[ECOLOG-L] Thermal imagery question
Hi, A neophyte question - is it possible to find satellite imagery with a sub 5 m resolution (or less)? Or do I need to have the sites flown with a thermal imaging camera? Many thanks for any insights. Andy Cole -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology Administrative Fellow, Graduate School Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu https://www.facebook.com/psularch 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] thermal imagery
Hi, Does anyone have any links (or experience) with thermal imaging cameras that might be attached to a balloon of some kind? I'm interested in animal movements and placement in the landscape from a non-invasive point of view. Thanks. Andy -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Officer Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu https://www.facebook.com/psularch 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] Wetland question
Hi, I'm posting this on behalf of a colleague here at Penn State. Thanks. Andy Cole --- Dear Wetland Ecology Community, I'm interested to learn about the impact of changing atmospheric pCO2 levels on the natural abundance of C3 and C4 plants in wetlands. Specifically, I need to assess the impact for lower pCO2 levels during the last glacial period (180 ppm @ 20,000 years before present). I'm guessing there have been some experiments to deduce the future impact of increasing CO2 levels on wetlands that will help immensely. Any advice and/or suggestions for places to look are welcome, Todd Todd Sowers Senior Res. Assoc. Earth and Environment Systems Inst. Dept. of Geoscience Penn State University 2217 EES Building University Park, PA 16802 http://www.eesi.psu.edu/people/sowers-todd.shtml email: todd.sowe...@gmail.com phone: O 814-865-1921 Lab 1: 814-863-8093 Lab 2: 814-863-3819 -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu https://www.facebook.com/psularch 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] Ecology and design
Hi, I'm looking for materials related to the ecological implications of the design process and I was hoping the group might point me in some fruitful directions. I'm interested in the implications from the large (e.g., highways) to the small (e.g., gardens). All scales and however you define design (a fascinating discussion in its' own right). Thanks. Andy -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] designing for migration routes
Hi, I have a grad student in China at the moment looking at ways of designing wildlife corridors through a national park. She has now realized she needs to find some way of designing migration corridors based upon the steep topography in the park. Does anyone have some good sources of information that relate migration corridors with topography? Many thanks. Andy Cole -- Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Ecology and Graduate Program Coordinator Department of Landscape Architecture 329 Stuckeman Family Building Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 ca...@psu.edu 814.865.5735
[ECOLOG-L] simple climate change models?
Hi, I'm planning to co-teach a class in Designing for global climate change in the Department of Landscape Architecture here and we would like the students to be able to dig into one or more climate models to see how design decisions impact some of the variables. These are undergraduate landscape architect majors, many without a strong science background. And though I'm the scientist in the group, I don't have a background in climate change (other than contributing to it, I guess). So, my question is - are there any useful but relatively simple climate change models that we can use to play what if? sorts of things? I'd very much like to be able to have a model where we can actually input some change resulting from a design decision and see something change in the model (good or bad). Thanks in advance for any help. Andy Cole Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Department of Landscape Architecture Penn State University 329 Stuckeman Family Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[ECOLOG-L] Wetland creation
Hi, I'm trying to back up an assertion of mine that we deliberately plan for and create wetland ecosystems more than any other type of ecosystem (save, perhaps, lawns). I'm not necessarily talking acreage here - foresters might have the edge there (as I leave myself open to criticism from foresters about artificial forests), but actual projects. Mind you, this is a gut feeling on my part with no actual data - which is the point of my query. Does anyone have any citations on this topic specific to wetlands or just on how many artificial landscapes we create in the US each year? Thanks - just another odd question from moi. Andy Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Department of Landscape Architecture Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
[ECOLOG-L] wetlands and dams - summary
