Santa Cruz, CA, is currently hiring energetic, ambitious young adults to participate in a 3-month skills training program preparing them for outdoor careers with the US Forest Service, with ACE, with other conservation corps, or land management agencies such as the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.Interns will serve with ACE at various locations around Lake Tahoe learning advanced trail maintenance skills under the supervision of professional ACE Crew Leaders. This is a volunteer internship providing a stipend of $110 per week, free camping near the town of South Lake Tahoe at a developed campground (with showers) that is just minutes from popular beaches, shops, and cafes. This is a valuable opportunity to learn and train among professional mentors. Start Date: July 24, 2010 End Date: October 16, 2010 A three month commitment is required. Potential exists to continue serving with other ACE crews or in other ACE internships beyond October 16. Internship Major Duties and Expectations: Trail Interns will support ACE and US Forest Service staff by assisting in the construction and maintenance of hiking trails. Typical duties include: • Assisting Park staff with the construction of a variety of advanced trail structures such as stone staircases, dry stone retaining walls, rock check dams, waterbars, etc.Interns will also assist ACE staff in routine trail maintenance duties such as brushing trails, outsloping tread and clearing drainage structures. • Completing work tasks as instructed by ACE staff, keeping daily work log and demonstrate proper work procedures and methods while working in the field with or near other volunteer groups. • Following strict guidelines in making safety a priority, including the responsible use of personal protective gear and insuring that all tools, equipment, vehicles and other co-workers are working safely in all conditions. • Following instructions from all ACE and USFS staff and understanding and respecting all wilderness regulations and policies. • Working with a professional demeanor as a part of a team. • Good public communication skills are a must. Location: The crystal clear turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains, forests, and wilderness areas of the Lake Tahoe Basin draw outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Known for the clarity of water and for the dramatic backdrop of a panorama of mountains, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest Lake in the United States and the 10th deepest in the world. The Lake Tahoe Basin, divided between California and Nevada, also represents one of the most fragile ecosystems in North America, as soil erosion, algae growth, and invasive plants/animals threaten the unique high elevation alpine lake. Tahoe has long sought a balance between embracing extensive recreational use and preserving the Basin’s delicate ecosystem. ACE crews will be reconstructing hiking trails to encourage recreation in a sustainable manner that does not contribute to soil erosion and does not represent a threat to lake clarity. Interns will spend 5 months working and camping in one of the world’s most scenic locations, with opportunities to explore surrounding wilderness areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, spend time paddling the lake in one of ACE’s sea kayaks, or delve into the festivities common to the resort town of South Lake Tahoe. Working Conditions: Work is labor intensive and strenuous, performed outdoors in steep terrain and hilly terrain and at elevations as high as 9,000 feet. Interns should anticipate adverse conditions including rain, wind, and even late summer snows, interspersed among weeks of sunshine. Crews will hike at least 4 miles uphill each day to reach the high elevation worksites, so physical fitness is an absolute requirement. Qualifications: Applicants for ACE’s Professional Development Trail Crew Internships at Lake Tahoe must be at least 18 years old, have an established interest in conservation issues, and should take evident joy in tackling challenging situations with a positive mindset. Applicants must be willing to undertake arduous physical work in all types of weather and terrain, and to participate as a team member, dedicated to both ACE’s and the USFS’s mission. Preference will be given to former and graduating ACE volunteers, graduated members of other conservation corps, and those with a history of committed engagement in similar volunteer and outdoors activities. The internship is meant as a stepping stone to environmental careers with land management agencies and as a gateway to potential advancement within ACE, not only as an
[ECOLOG-L] Vote for your favorite ESA student section film!
Dear fellow ecologists, The ESA student section is inviting you to check out this year’s amazing student films for our annual Eco-film festival. Go tour contest page at SciVee http://www.scivee.tv/node/15820 and vote for your favorite video (located at bottom of the page). The films are short (~8 min) and have been created to educate the public about ecological issues. So take a moment to relax and see how students have used film to share their knowledge about ecology and conservation. Help these students get the credit they deserve, not to mention a $100 prize. Voting for the People’s Choice award is easy. Go to the ESA student film festival contest site at www.scivee.tv/node/15820. Make sure you are logged into the SciVee site (free) and then view the videos. Click the star rating you prefer under each video that you review. A “Thank You for Voting” notice will appear and your vote will be recorded toward the total for the People’s choice award. Note, you may only vote once for each video. If you have any questions please contact Sean Ryan at se...@bgsu.edu Enjoy!
