Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution
Just a quick addendum to some of the economic barriers to moving away from the growth paradigm (I hate to use the 'p' word, but if it has ever been appropriate it is appropriate in this context). I believe that one large barrier to moving towards a steady-state economy is that it means a dramatic shift in ethical beliefs. In a growth economy one can be a rich consumer and an ethical, moral person, because the wealth that you are creating (and spending) is creating wealth for everybody - you are making a contribution to the growing pie. In short, you can be rich and go to heaven. A steady-state economy implies a pie of constant size - that means thet every additional steak you eat is food someone else doesn't get, every additional mile you drive is a mile somebody else has to walk. In a steady-state economy every act of consumption is, explicitly, a moral and ethical decision. In short, put down your fork or you're going to hell. In my opinion, that fundamental philos! ophical shift has to be made before we will see a change in policies...and that seems like a large barrier. Best. Jeff Houlahan -Original Message- From: Andrew Park [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 19:05:17 -0400 Subject: Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution Re: economic growth versus steady state, There is a big problem with getting from where we are (catastrophic EXPONENTIAL economic growth) to where some of us would like to be (Steady state, dynamic flux around some mean value, call it what you will). The problem is that there is nobody anywhere in the world who can envision a practical, politically feasible, and equitable version of where we want to be. I have read Daly and others on this subject, adn their major weakness always revolves around the policies that will give us steady state. Its not their fault though. The problem is that we all have a vested interest in seeing growth continue. Yes folks, growth is not just a sop for politicians and the opiate of uber capitalists. Surpluses generated by growth are what pays for roads, social services, and other infrastructure of civilization. Growht is what pays for your pension (if you have one) and it provides dividends on your investments so that you can retire. Growht is what pays for foreign aid, even though that is only a pitifully small part of our bloated GDPs. And of course the alternative to growth is stagnation courtesy of the multiplier effect. Loosely speaking (economists, please correct me), due to the fact that money circulates in the economy, an additional dollar of investment translates into several additional dollars of consumer and other spending. Thus the net effect of spending an additional dollar is disproportionately translated through the economy (positive feedback?). Unfortunately, it can work in reverse. If you choose not to buy that one dollar pack of gum (or that shiny new SUV or a cell phone or a second helping of dessert for that matter), the effect of money withdrawn from the economy can ripple through it, reducing aggregate demand disproportionately to the original withdrawal. A positive feedback with very negative consequences :( So how do we get off this treadmill. Beats me.. Andy
Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution
Andrew says, The problem is that there is nobody anywhere in the world who can envision a practical, politically feasible, and equitable version of where we want to be. And Maiken says, But to me predictions of extremely gloomy futures seem to be counter-productive to stimulate productive changes. So how about if we all try to envision a future that is both bright and feasible? I'm willing to try to do my part in starting this process (warning, this is pretty long, and it's aimed primarily at the U.S. situation): First, I would hope to see an economy and population that is stabilized and optimized world wide. One in which wealth and amenities are fairly distributed across urban, suburban and rural communities. Where economically and socially viable communities are well dispersed around the world, and each such community has its own stable economy based on a clean and sustainable industry. And less than half of the worlds population lives in metropolitan areas or communities of over 100,000 population. Second, each and every future community is served by a passenger transport service such as a rail or bus line. All city and town neighborhoods have walking distance access to parks, schools, libraries, places of worship and small shopping centers. All city and town neighborhoods are interlaced and connected by walking and bicycle paths as well as roads. Long haul freight moves primarily by rail and water. Even in what we is now the first world, what we call alternative transportation has become preferred transportation and freeways are becoming an anachronism. Third, each and every community has its own public school, public parks, places of worship and full-service, locally-owned businesses. Each community has its own medical and dental service center or clinic. This means area residents can take care of all their ordinary needs and wants without leaving their own community: they can shop locally for groceries, clothing, hardware, building supplies and farm equipment; they can obtain routine medical, dental and veterinary care; they can attend the worship center of their choice; they can check books or DVDs out of a well-stocked local library; they can bank locally; and they can read a local newspaper, listen