Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013
The McNeely and McCallum posts have greatly contributed to my enlightenment on this subject, and I hope they will keep it up. While I grew up in central Texas and have traveled in the other areas mentioned, I do not have a good grasp of the specifics. Most of my grassland work has been outside of the Great Plains and adjacent regions, primarily in California, and now that I am retired I must draw upon experiences that recede in time. I have tried to develop an understanding of the fundamentals that drive ecosystems rather than to limit myself to regions, but as so much of my work has been in southern California, I necessarily must indulge in some careful guesswork, combined with brief observations in my travels, to understand what is going on in other regions. McNeely and McCallum have hit upon most of my central assumptions, and I hope that they will continue to contribute here, and that others will join them. I also hope that those who disagree also will contribute. What is the future (and history) of the CRP program? Why and by what authority is CRP land returned to agriculture? Can switchgrass be profitably grown anywhere without subsidy? What is the history of the Great Switchgrass Boondoggle? Who are the promoters? Where are they getting their money? Are ecologists involved? Which ones? How many ecologists who are not involved believe that switchgrass is a viable feedstock for biofuel production? I hope they will post their arguments in favor. WT - Original Message - From: David L. McNeely mcnee...@cox.net To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 11:00 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013 Malcolm, I agree with you. Most of the CRP land I have seen is in Central and West Texas, Eastern New Mexico, and in Western Oklahoma. The great majority was previously farmed, and before that was mixed grass and short grass prairie. Some of it has made some recovery toward being prairie again. Wildlife does use some of the land, including white tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, and large numbers of small and medium sized mammals. Most importantly, some of it is used by Lesser Prairie Chickens, particularly that that was not farmed, though it may have been grazed in the past. Some of this land is being returned to agriculture, though it failed at that before. Switch grass is not suited to the mixed and short grass prairie region, as it needs more water than is generally available. Most of the land suited to irrigation is currently under irrigation, and is planted to corn, cotton, grain sorghum, alfafa, other hay crops, or is in pasture. Those are the fields that might be profitably planted to switch grass, but will the result be more fuel, or more fuel spent? There is switch grass in those areas, but it is confined to riparian zones, some of them narrow canyons unsuited to cropping. We have been down this road before, with miracle crops of other sorts. Cropping takes water, and there is less and less of it available as we spend more and more fossil fuel to pump it out of deep aquifers. Some of the farmers moving to switch grass are being mislead by those promoting it, being made to believe it is a dry land crop. It is not. David McNeely malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org wrote: CRP is not CR^P, it has a lot of value as wildlife habitat and for erosion control, particularly of value for the Gulf. However, just like all programs there are aspects that need revision to make the program more effective. Why pay someone to lay 1 A of erodible land fallow when in all probability that land would never be farmed anyway? Also, anyone with a basic understanding of island biogeography knows that it is better to have 1 100 A field instead of 100 1 A fields. I'ld like to see the program refined to improve large parcel participation and only allow small parcel participation if they are all connected. On Sun, Jul 21, 2013 at 12:56 AM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: Honorable Ecolog: As usual, McCallum gives us a combination of knowledge and insight. I don't doubt, nor am I particularly surprised that CRP is a bunch of CR^P. I would like to learn more about the details of such cynical deception, and get an overview of the issue. Vegetation is a reflection of the state of the site, and may be more temporary than permanent (or more permanent than temporary). Either way, the productive potential of any site can't produce more biomass than the amount of water, nutrients, and climate/weather can support or be restricted by. If the site is (or was) shortgrass prairie, for example, the productivity of the site for switchgrass will be correspondingly short of projections made based on data from tallgrass prairie sites; hence, such projections would be irresponsible (or, unless developed in
[ECOLOG-L] Ecology Academic and other institutions that would be best for gaining an understanding of the subject quickly
