Developing Ecologically-Based Conservation Targets Under Global Change: The 2nd ESA Emerging Issues Conference

Feb. 27 – Mar. 1, 2012 at the National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV

This conference brought together ecologists, land and conservation managers, and students to 1) identify both existing and novel conservation targets that are ecologically sound in light of rapid global change, and 2) develop a framework for assessing the inherent tradeoffs, risks, and benefits involved in achieving those conservation targets. The ultimate objective was to provide science-based, practical decision tools for those charged with implementing conservation strategies throughout North America and internationally.

Water-Ecosystem Services, Drought, and Environmental Justice: The 1st ESA Emerging Issues Conference

Nov. 9-12, 2009 at The Georgia Center, Athens, GA

The goal of this Conference was to bring together ecological and social scientists and students to explore the development of scientifically and socially sound solutions to water allocation in times of drought. The ultimate objective was to reduce conflicts among water users, enhance environmental justice, and more effectively manage public responses to water scarcity. 100 scientists and students attended the 4-day Conference, which included plenary presentations, 40 poster presentations, breakout groups, field trips and eleven video case studies, which were made available on YouTube. All plenary sessions were made available via live webcast.

Conference and Workshop on the Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

March 10 – 12, 2008 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Washington, D.C.

Production of fuels from plants and agricultural and forestry wastes can reduce both society’s dependence on fossil fuels and net emissions of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the major contributor to global warming. Expanded use of this bioenergy requires assuring that its production and consumption are truly sustainable. ESA explored biofuels and sustainability in a one-day conference, which attracted approximately 330 attendees, and a two-day workshop , with 45 participants. Conference attendees heard invited presentations by leading scientists on a variety of topics related to the ecological dimensions of biofuels. Workshop participants developed a report summarizing opportunities for additional research and strategies for how key stakeholders could respond to those needs. Details, including links to conference products and other sources of information on the ecological dimensions of biofuels, are available at www.esa.org/biofuels. You may also contact Dr. Clifford Duke, ESA Director of Science Programs, (202-833-8773 ext. 202, csduke@esa.org).

Workshop on Agricultural Air Quality

June 5 – 8, 2006, Potomac, Maryland

This workshop, which brought together 345 scientists from 25 countries, featured a plenary address by Dr. Ralph Cicerone, President of the National Academy of Sciences, 88 oral presentations, and more than 190 posters on agricultural emissions, monitoring and measurements, biomass burning, best management practices, and public policy. The scientific program was developed by a team led by Dr. Viney Aneja, of North Carolina State University, and former ESA President Bill Schlesinger, of Duke University. Workshop proceedings have been published and an Assessment Report and several special issues of journals with papers by Workshop presenters are in preparation. Drs. Bette Stallman and Clifford Duke of the Science Office served on the workshop steering committee and planned and managed workshop logistics.

Ecology in an Era of Globalization

January 8 – 12, 2006, Merida, Mexico

This conference was designed to develop strategies to increase international access to ecological knowledge and to increase collaboration among environmental scientists. The conference was organized around three sub-themes: Invasive species, Human Migration, and Production Systems. Science Office staff helped raise and manage grant funds, including travel support for 130 graduate students from Latin America and the U.S.; plan the program; and manage the abstract submission and review process. The conference attracted more than 480 attendees, including 200 students, from 20 countries. A special issue of ESA’s journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, dedicated to the conference, was published in May 2007.

Emerging Issues Along Urban/Rural Interfaces: Linking Science and Society

March 13 – 16, 2005, Atlanta, Georgia

This conference, developed by Auburn University’s Forest Policy Center, Center for Forest Sustainability, and Environmental Institute, and cosponsored by ESA, brought together researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to share current research results and to identify knowledge gaps regarding the interaction between urbanization and natural resources. In particular, approaches that focus on integrating socioeconomic and ecological research were highlighted. Science Director Clifford Duke presented an invited plenary talk, “Blurring the Boundaries: The Urban Rural Interface and the Need for Cultural Change in Ecology, Planning, and Management.” Information about the Urban/Rural Interface conference series, including proceedings of the 2005 conference, is available at http://emergingissues.interfacesouth.org/.