to local news on the radio, watch regional news on TV, and get meaningful news via computer. Fourth, I would see distinct town and urban boundaries with little or no urban sprawl. Rural small acreage home sites are primarily found in clusters on land that has low value for agriculture, forests, wildlife or recreation. And these rural small acreage home developments pay full cost for infrastructure services such as roads, utilities, mail and parcel delivery, police and fire protection and school transportation. This does not mean that we are not honoring and supporting our farming families, but it does mean that the rest of us are not subsidizing non farmers who choose to live in a rural setting. Fifth, large numbers of food-producing family-owned farms are close enough to population centers to provide easy and cost-efficient commercial interaction. These farms provide products that can be bought in urban stores as well as in farmers markets and at farm site stands. Also, a large part of the grocery products sold in even the biggest cities are grown and processed within the region. A family can eat well year-round without ever buying a product grown outside the region. Sixth, high quality wildland recreation is available within 2 hours travel of everyones home recreation such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching and boating. Nearly all ocean beaches, rivers, lakes and streams are available and open to public access, use and enjoyment. Seventh, all of our children complete high school fully educated and qualified for college, technical training, apprenticeship programs, gainful and rewarding employment, or are otherwise achieving a successful and satisfying life. School success is evaluated on the basis of the success of its graduates. Eighth, affordable and complete medical care (including psychiatric, dental and optical) is fully available to all. Persons who are physically or mentally unable to earn a decent income are fully supported and comfortable, served by programs designed to make them as useful and productive as possible. Antisocial behavior is treated with a goal of rehabilitation, not punishment. Ninth, all forest, range and other wildlands provide a healthy and sustainable mix of extractive, recreational and esthetic resources and values. Forest products are processed within the region so as to provide meaningful employment in the woods, in the mills and in wood products factories. No raw materials or unprocessed resources are exported out of the region; rather all such resources are turned into manufactured products before being exported. There is a sound balance between productive lands and those lands managed and preserved for other
Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution
This is a bit misleading, since according to the story the strike follows a no-confidence vote dealing with misallocaiton of funds and such issues as increased class sizes as well as salaries, but I think the main point of this posting is a continuation of the theme that no good deed should go unpunished, which keeps cropping up on this list. We, the Ecologists, are the Good Guys, and we should suffer. The rest of the world is inherently evil, so they can do what they want. How should we save the planet? I envision an environmentally aware family walking along the side of the road juggling packages from the market (because they refuse to accept plastic bags) and setting a good example for their neighbours, who of course drive to the supermarket in a gas guzzler. Do you think the neighbours are impressed? How many of your neighbours have been shamed into swapping their Jeep Cherokees for a bicycle? Some of the posters on this list have publicly apologised for using an SUV to take half a dozen students and heavy equipment into wild areas far from any roads. Isn't that what 4x4s are for? The problem is not ecological field trips, it is single-passenger vehicles stuck in highway traffic jams. I see no reason why I should feel obliged to make more sacrifices than anyone else just because I am environmentally aware. We are all in this together, and I think we should all take steps to protect our environment, not just the few who are knowledgable. There are steps that can be taken that affect everyone. Higher prices for fossil fuels for example, not just for driving but for power generation as well. Subsidies for green alternatives. Steps to improve traffic flow. More efficient urban street lighting. Even -- gasp! -- coercive measures like laws against wasteful practices. In short, I think we should see conservation as something that everybody does, and not just a chosen few wearing hair shirts. And once we are all doing our bit, I think that the best and the brightest have just as much right to a good living as anyone else. There is no reason why I should feel forced to accept a salary that is not commensurate with my education and skills (there is actually, I'm retired, but that is not my point). Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Paul Cherubini [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 8:25 PM Subject: Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution Could even university faculty members and administrators somehow be pursuaded not to aggressively seek six figure incomes and the material affluence that kind of money can buy? http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/142191.html California State University professors throughout the state -- overwhelmingly authorized a strike over salaries, faculty leaders said.
