From plant at plantconservation.org Mon Jul 2 11:18:35 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2007 11:18:35 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] CLASS: Basic soils short course information (Frdericksburg, VA) Message-ID: ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "W. Lee Daniels" Subject: Basic soils short course information Attached is a program flyer for a two-day basic soils short course that we will be teaching in Fredericksburg in mid-August. Please distribute this to any person or groups that you feel might benefit from this offering. It is also fine with me if you post the flyer to your website. We will be offering this again sometime in November, and a separate announcement will follow. Thanks, Lee W. Lee Daniels, Professor Dept. of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences 244 Smyth Hall, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061-0404 540-231-7175; fax - 7630 http://www.cses.vt.edu/revegetation/ Environmental Soil Science, Wetland Restoration and Mined LandReclamation (See attached file: Basic Soils August 13 and 14 annc1.pdf) -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Basic Soils August 13 and 14 annc1.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 17022 bytes Desc: URL: From plant at plantconservation.org Mon Jul 2 11:20:49 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Mon, 2 Jul 2007 11:20:49 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] JOB: USDA/APHIS CITES Coordinator (Washington, DC) Message-ID: USDA/APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine has announced the opening of the position of CITES Coordinator, at the GS-13/14 level. CITES is the acronym for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a multilateral treaty to which the United States is a signatory. The APHIS CITES Coordinator provides leadership in policy development regarding CITES and Endangered Species Act enforcement as they relate to the international trade of plant species. To learn more about this Washington, DC, area position, titled "Agriculturalist (CITES Coordinator)", try the following link to take you to the site: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=59164098&AVSDM=2007%2D06%2D22+06%3A25%3A16&q=APHIS&Logo=0&pg=3&TabNum=1&rc=6 Alternatively, visit the USAJobs website, http:\www.usajobs.gov The announcement is open to Federal employees (and similar eligibles) and closes July 20, 2007. From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov Tue Jul 3 08:26:35 2007 From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov) Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 09:26:35 -0400 Subject: [PCA] FR Notice: Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Recovery Message-ID: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Running Buffalo Clover (Trifolium stoloniferum) Recovery Plan Revision AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce availability of the approved revised recovery plan for running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum). This species is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the recovery plan by any of the following means: 1. World Wide Web: http://midwest.fws.gov/endangered; or 2. U.S. mail or in-person pickup: Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 6950 Americana Parkway, Suite H, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-4127; telephone, (614) 469-6923. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sarena M. Selbo at the above address and telephone (ext. 17). TTY users may contact Ms. Selbo through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To view the entire Federal Register notice, visit: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-SPECIES/2007/June/Day-27/e12409.htm -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Megan_Haidet at fws.gov Tue Jul 3 16:42:03 2007 From: Megan_Haidet at fws.gov (Megan_Haidet at fws.gov) Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 17:42:03 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Megan's talk Message-ID: Plant Conservation in the US: Long-term strategies for policy makers and the non-governmental community. Megan Haidet will be presenting her Master's thesis research that used the PCA Cooperators as her study population. Come and listen to her results profiling the general demographics, budgets and funding, and management approaches of the PCA community. Thanks Olivia! Even when I'm gone we must keep in touch. Plant conservation is close to all of our hearts, we just need to figure out the best way to deal with management/funding/partnership in the US. Blah! Megan Haidet Communications Coordinator Plant Conservation Alliance US Fish & Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750 Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703.358.2120 Fax: 703.358.2276 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From plant at plantconservation.org Tue Jul 3 16:47:53 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 16:47:53 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] PCA: Bimonthly Meeting Agenda for July 11, 2007 (Arlington, VA) Message-ID: (Please disregard the previous message from Megan, this message contains the full information for the meeting.) Megan Haidet will be presenting her Master's thesis research that used the PCA Cooperators as her study population. Come and listen to her results profiling the general demographics, budgets and funding, and management approaches of the PCA community. Anyone that is interested is invited to come to the meeting. This message has been cross-posted to all the PCA discussion lists. Olivia Kwong SER/PCA http://www.nps.gov/plants/ The Plant Conservation Alliance (PCA) Bi-Monthly Meeting is an open forum for anyone interested or working in plant conservation. The meeting is held every other month in the Washington DC metropolitan area. There is roundtable for attendees to share relevant events, as well as updates from each of the PCA working groups and committees. Regular attendees include representatives from the PCA Federal agencies and from Cooperating organizations; however anyone is welcome to attend this meeting. Past meeting summaries and selected presentations are available at http://www.nps.gov/plants/meetings/bimonthly/index.htm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- PLANT CONSERVATION ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday, July 11, 2007 9:30 - 11:30 AM LOCATION: Conference Room at NatureServe 1101 Wilson Boulevard, 15th Floor Arlington, VA 22209 (Take the Orange or Blue Line to Rosslyn Station. Go to 1101 Wilson Blvd. Enter through the main entrance (the Post Office will be to the right inside) and take the elevators up one level to the" Mall" level. Then exit the elevator and find another set of elevators (around the corner) that goes up to the 15th floor NatureServe reception desk.