NWRC Weekly Highlights 5/14/2009

Weekly Highlights

MEMORANDUM

From: Courtney H Schaneville
Subject: Weekly Highlights, USGS National Wetlands Research Center, May 14, 2009

Departmental/Bureau News - Current

Students Visit NWRC: USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) contractor Courtney Schaneville hosted 30 7th graders from Iberia Middle School on May 19, 2009. The students received a presentation on Louisiana’s wetlands and toured NWRC. They learned about greenhouse experiments, research on fish, frogs, and applesnails, and spatial analysis through mapping. (Courtney Schaneville, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8583)
NWRC and Louisiana Water Science Center Stage Hurricane Jambalaya Drill: The USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) and the USGS Louisiana Water Science Center (LAWSC) coordinated together to stage a mock hurricane drill on Tuesday May 12, 2009, in preparation for the upcoming 2009 hurricane season, which will officially open on June 1. NWRC Facilities Maintenance Staff placed emergency equipment, tools, and duct tape in strategic locations throughout the almost 70,000 square foot facility so employees could have supplies to cover and secure computer servers and other critical equipment in preparation for Hurricane Jambalaya. A commercial vendor under contract with NWRC and LAWSC provided a centralized service for all employees to call. Over 140 USGS employees called into the central service verifying their name, contact phone, current status and availability to return to work. There were a couple of issues that arose from this preparation drill, but those are being resolved, and the drill was ultimately successful. (Charlie Demas, Baton Rouge, La., 225-298-5481x3117 or Phil Turnipseed, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8566)
NWRC Completes Successful Fire Drill: The USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) conducted a fire drill on May 12, 2009. NWRC Facilities Maintenance Manager Chuck Garvin and NWRC Safety Officer Wayne Norling coordinated with the Lafayette, Louisiana Fire Department and NWRC staff to stage a building evacuation in the event of a fire. A Certified Lafayette Fire Department Inspector, Ron Broussard, was on hand to observe and evaluate the drill. Broussard later met with the NWRC Executive Management Team to discuss the drill, which was rated as a good job! (Phil Turnipseed, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8566)
High School Student Job Shadows at NWRC: USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) contractor Courtney Schaneville coordinated a job shadowing day for a local high school student on May 12, 2009. The student was paired up with several NWRC staff members throughout the day so that she could learn more about the types of jobs held at NWRC. NWRC scientists Chris Wells, Ken Krauss, Clint Jeske, and Jill Jenkins generously devoted their time to assist in making the student’s experience a good one. (Courtney Schaneville, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8583)
NWRC Collaborates with Wildlife Refuge Staff: USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) Acting Assistant Director Phil Turnipseed and Branch Chief Tom Doyle hosted a meeting on April 13, 2009, with Fish and Wildlife Service Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Manager Don Voros and staff. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the refuge conservation plan and need for a hydrological model for managing water levels and vegetation of refuge pools for waterfowl. NWRC scientists Tommy Michot, Rebecca Howard, and Louisiana Water Science Center scientist Chris Swarzenski also attended the briefing. (Tom Doyle, Lafayette, La., 337-266-8647)

Press Inquiries/Media - Newspapers/magazines/wires, etc.

USGS National Wetlands Research Center scientist Jill Jenkins was interviewed by Tina Macias of The Advertiser in relation to assisting with a job shadowing student on May 12, 2009. Jenkins was asked about the aspects of her research, including the species she works with and the technology she uses to obtain her data.
USGS National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) contractor Jack Larriviere was pictured in an article by Tina Macias of The Advertiser on May 14, 2009. Larriviere assisted with a job shadowing student at NWRC on May 12, 2009.

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