, basically along local topographic lows. There is also the river continuum concept whereby removal of artificial barriers to water flow can have an impact far beyond the immediate stream reach. However its possible that these particular artificial wetlands could be important sites of refuge for wetland spp that managed to arrive there -- as Sharif mentions, it would be good to actually examine the wetlands in question, and then decide. Generally speaking, stream restoration could provide more ecological diversity, as its technically easier to create a wetland elsewhere (in theory at least), but the benefits and costs could vary from case to case. 9. I'm not sure that the previous posts have addressed the original question about the extent of artificial wetlands in today's landscape. The best way to try to determine the extent of these wetlands may be to compare pre-settlement vegetation community maps with existing land use maps. I'm not sure if Pennsylvania has these maps available, but Michigan does have pre-settlement maps available which were created based on the General Land Office Survey notes from the early 1800's. This may be the best method of comparing pre-settlement (pre-European) wetlands with existing wetlands. Someone proficient in GIS could probably figure this out without too much work. With regard to species diversity in artificial vs. natural wetlands, 150 years is more than enough time for a wetland to become highly diverse, depending on the surrounding seed source. I would venture to say that the diversity of existing wetlands, (artificial or not) is more likely determined by its proximity to adjacent existing wetlands and to existing invasive species populations. I would be interested to hear others thoughts on this point. 10. Has anyone suggested looking at the USFWS Status Trends Reports? I think since the 1950s, farm ponds have been counted and make up a large percentage of the wetland gains. I am sure someone else mentioned this by now. http://www.fws.gov/nwi/statusandtrends.htmhttp://www.fws.gov/nwi/statusandtrends.htm 11. Maybe I misunderstand your point about evaluating habitat quality, but it seems to me that destroying a wetland as a technique for determining its value is certainly an option but an unsatisfying one on a couple of levels. I am also a little concerned by the statement that Wetlands that are created as a result of roads or other engineered surfaces are not equal to a natural wetland as far as habitat value is concerned. This may well be true in many or most situations but if the wetland exists only because of the engineered surface this presents a different question about habitat value. What if the prior habitat was corn monoculture under heavy fertilizer, pesticide, and plowing pressure? Even in situations where a natural wetland was impacted, I can easily conceive a plausible situation where single ecosystem restoration within a landscape matrix that is substantially modified may not produce quantifiable improvement. It will make a lot of people feel good and will likely be more aesthetically appealing, but those are not scientific issues. None of which is to say I disagree with restoration as a viable and valuable (ecologically and otherwise) activity. I just think that in human dominated landscapes the questions are more complicated than just natural v altered. Of course none of this is an answer to the original question, which is an interesting one, and I also have no clue. 12.I wonder if other restoration activities would negate some of this loss of wetlands. I do not have any numbers, but floodplain restoration would potentially increase wetland surface area. Additionally, the formation of natural dams created by beavers should also increase wetland habitat. If the stream is in a naturally low topographic area or meanders, I would guess some wetlands would begin to form naturally. I think stream ecologists recognize the importance of wetlands as a filter of pollutants and nutrients within the watershed and when appropriate they will be incorporated into restoration design. Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Department of Landscape Architecture Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
[ECOLOG-L] Job announcement - SENIOR LECTURER IN WILDLIFE SCIENCE
SENIOR LECTURER IN WILDLIFE SCIENCE Senior Lecturer in Wildlife Science (non-tenure track 36-week appointment), School of Forest Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State, University Park. Available 08/01/08. Teach undergraduate courses in Wildlife and Fisheries Measurements (lecture and lab(s)), Conservation Biology (lecture), Mammalogy (lecture) and Mammalogy Lab (labs) annually, advise undergraduate students, and curate the Penn State bird and mammal collection. Research grants may be added to cover summer salary, and there is an expectation that the Senior Lecturer will advise undergraduate or graduate research. Qualifications include an earned doctorate in wildlife or fisheries science or a closely related discipline, teaching experience, and a demonstrable commitment to education and research. Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and the names and contact information of three professional references to Dr. Paola Ferreri, Search Committee Chair, School of Forest Resources, Penn State, 408 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802; telephone 814863-2095; fax 814-865-3725; e-mail mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications will begin on June 2, 2008, and continue until the position is filled. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Department of Landscape Architecture Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
[ECOLOG-L] wetland acreage
I have been discussing the merits of stream restoration with some colleagues and I've been fussing over the potential loss of wetlands as a result of the removal of dams. My stream-oriented friends have been asking why I've been worried about the loss of what amounts to artificial wetlands in the first place? Aside from the fact that they're typically considered jurisdictional, it got me wondering if we (collectively) have any idea whatsoever how many wetlands in the landscape are artificial? In other words, how many wetlands exist because of human activities, such as roads, railroads, and the like? (Let's keep mitigation, stormwater, and treatment wetlands out of the discussion for now.) Anyone have a clue? Thanks. Andy Cole Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
wildlife habitat structures - more clearly stated?