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- AGENDA 9:30 Introductions 9:35 Announcements/Communications 9:55 Updates on Activities - Alien Plant Working Group - Medicinal Plant Working Group - Native Plant Materials Development Working Group - Public Outreach Working Group - Restoration Working Group - NFWF - MOU - NGO Committee 10:30 Plant Conservation in the US: Long-term strategies for policy makers and the non-governmental community - Megan Haidet 11:25 Closing Remarks 11:30 Adjourn ------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS [2nd Wednesday of alternate months] - Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 9:30-11:30 AM TBA - Carmen Fells (Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement) NatureServe Headquarters, Arlington, VA - Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 9:30-11:30 AM Prairie Ecosystem Research and Restoration Projects on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lands - Pam Bailey (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) NatureServe Headquarters, Arlington, VA From plant at plantconservation.org Thu Jul 5 14:34:53 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 14:34:53 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] ARTICLE: BLM's Partnership with Chicago Botanic Garden Helps Track Sensitive Plants in Nevada Message-ID: http://www.peoplelandandwater.gov/workingwithamerica/wwa-blm_04-19-07_blms-partnership-with.cfm Working with America BLM's Partnership With Chicago Botanic Garden Helps Track Sensitive Plants in Nevada By Mark Struble, BLM Carson City Field Office, with Sarah Kulpa and Andra Forney A botanical internship program between the Chicago Botanic Garden and BLM Nevada's Carson City Field Office provided a valuable learning experience for college students and helped BLM monitor sensitive plant populations. See the link above for the full article text. From plant at plantconservation.org Thu Jul 12 09:18:29 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 09:18:29 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] PCA: Lady Bird Johnson Dies at 94 Message-ID: Lady Bird Johnson was the first recipient of the Plant Conservation Alliance's (then the Native Plant Conservation Initiative) Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented in January 1999 for her work to bring conservation to the forefront of the American public. We will be adding a section to our webiste about the various PCA Award winners, including Lady Bird, that have been given out over the past few years, please watch for the announcement when it's up. For more information about Lady Bird Johnson's life & achievements, go to http://www.ladybirdjohnsontribute.org/biography.htm The second section titled "Our Environmental First Lady: The Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson" will be most interesting for all of you plant conservation folks. This message has been cross-posted to all the PCA lists. Olivia CPC/PCA http://www.nps.gov/plants/ From plant at plantconservation.org Thu Jul 12 13:51:40 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:51:40 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] WEB: Fed. Highways Admin. call for research ideas Message-ID: Please note that this is not a call for proposals, just ideas. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Harper-Lore, Bonnie" Date: 07/12/2007 02:37 PM Here is a QUICK, EASY VERSION of the federal register's call for comments on the Federal Highway Administration STEP process. The STEP process is currently the only way we can fund applied research on native plant and/or invasive plant issues as they apply to highway corridors and our neighbors. The more comments PLANT issues receive, the more likely they will be funded. This is a call for COMMENTS/IDEAS, not proposals. So your trip to the website will not take much time. Please visit and visit often before August 24. If you have any questions, call Bonnie 651.291.6104 Restoration Ecologist Wetlands and Ecosystems Team FHWA USDOT, HEPN-30 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE <> Washington D.C. 20590 (651) 291-6104 (See attached file: STEPsecond round comments 2007.doc) -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: STEPsecond round comments 2007.doc Type: application/msword Size: 27648 bytes Desc: URL: From mahaidet at yahoo.com Fri Jul 13 15:17:09 2007 From: mahaidet at yahoo.com (megan haidet) Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:17:09 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [PCA] USDA Announces Colony Collapse Disorder Research Action Plan Message-ID: <931874.27566.qm@web60919.mail.yahoo.com> USDA Announces Colony Collapse Disorder Research Action Plan WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Gale Buchanan today announced that USDA researchers have finalized an action plan for dealing with colony collapse disorder (CCD) of honey bees. The plan can be read at www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/ccd/ccd_actionplan.pdf ____________________________________________________________________________________ Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell. http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/ From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov Mon Jul 16 12:59:57 2007 From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov) Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 13:59:57 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Fw: NEWS: USGS