Invasive Plants in Natural and Managed Systems: Linking Science and Management

November 3 – 7, 2003, Fort Lauderdale Florida

This conference, held jointly with the seventh international conference on the Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions (EMAPI-7), was a cooperative effort with the Weed Science Society of America and many other scientific societies, Federal and state agencies, and nongovernmental organizations. The objectives were to: (1) promote interdisciplinary exchange of scientific information among researchers working with harmful invasive plants in both managed and natural ecosystems; (2) enhance dialogue between scientists and resource managers for the purpose of identifying research gaps and of accelerating implementation of new science for the management of invasive plants; and (3) foster broad cooperation on the science and management of invasive plants. The Science Office led ESA efforts for this conference, which attracted more than 750 scientists. Science roles included fundraising and management, participation in program development, and logistics. The Proceedings are available online at http://ssa.allenpress.com/wssaonline/?request=get-toc&issn=0890-037X&volume=018&issue=05.

The Second International Nitrogen Conference (2001) and Publications

The Second International Nitrogen Conference (N2001) took place October 14-18, 2001, in Potomac, Maryland, USA. Over 400 scientists, engineers, resource managers, decision makers, and policy analysts from 30 countries attended with the goals of helping nations make optimal choices about nitrogen management in food production, energy production and use and environmental protection. The Science Office coordinated planning, outreach, post-conference publications, including a nontechnical summary of the major findings of the conference, and financial management. Conference products are available at www.esa.org/n2001.

National Marine Classification Workshop (2000)

ESA and NOAA organized this two and a half day workshop in Long Key, FL. The session brought together 22 aquatic biologists, managers, and mapping experts from around the country to develop the first steps in a national classification system for marine and estuarine ecosystems. The objectives of the workshop were to: (1) formulate the first steps in the development of a nationally consistent and compatible habitat classification system that will provide a framework to identify and map marine and estuarine communities, characterize the condition of key habitat types in terms of their biological integrity, and identify gaps in conservation; and (2) identify the components of an implementation plan for developing the full classification system. A review of the workshop was published in the July 2000 ESA Bulletin (81(3): 218-219), and the full report was published as NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-43.

Atmospheric Deposition to the West Coast (2000)

The Science Office organized a two-day workshop to outline the state-of-the-knowledge on atmospheric deposition of toxic substances to Pacific Coast ecosystems and discuss and prioritize how it can be assessed and managed. A workshop report, Where Air and Water Meet: Atmospheric Deposition to the Pacific Coast, was completed. Cosponsors included the EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, the University of California at Los Angeles Institute of the Environment, the University of California Toxic Substances Research and Teaching Program, and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. It is one of a series of workshops investigating atmospheric inputs to coastal waters held jointly by the EPA and ESA. (See also Atmospheric Deposition to the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone (1999).

Ecological Forecasting (2000)

This workshop was held at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) in October 2000, and a summary paper “ Ecological Forecasts: An Emerging Imperative” was published in Science (293:657-660) in 2001.

Atmospheric Deposition to the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone (1999)

The Science Office organized a one-day workshop at the Estuarine Research Federation Annual Meeting to begin to answer questions about the role of atmospheric inputs to the hypoxic zone of the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the workshop was to review our knowledge about the contribution of atmospheric deposition to the Gulf hypoxic zone and identify additional information needed to fully understand the significance of the relationship. A workshop report, Where Air and Water Meet: The Role of Atmospheric Deposition in the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone, was completed. Cosponsors included EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, and Gulf of Mexico Program . It was one of a series of workshops focused on atmospheric inputs to coastal waters being undertaken jointly by EPA and ESA . (See also Atmospheric Deposition to the Pacific Coast (2000).

Atmospheric Deposition: The Ecological Response (1999)

The Science Office joined EPA, USGS, USFS, NOAA, and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies to convene this workshop, attended by leading scientists in atmospheric deposition research, to facilitate a scientific review of the ecological effects of atmospheric deposition on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The goals of the workshop were to (1) evaluate the status and trends of various types of ecosystems in response to acid deposition; (2) determine whether and how the extent of ecological damage from this disturbance has evolved since observed, projected, and reported in the 1990 National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) Report; and (3) ascertain whether some properties of certain ecosystems are showing signs of recovery. The workshop report is available here.

Crossing the Moat: Using Ecosystem Services to Communicate Ecological Ideas beyond the Ivory Tower (1999)

ESA ‘s Science Office and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) co-organized a workshop for the 1999 ESA Annual Meeting. The goal of the workshop was to present and solicit feedback on the initial results of the Ecosystem Services Communication Project, a joint project of ESA and UCS.