As I've received many helpful comments on my initial query about the utility of wildlife habitat structures, it occurs to me that I wasn't all that clear to begin with. Let me try and be more precise. On wetland mitigation sites, I frequently see piles of brush (often underwater), wood duck boxes, goose nesting structures, and snags (dead trees implanted in the ground) all installed in the name of wildlife habitat improvement. I rarely see any wildlife use these structures (especially the submerged brush piles :-D ) and by the time the 5-year permit is up, these are frequently falling down or in bad repair. So I wonder about the utility of spending the time and the money to install these in created wetlands. It just doesn't seem worth it at all. Is there any refereed literature on this subject relative to wetland mitigation sites? Hopefully, that's more clear. Thanks. Andy Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
wildlife habitat structures
Can anyone point me to any literature on wildlife use of artificial structures such as you frequently see on wetland mitigation sites? My years of experience lead me to believe these are often a waste of time and money to install, but I would be grateful if someone could show me a study or three on the topic. Thanks. Andy Cole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
Wildlife lecturer job announcement
Please post the following job announcement: SENIOR LECTURER IN WILDLIFE SCIENCE =96 Senior=20 Lecturer in Wildlife Science (non-tenure track=20 36-week appointment), School of Forest Resources,=20 College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State,=20 University Park. Available 08/01/07. Teach=20 undergraduate courses in Wildlife and Fisheries=20 Measurements (lecture and lab(s)), Conservation=20 Biology (lecture), Mammalogy (lecture) and=20 Mammalogy Lab (labs) annually, curate the Penn=20 State bird and mammal collection, and advise=20 undergraduate students. Research grants may be=20 added to cover summer salary, and there is an=20 expectation that the Lecturer will advise=20 graduate students. Qualifications include an=20 earned doctorate in wildlife or fisheries science=20 or a closely related discipline, teaching=20 experience, and a demonstrable commitment to=20 education and research. Applicants should submit=20 a letter of application, curriculum vitae,=20 academic transcripts, and the names and contact=20 information of three professional references to=20 Dr. Paola Ferreri, Search Committee Chair, School=20 of Forest Resources, Penn State, 408 Forest=20 Resources Building, University Park, PA 16802;=20 telephone 814=96863-2095; fax 814-865-3725; e-mail=20 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Review of applications will begin=20 on April 23, 2007, and continue until the=20 position is filled. Penn State is committed to=20 affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
Landscape Architecture Conference
Hi, I'm looking for ecologists that might be interested in participating in a forum a bit outside of their usual realm (see announcement below). I'd like to begin to mix ecological thought into the design arena where often the two don't meet. Specifically, I'd be interested in hearing from folks who would like to submit an abstract to one (or both) of the following themes: Metropolitan and Regional Design: Place and Governance Regional planning Environmental planning Watershed stewardship Border Conflicts: Beyond the Metaphors of Transects and Ecotones Landscape ecology Land use conflicts Rural/suburban/urban interfaces My apologies for not leaving much time between this request and the deadline for abstracts. Mea culpa. Andy Cole --- *The Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA)* invites you to participate in its annual meeting to be held August 15-19, 2007, on the Penn State -- University Park campus. The conference venue will be the new Stuckeman Family Building, home to Penn State's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. This 110,000-square-foot facility, a Gold LEED-rated building, will provide ample space for presentations, meetings, and informal gatherings during the conference. *Paper, panel, and poster submissions (500-word abstracts) will be accepted on-line via the conference website until November 15, 2006. * For conference information and abstract submission, visit:_ http://www.outreach.psu.edu/CI/cela/_ -- Brian Orland Department of Landscape Architecture Penn State University University Park, PA 16802 814-865-9511 http://www.larch.psu.edu Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 301a Forest Resources Laboratory University Park, PA 16802 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
ecology text
Hi, So...if you were going to be teaching a 1-semester introductory ecology class to undergraduate students in Landscape Architecture (who are very visually based), what might you choose? Thanks. Andrew Cole Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D. Associate Director Center for Watershed Stewardship Penn State University 227 East Calder Way State College, PA 16801 814-865-5735 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
