News from Scientists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Monday, March 27, 2006
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USGS & NPS Research Environmental Contaminants On March 23rd, Dr. Barnett Rattner and Ms. Betty Ackerson met with 20 natural resource managers of the National Park Service and described the results of a year long evaluation of environmental contaminant hazards, and research and monitoring needs for their Inventory and Monitoring Units within the National Capital Region and Mid-Atlantic Networks. This study demonstrated that over half of the Park Service study units are near industrial and waste sites that discharge hazardous chemicals into air or water. Fish consumption advisories related to mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls or Kepone are in effect at or near 22 of the 23 study units. However, very limited data are available that examine condition, contaminant exposure and potential adverse effects in wildlife at or near these units. Based upon their findings, ecotoxicological monitoring and research investigations of terrestrial vertebrates may be warranted at several units including Shenandoah National Park, Richmond National Battlefield, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Valley Forge National Historic Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Monocacy National Battlefield, and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Contact Barnett Rattner , Laurel, MD 301-497-5671 The article, "Surface elevation dynamics in vegetated Spartina marshes versus unvegetated tidal ponds along the mid-Atlantic coast, USA, with implications to waterbirds" by M. Erwin, D. Cahoon, D. Prosser, G. Sanders, and P. Hensel published in Estuaries and Coasts, February 2006 (formerly Estuaries) was selected as a special feature in the "Coastal and Estuarine Science News" as one of broad interest to science. The short feature "Can mid-Atlantic marshes and tidal ponds keep their heads above water?" appeared Saturday, March 31st. The focus article represents one of our major findings from a cooperative study with the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service and University of Virginia, as part of the USGS Global Change program. Contact R. Michael Erwin , Charlottesville, VA, 434-924-3207 |
Maine Coastal Environments Conference USGS-Eastern Region is a major sponsor and lead organizer of the first Maine Coastal Waters Conference, to be held Monday, April 10, in Rockport, Maine. The conference is a one-day forum highlighting the diversity, importance, condition, and management of Maine's coastal environments. Over 250 resource professionals, researchers, consultants, citizens, students, regulators, and planners will come together to exchange information on coastal resource issues throughout the state. Experts will address the current status of Maine's coastal waters, major issues of concern to resource management and ecosystem sustainability, and trends for the future. This conference provides a forum for those who manage, study, and love the Maine coast to learn about and discuss issues of concern and forge relationships directed toward a common goal of managing and protecting Maine’s rich coastal resources. In addition to USGS, co-sponsors and organizers include US Fish and Wildlife Service, Maine Department of Marine Resources, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Maine Coastal Program, Maine Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Friends of Casco Bay. Contact Hilary Neckles , Augusta, ME 207-622-8205 X119
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