New Courses at Shoals Marine Laboratory, Summer 2007
To Ecolog-L subscribers: For 40 years, Shoals Marine Laboratory has specialized in undergraduate education in marine science and sustainability. Over the last two years we have expanded SML's Curriculum to better serve students from all over the country. This summer, we will offer more than two dozen college-credit courses at our facility on Appledore Island, Maine. We feature small class sizes and an experiential learning environment where everyone learns by first-hand observation. The close-knit community we create each summer on Appledore Island gives SML the feeling of a residential college, where even a casual conversation with a faculty member or teaching assistant can turn into a life-changing moment. Being on an offshore island also means that every class includes adventure and learning opportunities far beyond any normal classroom. Please take a minute to review some of our exciting offerings - and join us on Appledore this summer! Sustainability in the 21st Century Study environmental engineering, alternative power systems, and fisheries conservation: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccsustain.htm Coastal Ecology and Bioclimates How does climate relate to the ecology of organisms? Find out: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-cccle.htm Field Microbial Ecology Come learn how marine microbes relate to your life and our planet every day: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccmme.htm A Marine Approach to Introductory Biology Need to complete a course in introductory biology to fulfill major requirements? If so, then check out: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccintrobio.htm Field Marine Science Study the widest possible array of approaches to marine science and oceanography with expert faculty: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccfms.htm Field Marine Biology and Ecology Expert faculty provide general training in marine science during the most reliably beautiful weeks of the summer: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccfmbe.htm Molecular Systematics and Natural History DNA and other molecules provide clues for understanding the history of life and how communities work: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccmolec.htm Seaweeeds, Plankton and Seagrass The rocky intertidal of Appledore Island is a fabulous site for studying seaweeds: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccsps.htm Marine Vertebrates One week on fishes, one week on birds and one week on marine mammals: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccmv.htm Field Ornithology The Isles of Shoals are magnets for migrants and nesting seabirds: study them up close and personal: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccifo.htm Seabird Conservation. Learn how techniques of applied animal behavior are used to conserve breeding colonies of seabirds: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccseabird.htm The Herring Gull's World Explore the fascinating world of gulls and their behavior and learn about the history of the only Nobel Prize ever awarded for research in animal behavior: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-cchegworld.htm Forensic Science for Marine Biologists Explore the expanding interface between marine science, criminal justice and civil litigation. http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccfsmb.htm Functional Morphology of Marine Organisms How do marine plants and animals do what they do? Find out: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-ccsfuncmorph.htm To view SML's complete list of college credit courses for Summer 2007, please go to: http://www.sml.cornell.edu/college/pc-cs.htm Willy Bemis Kingsbury Director Shoals Marine Laboratory G-14 Stimson Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 607-255-3717
The latest in ESA News and Views
This week in ESA News and Views, the ESA blog (http://esa.org/esablog/ http://esa.org/esablog/ ): =20 Read Steve Beissinger's discussion of his and Zachariah Peery's article, Reconstructing the historic demography of an endangered seabird published in the February issue of Ecology (and read the full article for free.) Says Beissinger, It's a simple question that I often get asked about an endangered species: What caused it to decline? but I find it to be one of the hardest to answer without giving a hand-waiving response. . . =20 And in the first of our Earth Day reminiscences, Andrea Maguire of the University of Michigan tells us how Earth Day made a difference in her life. =20 Did Earth Day make a difference in your life? Chances are, if you're a subscriber to Ecolog, it did -- tell us why, tell us what you plan to do for this year's Earth Day, April 22, tell us what you did for your first Earth Day. Send these and your other thoughts on all things ecological to [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ! =20 -- Clifford Duke, Coordinator, ESA News and Views=20 =20 =20
Short-Term Research Associate Position Available with the Heinz Center in St. Paul
The Heinz Center, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit, is seeking applications for the position of research associate in its Saint Paul, MN satellite office. The successful candidate will work on The State of the Nation's Ecosystems report series, a major project at the Heinz Center designed to establish a suite of ecological indicators for the United States, analogous to the economic indicators. The Heinz Center conducts policy-relevant environmental research with a collaborative, multi-sector approach involving experts from business, environmental organizations, academia, and government (www.heinzctr.org/ecosystems).=20 =20 The Position: Reporting to the Program's senior research associate, who is based at the University of Minnesota, the successful candidate will be an integral part of an eight-member project team that is split between offices in Washington and Saint Paul. This is a 9 to 12 month position, with some possibility of renewal. Target starting date is 01 May 2007. =20 Position involves widely varied responsibilities on a small project team. Selected candidate will work on all aspects of the project and have significant direct involvement with multi-sector committees. Position demands ability to grasp technical aspects of new issues very quickly; willingness to work on issues dealing with multiple terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem types; ability to work with committees with widely disparate views and backgrounds; and good written and oral communications skills. Candidates should have some willingness to travel. The successful candidate will be expected to work efficiently in an independent manner with a high degree of professionalism. =20 Qualifications: An earned Master's Degree or Ph.D. in natural science. Relevant work experience will be used in evaluating candidate's applications.=20 =20 Application: Applicants should provide cover letter, resume / CV, the names of three references, and salary history to Kent Cavender-Bares, Senior Research Associate ([EMAIL PROTECTED]; 612.435.4995 fax). The search will continue until the position is filled.