ASLO/ ESA Meeting “The Land-Water Interface” (1998)

The Science Office co-organized a joint meeting between the Association of Limnology and Oceanography and ESA focused on the Land-Water Interface. The meeting included invited plenary speakers and contributed sessions. The plenary speakers published papers as a Special Feature in Ecological Applications, ” Managing the Land-Water Interface,” (August 2000)

Aquatic Restoration and Conservation Partnership for Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Living Resources (1998)

The Science Office worked with NOAA, USGS, the American Fisheries Society, the International Fish and Wildlife Society, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and The Nature Conservancy to organize a September 1998 workshop to develop and plan a new program, ARC, The Aquatic Restoration and Conservation Partnership for Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Living Resources.

National Estuarine Research Reserves (1998)

The Science Office co-organized and helped facilitate a NOAA sponsored workshop held October 14-17, 1998, to develop a set of biological monitoring activities for NOAA’s marine estuarine reserves. The workshop brought together marine scientists and research coordinators from NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserves to identify a set of biological monitoring activities that will complement current physical monitoring activities and can be performed under the technical and resource constraints of the reserves.

Interdisciplinary Science at USGS (1998)

A workshop focused on “Enhancing Integrated Science” was jointly sponsored by ESA, the Geological Society of America, and USGS, November 4-5, 1998. Invited participants developed principles for interdisciplinary science and recommendations to the USGS and the broader scientific community as a means of enhancing integrated science. The summary report of the workshop was presented to the Director of the USGS in January 1998 and is available at http://www.usgs.gov/integrated_science/. The workshop was supplemented by an electronic dialogue to gather perspectives about integrated science from a wider range of interested parties.

Urban Ecology (1998)

This workshop at the 1998 ESA Annual Meeting, cosponsored with the LTER Network and ESA Applied Ecology Section, focused on the two new urban LTER sites with special attention paid to information users such as land managers and urban planners.

Ecological Assessments and Land Use Planning (1997)

This workshop at the 1997 ESA Annual Meeting explored the development of ecological assessment methodologies and their use in conservation reserve site selection, design, planning, and management.

Ecological Resource Monitoring: Change and Trend Detection (1995 – 1997)

The Science Office co-organized a workshop with ESA ‘s Statistical Ecology section, the American Statistical Association, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s EMAP program. Products included workshop recommendations submitted to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (National Science and Technology Council), and other relevant agencies; and a May 1998 Ecological Applications Special Feature “Measuring Ecological Change”.

Atmospheric Deposition of Nitrogen to Coastal Watersheds (1996 – 1997)

In cooperation with NOAA and EPA, the Science Office organized this workshop gathering researchers from the ecological and atmospheric sciences communities, along with policymakers and coastal managers. The workshop produced a set of recommendations that were disseminated to workshop participants, at two Capitol Hill policy fora organized by the Center for Clean Air Policy, and to all members of U.S. Senate, accompanied by a letter from Sen. Moynihan. In addition, the Science Office organized a special session at the 1997 biennial meeting of the Estuarine Research Federation.

Scientific Opportunities From NBS/USGS Merger (1996)

The Science Office and the Geological Society of America jointly convened two workshops to identify the scientific research opportunities arising from the merger of the USGS and the National Biological Service (NBS). Workshop reports and recommendations were presented to the Department of the Interior, USGS, and NBS. A summary article was published in the April 1997 ESA Bulletin. (Kearns, F.R. 1997. Scientific Opportunities Created by the Newly Consolidated U.S. Geological Survey and National Biological Service.)

Research Strategies for Sustainability-Based Environmental Management (1993)

The Science Office served on the steering committee for this workshop, organized in cooperation with the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). The workshop proceedings (Sustainable Environmental Management: Proceedings of the Pellston Workshop on Sustainability-Based Environmental Management, 25-31 August, 1993, Pellston, Michigan, Editors L.W. Barnthouse, J. F. Fava, J.H. Gillett, T. F. Yosie, and W. E. Cooper, SETAC Press, 1998) considered the general topic of sustainable systems and toxic chemicals, integrating SETAC perspectives within the SBI framework and the broader ecological research community.

National Park Service Strategic Ecological Science Workshop (1992)

The Science Office played an integral role in organizing an evaluation of National Park Service future research and management needs. The published workshop report recommended incorporating Science Office priorities in key resource management policies.