Honorable Ecolog: Would you please share your thoughts on this topic? I am frequently asked for advice about how best to embark upon the study of biology and ecology, and I am simply too long out of date to answer responsibly. But I, too, am curious about how one might best most effectively and efficiently get up to speed on the fundamentals. I also want to know how one might cut the cost of such endeavors to the bone, such as taking jobs at entry level (or below?) that will be the most instructive in biological and ecological principles. I am shocked at the cost of formal education, and dismayed at the practice of luring students into a lifetime of debt therefor. While I do not dismiss the value of degrees, I am more concerned about the actual learning how to understand biological and ecological phenomena, so that a student may move from dependence to independence in that coming to understand as quickly and economically as possible. This is for dedicated scholars who happen not to be wealthy or care to, or are able to go into debt, not for those hoping to do something fun or for the earth or other romantic notions, but for those who will continue to grow their intellects independently and cooperatively throughout their lives. I will be delighted to take on-list or off-list comments. Thank you, WT
[ECOLOG-L] Job vacancy: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Eddy Flux and Trace Gas Fluxes in Crops, Grasslands and Woodlands at the University of Sydney
Dear all, The University of Sydney is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate - Eddy Flux and Trace Gas Fluxes in Crops, Grasslands and Woodlands. For more information and to apply, visit sydney.edu.au/recruitmenthttp://sydney.edu.au/recruitment/ and search by the reference number 1295/0613. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - EDDY FLUX AND TRACE GAS FLUXES IN CROPS, GRASSLANDS AND WOODLANDShttp://sydney.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplicationreturnToEvent=jobs.processJobSearchjobid=6ab06274-cf37-cbc7-915e-76cbace3e7cbCurATC=EXTCurBID=949319bc-8898-4f11-ac4b-9db401358504jobsListKey=9af36d91-a37d-4626-a132-f08e98e FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT CENTRE FOR CARBON, WATER AND FOOD CAMDEN CAMPUS REFERENCE NO. 1295/0613 The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment (FAE) seeks a person familiar with the analysis of trace gas fluxes at the plot and ecosystem levels. FAE has a set of five eddy flux systems, including three portable, trailer-mounted systems whilst our research spans a range of ecosystems. You will have the opportunity to rapidly add value to an existing team and data streams from a range of studies. You will also be able to contribute to future experimental designs and to developing novel approaches to quantifying fluxes at different scales. Current research projects and infrastructure features the latest in instrumental technology for trace gas analysis, including analysis of stable isotopes, such as laser-based and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. These projects are funded by a variety of competitive sources. Strong candidates will have a PhD in a relevant field and skills and experience in at least one or more of the above spectroscopy techniques coupled to eddy flux or chamber-based approaches. Based at our new state-of-the-art Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, Camden, you will also help staff and students and assist with research based at our other locations including Narrabri (Plant Breeding Institute), Cooma, and the Snowy Mountains. To be successful in this position, you will have: * a degree in science or agriculture or equivalent and a PhD or equivalent in an area related to micrometeorology and/or agricultural greenhouse gas exchange * a strong background in micrometeorology or agricultural greenhouse gas exchange * demonstrated research capability, via publication, in micrometeorology and/or agricultural greenhouse gas exchange * demonstrated experience in data analysis for eddy flux or chamber-based approaches * an aptitude for teaching in micrometeorology, greenhouse gas dynamics * the ability and willingness to work with postgraduate students * demonstrated capacity to work effectively and harmoniously in a team for teaching and research * evidence of capacity for independent research. A significant record of publication in micrometeorology and/or agricultural greenhouse gas exchange, experience in analysis of stable isotopes, such as using laser-based and FTIR spectrometers and evidence of capability in modelling flux data would be highly regarded. The position is full time fixed-term for three years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation for new employees. Visa sponsorship and some relocation expenses support will be available if required. Remuneration package: $92K p.a. (consisting of $78K base salary Level B, leave loading and 17% employer's contribution to superannuation). CLOSING DATE: 27 August 2013 (Sydney time 11:30pm) The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. (c) The University of Sydney
[ECOLOG-L] Job vacancy: Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry at the University of Sydney