Assistant or Associate Professor, Environmental Biology, North Carolina AT State University
Location: North Carolina Application deadline: 5/3/2007 Title: Assistant or Associate Professor, Environmental Biology Dept: Biology Position Number: 3780 Department/Program Overview: The Department of Biology is seeking applicants for a 9-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Environmental Biology. The Department of Biology has a total of 301 enrolled undergraduates and over 15 enrolled masters graduate students. Biology is housed in a modern building, Barnes Hall and currently has 11 tenure-track faculty. The Department is seeking candidates to join a rapidly growing program with a highly interactive faculty. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Teach Environmental Biology and other related courses, and establish a funded research program that merges biology, mathematics, and computational science. The successful candidate must train both undergraduate and graduate students in research techniques and engage in student advisement and mentoring. Candidates are expected to write proposals, publish in peer reviewed journals and work collaboratively with colleagues from biology and/or related disciplines. Service to the department, College of Arts and Sciences and the University are also expected. More details at http://biojobs.blogspot.com/2007/04/assistant-or-associate-professor.html More ECOLOGY vacancies is available at http://biojobs.blogspot.com/search/label/Ecology
Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution
Warren -- What you seem to be describing is a return to an agrarian society (with islands of urbanism), something like we had in the U.S. in the 1930's. Which is what Richard Clark Duncan and James Howard Kunstler said as the direction we are forced to go because of the depletion of petroleum resources. The trick is to manage the transition so as to avoid international wars and destructive competition as well as catastrophic consumption. Maybe the first step would be for people to turn off their televisions and let the marketing agencies starve... Stan MooreSan Geronimo, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Warren W. Aney [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Equilibrium/Steady State and Complexity/Evolution Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2007 23:32:29 -0700 Received: from listserv.umd.edu ([128.8.10.60]) by bay0-mc12-f18.bay0.hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.2668); Fri, 6 Apr 2007 06:36:07 -0700 Received: from listserv.umd.edu (IDENT:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [128.8.10.60])by listserv.umd.edu (8.12.11.20060308/8.12.11) with ESMTP id l365kR8U025164;Fri, 6 Apr 2007 09:36:06 -0400 (EDT) X-Message-Info: oG9qAjD2BNFCgnAhY5ZngAMtczCONYJZvh08d4iFaIy2ysq9bdeDzLP9rZ50vmY3 X-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Precedence: list List-Help: http://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?LIST=ECOLOG-L, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ECOLOG-L List-Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Owner: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Archive: http://listserv.umd.edu/cgi-bin/wa?LIST=ECOLOG-L Return-Path: [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-OriginalArrivalTime: 06 Apr 2007 13:36:07.0844 (UTC) FILETIME=[880A4640:01C77850] Andrew says, The problem is that there is nobody anywhere in the world who can envision a practical, politically feasible, and equitable version of where we want to be. And Maiken says, But to me predictions of extremely gloomy futures seem to be counter-productive to stimulate productive changes. So how about if we all try to envision a future that is both bright and feasible? I'm willing to try to do my part in starting this process (warning, this is pretty long, and it's aimed primarily at the U.S. situation): First, I would hope to see an economy and population that is stabilized and optimized world wide. One in which wealth and amenities are fairly distributed across urban, suburban and rural communities. Where economically and socially viable communities are well dispersed around the world, and each such community has its own stable economy based on a clean and sustainable industry. And less than half of the worlds population lives in metropolitan areas or communities of over 100,000 population. Second, each and every future community is served by a passenger transport service such as a rail or bus line. All city and town neighborhoods have walking distance access to parks, schools, libraries, places of worship and small shopping centers. All city and town neighborhoods are interlaced and connected by walking and bicycle paths as well as roads. Long haul freight moves primarily by rail and water. Even in what we is now the first world, what we call alternative transportation has become preferred transportation and freeways are becoming an anachronism. Third, each and every community has its own public school, public parks, places of worship and full-service, locally-owned businesses. Each community has its own medical and dental service center or clinic. This means area residents can take care of all their ordinary needs and wants without leaving their own community: they can shop locally for groceries, clothing, hardware, building supplies and farm equipment; they can obtain routine medical, dental and veterinary care; they can attend the worship center of their choice; they can check books or DVDs out of a well-stocked local library; they can bank locally; and they can read a local newspaper, listen to local news on the radio, watch regional news on TV, and get meaningful news via computer. Fourth, I would see distinct town and urban boundaries with little or no urban sprawl. Rural small acreage home sites are primarily found in clusters on land that has low value for agriculture, forests, wildlife or recreation. And these rural small acreage home developments pay full cost for infrastructure services such as roads, utilities, mail and parcel delivery, police and fire protection and school transportation. This does not mean that we are not honoring and supporting our farming families, but it does mean that the rest of us are not subsidizing non farmers who choose to live in a rural setting. Fifth, large numbers of food-producing family-owned farms are close enough to population centers to provide easy and cost-efficient commercial interaction. These farms provide products that can be bought in urban stores as well as in farmers markets and at farm site stands. Also, a large part of the grocery products sold
Temp. Fisheries Technician Needed in NY
This position will be primarily responsible for field and data entry components of a summer flounder distard mortality study and tuna sampling project. Duties will include collection of fish aboard commercial vessels in accordance with sample design; maintenance and monitoring of on-board and shore-side live holding systems; preparation of equipment for scientific cruises; data entry; dockside biological sampling of marine species. Office located in Riverhead, Long Island but may be required to report to various field locations on Eastern Long Island to start workday and may be required to work outside of normal office hours and on weekends as necessary. Must have an Associates Degree in related field plus one year experience or Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science, Natural Science, or Environmental Science. Must be a certified Diver. Must have the ability to interact well with the Long Island commercial fishing industry and have knowledge of local fisheries and harvest methods. Full-time (40 hours per week) with benefits, temporary (6 months) Must be available to start in approximately two weeks. If interested, please fax resume to Kristin Gerbino at (631) 727-7130.