International Conference on the Definition and Measurement of Sustainability: The Biophysical Foundations (1992)

The Science Office organized this conference in cooperation with the United Nations University and the Smithsonian Institution, which attempted to reach consensus on a preferred set of measurements and indicators for use at the landscape, regional, and global levels. The conference volume, Defining and Measuring Sustainability: the Biogeophysical Foundations was published by the World Bank in 1995.

Modeling Sustainable Forest Ecosystems Workshop (1992)

The Science Office served on the steering committee, identified participants, and organized ecological modeling presentations. The workshop stimulated interaction among ecologists, economists, and other scientists developing and testing predictive, simulation, and impact assessment models of sustainable forest ecosystems, and synthesized existing knowledge on sustainable forest ecosystems modeling at the landscape level.

Symposium on the Effects of Fishing Activities on Benthic Habitats: Linking Geology, Biology, Socioeconomics, and Management (2002)

This symposium, a collaborative effort between NOAA, USGS, ESA, and the American Fisheries Society (AFS), was held November 11-15, 2002, in Tampa, FL. The symposium featured three days of plenary sessions, poster sessions, and a moderated panel and open discussion covering management and livelihood issues, characterizing and understanding natural change to bottom habitats, understanding the ecological and economic effects of fishing, and minimizing adverse effects of fishing on benthic habitats. The symposium proceedings are available from AFS at http://www.afsbooks.org/x54041xm.

Ecosystem Simplification: Why a Patchwork Quilt is More Valuable than a Burlap Sack (2001)

The Science Office co-organized this half-day symposium at the 2001 SRM Annual Meeting, which focused on ecosystem complexity and the anthropogenic forces that are simplifying ecosystem structure, species composition, and processes. Topics covered included the hows and whys of ecosystem complexity, land use change impacts, impacts of global changes in climate and nutrients, and impacts of invasive species and extinctions, as well as how to manage for heterogeneity in resource use. The symposium was cosponsored by ESA , SRM, The Nature Conservancy, the USGS Biological Resources Division, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

ESA Symposium: Cows and Conservation (2000)

The Science Office organized a half-day symposium, “Cows and Conservation: A Role for Ranching in Protecting Biodiversity,” at the 2000 ESA Annual Meeting, which focused on efforts that western ranchers are taking to protect biodiversity on their lands. Speakers included ranchers and ecologists working with ranchers to include biodiversity in ranch management and increase our understanding of the ecology of these working landscapes. The symposium was cosponsored by the ESA Western Chapter, the Society for Range Management, The Nature Conservancy, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service Wildlife Habitat Management Institute.

Sagebrush Steppe Communities: Origin, Ecology, Impacts, and Resources (2000)

The Science Office participated in the planning of a one-day symposium at the 2000 SRM Annual Meeting which focused on the ecology and natural resource use of these ecosystems. Topics included the ecological and evolutionary history of sagebrush steppe communities, ecophysiology and water relations, carbon and nitrogen balance, livestock grazing, weed invasion, fire, restoration, wildlife, and rare plant communities. The symposium was co-sponsored by ESA , SRM, and the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.

The Art and Science of Wetland Restoration (2000)

The Science Office co-organized this symposium for the 2000 AAAS Annual Meeting. Speakers included: Bill Mitsch, Ohio State University , on “Creating and Restoring Wetlands: A Whole Ecosystem Experiment in Self-Design,” Mark Kraus, National Audubon Society Florida State Office on “The Everglades: How Do You Begin an Ecosystem Level Restoration?” Jean Marie Hartman, Rutgers University , on “Developing a Reference Set for Restoration Assessment,” and Beverly Getzen , U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on “Wetland Restoration Policy and the Corps of Engineers.” The presenters also participated in a stimulating discussion on whether wetland restoration works, on whether we monitor long enough to determine success, on whether our understanding of wetlands is sufficient to know if it works, and the evolving political, scientific, and societal cultures impacting wetland degradation and restoration.

Ecosystem Services: A Free Lunch? (2000)

The Science Office organized this symposium for the 2000 AAAS Annual Meeting, which paired talks on the science behind the ecosystem services of pollination and flood control and the application of this knowledge in resource management. Presentations were given by Kathy Ewel (co-organizer), Rebecca Sharitz, David Inouye and Jordi Bosch. AAAS featured this symposium in their press efforts and set up a press briefing prior to the symposium. The symposium and speakers were featured in an Environmental News Network article. A review of the symposium was published in the July 2000 ESA Bulletin (81(3): 222).