Dear all, The University of Sydney is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate - Soil Ecology/Biogeochemistry. For more information and to apply, visit sydney.edu.au/recruitmenthttp://sydney.edu.au/recruitment/ and search by the reference number 1297/0613. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - SOIL ECOLOGY/BIOGEOCHEMISTRYhttp://sydney.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.checkJobDetailsNewApplicationreturnToEvent=jobs.processJobSearchjobid=ac571c4b-fe0a-280b-4bae-76cbad0e96f6CurATC=EXTCurBID=949319bc-8898-4f11-ac4b-9db401358504jobsListKey=de2c90a8-e01f-46e7-add5-42a36c1 FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT CENTRE FOR CARBON, WATER AND FOOD CAMDEN CAMPUS REFERENCE NO. 1297/0613 The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment seeks a person experienced in analysis of Soil Carbon (Soil C) Dynamics using stable isotope techniques. We are particularly interested in developing understanding of processes that contribute to emissions of CO2, methane and other trace gases, and to the oxidation of atmospheric methane. Supported by several funding sources, this position offers excellent opportunity for career advancement through application of an outstanding suite of analytical tools and techniques, including world-class stable isotope facilities (both field and laboratory based instrumentation). We expect suitable candidates to also have either or both a good knowledge of molecular techniques for analysing soil microbial populations and/or a good knowledge of modelling techniques for Soil C and Soil Nitrogen (Soil N) dynamics. You will have the opportunity to develop a range of experimental studies focused on agreed objectives. Current research projects and infrastructure features the latest in instrumental technology for trace gas analysis, including analysis of stable isotopes, such as laser-based and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers. Based at our new state-of-the-art Centre for Carbon, Water and Food, Camden, you will also help staff and students and assist with research based at our other locations including Narrabri (Plant Breeding Institute), Cooma, and the Snowy Mountains. To be successful in this position, you will have * a degree in science or agriculture or equivalent and a PhD or equivalent in an area related to soil microbiology and/or agricultural greenhouse gas exchange * a strong background in soil microbiology or greenhouse gas dynamics in soils * demonstrated research capability in soil microbiology and/or soil processes leading to greenhouse gas production or mitigation * demonstrated skills in molecular analysis of soil microbial populations; measurement of Soil C fractions and dynamics; and modelling of Soil C and Soil N dynamics * an aptitude for teaching in soil science, climatology and biosphere-atmosphere interactions * the ability and willingness to work with postgraduate students * demonstrated capacity to work effectively and harmoniously in a team for teaching and research * evidence of capability to develop research proposals and projects. A significant record of publication in soil microbiology and/or greenhouse gas dynamics, evidence of willingness to undertake professional and community activities relevant to the discipline area, and experience with eddy flux analysis would be highly regarded. The position is full time fixed-term for three years subject to the completion of a satisfactory probation for new employees. Visa sponsorship and some relocation expenses support will be available if required. Remuneration package: $92K p.a. (consisting of $78K base salary Level B, leave loading and 17% employer's contribution to superannuation). CLOSING DATE: 27 August 2013 (Sydney time 11:30pm) The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and women are encouraged. The University of Sydney has also established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution. Applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. (c) The University of Sydney
Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013
Wayne, The future of CRP is being debated by Congress, so we will see what happens when we get a new Farm Bill. You can get a sense of the history of CRP by looking at the statistics provided by the Farm Service Agency at the following URL: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=homesubject=coprtopic=crp-st You can also take a look at the USDA video about 25 years of CRP https://www.google.com/url?sa=tsource=webcd=2ved=0CD4QtwIwAQurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRR_ChWwHoAgei=v_PsUcTHMPa-4AOqsYGgBgusg=AFQjCNGOP_K2otow65uXZyrABcBjxnAQ1w A CRP contract is 10-15 years long. Once the contract expires the landowner is no longer obligated to maintain the conservation practice/cover that was established through CRP. Therefore there is no authority needed, other than the rights of the landowner, in order to return the land to agriculture. Sharif Branham Sent from my iPhone On Jul 22, 2013, at 3:04 AM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote: The McNeely and McCallum posts have greatly contributed to my enlightenment on this subject, and I hope they will keep it up. While I grew up in central Texas and have traveled in the other areas mentioned, I do not have a good grasp of the specifics. Most of my