Botanists Help Identify a New Orchid Species, the Yosemite Bog-Orchid Message-ID: Forwarding this information. - Patricia. - - - - If you cannot see this email version correctly, please go to this url: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1706 News Release July 16, 2007 Peggy Moore (209) 379-1309 peggy_moore at usgs.gov Adrienne Freeman (209) 372-0529 adrienne_freeman at nps.gov Joanne Guilmette (518) 474-8730 jguilmet at mail.nysed.gov USGS Botanists Help Identify a New Orchid, the Yosemite Bog-Orchid An orchid so elusive, 70 years elapsed after George Henry Grinnell collected the first specimens in 1923 before a new generation of botanists rediscovered its location in 1993. But the plant?s identity remained a challenge to taxonomists. Now, two U.S. Geological Survey botanists and a colleague at the New York State Museum have identified the orchid as a new species, the Yosemite bog-orchid (Platanthera yosemitensis), according to a recent publication in the journal of the California Botanical Society, Madro?o. ?The Yosemite bog-orchid is an example of how both historic and contemporary plant specimens can serve to inform scientists and managers about the biological diversity of natural reserves,? said Peggy Moore, a USGS plant ecologist in El Portal, Calif., and one of the botanists who identified the orchid. A botanical mystery sparked work by Moore and fellow USGS botanist Alison Colwell ? they had noticed the anomalous distribution in the plant guide Flora of North America of a southern Rockies bog-orchid that was also reported from Yosemite National Park in California. Colwell and Moore are scientists and co-workers with the USGS Western Ecological Research Center and both are conducting research to support the science needs of the National Park Service. Beginning in 2003, and building on the efforts of previous botanists involved in the search for this mysterious orchid, Colwell and Moore relocated the site where others had collected the orchid, mapped additional sites where they discovered it growing, and searched several plant collections (herbaria) to examine bog-orchid specimens. Then, in consultation with Dr. Charles Sheviak, Curator of Botany at the New York State Museum, they determined the orchid was a new, undescribed species. ?This group of orchids constitutes a notoriously complex problem, and it?s only now after nearly 2 centuries of study that we are beginning to understand what the species are,? said Sheviak, an authority on the group. ?I?ve been studying it for 40 years and have described other new species of Platanthera, so I?m used to being surprised. However, to find such a strikingly distinctive plant in such a well-known locality is truly astonishing. The fact that it appears to be confined to such a small geographic area is furthermore unique among related species.? Yosemite bog-orchid is known currently from only nine sites within Yosemite National Park, all on the granitic upland south of Yosemite Valley, between the main stem and the South Fork of the Merced River. As the orchid?s range is understood currently, it is the only orchid species endemic to the Sierra Nevada of California. ?The extreme small size of several of the populations puts them at risk of extirpation,? said Dr. Niki Nicholas, Chief of Resources Management and Science at Yosemite. ?Sensitive habitat as well as a delicate root system highlights conservation issues associated with this species.? With an inconspicuous wand-like growth form and tiny flowers, the plant can be easy to miss in meadows densely crowded with a wide variety of plants, including other kinds of bog-orchids. Taxonomists use several technical features to help distinguish Yosemite bog-orchid from other bog-orchids, including what a discerning nose might call its bouquet. Yosemite bog-orchids have a strong musk component that, according to the authors, has been likened by various observers to a ?corral of horses, asafetida, strong cheese, human feet, sweaty clothing, or simply disagreeable.? The Yosemite bog-orchid may use this scent to attract mosquitoes or flies for pollination purposes. Yosemite bog-orchid also keeps company with other endemics in the upland area south of Yosemite Valley, the authors noted. This area, largely free of ice during the most recent glacial events in the last two million years, contains at least seven species of plants known only from the central and southern Sierra Nevada. These include Yosemite onion, Yosemite woolly sunflower, short-leaved hulsea, Yosemite ivesia, and Bolander?s clover. ?What a delight to find that, in the 21st century, such gems await discovery, or, in this case, re-discovery, practically in our own backyard,? said Colwell, a USGS botanist in El Portal, Calif. ?Doubtless more such finds await us.? This work was made possible by the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program. Note to News Editors Reproducible images for this news release can be downloaded by clicking the thumbnail images below or visiting our image preview gallery which contains four images for this release. Link to image gallery: online.wr.usgs.gov/ocw/htmlmail/p_yosemitensis/images.html Charles Sheviak, an authority on the Platanthera group of orchids, making a site visit in Yosemite National Park Photo by Alison Colwell, USGS Botanists Dena Grossenbacher and Alison Colwell surveying appropriate habitat for the new Yosemite bog-orchid. Photo by Peggy Moore, USGS Alison Colwell, Botanist with the USGS, and Angela Sanders, Resources Associate with Student Conservation Association, taking the measure of the new Yosemite bog-orchid. Photo by Alison Colwell, USGS The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. The New York State Museum in Albany, N.Y. is a cultural program of the New York State Education Department. Founded in 1836, the museum has the longest continuously operating state natural history research and collection survey in the U.S. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov. USGS provides science for a changing world. For more information, visit www.usgs.gov. Subscribe to USGS News Releases via our electronic mailing list or RSS feed. **** www.usgs.gov **** Catherine Puckett USGS Office of Communications 2201 NW 40th Terrace Gainesville, FL 32605-3574 OFFICE PHONE: 352-264-3532 CELL PHONE: 352-275-2639 FAX: 352-374-8080 EMAIL: cpuckett at usgs.