Non-Regulatory Approaches to Species Conservation (2000)

The Science Office co-organized this half-day symposium for the 2000 SRM Annual Meeting, which focused on alternative approaches to prevent the need to list declining species by taking action to remove threats and protect them before they become critically endangered. Topics included the need for nonregulatory approaches, Candidate Conservation (Safe Harbor Agreements) under the Endangered Species Act, conservation agreements and local partnerships, financial incentives for conserving species, and multi-species conservation strategies. The symposium was cosponsored by ESA , SRM, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Great Plains Grasslands at the Millennium (1999)

The Science Office co-organized a two-day symposium at the 1999 SRM Annual Meeting on the current knowledge and research on Great Plains grasslands. Topics included the ecological uniqueness and history of the central North American grasslands region, land use management patterns, climate change, biodiversity, invasive species, linking science and management, recreation, grazing by domestic livestock and native ungulates, the ecology of riparian areas in the region, and economic and sociological issues. The symposium also featured a poster session of additional research and management approaches on Great Plains grasslands. The symposium was cosponsored by ESA , the U.S. Forest Service, SRM , the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and the University of Nebraska ‘s Centers for Grasslands Studies and Great Plains Studies. Selected papers from the symposium were published as a special issue of Great Plains Research. A meeting summary was published in the ESA Bulletin (83(3): 219-222).

The Metropolis in the Millennium: Integrated Science and Urban Ecosystems (1999)

Urban ecology was featured in this Science Office-organized symposium at the 1999 AAAS Annual Meeting, which brought together key scientists from a variety of disciplines who are at the forefront of this emerging field to discuss innovative ways for understanding the interface between natural and human systems. Speakers included Mark R. Walbridge, Steward T.A. Pickett, William E. Rees, Carol Carmichael, and Timothy D. Hogan.

Alien Invasions!: Impacts and Control of Non-indigenous Species (1999)

The Science Office co-organized this 1999 AAAS Annual Meeting symposium, which explored the issues involved in exotic species invasions and efforts to control them. Participants included: Andrew N. Cohen, San Francisco Estuary Institute; Thomas Fritts, USGS BRD; William Gregg, USGS BRD; Don Schmitz, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and Isi Siddiqui, Deputy Under-Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at USDA.

Understanding Land-use Change: Research and Application at the Cutting Edge (1999)

The Science Office co-organized this 1999 AAAS Annual Meeting Symposium. Understanding land-use change, and providing guidance to inform land-use decisions, is inherently an interdisciplinary undertaking. The causes and impacts of land-use change have both biophysical and sociopolitical dimensions. This symposium examined these multiple dimensions as they are being explored in both theoretical and applied settings. Speakers reported on current efforts to understand land-use change, its causes and consequences; provide input into the land-use decision-making process; and design and implement alternative future land-use scenarios.

Ecological Perspectives on Land Use (1999)

In collaboration with Virginia Dale, the Science Office organized this symposium for the Association of American Geographers 1999 Annual Meeting, which reported on the ESA white paper “Ecological Principles for Managing Land Use”. In addition, the symposium featured papers on land-use decision making processes in the United States and case studies examining the interplay of ecological factors and land use decisions in specific areas of the country ( New Jersey pine lands, greater Yellowstone ecosystem, and mid-western agricultural lands).

Implementing Ecological Principles for Forest Management (1999)

With Virginia Dale, the Science Office organized this symposium for the National Center for Environmental Decision Making 1999 Annual Meeting. The symposium explored the connections between forest land management and ecological principles that can be used to guide land use and management decisions, and featured presentations from federal and state forest management agencies, as well as private forest wood lot owners.

Leopold and Hippocrates: Linkages between Human Health and Ecological Change (1998)

This symposium for the 1998 ESA Annual Meeting investigated how ecological change impacts human health and how ecological science can contribute to human health studies. Speakers included: Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, Smithsonian Institution, moderator; Dr. Jonathan Patz, Director, Program on Heath Effects of Global Environmental Change, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health; Dr. Francesca Grifo, Director, Center for Biodiversity Conservation, American Museum of Natural History; Dr. Elaine Matthews, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies; Dr. Paul Epstein, Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School; Dr. Eric Chivian, Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Medical School.