grassland work has been outside of the Great Plains and adjacent regions, primarily in California, and now that I am retired I must draw upon experiences that recede in time. I have tried to develop an understanding of the fundamentals that drive ecosystems rather than to limit myself to regions, but as so much of my work has been in southern California, I necessarily must indulge in some careful guesswork, combined with brief observations in my travels, to understand what is going on in other regions. McNeely and McCallum have hit upon most of my central assumptions, and I hope that they will continue to contribute here, and that others will join them. I also hope that those who disagree also will contribute. What is the future (and history) of the CRP program? Why and by what authority is CRP land returned to agriculture? Can switchgrass be profitably grown anywhere without subsidy? What is the history of the Great Switchgrass Boondoggle? Who are the promoters? Where are they getting their money? Are ecologists involved? Which ones? How many ecologists who are not involved believe that switchgrass is a viable feedstock for biofuel production? I hope they will post their arguments in favor. WT - Original Message - From: David L. McNeely mcnee...@cox.net To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 11:00 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013 Malcolm, I agree with you. Most of the CRP land I have seen is in Central and West Texas, Eastern New Mexico, and in Western Oklahoma. The great majority was previously farmed, and before that was mixed grass and short grass prairie. Some of it has made some recovery toward being prairie again. Wildlife does use some of the land, including white tailed and mule deer, pronghorn, and large numbers of small and medium sized mammals. Most importantly, some of it is used by Lesser Prairie Chickens, particularly that that was not farmed, though it may have been grazed in the past. Some of this land is being returned to agriculture, though it failed at that before. Switch grass is not suited to the mixed and short grass prairie region, as it needs more water than is generally available. Most of the land suited to irrigation is currently under irrigation, and is planted to corn, cotton, grain sorghum, alfafa, other hay crops, or is in pasture. Those are the fields that might be profitably planted to switch grass, but will the result be more fuel, or more fuel spent? There is switch grass in those areas, but it is confined to riparian zones, some of them narrow canyons unsuited to cropping. We have been down this road before, with miracle crops of other sorts. Cropping takes water, and there is less and less of it available as we spend more and more fossil fuel to pump it out of deep aquifers. Some of the farmers moving to switch grass are being mislead by those promoting it, being made to believe it is a dry land crop. It is not. David McNeely malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org wrote: CRP is not CR^P, it has a lot of value as wildlife habitat and for erosion control, particularly of value for the Gulf. However, just like all programs there are aspects that need revision to make the program more effective. Why pay someone to lay 1 A of erodible land fallow when in all probability that land would never be farmed anyway? Also, anyone with a basic understanding of island biogeography knows that it is better to have 1 100 A field instead of 100 1 A fields. I'ld like to see the program refined
Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013
(For the convenience of iPhone users and the like, I have trimmed some of the long string on this thread.) What good is CRP to ecosystems if it only lasts 10 or 15 years? Is this just another way to cut landowner taxes and pay for not farming land they the owner doesn't want in production anyway? What do the taxpayers, most blissfully unaware that their tax money is going into the pockets of agribusiness and good ol' boys, get for their money? Or am I misunderstanding something? Thank you for helping to educate me and unknowable thousands of others about this program through Ecolog. WT Not sent from my iPhone. - Original Message - From: Sharif Branham To: Wayne Tyson Cc: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, July 22, 2013 2:07 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential Re: [ECOLOG-L] Switchgrass Conference September 2013 Wayne, The future of CRP is being debated by Congress, so we will see what happens when we get a new Farm Bill. You can get a sense of the history of CRP by looking at the statistics provided by the Farm Service Agency at the following URL: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=homesubject=coprtopic=crp-st You can also take a look at the USDA video about 25 years of CRP https://www.google.com/url?sa=tsource=webcd=2ved=0CD4QtwIwAQurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRR_ChWwHoAgei=v_PsUcTHMPa-4AOqsYGgBgusg=AFQjCNGOP_K2otow65uXZyrABcBjxnAQ1w A CRP contract is 10-15 years long. Once the contract expires the landowner is no longer obligated to maintain the conservation practice/cover that was established through CRP. Therefore there is no authority needed, other than the rights of the landowner, in order to return the land to agriculture. Sharif Branham Sent from my iPhone On Jul 22, 2013, at 3:04 AM, Wayne Tyson landr...@cox.net wrote:
