[ECOLOG-L] Field assistant for Columbian ground squirrel study

[Amy Skibiel]

Location: Sheep River Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Job Description:Columbian ground squirrels are alpine-dwelling rodents 
that are important to the ecology of the Rocky Mountains. I am looking for 
a motivated field assistant to help with my PhD study on maternal 
investment in reproduction in these fascinating animals. 

Assistants will learn fundamental field techniques, including 
livetrapping, animal handling, ear-tagging, marking, weighing, record-
keeping, and daily visual observation. Assistants must have the ability 
and desire to participate in field work in extreme weather conditions 
(cold, rain, sleet, snow, etc). 

Research assistants will live in the modest University of Calgary-owned 
Kananaskis field station in Sheep River Provincial Park with other 
scientists and graduate students from Canada, USA, and Europe. Commodities 
are basic in the field so applicants must be able to handle these 
conditions. I am looking for a hardworking, diligent, responsible, and 
dedicated assistant. 

The field season starts April 9 and runs until May 28. Priority will be 
given to applicants who are available during this entire time period. One 
assistant is needed. 

Qualifications: Assistants must be (1) genuinely interested in behavioral 
and physiological ecology; (2) speak fluent English; (3) be independently 
motivated; (4) have a good work ethic. The ability to communicate well 
with others, a desire to learn, and a positive attitude are a must. 

To apply: please email a cover letter stating, briefly, how this position 
would be beneficial for your career objectives and a resume to Amy Skibiel 
at skib...@auburn.edu

Salary: volunteer

Last Date to apply: March 5, 2010

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?

[Wayne Tyson]

Warren and Ecolog:

You are right about the need for more sophistication and deliberate action and 
thought. I'll try to build on your steps a bit by inserting a few thoughts 
[[thus WT]]. I hope others will do the same, and correct any errors as we go 
along. By applying adaptive management to THIS process, it will theoretically 
become further refined and realize/exemplify those needs as Aney suggests. 

WT
  - Original Message - 
  From: Warren W. Aney 
  To: 'Wayne Tyson' ; ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU 
  Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2011 8:32 PM
  Subject: RE: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?


  Wayne (and others):adaptive management is a strategic process that involves 
planning, action, monitoring and feedback.  Some just call it learning by 
doing, but it can and should be more sophisticated and deliberate, perhaps 
something along the line of what I posted to this list in October:

  Step 1. Assess current ecosystem situation/condition. 
  [[The level of sophistication has to vary, because "practical," "real-world" 
considerations always rear their ugly heads. At root, a glance, a photograph, a 
map, or other cursory assessment might have to do; certainly the more detailed 
the better. But perhaps equally important are the qualitative and interpretive 
dimensions of those needs, and resisting the temptation or enforcement of 
"decorative" data, bloated interpretation, and arbitrarily "determinations." I 
have often relied upon a procedural element I call "the roughest guess that 
gets the job done" standard of quality; this leaves one wide open for 
criticism, but that's as it should be. The rub comes in when the challenger 
determines that he/she is above challenging--power rears her ugly head. WT]]

  Step 2. Describe and agree on desired future/restored ecosystem condition.

  [[I believe someone (Warren?) said this might be the toughest one. One can 
"desire" all one wants, but one is not going to get one's way if the 
feasibility isn't there. "Desire" is arbitrary, someone's (usually the 
Authority's) whim about what constitutes "pure" or "pristine;" yet "feasible" 
is subject to manipulation too--there's a temptation to use feasibility to 
squirm out of all kinds of responsibilities. One could take an assessment 
literally, such as "restore 100 ha of old-growth forest in ninety days." This 
is clearly arbitrary and infeasible, but I can show you projects where gigantic 
costs were incurred to transplant mature trees that was an utter failure in 
conception, design, and execution in an attempt to reproduce some armchair 
experts idea of "pristine" based more on a personal aesthetic than ecosystem 
analysis. Has anyone else had a similar experience?  WT]]

  Step 3. Define and agree on actions needed to reach desired condition.

  [[There needs to be a basis for the definition, usually from a combination of 
literature, comparable projects that have reached "desired condition," 
discipline experiments, sound theoretical foundations (e.g. plant-soil-water 
relations), and other experience. WT]]

  Step 4. Take bold but safe-to-fail actions.

  [[Yeah, nice to hope for, but often honored more in the breach than in the 
execution. Facing up to failures and figuring out why they occurred is often 
defeated by the prevalence of the cya phenomenon. WT]]

  Step 5. Monitor and evaluate results from desired ecosystem condition 
perspective.