Fossil Fuel Energy Use Symposium (1998)

The Science Office developed a symposium with Orie Loucks of Miami University for the 1998 AAAS Annual Meeting, entitled “Fossil Fuel Consumption: Aggregated Costs and Options for Alternatives.” Speakers included Orie Loucks, Paul Runci (University of Maryland ), and Paul Jefferiss (Union of Concerned Scientists).

Fisheries as Experimental Systems in Ecology (1997)

The Science Office co-organized this symposium for the 1997 ESA Annual meeting. A summary article was published in the April 1998 ESA Bulletin. (Kearns, F.R. 1998. Fisheries as Experimental Systems in Ecology. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 79(2):165-166.)

Human Population and Consumption: What Are the Ecological Limits? (August 1996)

This symposium at the 1996 ESA Annual Meeting focused on the link between human populations and ecological problems. A summary article was published in the April 1997 ESA Bulletin. ( Kearns, F.R. 1997. Human Population and Consumption: What Are the Ecological Limits? Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 78(2):161-163.)

Ecology and the Social Sciences (1995)

SBI organized this symposium for the 1995 ESA Annual Meeting. A summary article was published in the April 1996 ESA Bulletin and four papers appeared in a May 1998 Ecological Applications Special Feature, “Ecology, the Social Sciences, and Environmental Policy.”

National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) (2002–2006)

NEON is designed to be a continent-wide research network of geographically-distributed observatories, linked via state of the art communications. Each observatory will consist of a consortium of instrumented field sites and support institutions creating a regional “footprint.” Collectively, the observatories form a “virtual lab” accessed by hundreds of scientists for research to obtain a predictive understanding of the environment.

Science staff worked with staff from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and designers from Free Range Graphics to develop a CD to promote NEON. We assisted in the development of the message to be conveyed, including co-writing the voice over text, choosing examples to portray the benefits of NEON, and assessing the visual impact of the video. We worked with NSF and other scientific organizations to distribute the CD to congressional leaders, agencies, scientific societies, universities, and others to promote the NEON project. Science staff also supported a workshop, held on June 4-5, 2002 in Boulder, CO, to solicit input from researchers on standard measurement and infrastructure for NEON observatories. The workshop report is available at www.sdsc.edu/NEON/june2002/index.html.

Many ESA members and staff have participated in NEON planning and implementation. Current information about the ESA Education Office’s efforts on NEON is available at http://www.esa.org/education_diversity/neon/workshop/, and general information is available at http://www.neoninc.org and NSF’s NEON web site, http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13440&org=DBI.

Senior Ecologist Seminar Series (1997 – 2003)

• Jill Baron, Secretary of the ESA Governing Board, presented two Senior Ecologist seminars on “Sustaining Freshwater Ecosystems” on May 16, 2003, at the Environmental Protection Agency and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Also see related Issues in Ecology Number 10.
• In May 2000, Virginia Dale, Chair of the ESA Land Use Committee, presented a Senior Ecologist Seminar on the ESA Position Paper, “Ecological Principles and Guidelines for Managing the Use of Land,” at the Environmental Protection Agency’s Watershed Rap Speakers Series and at the Environmental Law Institute. On November 15, 1998, Val Smith spoke on nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen at both EPA and the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
• On April 7, 1998, Eliot Norse spoke on marine biodiversity at both EPA and the World Wildlife Fund.
• James Porter, on November 18, 1997, gave a lecture at the Smithsonian, “Multiple stressors on Floridian Coral Reefs: Lessons for a Sustainable Future.”
• Gretchen Daily, on March 26, 1997, presented, “Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems” at EPA.
• William Schlesinger, on February 26, 1996, presented, “Human Alteration of the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Causes and Consequences” at EPA.

Invasive Species Review (2000 – 2001)

ESA partnered with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Biological Resources Division and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a summary review of the state of the knowledge and science on setting priorities for non-indigenous species in the United States. A review paper, “Introduced Species and Vulnerable Habitats in the United States Ecosystems,” was developed by Laura Meyerson, Tom Stohlgren, and Fred Meyerson. This paper reviews and synthesizes the recent literature on introduced species and natural ecosystems subject to invasion.

Ecosystem Management Regional Briefings (1996 – 2000)

A series of briefings designed by the Science Office and regional EPA staff on ecosystem management for mid to senior level management staff was held in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions 4 (Atlanta), 5 (Chicago), and 8 (Denver). Participants included Charles Peterson (UNC), Rebecca Sharitz (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory), and Elizabeth Blood (Jones Ecological Research Center ).