[ECOLOG-L] Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor in Environmental Science Policy
The Institute for the Environment and Sustainability at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor/Instructor to teach courses including introduction to environmental science, and upper-level courses in environmental principles and applications, sustainability principles, environmental policy, and environmental law. Require: a master’s degree or a Ph.D. candidate in environmental science, policy, or related field (for appointment as instructor). Desire: A Ph.D. in environmental science, policy, or related field (for appointment as visiting assistant professor); postdoctoral teaching experience in environmental science and policy. Position is a full-time, academic-year appointment, beginning in August 2013 with joint appointment possible in Biology, Geology, or Geography. The Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (http://www.miamioh.edu/ies) offers undergraduate interdisciplinary programs in environmental science and sustainability, and professional master’s program in environmental science. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names of three references by email to withr...@miamioh.edu, Denise Withrow, Institute for the Environment and Sustainability, 254 Upham Hall, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056. Review of applications will begin 26 July 2013, and continues until position is filled. Miami University is an EOE/AA employer with smoke free campuses. Miami’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report with information on campus crime, fires, and safety may be found at: http://www.miamioh.edu/righttoknow. Hard copy available upon request. -- Thomas O. Crist Director, Institute for the Environment and Sustainability Professor, Department of Biology Miami University Oxford, OH 45056 513-529-5811 (voice) 513-529-5814 (fax) thomas.cr...@miamioh.edu http://www.miamioh.edu/ies
[ECOLOG-L] International Environmental 'Omics Synthesis Conference - FINAL CALL
FIRST INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL 'OMICS SYNTHESIS CONFERENCE
Cardiff University, UK, 9-11 September 2013
http://www.environmentalomics.org/ieos2013
FINAL CALL - ABSTRACTS AND REGISTRATION
ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 31 July 2013
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 1 August 2013
We are pleased to announce the last few days to submit an abstract or
register to attend the first ever conference on 'omics applications, tools
and resources focused on the environmental sciences.
The meeting covers genomics, metabolomics and other high-throughput
approaches in biology ('omics). The meeting is targeted both at current
and future users of 'omics, and for developers of bioinformatics and
'omics technologies.
The conference includes dedicated introductory talks and training sessions
on day one, for those who are new to the field, followed by two days of
world-class science presentations delivered by several international
leaders in environmental 'omics. The conference will promote exchange of
ideas between all of these groups.
We encourage submission of abstracts to be considered for oral and poster
presentation, and in particular encourage submissions from PhD students
and postdoctoral researchers.
To register - with optional submission of an abstract - see:
http://environmentalomics.org/ieos_registration
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
- ESKE WILLERSLEV, Natural History Museum of Denmark
- JACK GILBERT, University of Chicago
- JOHN COLBOURNE, University of Birmingham
INVITED SPEAKERS:
Archeaological 'Omics: Learning from the past to inform the future
- TERRY BROWN, University of Manchester
- ROBIN ALLABY, University of Warwick
Ecological 'Omics: From biodiversity to molecular adaptation
- ANDREW WHITEHEAD, University of California, Davis
- CAROLE GOBLE, University of Manchester
Epigenetics: From molecules to phenotypes
- KEVIN CHIPMAN, University of Birmingham
- PETER KILLE, Cardiff University
- DANIEL BARKER, University of St Andrews
Evolutionary 'Omics: Phylogenetics and the Tree of Life
- SANDRA BALDAUF, Uppsala University
- MARGARET RILEY, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- MIKE BRUFORD, Cardiff University
Integrated and Systems 'Omics: Towards environmental systems biology
- JOE SHAW, Indiana University
- FRANCESCO FALCIANI, University of Birmingham
Community Ecology: Community profiling (metagenomics and metabarcoding) to
function
- DOUGLAS YU, University of East Anglia
- PHILIP POOLE, John Innes Centre
PROGRAM: http://environmentalomics.org/ieos_agenda
SPONSORED in part by the Natural Environment Research Council, UK (NERC);
the Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK; Thermo Fisher
Scientific; Cambio; and BGI.
This conference is coordinated by the NERC Environmental 'Omics Synthesis
Centre: http://environmentalomics.org
We hope to see you in Cardiff in September.