  [[One always hopes for an adequate budget for monitoring and evaluation, but 
even the most expensive and extensive can fall into the window-dressing pit 
too. "Coverage" requirements continue to undermine things like diversity goals, 
and cause the "use" of aggressive species and tighter densities to achieve 
"standards" that are irrelevant to the, shall we say, "unbroken progress toward 
the pristine as possible" goal. I've personally caused some projects to 
collapse because I didn't have the guts or the power to insist upon "less is 
more." WT]]

  Step 6. Modify actions and/or expectations in light of results.

  [[I'm all for modifying actions, but have seen cases where well-intended 
modifications, did more damage than they repaired. Expectations need to be 
reduced at Step 2, but if not, better late than never. However, this should not 
be an easy-out for the practitioner who wants most to cover up mistakes rather 
than learn from them. WY]]

  Step 7. Continue with revised actions and monitoring.

  [[Sounds good, but nothing beats getting it right in the first place. 
Monitoring is wonderful if actually productive in measurable terms--it should 
primarily plot trends, including the overall trend, the primary standard for 
measuring any ecosystem project: Is the project improving or degrading? (Is 
reproduction/recruitment of indigenous species occurring or not? After an 
initial phase of "weediness," is there resistance to invasion? Are so-called 
"minor" components (e.g. cryptogamic soil crust species, indigenous grasses and 
geophytes,

[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc position in community ecology at Stanford University

[Tadashi Fukami]

A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Fukami Lab at Stanford
University (www.stanford.edu/~fukamit/). The successful candidate will
conduct laboratory and field research on the community assembly of
nectar-living yeasts. There will be opportunities to develop independent and
collaborative research. Experience in fungal molecular ecology (using RFLP,
TRFLP or qPCR) and/or one or more of the following fields is desirable:
experimental evolution, molecular genetics, pollination biology, avian
ecology, plant chemical ecology. Initial appointment will be for one year,
with the possibility of extension for one or two additional years,
contingent on funding availability. Start date is preferably May 2011, but
flexible. To apply, please e-mail a cover letter, CV, and names and contact
information of three references as a single pdf to Tadashi Fukami
(fuka...@stanford.edu), with the subject line as "Postdoc application ". Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2011, and continue
until a suitable candidate is identified. Informal inquiries prior to
application are welcome.

[ECOLOG-L] Visiting faculty position - human dimensions of natural resources

[Swihart, Robert K]

The Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University in West 
Lafayette, Indiana, is seeking applicants for a visiting assistant professor in 
human dimensions of natural resources for 1 year, with the possibility of 
extension for a 2nd year.  This is an academic year, non-tenure-track 
appointment beginning mid-August 2011.

Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will be expected to teach two 
required undergraduate courses: Natural Resources Issues, Policy and 
Administration (fall) and Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (spring).  The 
candidate also will teach dual-level course in either Community Involvement in 
Natural Resource Management or Research Methods for Natural Resource Social 
Scientists in the fall semester.  TA support is provided for the two 
undergraduate courses.  Research activity is encouraged and may focus on 
virtually any aspect of human dimensions.

Purdue University's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has 32 faculty 
training over 300 undergraduate and 90 graduate students.  The department's 
nationally ranked research programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches 
across a spectrum of research areas including, ecology, forest biology, 
wildlife, fisheries and aquatic sciences, wood science, genetics and human 
dimensions of natural resource management 
(www.ag.purdue.edu/fnr). Departmental faculty 
participate in numerous interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Center for 
the Environment, Purdue Water Community, Purdue Interdisciplinary Center for 
Ecological Sustainability, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, 
and Purdue Climate Change Research Center.

Qualifications: A Ph.D. in a social science field with an emphasis on natural 
resource management or closely related discipline, teaching experience, and a 
commitment to research and teaching are required. One degree in natural 
resource management (fisheries, forestry, wildlife) is desirable.

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with experience and training.

Closing Date: 25 February 2011, or until filled.

Application Process: Submit: 1) cover letter, including the names and contact 
information for three references; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) summary of research 
interests; and 4) statement of teaching philosophy and interests. Application 
packets should be addressed to Chair, Human Dimensions Search Committee, Purdue 
University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, 715 West State 
Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2061. Questions may be directed to the 
Search Committee Chair via telephone (765-494-3590) or email 
(rswih...@purdue.edu).


Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action 
employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

Rob Swihart
Professor and Head
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2061
PH: 765-494-3590

[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: USGS bioscience technicians (botany) Great Basin

[Kevin Knutson]

The USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center is currently 
recruiting biological science technicians (botany) for a large-scale fire 
rehabilitation research study in the northern Great Basin.  The 
technicians will be stationed in either Corvallis, Oregon and/or Boise, 
Idaho (dependent on the application pool), and the work season will be 
from approximately mid-April to August of 2011.  To apply for these 
positions, follow instructions in the complete vacancy announcement 
printed below:

VACANCY NO:  CRG-11-004
POSITION: Biological Science Technician (Botany), GG-404-5
SALARY: $15.00 per hour 
DATE OPENED: 01/17/2011
DATE CLOSED:  02/11/2011
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:  Temporary appointment   
STARTING DATE: 04/18/2011
NUMBER OF POSITIONS:  up to 10
LENGTH OF POSITION:  3-6 months, contingent on budget.
TOUR OF DUTY:  Full Time, with possible periods of part-time and 
intermittent work.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. citizens
LOCATION: US Geological Survey, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science 
Center, Corvallis Research Group, Corvallis, Oregon or Snake River Field 
Station, Boise, ID

THESE ARE TEMPORARILY EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITIONS for which all qualified 
applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.  
Appointment to these positions, however, will not convey permanent status 
in the Federal service. Appointment will only be for the duration of the 
position, normally 3-6 months.  The Social Security Retirement System 
covers temporary employees and annual and sick leave will be accrued 
except in intermittent status.  Employees are ineligible for health and 
life insurance coverage.

DUTIES (specific): The biological science technicians will work on a Joint 
Fire Science-funded project investigating effectiveness and current 
conditions of historical fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation 
projects in the northern Great Basin.  The project seeks to determine if 
post-fire broadcast and drill seedings on BLM-administered lands result in 
a more desirable plant community and fuel structure relative to no 
treatment following wildfire.  Field work will take place primarily in 
eastern Oregon, Nevada, western Utah, and southern Idaho.

Major duties of the position include identifying Great Basin plants to 
species, collecting vegetation and fuel load sampling data, collection of 
GPS and photo points, driving on poor and sometimes muddy roads, 
collection of plant and/or soil samples, accurately recording ecological 
data, and data entry.  The technicians may also assist with site selection 
protocols to identify suitable study site and plot locations.  The 
technicians will be stationed at either the USGS-FRESC Corvallis, OR or 
Boise, ID field stations, and field trips will require extensive highway 
travel and driving.

The biological science technicians will work in 3-person teams in 
conjunction with two field crew coordinators.  Each 3-person team will 
consist of two GG-05 technicians and one GG-06 crew lead.  Field work will 
involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions.  Crews 
will work independently with extensive stays (up to 10 days) in remote 
locations.  Field trips will include extended periods of backcountry 
camping and some occasional stays at motels.  Candidates will be chosen 
based on their combination of experience and education.  Preferred 
candidates will have experience in plant identification, especially within 
the Great Basin.  Travel expenses will be paid by the project at either 
standard federal per diem or a camp rate per diem.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  The work involves long hours spent standing, 
bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion.  The incumbent 
may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the 
performance of the assignment.  Work could possibly be done in 10 -12 
hours per day; hours can include all times of day and night, and will vary 
during the employment term with weather and field conditions.  Core hours 
will typically be 8am – 5pm.


QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG-5 you need 1 year and 9 months of 
field experience OR 3 years of sub-professional work experience OR 3 years 
of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled 
(equivalent to 90 semester/135 quarter hrs) plus 3 months of lab or field 
work experience.  Sub-professional experience consists of working as a 
technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar environment. 
EQUIVALENT COMBINATIONS OF SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
ARE QUALIFYING.  

BASIS OF EVALUATION: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of 
education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience). 
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by 
the closing date of this announcement.

First preference in referral will be given to eligible applicants entitled 
to 10 point veteran’s pre

[ECOLOG-L] Jobs: USGS bioscience technicians (botany/crew leader) Great Basin

[Kevin Knutson]

The USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center is currently 
recruiting biological science technicians (botany/crew leader) for a large-
scale fire rehabilitation research study in the northern Great Basin.  The 
crew leaders will be stationed in either Corvallis, Oregon and/or Boise, 
Idaho (dependent on the application pool), and the work season will be 
from approximately mid-April to August of 2011.  To apply for these 
positions, follow instructions in the complete vacancy announcement 
printed below:

VACANCY NO:  CRG-11-003
POSITION: Biological Science Technician (Botany), GG-404-6
DATE OPENED: 01/17/2011
DATE CLOSED:  02/11/2011
SALARY: $16.73 per hour 
TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:  Temporary 
STARTING DATE:  04/18/2011
NUMBER OF POSITIONS:  up to 5
LENGTH OF POSITION:  3-6 months, contingent on budget.
TOUR OF DUTY:  Full Time, with possible periods of part-time and 
intermittent work.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All U.S. citizens
LOCATION: US Geological Survey, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science 
Center, Corvallis Research Group, Corvallis, Oregon or Snake River Field 
Station, Boise, ID

THESE ARE TEMPORARILY EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITIONS for which all qualified 
applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered.  
Appointment to these positions, however, will not convey permanent status 
in the Federal service. Appointment will only be for the duration of the 
position, normally 3-6 months.  The Social Security Retirement System 
covers temporary employees and annual and sick leave will be accrued 
except in intermittent status.  Employees are ineligible for health and 
life insurance coverage.

