News from Scientists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Monday, August 27, 2001
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Press/Media Inquiries A newspaper article recently appeared in the Bangor (Maine) Daily News, which details the research being conducted by USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Scientists Drs Hilary Neckles and Glenn Guntenspergen. Patuxent HiLites commends staff writer Misty Edgecomb for a very well written and factual article, which can be reviewed in the Bangor Daily News Archives (click here). Contacts: Dr
Hilary Neckles Meetings/Presentations Dr Bill Kendall will head a team of Patuxent researchers and provide a short course entitled "Adaptive Wildlife Management: Concepts, Optimization tools, and Case Studies" at The Wildlife Society annual meeting on Tuesday September 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. USGS instructors will be William L. Kendall, Michael C. Runge, James D. Nichols, and Clinton T. Moore, and Bruce R. Lubow of Colorado State University. The purpose of this short course is to provide (1) an introduction to the formal paradigm of adaptive wildlife management, (2) a discussion of approaches to various types of real wildlife management problems using this paradigm, and (3) an introduction to algorithms/software that can be used to identify an optimal policy. The workshop will be mostly elementary and partly intermediate. It will be developed with both management- oriented biologists and researchers in mind. The emphasis will lean toward the former, but will also be determined by the mix of people that sign up. The morning will consist mostly of a discussion of the components of a decision process. Each presentation will include extensive use of real world examples from our own experience, and examples elicited from the audience. The afternoon will consist of case studies related to harvest and habitat management, and conservation biology. These will include a discussion of tools that can be used for optimizing decisions. Discussion will be encouraged throughout and a longer discussion session will conclude the workshop. Contact: Dr
Bill Kendall
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On
September 6 and 11, John Seginak will present several lectures at
Madison County High School in Danielsville, Georgia. This is the sixth
year Mr. Seginak will be lecturing at the school. The lectures will
focus on Wildlife Management Techniques and Research, with an emphasis
on Whitetail Deer Management and how proper deer management can benefit
other wildlife species through the restoration of habitat, specifically
native understory species, forbs, and legumes. Mr. Seginak has also been
requested to speak at Oconee County (Georgia) High School in
October. Dates are not yet set.
Contact: John
Seginak Dr. George Gee attended the Whooping Crane Conservation Association (WCCA) Meetings in Fort Smith, NWT, Canada from 8/15-18/2001. Dr Gee stated that, "Visiting the remote breeding grounds of the whooping crane provided the greatest thrill of my life". They saw birds on territory with nearly grown young of the year. There were 53 breeding pairs at Wood Buffalo National Park this year and 14 young have fledged. The WCCA held the scientific program on 8/17-8/18 with papers from Canadian and US biologist. Summary presentations on the discovery of the whooping crane breeding grounds and subsequent developments provided the theme for this year’s program. Dr. Fuller, the person to report the discovery of breeding pairs in 1954, was the keynote speaker at the banquet. Dr Gee provided a slide illustrated presentation "History of Cranes at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, the Wood Buffalo Connection" to start the Saturday program. The visit to the breeding habitat, discussions with Canadian scientists, and with the leaders of the program in Canada provided a new understanding of the recovery program. Discussions included studies needed in Wood Buffalo and of the Florida nighttime study with Steve Nesbitt (by our graduate student Nichole Allison). Wood Buffalo National Park is a long way from civilization but new mining activity (diamonds and other metals) may make it less difficult to reach. Large rivers, big wood bison herds, and other scenic attractions along with the mining activity, could spur an increase in tourism. Yet, the park provides ample territory for the expansion of the whooping crane population. It appears that the wintering habitat at Aransas poses the most serious threat to the native population. The WCCA surprised Dr Gee at the banquet with the Honor Award. They said this is the first time a Patuxent Scientist ever got such an award. Dr Gee indicated that he felt the award was a testimony to the wonderful team we have at Patuxent and told them this in his acceptance of the award. Pioneers like Ernie Kuyte have been earlier recipients. Ernie was at the meetings and although retired, still takes an active part in the recovery program. Contact: Dr
George Gee |
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