Post-doc available in Fish, Wildlife, Cons Bio Dept., Colorado State University and Colorado Div. Of Wildlife , lynx data analysis
Post-doctoral Research Position Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO 80523-1474 and Mammals Research Program, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 317 West Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80526 Position #: LYNX/05/31/2007 Position LYNX/05/31/2007. Post-doctoral research position available within the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University (CSU) to work closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and USGS to analyze lynx (Lynx canadensis) data. Lynx, an important apex predator, was extirpated from Colorado as a result of extensive predator control measures implemented prior to the 1970's. In an effort to establish a viable population of lynx in Colorado, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) initiated a reintroduction effort in 1997 with lynx released in the state from 1999-2006. CDOW has documented survival, movement patterns, reproduction, and habitat-use through ground, aerial and satellite tracking. This has resulted in one of the most comprehensive data sets of a reintroduced carnivore. The post-doc will work most closely with Dr. Tanya Shenk at CDOW and Dr. Paul Doherty at CSU. In the course of estimating demographic rates, movement rates, and habitat use to address hypotheses of interest to CDOW, the post-doc will be encouraged to initiate their own additional analyses of these data in collaboration with CDOW and CSU researchers. The successful applicant will collaborate with CDOW and CSU researchers to organize findings into agency reports and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; attend scientific meetings and deliver papers on results. The position is for 2 years contingent upon availability of funds. Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. in wildlife biology, conservation biology, ecology, natural resource management, statistics, applied mathematics, or related field. Quantitative skills in demographic parameter estimation and/or modeling, and/or habitat modeling, and/or spatial analyses. Skill in communicating scientific results to natural resource management agencies and in peer-reviewed literature. Strong work ethic. Desirable in one or more of the following criteria: Experience in carnivore ecology. Knowledgeable of demographic modeling, GIS, and spatial statistics software. Experience with large databases. Responsibilities: Responsibilities will include working on a lynx data analysis project focused on the needs of the Colorado Division of Wildlife, specifically: 1) Collaborate on estimation of relevant demographic parameters. 2) Collaborate on developing and implementing modeling methods to evaluate hypotheses concerning variation in parameters across geographic areas and time. 3) Collaborate on the preparation of manuscripts presenting research findings. 4) Collaborate on developing future study design recommendations. Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications: Range: $35,000 - $40,000 Application: Prospective candidates should mail material consisting of (1) a letter noting position number and responding to each of the qualifications; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) copy of transcripts (official copy not necessary) and confirmation of degree conferral; (4) examples of your work (i.e., journal articles); and (5) the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of at least three individuals who have first-hand knowledge of your research experience and professional abilities to: Dr. Paul Doherty Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 USA Application materials must be received no later than 4:30pm, 05/31/2007 Colorado State University is committed to creating a university community which values and supports diversity; individuals who contribute to such diversity are strongly encouraged to apply. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding affirmative action requirements. The office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is located in Room 101 Student Services. In order to assist Colorado State University in meeting its affirmative action responsibilities, ethnic minorities, women and other protected class members are encouraged to apply and to so identify themselves. ___ Paul Doherty Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO 80523-1474 ph: 970-491-6597 fx: 970-491-5091 em: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___
Volunteer Field Assistant- Tropical Forest Ecology
The Ackerly Lab at the University of California, Berkeley is looking for a volunteer field assistant for a project in Amazonian Ecuador from approximately two months beginning in late May or early June 2007. Start and end dates may be flexible to fit the volunteer's schedule. The project is focused on understanding the importance of different ecological processes in maintaining tree species diversity in the Amazon. The primary duties of the volunteer will be collecting data on leaf ecophysiological characters, recording data in the field, drying and weighing samples, and entering data. Compensation: All in- country food, lodging and travel expenses will be covered, including accommodations at the Yasuni Scientific Station. Assistance with travel to/ from Ecuador is available. There is currently no funding available for a stipend. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a background in one or more of the following: ecology, plant physiology, plant systematics, natural history or tropical biology. The volunteer must be willing to work and hike long hours in hot, humid and insect-rich rainforest conditions. Proficiency in english and spanish is desired, as is experience living or working in remote settings. Above all, the volunteer must be flexible, have a healthy sense of humor, and have a strong attention to detail. Applicants will need a valid passport and a current Yellow Fever vaccination certificate a few weeks prior to departure. To apply: Please send a resume or CV, contact information of three references, and a letter highlighting your interest and experience. Applications will be accepted through April 27th or until the position is filled. This position is ideal for a recent graduate who is interested in gaining research experience in the tropics prior to applying to graduate school. Contact: Nathan Kraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ackerly Lab Department of Integrative Biology University of California, Berkeley http://ib.berkeley.edu/labs/ackerly/research/nathan/