Daniel Barker
Lecturer in Biology, University of St Andrews
d...@st-andrews.ac.uk
On behalf of the organising committee:
Peter Kille, University of Cardiff;
Mesude Bicak and Tracey Timms-Wilson, Centre for Ecology Hydrology;
Daniel Barker, University of St Andrews;
Claire Gachon, Scottish Association for Marine Science; and
Mark Viant, University of Birmingham.
http://www.environmentalomics.org/ieos2013
--
Daniel Barker
http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/db60
The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland :
No SC013532
[ECOLOG-L] payment for ecosystem services - research qs?
I am applying to an interdisciplinary PhD program and am really interested in studying how ecosystem services can help in the area of poverty alleviation. I have nothing totally concrete yet as far as what I want to really dedicate my time to, and am wondering if others have any insight into the biggest open questions in the field? A couple of ideas I've thought of are 1. what factors really make a project work and not work, such as when foreign investment dollars are withdrawn? 2. How to get wetlands included in CA's cap and trade law for C sequestration since new studies show that temperate wetlands specifically sequester even more C than previously thought (maybe than forests? It was work by Bill Mitsch who is pretty well respected - he pioneered ecological engineering). 3. There's a cool new project run through Rice University's SSPEED Center that is setting up a design a computer-based platform to allow the buying and selling of ecological services on the Texas Coast. which is really interesting because it's being done outside of a sort of legal mandate to do so (such as CA's cap and trade law). I don't have a question related to this yet, but am meeting with some of the folks involved next month. Anyway... would love to hear thoughts by others. I will be reading more and more papers in this field, but again, any insight is much appreciated! Wendee Wendee Nicole, M.S. Wildlife Ecology ~ Freelance Writer * Photographer * Bohemian Web: [ http://www.wendeenicole.com ] Blog: [ http://bohemianadventures.blogspot.com ] Twitter: twitter.com/bohemianone Email: wendeenic...@nasw.org Write about science the environment for magazines ~ Online Classes start Aug 3 Sep 14, 2013
[ECOLOG-L] Tropical Conservation, Permaculture Research Internship in the Rainforest of Ecuador
We are working towards a sustainable future in the rainforest of Ecuador and we need help! In 2007, a few of usecology, economics, and business graduatesfounded a non-profit organization called Third Millennium Alliance. We raised some money and bought a lot of land in a critically endangered rainforest and established an ecological reserve (Jama-Coaque Reserve). There was a small patch of previously degraded land right in the middle where we have built an innovative and surprisingly comfortable research station out of bamboo by hand. Immediately surrounding the house we are designing/growing/building a living laboratory of sustainable resource management (i.e. permaculture), which also serves as our field headquarters for biological scientific research and forest monitoring. Project Activities: Interns are encouraged to take on high-impact and dynamic projects; we are a young organization forging our path as we discover it. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done and experience to be gained for interns and for us. Above all, creativity, innovation, and self-motivation are the fuel of our intern program. In addition to work managing the agroforestry production zone and organic vegetable garden, each intern is assigned a personal project, which is akin to a thesis of sort, but of a much more practical nature. Generally speaking, there are three categories of personal projects: 1) conservation biology research and 2) permaculture/sustainable food production and land management, and 3) appropriate technology. The following list outlines projects were looking to tackle during the upcoming summer session. Stared projects are of high interest and priority. When applying please prioritize three projects from the list below in the order of most interest. Flora Fauna Research: *Ethnobotany* (requires strong Spanish-speaking skills) *Monkey Troop Survey (Howler critically endangered White Fronted Capuchin) *Investigation of Endangered Avifauna - (Ornithology experience and strong Spanish-speaking skills required for community surveying) Food Production *Design and build an Aquaponics system* Appropriate Technology *Design and build a solar food dehydrator* *Design and build a non-electrical refrigerator* Working with natural materials (mainly, native bamboo) to build home appliances (e.g., cutlery, etc.) Late Summer Internship Dates: August 14th - October 9th Application Deadline: Thursday July 11th To see a complete program description, please visit our Internship page at our website at www.tmalliance.org. Here you can download the application form and contact details, as well as other media, such as the intern-maintained blog, and the program FAQ. We look forward to working with you! Jordan Trujillo Internship Coordinator Third Millennium Alliance Jama, Ecuador www.tmalliance.org
