Project summary: We are studying the socio-ecological factors driving forest management decisions in the rapidly urbanizing Charlotte Metropolitan Region and developing computer models of alternative futures that balance urbanization with forest and farmland resources.
Project Description: The Charlotte based Urban Long Term Research Area (ULTRA-Ex) research team is addressing factors that influence the land owner decision making process, particularly the decision to continue owning forested land. In addition to economic and cultural values, the environmental and ecological conditions of the forest may influence those decisions. We are linking surveys of landowner values to the ecological properties of their forests in order to better understand why people keep their land even when it is not the most economically profitable option. Position Description: We are seeking one field assistant and one crew leader to aid experienced crew leaders in ecological data collection starting May 14, 2012 and continuing for approximately three months. We will be conducting site assessments of each landownerÂ’s property to identify and measure native and non-native vegetation. The primary responsibilities of the field assistants may include: 1) the use of GPS for navigation to sites, 2) measuring or recording the height and diameter of all tree species, 3) recording the abundance of all native shrubs and vines, 4) recording the abundance of all non-native vegetation, 5) collecting tree cores, and 6) collecting soil samples. Field crew leaders will be expected to independently lead an assistant in the collection of this data and will be required to have some experience identifying North Carolina flora. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience collecting environmental field data and to connect with researchers in the scientific frontier of coupling social and environmental science to conduct interdisciplinary research. No previous experience is necessary for field assistants, just a positive attitude and a commitment to spending your days in Charlotte forests. Assistants can either sign up as an intern with the Center for Applied GIScience within the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences or enroll for independent study course credit for summer or fall with Dr. Ross Meentemeyer. To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to Monica Dorning at [email protected]. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the positions are filled. For more information on the ULTRA-Ex project, please visit our website (http://gis.uncc.edu/projects/ULTRA-EX/).