Experienced Bird Bander Needed
Experienced Bird Bander needed for the MONITORING AVIAN PRODUCTIVITY AND SURVIVORSHIP (MAPS) PROGRAM. The Institute for Bird Populations (IBP) is seeking an experienced bird bander to operate constant effort mist-netting and banding stations on Fort Bragg, North Carolina from May 1 to August 8, 2007. Join this continent-wide, long-term effort to determine the vital rates that cause changes in North American landbird populations. We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals with some experience working independently in the field and a solid background in mistnetting, bird banding, and ageing and sexing landbirds using plumage characteristics. We particularly encourage previous MAPS interns to apply. The successful applicant will be expected to learn the MAPS protocol during an intensive training session beginning May 1. After training, the bander will be responsible for setting up and operating 6 mist-netting stations, coordinating area volunteers for assistance, liaising with contacts on Fort Bragg, and submitting monthly progress reports to IBP's main office. Free housing will be provided in addition to a per diem of $35 for 84 days in the field, totaling $2,940 for the season. The bander will need a reliable vehicle and will be reimbursed at $0.33/mile for job-related use. The position entails working a minimum of 6 of every 10 days, depending on weather and logistical considerations. This position is an opportunity to gain experience working independently in the field, and individuals in these positions frequently have the opportunity to step into supervisory field biologist positions with IBP during subsequent seasons. Please send a resume, cover letter, and the email addresses and phone numbers for 3 references to AMY FINFERA, The Institute for Bird Populations, PO Box 1346, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. FAX 415-663-9482, PH 415-663-1436, EMAIL: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Since we are advertising for several different positions, please specify in all correspondence that you are applying for the North Carolina experienced bander position. Amy Finfera Staff Biologist The Institute for Bird Populations P.O. Box 1346 Point Reyes Station, CA 94956-1346 Phone: 415-663-1436 Fax: 415-663-9482 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Paid summer internship in Tucson, AZ
Please distribute to any interested undergraduate student that may be near the Tucson area. Thanks, Chris Paid Summer Internship I am looking for an intern to assist with a plant ecology study in southern Arizona. I am using prescribed fire and livestock grazing to reduce the abundance of the nonnative Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) near the Santa Rita Mountains. The intern will assist with field collection of data on plant communities and some heavy labor during various weather conditions (hot (1000F, 380C), windy, rainy). Time will also be spent in the laboratory entering data, processing materials, and preparing specimens. The intern will be strongly encouraged to conduct an independent research project examining a topic of the interns interest with a budget for materials. $700/month per diem will be provided for 3 months. Please contact me for further information Chris McDonald [EMAIL PROTECTED] Graduate Assistant University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 85721
Summer Field Technician Position
Summer Field Technician Position An energetic field technician is sought to work as part of a team conducting research on vegetation and avian community response to habitat restoration programs (fire and mechanical treatments) on south Florida rangelands. Responsibilities will include vegetation, insect, and seed sampling, and conducting point counts. For a current student or recent graduate with the desired qualifications, this position will provide valuable field experience. Qualifications: Ongoing or completed B.S. degree in wildlife, range, natural resource management, or related field; previous field experience; ability to identify birds of the eastern U.S. by sight and sound preferred; experience with vegetation sampling an advantage; valid drivers license; capacity and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team. Start date end of April 2007 through the end of August 2007. Compensation: $300-340/week depending on experience, free basic field housing. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until a suitable candidate is found. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references to: Emma Willcox Graduate Assistant Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida 308 Newins-Ziegler Hall PO Box 110430 Gainesville, FL 32611-0430 Phone: 352-846-0558 Fax: 352-392-6984 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Email applications encouraged
Plant ecology field assistant, Utah State University
Primary responsibility will be sampling plant species composition in research sites at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, in eastern Idaho. Additional field tasks will include seed collection and setting up and fencing experimental plots. Laboratory tasks will include data entry, sorting and weighing plant material, seed viability testing, and digitizing historical data into a GIS. There may be an opportunity to develop an independent research project. You can find more information on research in our lab at: http://www.cnr.usu.edu/faculty/adler Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate a strong interest in plant ecology and the ability to work either independently or as part of a team. Experience with plant identification or sagebrush steppe vegetation is helpful but not required. The work will begin in early May (so apply as soon as possible!) and will run through August. Salary will be $9-11/hour depending on experience. To apply, please email Dr. Peter Adler 1) a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in plant ecology, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) contact information for three references.