[ECOLOG-L] ENERGY Biofuels and their questionable potential
Wayne, For a history of the US Farm Bill and conservation, McGranahan et al. (2013) is an excellent place to start. Devan A. McGranahan, Paul W. Brown, Lisa A. Schulte, and John C. Tyndall. 2013. A historical primer on the US farm bill: Supply management and conservation policy. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 68(3):67A-73A. doi:10.2489/jswc.68.3.67A Contact me or any of the authors off list if you are not able to access a copy of the article. Best, Todd
[ECOLOG-L] Post-doc in Invasive Fish Ecology
Ecology of Invasive Fishes in Rivers The Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to conduct research on the ecology of invasive fishes, mainly Asian carp, in large rivers. Familiarity with techniques such as echosounding, food-web modeling, biostatistics, and fluvial dynamics is desirable. The successful candidate will be the member of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of researchers and must have strong leadership skills. A PhD in ecology or related field is required. Position is for 2 years, with the opportunity for extension. Start-date: September 1, 2013. Salary commensurate with experience. Queries and applications should be sent by e-mail to Dr. Jim Garvey, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 at jgar...@siu.edu. Applications must include a detailed cover letter, CV, PhD transcripts (unofficial ok), and the names and contacts of at least three references. http://fisheries.siu.edu. SIU Carbondale is and affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration. Jim Garvey Professor and Director SIU Carbondale Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Sciences Department of Zoology Center for Ecology office: 1-618-453-6013 @fishysiu http://fisheries.siu.edu *http://badanemone.wordpress.com*
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Assistant Professor, physiology, Providence College
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN PHYSIOLOGY - The Department of Biology at Providence College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship beginning September 2014. We are particularly interested in candidates who specialize in ecological physiology at the organismal level with a research focus that includes terrestrial vertebrates. The successful applicant will teach biology majors in courses such as General Biology, Physiology, Ecological Physiology, and advanced courses in their area of expertise. In addition, candidates will help develop and teach in an anatomy/physiology course sequence. The candidate is also expected to maintain a productive research program that actively engages our majors. Review of applications will begin by September 27, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. (post-doctoral experience preferred), a strong commitment to undergraduate education and research, and be able to foster a collaborative atmosphere among students and faculty. Applicants should submit on-line a curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, statements of teaching philosophy and research interests, and three letters of reference. For additional information please contact: Dr. Charles Toth, Chair, Biology Department, Providence College, Providence, RI 02918-0001 or mailto:ct...@providence.educt...@providence.edu. Providence College is a Roman Catholic, four-year liberal arts college conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars and seeks candidates who can affirm and contribute to its Mission. An AA/EOE, the College especially encourages the applications of women and persons of color.
[ECOLOG-L] AGU Session on N2O fluxes (B047)
Dear colleagues, We would like to invite abstract submissions to the AGU Fall Meeting session (Due August 6, 2013) . B047. N2O fluxes and the role in carbon and nitrogen cycles: processes, measurement, and modeling Conveners: Jianwu Tang, The Ecosystems Center, MBL. jt...@mbl.edu Peter Groffman, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. groffm...@caryinstitute.org Rebecca Ryals, Brown University/MBL. rebecca_ry...@brown.edu Description: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas but its global emissions from natural ecosystems, agroecosystems, and urban ecosystems are uncertain. N2O is a product of both nitrification and denitrification processes in soil. There is an emergent need to advance our ability to measure and model N2O fluxes and the underlying mechanism that is critically important in the carbon and nitrogen cycles. This session aims to bring together ecologists, biogeochemists and biometeorologists who use recently developed technologies to measure and model N2O fluxes and the linkage with CO2 and CH4 fluxes from various ecosystems based on eddy-covariance and chamber-based methods and simulation models. Website: https://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/scientific-program/session-search/sessions/b047-n2o-fluxes-and-the-role-in-carbon-and-nitrogen-cycles-processes-measurement-and-modeling-2/
[ECOLOG-L] Getting an Ecological Message to Bill Clinton