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 4935 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 31118 bytes Desc: not available URL: From plant at plantconservation.org Tue Jul 17 10:22:46 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 10:22:46 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Ghost Orchid found in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (FL) Message-ID: http://www.corkscrew.audubon.org/Wildlife/GhostOrchid.html A Ghost Orchie (Dendrophylax lindenii) has bee found in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, run by the Audubon Society. Spotted by some owl watchers, it's in a 400- to 500-year old cypress tree, about 45 feet high up in the branches. If you scroll to the bottom of the link above, there are links to some other articles about the find. From plant at plantconservation.org Thu Jul 19 09:35:56 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 09:35:56 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] NEWS: Distinct orchid smells of 'sweaty feet' Message-ID: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/07/17/orchid.discovery.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- A foul-smelling orchid that flourishes only in Yosemite National Park and was first collected in 1923 is a distinct species, scientists announced Monday after re-evaluating the flower. See the link above for the full article text. From plant at plantconservation.org Fri Jul 20 16:26:07 2007 From: plant at plantconservation.org (Olivia Kwong) Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:26:07 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [PCA] WEB: Pollinators and Native Plants Website from Michigan State Univ Message-ID: http://www.nativeplants.msu.edu ----- Forwarded message ----- From: Rufus Isaacs Pollinator Enthusiasts: I wanted to make you aware of recent additions to our website on Enhancing Beneficial Insects with Native Plants, online at www.nativeplants.msu.edu. Information is provided on the bloom period and the suitability of native Midwest herbaceous perennials for attracting pollinators and natural enemies, and there are links to PDF versions of our extension bulletins and powerpoint presentations listed below. Please feel free to forward this information to others that may be interested. Publications 1. Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Flowering Plants. 2. Conserving Native Bees on Farmland. 3. Ecologically Based Farming Systems Power Point presentations for teaching about pollinators, natural enemies, and native plants. Pollinators Power Point Native plants Power Point Natural enemies Power Point Dr. Rufus Isaacs Department of Entomology 202 Center for Integrated Plant Systems Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824, USA tel: (517) 355-6619 Lab website: www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu Blueberry Extension: www.blueberries.msu.edu Grape Extension: www.grapes.msu.edu Native Plants Project: www.nativeplants.msu.edu From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov Mon Jul 23 10:29:01 2007 From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov) Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:29:01 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Vines Take Over Southern U.S. Forests - Global warming to blame, again! Message-ID: I take umbrage with this growing trend to blame global warming for all that is evil in our environment today. For instance, this article recently appeared over the internet. Vines Take Over Southern U.S. Forests Andrea Thompson LiveScience Staff Writer Fri Jul 20, 11:40 AM ET Creeping vines are increasingly invading Southern forests, choking out trees and altering forest makeups. Scientists say increased levels of carbon dioxide might be to blame.....Just why the vines are taking over is uncertain, but Allen and his colleagues speculate that increasing carbon dioxide concentrations that are fueling global warming could be benefiting vine growth more than tree growth. http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070720/sc_livescience/vinestakeoversouthernusforests The fact is, vines are excellent primary colonizers. They have the leg up on most slower-growing temperate species (incl. trees!) and they simply outcompete them. So, the physiology of the plants plays a role. But, while there could be some mysterious microscopic activity, there are several macroscopic factors that are clearly creating the opportunity for these vines and other weeds to proliferate: 1. How close are these forested areas from private land? Many vines were brought into our country as horticultural plants. Many private land owners think ivy/kudzu/looks cool growing up the side of your trees. Similarly, when old estates with once-elaborate, well-tended gardens, fall into disrepair and neglect, plants that had been previously kept at bay, start "moving." Thus, landowners have a hand in the problem. 2. What's the forests' proximity to urbanized areas? Buffers between forested land and homes are getting thinner. "Thinner" woods are more easily penetrated by vines, which is compounded by the animals that are being left with fewer shelter/food resources. Thus, city planners and the animals that rely on the trees have a hand in the problem. 3. And the kiss of death, road building? Not only do the vines/weeds come in on construction equipment but many of the weeds/vines thrive on disturbed land. This could explain why the newer forests have exponentially more vine incursions than the older forest systems. Thus, land managers/construction companies/developers have a hand in the problem. I know I'm preaching to the choir a bit here but we all need to be aware of the subtle danger in blaming global warming for all our environmental ails. Blaming global warming turns tangible problems into something intangible, distancing people from the issues and effectively absolving or removing them from taking responsibility or control. It's not clear to me whether this new global warming "awareness" will actually help the environment, or hurt it. -Patricia Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D. Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group US Fish & Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750 Arlington, VA 22203 703-358-1708 x1753 FAX: 703-358-2276 Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural resources. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Mahoney.Michele at epamail.epa.gov Tue Jul 24 10:51:11 2007 From: Mahoney.Michele at epamail.epa.gov (Mahoney.Michele at epamail.epa.gov) Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2007 11:51:11 -0400 Subject: [PCA] You're invited! Ecological Revitalization (with use of native vegetation) Internet Seminar Aug 2 Message-ID: INTERNET SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT ECOLOGICAL REVITALIZATION CASE STUDIES PRESENTATION SPONSORED by US EPA OFFICE OF SUPERFUND REMEDIATION & TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION August 2, 2007, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, EDT (15:00-17:00 GMT) Registration is FREE and available at http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/ecocasestudies/ Contact: Michele Mahoney, mahoney.michele at epa.gov, 703-603-9057 Please forward this invite to interested parties. This Internet seminar will focus on two case studies where ecological revitalization principles were practiced. The Atlas Tack Superfund Site: An Example of Ecological Enhancement as Part of Waste Site Remediation Presenters: Elaine Stanley, Remedial Project Manager, EPA Region 1 and Ken Finkelstein, NOAA Adjacent fresh and salt water wetlands were heavily contaminated by discharge and fill of metal plating and enameling waste from the Atlas Tack Superfund site, Fairhaven, MA . The site is situated approximately 500 m northwest of Buzzards Bay, designated as an Estuary of National Significance. The remedy includes the removal of nearly 5.5 acres of wetlands; the subsequent mitigation includes vital ecological enhancements that will eliminate much invasive Phragmites vegetation, develop a new fresh water marsh, reintroduce salt marsh to those areas disturbed, and provide a means to eliminate storm water flooding. As part of the planning for the ecological enhancements, EPA made use of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (DARP) who act as a Federal natural resource trustee. NOAA contributed to the development of the sediment remedial goals, the wetland removal plan, and greatly assisted the design the mitigation resulting in ecological enhancements at no additional cost to EPA. At the Atlas Tack site, the specific enhancements include the removal of contaminated fill and the construction of a dike in the northern wetland that will create new fresh and salt water marshes. The EPA contractor, the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and NOAA have jointly designed separate fresh and salt water marshes that will out-compete the Phragmites, provide a means to allow storm water to promptly discharge into the estuary, and create additional estuarine habitat. This Superfund site has used normal remedial funding to create a remedy that enhances the previous ecology while working cooperatively with three Federal agencies. The Cache La Poudre River Site Presenter: Paul Peronard, On-Scene Coordinator, EPA Region 8 Encompassing 19 acres along a popular recreational waterway in Fort Collins, Colorado, the Poudre River Site has proved to be an interesting and unique cleanup for the EPA Removal Program. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been observed in the soils of a former gas plant, in the groundwater underneath a closed landfill, and in the sediments of the Poudre River itself. The contaminants are likely the remnants of former coal to gas processes. The cleanup and protection of the Poudre River involves such intricacies as the creation of a barrier wall, the redirection and treatment of contaminated ground water, and the replacement of non-native vegetation with native species. We look forward to your participation! From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov Wed Jul 25 13:29:23 2007 From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov) Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:29:23 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Fw: Pollinators & Agriculture Questionnaire -- Please participate! Message-ID: Hello All - I thought you might be interested in participating in this survey being taken by Annette Meredith from the University of Maryland. She is interested in receiving responses from anyone in North America who is "involved in sustainable agriculture, pollinator research, or both. The purpose of this research is to identify cultural values and beliefs toward pollinators in an agricultural setting. This questionnaire will address perceptions about the likelihood and practicality of pollinator promotion being incorporated into existing agricultural conservation practices." (see e-mail below) You can access the questionnaire at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=vjNSx7oaiXwdO_2fyQg4b_2brg_3d_3d Or, e-mail Annette Meredith directly at: (meredith at mdsg.umd.edu) - Be sure to put "Pollinator Questionnaire Request" as the subject line of the e-mail. -Patricia Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D. Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group US Fish & Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750 Arlington, VA 22203 703-358-1708 x1753 FAX: 703-358-2276 Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural resources. "Annette Meredith" 07/13/2007 10:25 PM To "'Annette Meredith'" cc Subject Pollinators & Agriculture Questionnaire -- Please participate! Greetings! As part of a larger research study, I have developed a questionnaire that seeks your opinions and views on the topic of pollinators in agriculture. I am gathering information from agricultural producers, land managers and scientists. I would like to ask you to take a few minutes to participate in the study by completing an online questionnaire that takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Your answers will be kept confidential and information gathered from the questionnaire will be pooled and not linked to any individuals. At the completion of the study, results will be available upon your request. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Thank you in advance for your assistance! Best regards, Annette Meredith ************************************************** Annette M Meredith, PhD Candidate University of Maryland 4321 Hartwick Road, Suite 300 College Park, MD 20740 USA meredith at mdsg.umd.edu 301.405.5886 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov Mon Jul 30 11:57:57 2007 From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov) Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:57:57 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Position Available: USFWS, Chief, Divison Scientific Authpority - Arlington, VA Message-ID: Want to be my boss?!?! Then apply for the job listed below by going to Go to: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ Under "Keyword search," type: FWS9-07-54 Supervisory Biologist (CITES Manager) SALARY RANGE: 110,363.00 - 143,471.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Monday, July 30, 2007 to Friday, August 24, 2007 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0401-15 POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent PROMOTION POTENTIAL: None DUTY LOCATIONS: 0001 vacancies - Arlington, VA (Ballston) WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Applications will be accepted from any qualified United States citizens. JOB SUMMARY: The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Assistant Director - International Affairs Division of Scientific Authority This position is located in the Office of International Affairs, Division of Scientific Authority (DSA), which is responsible for all scientific evaluations and recommendations of the Service pursuant to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as well as international scientific responsibilities are assigned to the Secretary of the Interior, including the role of Scientific Authority for the United States under CITES. The incumbent is a manager in the Division of Scientific Authority. Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D. Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group US Fish & Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750 Arlington, VA 22203 703-358-1708 x1753 FAX: 703-358-2276 Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural resources. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From trevor.h.taylor at ci.eugene.or.us Mon Jul 30 18:21:56 2007 From: trevor.h.taylor at ci.eugene.or.us (TAYLOR Trevor H) Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:21:56 -0700 Subject: [PCA] Position: Wetlands Ecologist with the City of Eugene Message-ID: The City of Eugene is currently hiring for a Wetlands Ecologist position. See below for more information about the position or go to our website at www.eugene-or.gov/jobs. For more information about the Natural Areas Program with the City of Eugene see http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=670&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2&userID=2 . Please forward this announcement to others who may be interested. Thank you Trevor Taylor Natural Area Enhancement Team Supervisor Parks and Open Space Division Eugene, Oregon 541.682.4888 _______________________________________________________________________________ We are currently accepting applications for the position of: WETLANDS ECOLOGIST This position provides professional botanical, ecological, monitoring, and data analysis services for Wetlands Restoration program; develops and manages programs within the West Eugene Wetlands Program; leads coordinated planning efforts with professional staff from partner organizations; writes contract specifications for professional and trade services necessary to the projects; monitors projects for outcomes, ongoing maintenance needs, and long term success of habitat enhancements. For more information or to apply please go to: www.eugene-or.gov/jobs The City of Eugene values diversity in its workforce, and is committed to Affirmative Action. SALARY RANGE Salary: Depends on Qualifications REQUISITION #: 00498 POSITION #: 2700 POSITION INFORMATION Final filing date: August 24, 2007. Depending upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities possessed by the successful applicant, this position may be filled as either a Management Analyst 1 or Management Analyst 2 Annual Salary: Management Analyst 1: $45,510 - $56,700 Management Analyst 2: $49,649 - $61,838 EXAMPLES OF DUTIES PERFORMED - Duties may include but are not limited to the following: * Provides professional expertise in botany, ecology, monitoring, and data analysis. * Manages a native plant materials program for restoration projects; provides analysis and leadership to ensure availability of adequate seed/plant resources for restoration projects. * Manages a quantitative and qualitative vegetation monitoring program; provides analysis of restoration vegetation data, collects and maintains extensive records of scientific data for future analysis, and tracks and evaluates projects to ensure the meeting of program objectives. * Manages programs requiring complex coordination with Federal, State, and non-governmental organizations within the West Eugene Wetland Partnership. * Conducts professional experimental research using broad knowledge of scientific methods including experimental design, data collection methodology, and statistical data analysis. * Leads and facilitates meetings of West Eugene Wetlands Partnership staff in field or office setting. * Cultivates creative ideas and values and utilizes diverse viewpoints from a broad base of stakeholders to diagnose complex issues and identify solutions. * Uses GPS and GIS to document site attributes, edit data, analyze spatial data, and create maps. * Writes professional reports documenting the results of research and monitoring projects to direct natural areas management including the West Eugene Wetlands Mitigation Bank Annual Report, rare plant species monitoring reports, and special topical reports. * Hires and