Re: [ECOLOG-L] humans in the definition of environment
Wayne, My aim was simply to dispute the assertion that culture is a sociopathological phenomenon. In doing so, it proved necessary to clarify that my definitions of culture and society are the conventional ones (and I cited Merriam-Webster to show what definitions I was using, which is not a case of the fallacy of appeal to authority). Even now, you apparently don't understand the definitions I'm using, since you summarized them in nearly identical terms, while I think the difference between culture and society is clear. To paraphrase what I said before, a society is a collection of interacting people with a group identity, and their culture is all the values, beliefs, and practices that they hold largely in common. Conflating the group with its shared ideas is like conflating the brain with the thoughts it produces. On the other hand, I admit that I have no idea how you define culture and society. I went over each of your messages in this conversation, and all I could discern on the matter was that you found the conventional definitions too vague and that you turned to etymology to try to come up with something more precise. At one point, you apparently equate culture more or less with hierarchy, though since most or all social animals have hierarchies, this would still lead me to believe that culture is not optional for social animals like humans. (And if it's not optional, it can't be pathological; how can you identify a pathology independent of a contrasting state of health?) If you ever offered definitions, I've missed them entirely after two attempts. As to why I have not addressed the specifics of [your] previous attempts to explain [your] suggested definitions for the two terms, I think it boils down to my initial intention to dispute only one statement in your argument and my inability to find either your definitions for the two terms or your attempts to explain these definitions (unless you count the post in which you tell us you turned to etymology to find clearer definitions, but I couldn't discern from that what definitions you might have arrived at). I can't address specifics I can't find. I'm also not clear on why you want clearer definitions for such widely-used terms in the first place. It's not as though people are going to confine their usage of a term to whatever more rigorous definition you come up with. If you really want to talk about something more specific (less vague) than culture and society, either find other words to do so, or don't be surprised when people start arguing with you as though you were using the conventional definitions. Finally, I do not agree that the status quo needs a strong defense when there is no well-supported idea challenging it. Issuing a poorly-supported challenge to conventional wisdom is like throwing a dart at a castle, for all the impact it's going to make. You won't be burned at the stake for it; you'll just be ignored. It wouldn't hurt to offer a clear alternative to the status quo, while you're at it, and a road map for arriving at that alternative state. Even if we all agree that culture is pathological, what do we do next? Do we immediately abandon whatever it is you call culture and go hunter-gatherer? Jim Crants
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistantship, Forestry, UW-Madison
Graduate Research Assistantship Influences of White-Tailed Deer on Wisconsin Forest Ecosystems University of Wisconsin-Madison A minimum of two years of funding is available in the Dept. of Forest Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, to support graduate research, at the M.S. level, concerning the influences of white-tailed deer on northern Wisconsin forests. The graduate research assistant will join a team responsible for designing and implementing field assessments regarding the influences of deer population density on various aspects of forest ecosystem structure, composition and function. A majority of the fieldwork will take place in northern Wisconsin. The student will work closely with a team of UW-Madison, WDNR and USFS research scientists. Qualifications: Highly motivated individuals with superior academic credentials and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply. Well-developed interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates must be able to work independently as well as part of a collaborative research team. Stipend/benefits: A 50% Graduate Research Assistantship is available beginning in the fall or spring of 2010. The RA currently provides a stipend of at least $20,400 (12 mo.), tuition waiver, and excellent medical/dental health plans. To Apply: Please send an email including a cover letter and resume describing interests and academic qualifications by August 1st to: Sara Rodock Student Services Coordinator rod...@wisc.edu 608-262-9926 Please note that the candidate who accepts the position will be required to complete the UW-Madison graduate school process before they can begin the position. Inquiries: For questions regarding the position please contact: Eric Kruger Professor Dept. of Forest Wildlife Ecology 1630 Linden Drive University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 53706 elkru...@wisc.edu