Some of you concur with the need to raise public awareness of the trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. It would be immensely helpful if Bill Clinton provided some leadership on this front. Now is your chance to help encourage him along those lines, by commenting on Bill Clinton's Legacy: An Inconvenient Irony at the Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-czech/bill-clintons-legacy-an-i_b_3629080.html This will be helpful also because the Huffington Post itself carries a lot of win-win journalism and it's rare to get a trade-off piece in the featured pages. -- Brian Czech, Ph.D., President Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy www.steadystate.org
[ECOLOG-L] AGU session: Biophysica#8203;l Interactio#8203;ns in Riverine Landscapes
Dear Colleagues, We invite your participation in a session on “Biophysical Interactions in Riverine Landscapes” (EP002) to be held at the upcoming AGU Fall Meeting (December 9th-13th 2013, San Francisco). The session description is: Habitat, organisms, and ecosystem processes in riverine landscapes are shaped by a suite of biophysical interactions that influence response to disturbance or restoration. This session explores these interactions over space and time. Questions of interest include: How do physical processes and landscape heterogeneity structure the distribution, population dynamics, and interaction between aquatic or riparian organisms? How do biological processes modulate physical processes and influence habitat, ecosystem function and geomorphology? How do river ecosystems respond to external forcing (natural events, human impacts, restoration)? We welcome contributions from field, laboratory and numerical studies. Abstracts are due August 6th 2013 (http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/). Best wishes, Tim Beechie (NOAA Fisheries, Seattle) John M. Buffington (USFS) Matt Collins (NOAA Fisheries, Gloucester) Lee Harrison (NOAA Fisheries, Santa Cruz) Hamish Moir (CBEC Eco-Engineering, Alford, Scotland) Desirée Tullos (Oregon State University)
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Desert Tortoise Research Technician, U.S. Geological Survey
Desert Tortoise Research Technician, U.S. Geological Survey (GG-0404-05) Job Description: The U.S. Geological Survey is recruiting field technicians to assist with research projects investigating desert tortoise (G. agassizii) ecology, physiology, and disease dynamics. Our research group is based in Henderson, NV, but field work will take place throughout the Mojave Desert. Duties include: · using radio telemetry to monitor tortoise movement patterns and behaviors · searching for unmarked wild tortoises to add to ongoing studies · attaching, removing, and troubleshooting radio transmitters and data loggers · collecting tissue samples (e.g. blood) and morphological measurements · conducting health assessments · assisting with annual and perennial vegetation surveys to characterize habitat types · mentoring SCA interns · data entry, organization, and QA/QC using Excel and relational databases · assisting with the day-to-day operations of field research (e.g. purchasing supplies, basic vehicle maintenance) Data collected will be used to monitor tortoise population trends, movement patterns, microsite selection, and home ranges characteristics, as well as aid in the understanding of how habitat and environmental parameters influence health, gene expression, the incidence transmission of disease, population connectivity, and genetic diversity. We are seeking applicants that are in great physical condition and capable of hiking long distances over rugged desert terrain, often in extreme environmental conditions. Applicants must be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. A positive attitude, flexibility, attention to detail, interest in ecological research, and the ability to strictly follow data collection protocols are also musts. Experience with handheld GPS units, ArcGIS, FileMaker, radiotelemetry, and plant identification is preferred. This temporary position will begin on August 5, 2013 (flexible by a week or two), and extend for up to 180 working days (approximately 9 months). Extensions are possible, contingent upon performance and funding availability. Qualifications: 9 months specialized experience in a field survey party, or 3 years sub professional experience, or 3 years college study related to biological sciences (equivalent 90 semester/135 quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience. A valid U.S. drivers license is required. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Salary: $31,315 yearly, $15.00 hourly actual salary based on hours worked; annual sick leave accrual. Application instructions: Please list the announcement number 75-13-02 at the top of your resume, and be sure to include the number of hours worked per week for each position. E-mail or fax resumes and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted) to Wendy Cole (mailto:wc...@usgs.govwc...@usgs.gov; 916-278-9496) by the end of the business day on July 26. If claiming 5 point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point veterans preference, a SF-15 with proof of claim is required.