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Just reading Bill Silvert's note about juggling packages along the side of the road because of no car and non-use of plastic bags. It reminds me of the sabbatical leave where I was a visiting professor at the UH-Manoa. We lived in Kailua with no car for a full year, but we did take our children with us (three of them--note: my sister as no children, so we're still within the 2/family limit) and we did take five bicycles with us. While in Hawaii we picked up five plastic milk carton containers, one for each of the bikes. The decision as to how many children went to the market depended upon the level of the shopping trip. Sometimes it was just myself and my wife, but for a big market day, it was the whole family. Outside the store, we would try to equally load each of the plastic milk cartons, until there was no room in any of them. Anything else would be bungeed to the top. That usually worked pretty well, until the day my wife bought a fifty pound bag of rice. We did get it home. I also have taken to and from my house a car tire (rim, tube, tire) to the gas station to fix a flat. I thought I was pretty progressive for an American until I spent a year in China, where there I saw just about everything being transported by bicycle, including a pig strapped over the back of the bike. Although I look back in humor at our year in Hawaii and at what we saw in China, I know that in the future, we will have to return to the system described above. I guess I'm ahead of the curve as I've been there and done that. Cheers, Larry PS, I also agree with Bill. Why are we continuing to be selected out as exemplars. Just because we are ecologists, does mean we have to be perfect in our actions. -- Larry T. Spencer, Professor Emeritus of Biology Plymouth State University This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.
Re: Ecologists as exemplars
I admire you and I suspect you are right that we will find ourselves on bikes but the transition will not be voluntary. Kailua, Hawaii is relatively bike friendly. In most of Honolulu you would have been down a child or two or a spouse, thanks to our terrible roads, no shoulders, and cheerfully oblivious drivers. Ecologists may get selected out as exemplars but what if the exemplars get selected against? - Original Message - From: Larry T. Spencer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, April 6, 2007 10:47 am Subject: To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Just reading Bill Silvert's note about juggling packages along the side of the road because of no car and non-use of plastic bags. It reminds me of the sabbatical leave where I was a visiting professor at the UH-Manoa. We lived in Kailua with no car for a full year, but we did take our children with us (three of them--note: my sister as no children, so we're still within the 2/family limit) and we did take five bicycles with us. While in Hawaii we picked up five plastic milk carton containers, one for each of the bikes. The decision as to how many children went to the market depended upon the level of the shopping trip. Sometimes it was just myself and my wife, but for a big market day, it was the whole family. Outside the store, we would try to equally load each of the plastic milk cartons, until there was no room in any of them. Anything else would be bungeed to the top. That usually worked pretty well, until the day my wife bought a fifty pound bag of rice. We did get it home. I also have taken to and from my house a car tire (rim, tube, tire) to the gas station to fix a flat. I thought I was pretty progressive for an American until I spent a year in China, where there I saw just about everything being transported by bicycle, including a pig strapped over the back of the bike. Although I look back in humor at our year in Hawaii and at what we saw in China, I know that in the future, we will have to return to the system described above. I guess I'm ahead of the curve as I've been there and done that. Cheers, Larry PS, I also agree with Bill. Why are we continuing to be selected out as exemplars. Just because we are ecologists, does mean we have to be perfect in our actions. -- Larry T. Spencer, Professor Emeritus of Biology Plymouth State University This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.