ESA/UCS Ecosystem Advanced Technologies in Ecology (1998 – 1999)

Between 1998 and 1999, the Science Office undertook several activities in an initiative to help facilitate the use of advanced technologies in ecological research. Activities included technical workshops and discussion sessions at ESA ‘s 1998 and 1999 Annual Meetings, and the creation of a spatial technology information resources guide, providing websites and references to information about available technologies, data, vendors, and user services.

Interagency Watershed Training Course (1998)

The Science Office worked with the Interagency Watershed Training Cooperative (EPA, NRCS, COE , USFS, FWS) to develop a course entitled “Working at a Watershed Level,” and recruited Robert Naiman (University of Washington) to develop curricula for two units: Watershed Ecology and Agents of Change in the Watershed. A pilot offering of the course occurred in June to agency resource managers and others, including Naiman as instructor.

ESA Fellow for EPA’s Office of Water (1998)

ESA fellow, Tamara Saltman, worked with EPA/OWOW. Her tasks included managing a process to produce a set of studies examining the implications of policies affecting deposition and ambient concentrations of key pollutants; contributing the ecological expertise and analysis to the studies, and the production of Frequently Asked Questions About Atmospheric Deposition: a Handbook for Watershed Managers. The handbook provides information for managers and scientists on how to decide whether atmospheric deposition is an important source of water quality contamination in a given area, as well as information on atmospheric deposition monitoring and modeling.

EMAP Program Review (1998)

The Science Office supported EPA’s Office of Research and Development in undertaking a one-day review of EMAP program components in March 1998. The review focused on EMAP’s approach to collection and analysis of geographic data in the mid-Atlantic region with regard to design of a western EMAP pilot program.

Advanced Technologies for Ecological Research (1995–1997)

The Science Office participated in a project with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Army Environmental Policy Institute ( AEPI ) to promote dialogue among ecologists on opportunities to incorporate advanced technologies, such as satellite remote sensing and image processing, into ecological research. Activities included two discussion sessions at the 1996 ESA Annual Meeting and a discussion session and workshop at the 1997 ESA Annual Meeting.

Conversation on Forest Health Policy (September 1996)

The Science Office convened a nongovernmental organization focus group to solicit input regarding the U.S. Forest Service draft Interim Directive on Forest Health Policy, producing a set of comments and recommendations on the proposed forest health policy.

Conversations on Ecosystem Management (1995 – 1996)

The Science Office organized a series of informal focus group discussions that gathered stakeholders from all segments of society to address challenges involved in implementing an ecosystem-based approach to management of natural resources. Incorporating Local Values into Ecosystem Management, Small Businesses and Ecosystem Management, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Ecosystem Management.

Department of Defense Ecosystem Management Technical Support (1994 – 1996)

The Science Office provided technical support to address ecosystem management policy development and implementation issues on the 12.5 million acres which the Army manages. Products included four policy white papers and several staff seminars.

Using Inferential Studies to Assess Ecosystem Dynamics (1993 – 1996)

This project included a workshop and review process designed to produce studies on broad scientific questions of relevance to global climate change. The resulting five papers, “ Inferential Studies of Climate Change ,” were published in Ecological Applications (August 1997).

Habitat Sensitivity Program (1992 – 1995)

The Science Office assisted EPA in evaluating the state-of-the-art in assessing the impact of global climate change on habitats. Using an eight member Scientific Review Committee, SBI facilitated dialogue between outside scientists, EPA personnel, and the Principal Investigators of three EPA-funded projects designed to develop methodologies for assessing climate change impacts on habitats. Outreach activities following the project included: a discussion session at the 1995 ESA Annual Meeting, and a symposium at the 1996 AAAS meeting, “Assessing Ecological Implications of Changes in Climate.” A summary article was published in the April 1996 ESA Bulletin (Eddy, J.O.F. and T.D. Fuad. 1996. Global Climate Change Impacts on Habitats: Assessing Ecological Implications of Changes in Climate .)

Ecosystem Management Roundtable (1993)

The Science Office collaborated with Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS), and the Association of Ecosystem Research Centers (AERC) to convene a high level policy discussion of ecosystem management. Participants included the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior, the President’s Science Advisor, two members of Congress, representatives of four other executive branch agencies, and ten ecological scientists.