supervises seasonal employees working on vegetation monitoring and native seed collection. * Assists with mitigation bank compliance and contract enforcement; provides technical information to support actions and policies. * Serves as project manager for implementation of restoration and maintenance tasks. * Prepares grant applications; ensures compliance with grant reporting requirements; serves as department liaison with granting agency. * Writes contract specifications for professional services and trade service contracts necessary to implement work identified in enhancement plans; provides in-the-field oversight and inspection of contracted work to ensure compliance; negotiates mutually agreeable solutions to unexpected issues. * Tracks projects; develops professional reports using GIS and report production expertise to document activities, project history and guide future enhancement actions on the sites. * Provides guidance and consult to ensure program compliance with Federal, State, and local environmental regulations. * Provides guidance and direction to seasonal technical employees and volunteers. * Ensures implementation of, and adherence to, the City's Affirmative Action and Diversity Work Plans; facilitates staff and volunteer development on such issues as diversity and creating a respectful work environment. * May lead tours of work project sites and activities for a diverse range of City staff, citizens, local and federal officials, and media. * May make presentations to diverse audiences. * Responds to citizen questions regarding wetland activities and programs. * May act in capacity of supervisor in their absence. * Performs other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS * Knowledge oPlant population biology, ecosystem dynamics, landscape ecology, and theoretical ecology. * Vascular plant taxonomy, especially in Willamette Valley ecosystems. * Monitoring techniques and tools used to evaluate plant and animal populations. * Restoration ecology and natural resource management. * Propagation techniques for native plants and nursery management methods; planting and seeding methods. * Project management and goal setting, leading the efforts of a diverse team and ensuring follow-through. * Time management for diverse activities that are under strict deadlines and must have quality results. * Equipment and techniques used in restoration and enhancement projects including GIS and GPS technologies. * Standards and regulations pertaining to wetland and natural area restoration and maintenance operations. * Standard safety precautions and ability to identify hazards. ABILITY TO * Quickly learn to identify plant and animal species in Willamette Valley ecosystems. * Develop, direct, and manage monitoring program to evaluate trends in animal and plant populations; establish baseline ecosystem characteristics. * Analyze data and interpret findings. * Develop, direct, and manage plant materials program. * Develop, direct, and manage multiple projects; cultivate creative ideas; capitalize on workgroups diverse skills and backgrounds; identify issues and potential solutions; resolve complex issues under pressure and under stringent time constraints within program area. * Build strong cross-cultural relationships; be at ease with differences. * Build strong relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City staff, outside agencies, research scientists, citizens, elected officials, and partner organizations. * Model trust, openness, fairness, and respect for all individuals in daily interactions. * Communicate complex information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing to contractors, field crews, and the public; prepare and conduct oral presentations. * Identify, write, and manage grants; ensure compliance; serve as liaison to granting agency. * Prepare and administer project budgets and cost estimates. * Work outside under varying weather conditions. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Management Analyst 1 & 2 Education Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, or a related field(s). License or Certificate A valid Oregon driver's license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355). Management Analyst 1 Experience Some recent, related professional experience in Natural Resource Management, Field Ecology, Botany, Habitat Enhancement, or related field(s). Management Analyst 2 Experience Two years of professional experience in Natural Resource Management, Field Ecology, Botany, Habitat Enhancement, or related field(s). Experience in project and contract management preferred. Supplemental Information In addition to the salary listed above, upon eligibility, the City will contribute the employee contribution of 6% and the employer contribution to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Additionally, for non-represented employees who defer a minimum of 3% of their base salary into the City's deferred compensation plan, the City will reimburse them 2% of their salary through a Deferred Compensation Benefit added to salary. Selection Process Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Applicants selected to continue in the process will be notified within two-three weeks after the posting deadline. Due to the volume of applications received by the City, generally, only applicants selected for further consideration (testing, interviews) will be contacted. Anyone requesting information on a selection process may contact Human Resources (541) 682-5061 or may check the status on the Employment Opportunities Website at www.eugene-or.gov/jobs. The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. Alternative forms of job postings are available. Call (541) 682-5061, TTY (541) 682-5674. The City of Eugene is committed to a work environment which values the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally competent service to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, the City continues to be an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. City of Eugene, Human Resource & Risk Services * 777 Pearl Street, Room 101 * Eugene * OR * 97401 * (541) 682-5061 * http://agency.governmentjobs.com/eugene/default.cfm 