DUTIES (specific): The biological science technicians will work on a Joint 
Fire Science-funded project investigating effectiveness and current 
conditions of historical fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation 
projects in the northern Great Basin.  The project seeks to determine if 
post-fire broadcast and drill seedings on BLM-administered lands result in 
a more desirable plant community and fuel structure relative to no 
treatment following wildfire.  Field work will take place primarily in 
eastern Oregon, Nevada, western Utah, and southern Idaho.

The GG-06 biological technician will serve as the crew leader for a 3-
person field team sampling vegetation and fuel characteristics at fire 
rehabilitation sites throughout the northern Great Basin.  The crew leader 
will be responsible for ensuring that accurate and credible data is 
collected by the field crew.  The crew leader will lead efforts to 
identify site vegetation and will be responsible for managing crew 
logistics.

Other major duties of the position include identifying Great Basin plants 
to species, collecting vegetation and fuel load sampling data, collection 
of GPS and photo points, driving on poor and sometimes muddy roads, 
collection of plant and/or soil samples, accurately recording ecological 
data, and data entry.  The technicians will be stationed at either the 
USGS-FRESC Corvallis, OR or Boise, ID field stations, and field trips will 
require extensive highway travel and driving.

Field work will involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather 
conditions.  Crews will work independently with extensive stays (up to 10 
days) in remote locations.  Field trips will include extended periods of 
backcountry camping and some occasional stays at motels.  Candidates will 
be chosen based on their combination of experience and education.  
Preferred candidates will have previous experience leading small field 
crews in sage steppe or other semiarid ecosystems.  The ideal candidate 
will also have excellent plant identification skills, preferably in the 
Great Basin.  Travel expenses will be paid by the project at either 
standard federal per diem or a camp rate per diem.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  The work involves long hours spent standing, 
bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion.  The incumbent 
may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the 
performance of the assignment.  Work could possibly be done in 10 -12 
hours per day; hours can include all times of day and night, and will vary 
during the employment term with weather and field conditions.  Core hours 
will typically be 8am – 5pm.

QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for a GG- 6 you need 1 year and 9 months of 
field survey party experience OR 4 years of subprofessional work 
experience OR 4 years of college with courses related to the work of the 
position to be filled (equivalent to 120 semester/180 quarter hrs) plus 3 
months of lab or field work experience. Subprofessional experience 
consists of working as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory 
or similar environment. EQUIVALENT COMBINATIONS OF SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE ARE QUALIFYING. 

BASIS OF EVALUATION: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of 
education and

[ECOLOG-L] HBS Summer 2011 Courses

[David White]

Hancock Biological Station on Kentucky Lake announces its field station
course schedule for Summer 2011.

 

The following courses will be offered in a 5-week session beginning June
1st, 2011.  Students may take 2 courses within the session.  Except for
Ecology, classes are limited to 10 students.

 

A field station experience is one that will last a lifetime. 

 


BIO 330 PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY

BIO 506/606 ADVANCED FIELD BIOLOGY 

BIO 564/664 ENTOMOLOGY 

BIO 553/663 FIELD BOTANY 

BIO 586/686 LIMNOLOGY 

BIO 573/673 ORNITHOLOGY 

BIO 587/687 CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

BIO 491 - 494 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TOPICS

BIO 691 - 694 GRADUATE TOPICS IN BIOLOGY

 

For further information on enrollment, class schedules, and scholarships go
to the Station website - be sure to watch our video!

 

www.murraystate.edu/hbs

 

www.murraystate.edu/qacd/cos/hbs/hbs_summer.html#program_description

 

 

 

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 

He opened and emptied a can of pork and beans   He liked to open cans. -
Hemingway

 

[ECOLOG-L] DEADLINE EXTENDED Abstracts, Early Registrations due Jan 28; Bay Area Conservation Biology Symposium, Feb 12

[Katie Fiorella]

It's not too late -- join participants from over 20 Bay Area organizations and 
Universities!  
Abstracts and early registrations are still being accepted!

Abstract and early registration deadline EXTENDED TO JAN 28.  
Please see www.bacbs2011.org.

February 12, 2011
13th Annual Bay Area Conservation 
Biology Symposium

Conservation in the Matrix: Ecological and Social Implications of Conservation 
Beyond Protected 
Areas

Hosted by UC Berkeley at the International House
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
8:00am - 6:00pm
  
Features: 
Ivette Perfecto, University of Michigan Professor, Author of Nature's Matrix: 
Linking Agriculture, 
Conservation and Food Sovereignty
Michelle Marvier, Santa Clara University Professor, Author of Conservation 
Science: Balancing the 
Needs of People and Nature
Joel Reynolds, senior attorney at Natural Resources Defense Council and 
director of NRDC's Urban 
Program, Marine Mammal Protection, and Southern California Ecosystem projects 
Graduate Student Presentations in a breadth of topics
Networking lunch  
Wine and Cheese Reception  
Online registration is open!  www.bacbs2011.org
Cosponsors: Berkeley Diversified Farming Systems Roundtable, ESPM Department, 
Society of 
Conservation Biology-Berkeley Chapter

Registration: $25 student, $45 professional

This one-day conference is the major gathering for hundreds of individuals from 
the Bay Area 
region interested or actively engaged in conservation featuring graduate 
student work as well as 
distinguished speakers!

[ECOLOG-L] Summer Soil Institute at Colorado State University: Applications now open

[Matthew Wallenstein]

The Summer Soil Institute

http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu

Addressing Environmental Challenges with Current and Emerging Techniques

What: A summer course for graduate students, professionals, faculty,
and K-12 teachers.
When: June 12-25, 2011
Where: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Cost:  Tuition and course fees:  $1800  Lodging and Meals:  $800

A limited number of scholarships will be available to
meritorious applicants based on financial need.

The summer soil institute provides a unique opportunity to gain a
fundamental and applied understanding of soil biology, chemistry, and
physics with world-renowned faculty. Students will gain hands-on
experience with lab and field techniques and will gain an enhanced
appreciation for the importance of managing our soil resources
sustainably. The course will be limited to a maximum of 25 students.
Applications will be reviewed starting March 12.

Location:
The course will be based on the campus of Colorado State University
(CSU), which is nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on
the western edge of the Great Plains. We will take advantage of the high
diversity of soils within a short drive with field trips to the Fraser
experimental forest and the Shortgrass Steppe Long‐Term Ecological
Research Site. The institute will culminate with student presentations
and a banquet at Pingree Park, where students will be able to enjoy the
mountain landscape just north of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Accomodations:
On‐campus housing and meals will be available at the state‐of‐the‐art
Academic Village at Colorado State University. The green Academic
Village opened in 2008 and was built to high standards of sustainability.

Instructors:
Thomas Borch: Environmental Soil Chemistry
M. Francesca Cotrufo: Soil Organic Matter and Stable Isotope Applications
Eugene Kelly: Pedology and Geochemistry
John Moore: Soil Ecology, Food Web Modeling
Mary Stromberger: Soil Microbiology
Joe Von Fischer: Trace Gas Biogeochemistry
Diana Wall: Soil Sustainability, Soil Fauna
Matthew Wallenstein: Soil Microbial Ecology and Molecular Techniques

Funding for the institute is provided by the USDA AFRI program.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website:
Web: http://soilinstitute.nrel.colostate.edu/

Email: s...@nrel.colostate.edu

[ECOLOG-L] M.S. OPPORTUNITY IN WATERSHED SCIENCE-EFFECTS OF RESTORATION ON STREAM AND RIPARIAN BIODIVERSITY IN COLORADO

[Howard Whiteman]

Graduate Research Assistant, Watershed Studies Institute, Murray State 
University.  One full-time position to begin May 2011.  Qualifications: B.S. in 
biology, ecology, or related discipline.  Previous experience with field 
experiments and stream/riparian ecosystems highly desirable.  Responsibilities: 
To conduct research on the effects of stream restoration on stream and riparian 
biodiversity while completing a M.S. degree in Watershed Science.  This project 
is fully funded, including travel to field sites in Colorado.  Salary: Approx. 
$14,400 per year.  Other benefits include housing at the Hancock Biological 
Station (Murray) and High Lonesome Ranch (Colorado).  To Apply:  Email a letter 
of application, curriculum vitae and the names and email addresses of three 
references to Dr. Howard Whiteman (howard.white...@murraystate.edu).  Deadline: 
February 15, 2011.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Murray State 
University is an equal education and employment opportunity, M/F/D, AA employer.

Howard H. Whiteman
Director, Watershed Studies Institute

http://www.murraystate.edu/wsi/

Department of Biological Sciences
Murray State University
Murray, KY  42071-0009

Phone: (270) 809-6753
FAX:   (270) 809-2788

"Everything is in a watershed"

[ECOLOG-L] On-Line Lecture this Thursday: "New Findings on the Effects of Noise on the Behavior of Whales and Dolphins"

[J. Michael Nolan]

Thought some may be interested. Am assuming it is next Thursday?

Mike Nolan

In consultation with colleagues involved in the SOCAL Behavioral 
Response Study (BRS), I would like to comment on Renee Owens recent 
MARMAM post.  Constructive dialog on this issue is welcome and I 
appreciate her expressing her views and MARMAM for providing a forum in 
this regard.

The purpose of the project is to provide scientific data on how marine 
mammals react to various sounds (following specific protective 
protocols), including simulated military sonar, to inform 
decision-making both for operational planning and regulatory 
assessments.  I am not entirely clear what Renee is referring to in 
terms of "sound buffering" or sonar "alternatives", but clearly our work 
does not override or circumvent ongoing efforts to mitigate any adverse 
effects of sonar training exercises.  Rather, we are providing some of 
the first direct empirical data on behavioral responses in various 
species that will directly inform how mitigation and conservation 
management related to the effects of human sounds in the ocean should 
best be accomplished.

The SOCAL BRS project is supported by different parts of the U.S. Navy, 
but none of the results from this project are classified and the Navy 
has exerted no data rights or restrictions on their release or 
publication. The project is closely partnered with NOAA who has been 
involved in various elements of planning, permitting, and field work.  
Most of the scientists involved in the project are from academic or 
private research organizations.  We are committed to the fair and open 
transmissions of results to Navy and NOAA as well as the scientific and 
environmental communities working in these areas, regardless of their 
potential implications for the Navy or anyone else.

Along these lines, in addition to the many open public presentations and 
discussions on this project, there are multiple sources of additional 
information on previous research efforts (for instance, see: 
).  For the SOCAL 
BRS project specifically, we have also developed a variety of ways to 
relate information on the SOCAL BRS goals and results specifically, 
including:
 - Simple project summary and frequency asked questions 

 - Detailed project summary 

 - A from-the-field blog of our daily activities (start at: 
)
 - A Facebook page with photos and short videos demonstrating 
aspects of the project 


A publicly-available summary report of the project will be available at 
 sometime in February; many of the results and 
preliminary conclusions in this report were included in the Smithsonian 
summary presentation available online.

Sincerely,
Brandon Southall
SOCAL BRS project chief scientist

-- 
PLEASE NOTE: New mailing address and office/FAX #s for SEA, Inc.

Brandon L. Southall, Ph.D.
President, Senior Scientist, SEA, Inc.
Research Associate, University of California, Santa Cruz
9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003, USA
831.332.8744 (mobile); 831.661.5177 (office); 831.661.5178 (fax)
brandon.south...@sea-inc.net; www.sea-inc.net


--

If we are on another line or away from the phone, please leave your number, 
best time to return your call and/or your e-mail address.
 
After hours and weekend phone appointments are available upon request.

Sincerely,

J. Michael Nolan, Director
 
Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit

**
“Outstanding-Affordable Field Courses in Rainforest & Marine Ecology”

“Spanish/Cultural Immersion Programs: Spain, Mexico, Central and South America”

Rainforest and Reef 501 (c)(3) non-profit
161 Main St. 
Coopersville, MI 49404 
Local/International Phone: 1.616.604.0546
Toll Free U.S. and Canada: 1.877.255.3721
Fax: 1.616.604.0546
Google Talk/MS IM/Skype: travelwithrandr
AOL IM: buddythemacaw
E-mail: i...@rainforestandreef.org and travelwithra...@gmail.com
Note: Please send inquiries to both e-mail addresses
Web: http://rainforestandreef.org
**

Re: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?

[Warren W. Aney]

Wayne (and others):adaptive management is a strategic process that involves
planning, action, monitoring and feedback.  Some just call it learning by
doing, but it can and should be more sophisticated and deliberate, perhaps
something along the line of what I posted to this list in October:
 
Step 1. Assess current ecosystem situation/condition.
Step 2. Describe and agree on desired future/restored ecosystem condition.
Step 3. Define and agree on actions needed to reach desired condition.
Step 4. Take bold but safe-to-fail actions.
Step 5. Monitor and evaluate results from desired ecosystem condition
perspective.
Step 6. Modify actions and/or expectations in light of results.
Step 7. Continue with revised actions and monitoring.
Step 8. Celebrate success.

Defining desired ecosystem condition may be the most challenging step, but
the 3 goals and considerations that Juan Alvez lists help us take that step.

Warren W. Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
Tigard, OR
  _  

From: Wayne Tyson [mailto:landr...@cox.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, 19 January, 2011 17:05
To: Warren W. Aney; ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?


Well, yes. But I would suggest even more detail, and hope Aney will expand
his outline. Also, when habitats have been degraded or essentially
destroyed, as in, say, volcanic eruptions or surface mining, the issue of
feasible future state is a question to be squarely addressed, as well as the
timing and sequence of events, both artificial and natural that lead to that
state, including markers that confirm whether or not progress toward them is
occurring. In the "gardening" approach, for example, propagules may be
introduced and monitored and desired states that are arbitrarily determined
(e.g. a certain amount of "coverage" at a certain date) required that may or
may not be feasible that could undermine, rather than advance, the three
"Aney descriptors." In the ecosystem restoration approach, trend lines,
including survivorship curves and measures of diversity are less forgiving
and more to the point that the urgent cosmetics common to desire-based
"standards," which may bear little resemblance to ecosystem processes,
function, and successional structure.
 
I hope Aney will contribute further on just how adaptive management would be
applied. 
 
WT  
 
 
 
- Original Message - 
From: "Warren W. Aney" <  a...@coho.net>
To: <  ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU>
Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?


Juan Alvez is right about having long term goals but leaves out important
defining adjectives.  Ecosystems structures, functions, processes and
services exist regardless of ecosystem condition (even a crack in a paved
parking lot is an ecosystem with structure, functions and maybe even some
services).  
So we need to insert adjectives that describes a desired future state --
e.g., 
1. Reestablishment of the naturally complex and stable ecosystem structure.
2. Reestablishment of the naturally diverse ecosystem functions and process.
3. Reestablishment of the productive flow of ecosystem services.
Of course these modifiers would tend to be site dependent and I'm sure
others can come up with better examples.  And how about employing principles
of adaptive management to make sure our efforts are both effective and
informative? 

Warren W. Aney
Senior Wildlife Ecologist
Tigard, OR

-Original Message-
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU] On Behalf Of Juan P Alvez
Sent: Tuesday, 18 January, 2011 19:53
To:   ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Conservation or just gardening?

Ecologers,

Building on Prof. W. Tyson's comment...
I completely agree. Restoring a degraded ecosystem to its pristine pure 
stage is almost impossible, not to mention the costs involved in 
the mitigation process.
There were (and still are) successful attempts of regenerating barren 
and ultra degraded places in Brazil (i.e. mine sites) by Prof. Ademir 
Reis and others. Prof. Reis also committed several mistakes in his 
attempts until he figured it out the best ways to achieve some sort of 
succession and vegetation.

 From my humble point of view, important long-term goal and 
considerations to have in mind are:

   1. the reestablishment of ecosystem structure (not an easy task!);
   2. the reestablishment of ecosystem functions and processes (consider
  yourself lucky when this is accomplished);
   3. Finally, the reestablishment of the flow of ecosystem services.

These events take time and resources but are worth doing.

Just my 2 cts!
Juan P. Alvez

On 1/18/2011 4:04 PM, Wayne Tyson wrote:
> Jason and Ecolog:
>
>
>
> Many years ago (early 1980's?) I did a "paper" that I think I called
"Ecosystem Restoration and Landscaping: A Comparison." I don't remember the
name of 

[ECOLOG-L] Fwd: Postdoc opportunity in ectomycorrhizal ecology

[Joel Abraham]

> Begin forwarded message:
>> 

Postdoctoral position – Department of Biology, Lewis and Clark College, 
Portland, OR, USA (under the supervision of Peter Kennedy)

Duration: 2-year Starting date: September 2011 

Project description: I am seeking an experienced microbial ecologist to 
investigate tri-partite interactions among ectomycorrhizal fungi, Frankia 
bacteria, and their Alnus host plants as part of the recently awarded NSF 
project entitled “Ectomycorrhizal functioning and specificity in a global 
tri-partite symbiosis”.

Project details: This project focuses on the role that Frankia bacteria play in 
influencing the composition and functioning of Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal 
assemblages.  The research will involve comparative analyses of extracellular 
enzyme production of Alnus- and non-Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi.   
As part of that work, ectomycorrhizal fungi will identified using standard 
sequence-based techniques.  The project will also involve manipulative 
experiments to assess the independent and interactive effects of both groups of 
microbial symbionts as well as culture experiments of Alnus- and 
non-Alnus-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi in which nitrogen conditions are 
manipulated. 

Postdoctoral research activities: The postdoctoral researcher will obtain a 
comprehensive academic and teaching experience, including: 1) the day-to-day 
research needed for this study as well as assisting P. Kennedy in the 
management of all research activities by technicians, undergraduate and high 
school students involved in this project; 2) collecting trips to local field 
sites; 3) responsibility for main papers on the extracellular enzyme 
comparisons and the culture experiment and co-authorship for other articles 
resulting from this project; 4) the presentation of results at national and 
international scientific meetings; 5) attendance of weekly lab meetings; and 6) 
the opportunity to guest lecture in biology courses and laboratories offered at 
Lewis and Clark College.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in microbial ecology, with 
extensive research experience in fungal (preferably ectomycorrhizal) ecology 
using traditional and molecular techniques. Excellent written and oral 
communication skills are also essential in order to communicate effectively 
with colleagues, the public, other researchers, and successfully prepare 
results of research for publication.

To be considered for this position, please send the following documents and 
information to Peter Kennedy (pkenn...@lclark.edu) prior to February 15, 2011: 
1) detailed curriculum vitae, and 2) name, address and e-mail contact 
information of two referees from which letters of support can be obtained.


>> 
>> Contact info:
>> Dr. Peter Kennedy
>> Assistant Professor
>> Department of Biology
>> Lewis and Clark College
>> 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd.
>> Portland, OR 97219
>> Phone: 503-768-7509
>> Fax: 503-768-7658
>> 
> 
>> 
> 

[ECOLOG-L] Field Assistants Needed for Amphibian Project in Thailand

[Nancy E. Karraker]

Please reply to Sheila (Sinlan Poo), National University of Singapore
sheila...@gmail.com
___
Position:  Full time, temporary field assistants
Duration: July 1st to October 31st, 2011 
Location: Sakaerat Environmental Research Station (Northern Thailand) 
Application deadline: until filled

Job Description:
2-3 field assistant positions are available as a part of behavioral and
reproductive ecology research on amphibians in the tropical evergreen forests
in Thailand. The project focuses on the parental care behavior of treefrogs and
interactions between various pond-breeding species.  

Assistants will be based at the Sakaerat Station for the duration of the field
season, which is located within the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve. Access to
society outside of the station will be minimal, though there will be weekly
grocery trips into town and occasional trips to the city. The station will have
electricity, running water (usually cold water only), and internet access
depending on the weather. Meals will be cooked in turns by the researchers and
assistants. During the season, days-off will be limited and assistants will
have roughly 1 day off every week, though must be flexible with schedules as
the nature of the work depends on the animals. 
 
This is a good opportunity for someone looking to get experience in field work
and exploring SE Asia, with the chance to make connections with researchers in
tropical ecology and herpetology. The position is best suited for to a mature,
upper-level undergraduate or recent graduate who is considering advanced study
or professional work in ecological studies.

If time permits, assistants will have the opportunities to develop their own
project and/or assist in other projects within the research group from National
Singapore University or collaborating researchers from Hong Kong University.  

Qualifications: 
Good physical condition, and able to work long and/or odd hours in humid weather
and often in ponds; ability to work and live cooperatively with others;
willingness and flexibility to work for consecutive days with little time or
days-off in between and limited access to the outside; desire to live in a
foreign country with different customs for extended periods. Previous
experience in field work required. 

Compensation:
Room and board and local transportations within Thailand will be provided. 
Field assistants are responsible for all other expenses, including flights
to/from Thailand. 

To Apply: 
Please submit a cover letter briefly detailing relevant interest and experience,
CV and a list of 3 references to s h e i l a p o o @ g m a i l . c o m . Please
write explicitly to confirm ability to cover own expenses to/from Bangkok and
availability from July 1st to Oct 31st. Hiring will begin immediately and
positions will remain open until filled.

For additional information, please see https://sites.google.com/site/sheilapoo/

Thank you!

Sheila (Sinlan Poo)
Graduate Student
The Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Lab
Department of Biological Sciences
National University of Singapore
14 Science Drive 4, Block S3
Singapore 117543
sheila...@gmail.com

~~
Nancy E. Karraker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
School of Biological Sciences
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China 
Phone: +852-2299-0675 (lab:0621)
E-mail: karra...@hku.hk
Website: http://www.hku.hk/biosch/aboutusAS_as.html
~

[ECOLOG-L] Question about Long-Term Conservation

[Rob Dietz]

Tim Murray has written an essay that questions the tactics of
environmentalists for achieving long-term conservation.  You can find it here:
http://steadystate.org/what-if-we-stopped-fighting-for-preservation-and-fought-economic-growth-instead/

Thanks,
Rob Dietz
steadystate.org