Efficient transportation
I enjoyed Larry's reponse to my posting, and it brought back two memories. In 1982 I spent the summer with my family on the Dutch island of Texel, and although we were lent a car for all the time we were there, I think we only used it three times -- loaded up with cases of beer for the 5 km portage from Den Burg. Some things are just not practical by bike. On the other hand, my ex-wife was an avid baker and when we lived in Halifax we used to buy large bags of flour at Dover Mills. I recall that on one occasion we went down and bought two large bags, I think 40 kg each, one of white and the other of whole wheat flour. I painfully pulled them uphill to our house on a bicycle trailer, after which I went through a couple of beers and a hot shower (which may have mitigated any energetic benefit from using a bicycle instead of a car). That evening we went to a party where a woman was complaining that supermarkets only stocked large quatities of everything, and she was frustrated that she could not buy less than 2 kg of flour at a time! This memory brings to mind the question of what other lifestyle changes we should be considering, and whether such earthy pleasures as baking one's own bread have any significant environmental impact. I am not really sure that the years I spent conserving energy really had any global impact. I wasn't trying to be ultra-green, I just like to ride a bicycle. It would be nice to think that I led by setting a good example, but I didn't notice anyone following me. Now if Beckham and Posh took to cycling and moved into a small R2 cottage I am sure that would have a salubrious effect, but I am not counting on that happening. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: Larry T. Spencer [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Friday, April 06, 2007 9:19 PM Just reading Bill Silvert's note about juggling packages along the side of the road because of no car and non-use of plastic bags. It reminds me of the sabbatical leave where I was a visiting professor at the UH-Manoa. We lived in Kailua with no car for a full year, but we did take our children with us (three of them--note: my sister as no children, so we're still within the 2/family limit) and we did take five bicycles with us. While in Hawaii we picked up five plastic milk carton containers, one for each of the bikes. The decision as to how many children went to the market depended upon the level of the shopping trip. Sometimes it was just myself and my wife, but for a big market day, it was the whole family. Outside the store, we would try to equally load each of the plastic milk cartons, until there was no room in any of them. Anything else would be bungeed to the top. That usually worked pretty well, until the day my wife bought a fifty pound bag of rice. We did get it home. I also have taken to and from my house a car tire (rim, tube, tire) to the gas station to fix a flat. I thought I was pretty progressive for an American until I spent a year in China, where there I saw just about everything being transported by bicycle, including a pig strapped over the back of the bike. Although I look back in humor at our year in Hawaii and at what we saw in China, I know that in the future, we will have to return to the system described above. I guess I'm ahead of the curve as I've been there and done that. Cheers, Larry PS, I also agree with Bill. Why are we continuing to be selected out as exemplars. Just because we are ecologists, does mean we have to be perfect in our actions. -- Larry T. Spencer, Professor Emeritus of Biology Plymouth State University This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program.
job announcement: seasonal field biologist
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Seasonal Field Biologist Job Description The Seasonal Field Biologist position conducts botanical and ornithological field surveys and performs associated data entry and editing in support of the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project (ISP) Monitoring Program. Includes seasonal botanical monitoring (mid June through October), clapper rail monitoring (mid January through mid April), and associated GIS data entry/editing during these field seasons. Work may vary from 0-50 hours/week during these field seasons depending on tides, weather conditions, and site access permissions. Requires close collaboration with other ISP Monitoring Program and Control Program staff (Seasonal Field Biologists and Managers) both in the field and in the office. Requires the ability to work well independently and in a field team setting, follow project-specific field protocols and data entry/editing procedures, and, if appropriate, suggest improvements to our projects existing procedures. Requires a strong background in botany and ornithology. Requires a basic understanding of and some familiarity GPS and GIS data entry and editing. Requires familiarity with San Francisco Bay tidal marsh flora, avifauna and geography. Must be detail-oriented and able to perform work accurately and efficiently. Must have sufficient botanical and ornithological background to be able to collect data independently following approximately one week of training. Must be willing to work long hours in potentially adverse field conditions. Must be able to or willing to learn to operate watercraft including kayaks and outboard-motor powerboats (Zodiac, whaler, Klamath). May occasionally require helicopter-based surveys. Must be available to work up to 5 full (8-10 hour) days a week during the above field seasons, with the understanding that work availability will vary within these dates. Must be flexible and adaptable to changes in schedules and hours, often with very little advanced notice. Must provide own transportation to field sites around the San Francisco Bay. (Mileage is reimbursed, drivers license and proof of automobile insurance are required.) Hours Pay Rate Hours are flexible and will vary from 0 - 50 hours/week depending on project needs. Pay rate starts at $20-30/hour based on experience. No benefits are available for this position. Application Important Dates To apply, mail or email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three technical references by Monday, April 23 to: Ingrid Hogle, Monitoring Program Manager San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project 2560 9th Street, Suite 216, Berkeley, CA 94710 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Questions regarding this position should be directed to Ingrid Hogle at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 510-548-2461 x 205. Interviews will be scheduled April 25-27. Paid training will begin in May, and fieldwork will be available starting in early to mid June. _ Ingrid Hogle Monitoring Program Manager San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project 2560 9th Street, Suite 216 Berkeley, California 94710 Phone 510-548-2461 x205 Fax 510-548-2460 Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.spartina.org