00498 Wetlands Ecologist Supplemental Questionnaire In addition to the City of Eugene standard application materials please provide answers to the following supplemental questions. The supplemental questionnaire is scored and will be used to determine if you will proceed to the next phase of the selection process. Provide detailed answers to each question. Please do not reference your r?sum? or application in your responses. * 1. Please provide examples of your experience with: a. Vegetation sampling techniques and experimental design. b. Using descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical techniques to analyze quantitative vegetation data. c. Using GPS and GIS hardware and software to collect, edit, and analyze natural resource data; make maps. d. Vascular plant and animal taxonomy, especially as it relates to Willamette Valley plant communities. e. Native seed collection and grow-out of native plant species for seed production. * 2. What do you believe are the key elements of successful, collaborative partnerships? Have you been involved in projects where formal, or informal, partnerships among different groups were required? If so, please describe how the partnership functioned and what your role was. * 3. Please provide a detailed example of a habitat enhancement project you have worked on. Include the project goals, objectives, and scope as well as your role and responsibilities. Please provide examples of background materials you were responsible for producing including any maps, planting lists, permits, and reports. * 4. Please describe the key elements of a successful program manager, how you utilized these key elements in programs you managed, and provide examples of any programs you have managed. Include program goals, objectives, and your level of responsibility for implementation and progress. Indicate whether your experience included supervision of contractors, staff, or volunteers if applicable and please emphasize natural resource related programs, if possible. * 5. Your response to the following question is confidential and is only used to track your application in our system. Hiring decisions are not based on this response. Please state your month and day of birth. From rob at nativeseednetwork.org Tue Jul 31 11:52:50 2007 From: rob at nativeseednetwork.org (Rob Fiegener) Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:52:50 -0700 Subject: [PCA] plant materials for biocontrol testing Message-ID: <005501c7d393$3b8343a0$8501a8c0@festuca> Hi - I'm forwarding a message for the USDA. Please reply to Jeromy Biazzo, not me. Thanks! >-----Original Message----- >From: jb262 at cornell.edu [ mailto:jb262 at cornell.edu] >Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2007 1:00 PM >To: rob at nativeseednetwork.org >Subject: Native seeds for USDA biological control program > I am a biologist with the USDA-ARS in Ithaca, New York. My supervisor, Dr. Lindsey Milbrath and I are developing a biological control program for the exotic invasive swallow-worts, Vincetoxicum rossicum and V. nigrum. In preparation for assessing the host range of potential arthropod control agents for the swallow-worts, we are accumulating related plant species (nearly 60 species is our goal). I have included the list of specific species relevant to our current efforts. We are willing to accept all forms of live plant tissue whether it be whole plants, vegetative cuttings for propagation or recently collected seed. Your assistance is greatly appreciated to any extent you can offer. Perhaps there are seed purveyors and or colleagues that come to mind that you might refer us to? Apocynaceae Asclepias meadii Torr. ex Gray Mead's milkweed Asclepias viridiflora Raf. green milkweed Asclepias welshii N.& P. Holmgren Welsh's milkweed Cynanchum racemosum (Jacq.) Jacq. Talayote Matelea gonocarpos (Walt.) Shinners angularfruit milkvine Matelea obliqua (Jacq.) Woods. climbing milkvine Funastrum angustifolium (Pers.) Liede and Meve gulf coast swallow-wort Metastelma barbigerum Scheele bearded swallow-wort Metastelma palmeri S. Watson MacCart's swallow-wort Marsdenia edulis Wats. Periploca graeca L. silkvine Trachelospermum difforme (Walt.) climbing dogbane Cycladenia humilis Benth. Sacramento waxydogbane Gentianaceae Bartonia virginica (L.) B.S.P. yellow screwstem, Virginia bartonia Centaurium erythraea Rafn European centaury Gentianella quinquefolia (L.) Small agueweed Loganiaceae Mitreola petiolata (J.F. Gmel.) Torr. & Gray lax hornpod Scrophulariaceae Polypremum procumbens L. juniper leaf ************************************************ Jeromy Biazzo Biologist USDA Agricultural Research Service U.S. Plant, Soil and Nutrition Laboratory Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853-2901 USA Voice: (607) 254-6417 FAX: (607) 255-1132 Email: jb262 at cornell.edu http://www.ars.usda.gov/naa/ithaca/ppru ************************************************ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov Tue Jul 31 12:37:42 2007 From: Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov (Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov) Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:37:42 -0400 Subject: [PCA] Fw: Vines Take Over Southern U.S. Forests - Global warming to blame, again! CLARIFICATION! Message-ID: I'm glad this posting is generating some discussion. To clarify, my intent is not to deny global warming or rising CO2 levels at all. Rather, I want to warn against disconnecting regular everyday people and regular everyday issues/actions from the - the way regular people have been removed from the equation when it comes to understanding modern medicine. Otherwise, "global warming" will just turn into another buzzword like "sustainability" and "partnerships" and then people will just begin to ignore it. Thanks, -Patricia Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D. Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group US Fish & Wildlife Service 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750 Arlington, VA 22203 703-358-1708 x1753 FAX: 703-358-2276 Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural resources. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: