News The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

The Rubenstein School
of Environment and Natural Resources
News
Vol. XXVIII, No. 6, April 2007, The University of Vermont, www.uvm.edu/envnr
CONSERVATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION:
SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE?
By Eileen Horn and Erin Farrell
The Rubenstein School
News, published monthly
from October through May,
is one of the school’s primary vehicles for keeping
students, faculty, and staff
informed. We publish news
and highlight coming
events, student activities,
and natural resources employment opportunities.
Copies are available in the
Aiken Center lobby and the
Student Resource Area (336
Aiken) in the Dean’s office.
http://www.uvm.edu/envnr
Editor:
Eileen Horn, ‘07G
Aiken Center 101
[email protected]
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Rubenstein School In
Action
- Graduate Students Study
in the Everglades
- Internship: Ben Janes ‘07
- GUND Atelier in Costa
Rica
- VT Green Job Fair
- Upcoming Events
- NEW! Opinion Section!
- Help Wanted
- and more...
It is upon this need for consensus
Former Vermont Governor and Dean building that Professor Lawrence Susskind
of the U.S. Senate George D. Aiken was known spoke. Susskind is one of the country’s most
experienced public and environmental dispute
for his ability to seek practical solutions to
complex problems. It is in honor of this legacy mediators, the founder of the Consensus Buildthat the George D. Aiken lecture series speakers ing Institute, and a faculty member at MIT.
Professor Susskind’s talk “Negotiating Internafocused on one of the most pressing and complex issues of our time: global climate change. tional Consensus and Taking Collective Action,” began by addressThis forum entitled
ing the weaknesses of
“Global Climate
the current approach
Change– No Time to
used to negotiate multiWaste,” took place
lateral environmental
this past Thursday,
agreements such as the
April 5th, and feaKyoto Protocol. Actured two prominent
cording to Susskind, this
speakers.
approach exacerbates
Mr. Jerome
inequities between
Ringo, the former
North and South, has no
Chair of the National
true enforcement
Wildlife Federation
mechanism, and doesn’t
and current President
provide incentives for
of the Apollo Allicompliance. Susskind’s
ance, addressed the
solution: an approach
crowd of students,
(From left to right) Associate Dean Saleem
which builds upon
faculty, and public
Ali, Jerome Ringo, Larry Susskind, and UVM
“parallel informal negowith his call to action.
President Daniel Fogel at the Aiken Lecture
tiation.” This negotiaAs he tossed aside his
tion model would inspeaking notes, to
volve various stakeholders such as scientists
“not speak from the head, but from the heart,”
he reflected upon the influences that led him to and non-state actors in addition to government
his work in the conservation field. He noted his representatives. This approach to consensus
past career in the petrochemical industry, which building would invest in capacity building in
highlighted for him the need for environmental the developing world and provide independent
justice, as the nation’s poor and people of color scientific counsel.
Both Susskind and Ringo emphasized
were disproportionately affected by pollution
the need for collective action in addressing cliand environmental degradation.
Ringo then relayed how, although the mate change. In particular, Susskind noted that
universities have a key role to play, as they can
environmental justice movement had focused
upon issues that affected the poor and people of educate students to be the types of skillful facilitators needed to address diverse interests as
color, global climate change is an issue that
affects us all, regardless of race, gender, or so- all are “brought to the table” to solve this global
cioeconomic status. For Ringo, “It’s not about climate challenge.
black or white, rich or poor, but about saving
humanity. All must be brought to the table.”
2
The Rubenstein School News
THE RUBENSTEIN SCHOOL IN ACTION
PUBLICATIONS
Manning, R. and C. Ginger. 2007. An Owner's Manual to "Ownership": A Reply to Lachapelle and
McCool. Society and Natural Resources 20: 187-192.
McEvoy, T.J. 2007. Sustainable Family Forests: The Wisdom of Creating an LLC – Part II. The Forestry Advantage. Vol. 11, No. 1. pp 1 – 4. (A quarterly insert to National Woodlands Magazine – Winter
2007).
McEvoy, T.J. 2007. Timber Investments 101 (Part I). Farming -- The Journal of Northeastern Agriculture. Vol. 10, No. 3. March issue. pp 60 – 65.
Vermont State Flower:
Red Clover
McEvoy, T.J. 2007. The Cottonwood Borer. Tree Services. Vol. 3, No. 2. pp 16 – 18.
PRESENTATIONS
Extension Assistant Professor Jurij Homziak was an invited speaker and panelist on water science education at the Maine Water
Quality Conference in Augusta, ME March 21, 2007. Homziak described on-going urban watersheds education project with the Burlington School District, the integration of academic science with K-12 science education, effects on student learning, and the assessment tools used to evaluate how well these linkages work. The agenda and panel session description are available at:
http://www.umaine.edu/waterresearch/mwc/sessions_07.htm#education
Associate Professor Saleem Ali led a seminar on indigenous development conflicts at the United Nations mandated University for
Peace in Costa Rica in early March and also facilitated a workshop on environmental conflict resolution at the Watson Institute for
International Studies at Brown University.
MEDIA
Extension Assistant Professor Jurij Homziak was profiled in an article entitled “Award-Winning Handbook Helps Stabilize Shoreline in Vermont” in the NOAA Coastal Services magazine 10(2): 8. An online version of the article is available at:
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/magazine/2007/02/article4.html
Professor John Todd was interviewed for Audubon Magazine’s “Solutions” section. The article, which describes Todd’s work with
the Restorer, a series of wetlands planted on a raft and set afloat on polluted waters, is available at: http://audubonmagazine.org/
solutions/solutions0703.html
Professor John Todd was featured for his work with eco-machines as part of a CNN International special entitled “The Skewed
View.” This video clip which features Professor John Todd and Graduate Students Eileen Horn and Sacha Lozano is available at:
http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/skewed.view/todd/
AWARDS
Professor Mary Watzin was recently selected as the recipient of the Vermont Campus Compact’s 2007 “Engaged Scholar Award.”
This award honors one faculty member in Vermont each year for making community engagement an integral part of his/her teaching
and research. It recognizes the innovative or important use of knowledge for the public good, commitment to partnering with students
and communities, campus leadership for incorporating service into scholarship, and campus-community partnerships. Watzin was
honored at a the Vermont Campus Compact’s Gala at the Vermont State House in Montpelier on March 29th.
Associate Professor Patricia Stokowski was named a Senior Fellow of the American Leisure Academy in March 2007. This organization honors individuals who have made notable contributions to the study and practice of recreation and leisure in America.
The Rubenstein School News
3
AWARDS (cont’d)
Associate Professor Saleem H. Ali has been appointed to the stakeholder advisory group for DeBeers corporation and will also be joining Partnership-Africa-Canada's "Diamonds and Development" initiative to provide pro bono services to improve the environmental and
social performance of gemstone mining in Africa.
Dean Donald DeHayes, received an invitation to participate in the Tallberg Forum in Sweden in the summer of 2007. This invitationonly meeting gathers world leaders in a think tank type of forum to consider the question "How in the World Can We Live Together."
Don will be joined by political leaders, royalty, corporate and NGO leaders, artists, and academics from all over the world. The Forum is
largely a participatory, interactive setting focused on global issues, such as sustainability, climate change, energy stability and more. In
2007 the Forum design will include, alongside plenary sessions, a number of parallel tracks on critical global issues. All sessions will
point to the final session: “What can I do?”
Maria Erb, Assistant to the Dean, and Marie Vea-Fagnant, Career Services Coordinator are co-recipients of the UVM Women’s
Center Outstanding Staff Woman Award for 2007. This award honors staff women who have made a significant contribution to the
lives of women on campus through service, advocacy, or feminist programming.
Professor Bob Manning was appointed to the National Outdoor Recreation Steering Committee. The Outdoor Recreation Resources
Review Commission, the nation's first comprehensive study of the status and future of outdoor recreation in America, was appointed in
1958. Anticipating the 50th anniversary of this effort, a national study entitled "Outdoor Recreation Research and Education for the 21st
Century: Defining Strategic Directions and Building Capacity" is now being organized. The study is being coordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, other federal outdoor recreation agencies, and landgrant universities. The Committee will hold roundtable sessions at upcoming professional conferences, and will conduct a two-day
workshop in Washington, DC in May.
JUNIOR KESHA RAM ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
This past month, Junior Kesha Ram was elected president of the SGA
alongside running-mate Brian DaVaughn (VP). Ram, who cites diversity and the
environment as her top issues, studies Natural Resources at The Rubenstein
School. Ram and DaVaughn, who ran as a team of co-presidents and made University history as the first ALANA team, will officially take office on April 17th.
Ram was also recently awarded the prestigious Truman Scholarship,
which provides $30,000 for graduate study. Truman scholars also receive priority
admission and financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career counseling, and internship opportunities. Ram was one of 65 students
from 56 US colleges and universities selected based on leadership potential, intellectual ability, and the likelihood of ‘making a difference.’
Photo (right): Ram shares her experiences and views with spectators of the SGA
Presidential Debates held on March 22nd.
Photo credit: Thomas Ford–Hutchinson, Vermont Cynic Newspaper
VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION FEATURES SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
The VPT premiere of “ReGeneration,” a two half-hour, magazine-style programs that showcases shining examples of sustainable living in our region, highlights the work of Professor
John Todd, among others. Host Claude William Genest introduces us to some intriguing “bioneers” – Vermont business
leaders and eco-designers who are pushing forward practical applications of sustainable living
through groundbreaking green design and environmentally friendly business practices.
While debunking the prevailing myth that
healthy economies can't co-exist with healthy,
comfortable surroundings, ReGeneration shows us how to
“live well while doing good,” offering solid information to
make sustainable living an everyday, practical – and profitable
– reality, and highlighting some forward-thinking individuals
who are leading the way.
Don’t miss it!
Wednesdays, April 18 & 25,
7:30 p.m.
4
The Rubenstein School News
NR 378 COURSE TAKES GRADUATE STUDENTS TO THE EVERGLADES
By Tray Biasiolli
The Everglades region of south Florida contains the largest complex of wetlands in North America. The historic Everglades encompassed 9 million acres in south Florida, stretching from present-day Orlando in the
north to Florida Bay in the south. Over the past
century, the hydrology of this vast region has
been manipulated to facilitate agricultural and
urban development in south Florida. However,
these hydrological manipulations have also disrupted the functioning of the Everglades and have
diminished many of the ecosystem services that
the region is capable of supplying. In an attempt
to redress these concerns, the federal government
and the state of Florida have formed an unprecedented partnership aimed at restoring ecological
functioning of the Everglades. During 10 days
over spring break, a group of 13 graduate students and two professors from RSENR explored
the Everglades to better understand the politics
and ecology of restoration in this landscape. This
trip provided an opportunity to explore the many challenges inherent in undertaking ecological restoration on a grand scale, and
raised important questions about the relationship between science
and policy-making.
Water is the primary force shaping ecological communities in the Everglades, and is also the most precious resource for
agricultural and urban areas in south Florida. Not surprisingly,
water management is at the heart of restoration of the Everglades.
Water management, while enabling rapid development and agricultural expansion within south Florida, has also resulted in a host
of ecological and social problems. Agricultural and urban areas
now use much of the freshwater that once flowed to natural areas
within the Everglades, leading to changes in vegetation communities, reduced wildlife diversity, and increased fire frequency. Furthermore, reduced water flow through the Everglades has diminished recharge of aquifers used for regional drinking water supply.
The water which does reach natural areas is often enriched in nutrients from agricultural and stormwater runoff. These excessive
nutrients have changed freshwater wetland communities and led to
algal blooms in Florida Bay, an important nursery area for commercial fish species. Demands on water resources are unlikely to
diminish for the foreseeable future, as the population of south
Florida is expected to double by mid-century.
gists, and ecologists, and were able to tour Native American communities, snorkel through seagrass beds in Florida Bay, and hike
through old-growth bald cypress forests.
Because of the many competing demands on water in the Everglades, the planned
restoration is necessarily a compromise between
ecological requirements and social desires. Water flows to Everglades National Park, even after
the completion of restoration, will only reach
75% of historical levels. Furthermore, given
drainage and development of much of the historic Everglades, it is impossible to restore the
exact pattern and timing of water flow through
the region. It remains to be seen how effective
this flow regime will be at maintaining ecological integrity within the remaining Everglades.
Part of the increase in water flow to the Park will
come from better management and manipulation
of surface waters, but human communities will
also be required to limit water use. Because of
current drought, agricultural users were recently required to reduce water use by 30%, and urban water users were subject to
15% reductions. Unfortunately, the incentives for these urban centers to incorporate water concerns into their plans for anticipated
growth are limited.
This trip allowed us to explore many of the complex issues involved in large-scale restoration projects. Clearly, human
interests often conflict with goals of ecological restoration. Providing for human interests while maintaining ecological integrity
is a tremendously difficult yet essential task. Hopefully the lessons
learned and perspective gained during this trip will inform our
future efforts to balance ecological and human needs.
Given the role of the Everglades in the economy of south
Florida, restoration has been a priority for the state government. In
2000, the state and federal government developed a $10 billion
comprehensive recovery plan for the Everglades. However, the
scale of the restoration project entails cooperation and involvement from numerous competing interest groups. This trip provided a unique opportunity to interact with representatives from
Photo: 13 RSENR graduate students and 2 professors explore
many of these groups, and understand their perspectives on the
the relationship between science and policy-making in the restovalue of Everglades restoration. We met with farmers, hydroloration of the Everglades. Photos by Lexie Reiss-Haselton
The Rubenstein School News
5
FOCUS ON UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP:
BEN JANES, NR ‘07
This past summer I took a position working on
characterizing the floral diversity, geomorphological
features, and soil types of the riparian corridor of the
Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. This was
part of a several year project funded jointly by USGS
and Montana State University. The goal of the overarching project is to develop a model to determine the
effects of various dam water release measures on local
flora and fauna. The specific aspect of the project that
I was working on was to establish what vegetation
community types could be expected to be found on different ages and types of substrate surfaces below the
dam.
of the summer were
spent establishing new
plots on surfaces of
various ages and doing
a complete vegetation
survey for each of these
plots.
Learning to
navigate the deceptively
dangerous braided channels of the Snake
proved to be one of the
more challenging yet
enjoyable parts of the
The study area was broken up into three secjob. We moved from a
tions: one fairly stable section directly below the dam, rowing frame in the first Janes atop Teewinot Mounanother more frequently changing section below the
tain in mid-summer.
half of the summer
first major tributary, and a third section where river
when our crew was
surfaces were changing extremely rapidly on a seasonal three to a paddling set-up in the latter half when our
(weekly during high flow) basis. The first month of the crew became six. Without much experience on the
summer was spent revisiting the plots in these three
river coming in, I was able to learn a lot about how to
sections that had been established last year to survey
captain crafts in both situations. Another of the most
the height of each plot above the high water flow level. challenging aspects was learning how to keep my eyes
This work was time sensitive, as high flow of course
and mind focused on the plants rather than on the
can only last so far into the summer. To make things
amazingly picturesque mountains in the background.
more difficult, the body managing the dam release
would change flows frequently and without warning as
This experience ultimately provided me with
the needs of recreation dictated. The last several weeks some good field botany skills, improved knowledge of
soils, awesome recreational opportunities, and a
finer sense of successional processes that can only
be gained by everyday exposure. Having the
river for transportation and its banks for an office
in such a setting was an unforgettable experience.
I highly recommend a trip to the Tetons for those
who have yet to go!
The Tetons from downstream of Pacific Creek
landing. Photos by Ben Janes
6
The Rubenstein School News
LAKE CHAMPLAIN RESEARCH COLLABORATION
incorporated into a survey of Lake Champlain stakeholders
(a sample of the mailing list of the LCBP). Respondents
were presented with a range of conditions (potential stanProfessors Mary Watzin and Bob Manning have
been working together (along with former graduate student dards) for each indicator and were asked to rate the acceptRobyn Smyth) on a study addressing ecological and social ability of each of these conditions. Study findings were
graphed as shown in the example below for algae blooms
indicators for Lake Champlain. Indicators – measurable,
manageable variables that serve as proxies of desired con- and provide an empirical basis for helping to formulate
ditions – are an increasingly vital component of contempo- ecological standards for the Lake. For example, ratings for
the sample as a whole for
rary environmental manintense algae blooms fall
agement. However, there
out of the acceptable
can be uncertainty about
range and into the unacthe relative importance of
ceptable range at approxipotential indicators
mately seven days per
(especially when some inseason.
dicators may conflict), and
A second component of
indicators are not fully usethis research examined
ful unless associated stanthe relative importance of
dards – the minimum acthe eleven LCBP goals
ceptable condition of indinoted above. A research
cators – have been formumethod known as stated
lated. Research by Mary
choice analysis was used
and Bob has been addressfor this purpose and was
ing both of these issues.
included in the survey
In a paper in the
noted above. A series of
current issue of Environpaired scenarios describmental Management,
Figure:
Social
Norm
Curve
for
Days
of
Algae
Bloom
per
Season
ing the Lake Champlain
Mary and Bob write that
Basin was presented to respondents who were asked to
formulating ecological indicators “should incorporate not
choose the scenario they preferred. The scenarios varied
just ecological understanding but also societal values.”
They point to water quality standards as an example. Such with respect to the condition (or standard) of indicator variables. Study findings suggest the relative importance to
standards are based on a scientific understanding of this
the public of these eleven, sometimes conflicting, indicaissue, but also include an element of judgment about actors. A paper describing this component of the study has
ceptable risks to ecological and human health. However,
the inevitable judgments embedded in these standards are been submitted to the Journal of Environmental Managesometimes “hidden” from the public by scientific experts
ment.
and water quality managers and might or might not reflect
Clearly, there are vital ecological and societal
the values of public stakeholders. Public support for envi- components of managing Lake Champlain. Integrated inronmental management might be enhanced if these judgdicators and standards are important manifestations of this
ments were made more visible and explicit, if managers
notion. These approaches are central to contemporary endefined these standards in terms that laypeople could unvironmental concepts, including ecosystem management,
derstand, and if the public were asked to participate in set- adaptive management, and sustainability. However, these
ting these standards.
approaches will require greater collaboration between natuResearch by Mary and Bob started with the eleven ral and social scientists. Natural scientists must help transgoals for Lake Champlain as specified by the report
late ecological issues and conditions (e.g., phosphorus con“Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future centrations, fish productivity) into social consequences
of Lake Champlain” prepared by the Lake Champlain Ba- (e.g., algae blooms, fish caught), and social scientists must
sin Program (LCBP) in 2003. These goals were translated identify and measure social values in a way that is useful in
into a corresponding series of socially relevant indicators. prioritizing potential indicators and formulating associated
For example, the goal for control of phosphorus in the
standards.
Lake was expressed in terms of the number of days per
year of intense algae blooms. These indicators were then
By Bob Manning
The Rubenstein School News
7
GUND INSTITUTE ORGANIZES PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
ATELIER IN COSTA RICA
By Juan P Alvez
The conference and atelier Payment for Ecosystem
Services (PES): From Local to Global, co-organized by the
Gund Institute for Ecological Economics and the Universidad
Nacional de Costa Rica with funding from the Blue Moon
Foundation, took place in Heredia, Costa Rica from March 8th16th. Experts, designers and implementers of successful PES
mechanisms in Costa Rica and other countries covered a range
of different ecosystem services and circumstances. Their main
purpose was to bring together those who wish to implement
Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms with those
who have knowledge of ecosystem services and those who have
implemented PES systems elsewhere.
The conference had speakers with a wide range of experience: from government, research organizations, and NGOs.
These diverse perspectives were crucial in the implementation
of PES schemes.
Participants in the PES atelier contribute to the
“Heredia Declaration”
that must be taken into account in development/implementation
of PES systems. It is directed at a broad audience: from academia to governments and stakeholders involved in PES schemes.
Conserving and recovering forest areas, through payment for ecosystem services schemes is the key point of the
“Heredia Declaration” that resulted from the international atelier: Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES): from local to
global, organized by the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at University of Vermont and the CINPE, International Center for Policy Economics for Sustainable Development. PES are
not incentives or subsidies but payments for services produced
by ecosystems. In Costa Rica there are four main ecosystem
services: greenhouse gas mitigation, aesthetic beauty and water
and biodiversity protection.
Prof. Robert Costanza, Director of the Gund Institute
for Ecological Economics, has stated that Costa Rica has been
(From left to right): Dr. Rafael Porras, Director of CINPE
the world’s leader in PES and it is important to learn from their
(International Center for Economic Policy), Dr. Olman
experience. Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica is developing
Segura Bonilla, President of the UNA-CR, Bob Costanza,
tools to model the second phase of PES.
Director of the GUND, and GUND Fellow Josh Farley at
One of the results of this event is the “Heredia Declathe PES Conference.
ration”, which defines ten principles required for the second
stage. Among these principles, “measurement” is essential beThe atelier (workshop) which followed the conference cause it is important to generate a PES inventory. Costanza
added that it is important to consider a “bundle of services”
allowed participants to the deal with real case studies from
Costa Rica, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, Dominican Republic, since many of the characteristics of the ecosystems are intrinsically connected. Another important principle is “scaleHaiti and Colombia, among other countries, where theory and
practice were applied to develop solutions of problems and pro- matching” according to the problem. There are several probvide recommendations for future interventions. These case stud- lems at the local, national and global levels where institutions
ies are being documented in a series of journal articles that will must be calibrated to satisfy these three demand stages.
Furthermore, the declaration recommends taking into
be published as a special issue of Ecological Economics next
account: education and policy, public participation, property
March 2008.
At the atelier, the participant-developed Heredia Dec- rights, sustainable financing, adaptive management, distribution (equity) problems and policy coherence.
laration, was developed based on a thorough review and syn(declaration translated from Spanish by Juan P Alvez).
thesis of information, with recommendation of 10 principles
8
The Rubenstein School News
2007 VERMONT GREEN JOB & INTERNSHIP FAIR
By Marie Vea-Fagnant
We were then joined by an alumni panel including:
Over 300 UVM students as well as students from
area colleges attended the 4th Annual Vermont Green Job &
Internship Fair in Billings Student Center on Wednesday,
March 28 2007. They came with career questions and resumes. Over 30 Vermont-based employers dedicated to the
environment from private industry, government, and nonprofit spent a very busy afternoon sharing job and internship
opportunities.
RSENR Associate Dean Carl Newton opened the
afternoon by welcoming our guest speaker, Chittenden
County Senator Ginny Lyons. As Chair of the State Senate
Natural Resources and Energy Committee, Senator Lyons
discussed the environmental challenges facing Vermont but
reassured our audience that with continued progress will
come many employment opportunities for students from all
academic interests eager to work for the environment.
*Delia Delongchamp* Class of 2003, a second-year graduate
student pursuing a dual-masters in Natural Resources in
RSENR and a Masters of Studies in Environmental Law at
Vermont Law School.
*Dan Cahill*, Class of 2003, currently Recreation Director
with the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department
*Alejandro Delgado*, Class of 2006, a Business School
graduate working at Draker Solar Design, a Burlington company dedicated to offer monitoring solutions for renewable
technologies.
The panel was moderated by members of the UVM Campus
Energy Group, Nikola Janjic and Daniel Belhumeur. Additional thanks go to Nikola & Daniel for inviting Senator Lyons to campus.
This event was co-sponsored by RSENR, UVM Campus Energy Group, and the Vermont Environment Consortium. For a
listing of employers and current positions, go to: http://
www.uvm.edu/envnr/?Page=employment/employmt.html
Photo (above) Representatives shared job and internship opportunities with prospective employees and
(right) Alumni panel members fielded questions about
their post-graduation experiences.
DAVID SEEKELL NAMED 2007 ALL-CYCLE/CASELLA North Kingtown, Rhode Island, David is very involved in service
and scholarly activities at UVM. Currently, he is a Teaching
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
The All-Cycle Casella Scholarship is an
award of $2500 to RSENR students who demonstrate
a commitment to the environment. In the first year of
the All-Cycle/Casella Scholarship we were very
pleased to have received many dedicated and accomplished Rubenstein School students among the applicants. We extend our congratulations to the 2007
All-Cycle/Casella Scholarship recipient, David Seekell, Class of 2009.
David is pursuing a Bachelor of Science
degree in Natural Resources while minoring in Geospatial Technology and Political Science and is a
member of the UVM Honors College. An Eagle Scout from
Assistant in the Department of Community Development and Applied Economics. Through the
Learning Cooperative he is a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Subject Area Tutor to groups
of Natural History and Field Ecology students. For
the Spring 2007 semester he is working with Professor Larry Forcier and other students to design a
service-learning course that addresses public service politics and the environment. David writes,
“We intend to use a mix of seminars and experiential learning to help students refine skills necessary
to be an effective leader in environmental issues.
We also hope to stress the importance of integrity
in public service. David hopes to attend graduate
school shortly after completing his degree at UVM.
The Rubenstein School News 9
Looking to do something different this summer?
Check out these two opportunities!
Employment and internship opportunities can be found at: http://www.uvm.edu/envnr/?Page=employment/employmt.html
Or on the back page of this edition of Rubenstein News
And summer courses at: http://www.uvm.edu/~summer/
Interested in sustainable agriculture and international travel?
Check out these two summer courses!
Coffee as a Crop, Culture,
Commodity, and Conservation Tool
COSTA RICA
INTERNATIONAL FIELD COURSE –
CDAE/ENVS/PSS 195
July 14th - 30th, 2007
Café en Tacuba:
Ecologies and Livelihoods in a Shade
Coffee Landscape of El Salvador
EL SALVADOR
INTERNATIONAL FIELD COURSE
PSS/ENVS 296;CDAE 295
June 10-24, 2007
10 The Rubenstein School News
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS!
Greening of Aiken Events– May 3rd
On May 3, the Greening of Aiken kicks into high gear!
Two groups of Greening Aiken interns will present the
findings from their projects to the RSENR community
from noon to 2pm in Room 104 Aiken.
You'll hear from the Jericho Forest interns about
their investigation of using carbon sequestration in
the forest as an offset for the school.
A second group of students, the Carbon Crew, has
been surveying the RSENR community to determine our carbon budget. They'll share the results
of their survey of 200+ of the RSENR community, and
the two groups will lead a discussion of carbon offset
possibilities.
We'll also be unveiling the latest plan for first
phase of the Aiken renovation. You'll want to be
sure to see where the project is headed, and we'd like
your input as we move forward.
Rubenstein School Community
Celebration!
This annual event provides Rubenstein undergraduates,
graduate students, faculty and staff the opportunity to
mingle, enjoy great food, and celebrate another great
year! Student/Faculty/Staff awards will be presented, and
door prizes are available. All students are invited to attend! The more the merrier!
Where: ECHO Center, Waterfront
When: May 2nd, From 6-9 PM.
Tickets: Can be purchased in the Aiken lobby from SAB
members beginning in mid-April, or with Marcia in the
Dean's office. Ticket price includes dinner (vegan/
vegetarian fare) and admission to ECHO.
For more information, contact Marcia Caldwell
([email protected]) or Tori Jones
([email protected])
As the “Environmental University” do you feel that UVM
is doing enough about Climate Change?
Please join us
Wednesday April 18th 4:30-6:30
Billings North Lounge
For a campus wide discussion on what UVM can do to take on climate
change in our academics, campus operations, and culture.
Attendees will Include:
Director of Transportation and Parking Services &
Environmental Council Staff Co-Chair,
"Deac" Decarreau
Environmental Coordinator,
Gioia Thompson
Eco-Reps Coordinator, Christina Erickson
Professor in The Rubenstein School and Gund Institute & member of the Governor’s Climate Change Commission,
Jen Jenkins
The Rubenstein School News 11
THE RUBENSTEIN VIEWSHED
This new section of the Rubenstein News features opinion pieces written by faculty, staff, and students of The Rubenstein School. As with any opinion section,
the views expressed here do not represent the official position of the School.
Please contribute your perspective to the Rubenstein News editor
Eileen Horn at: [email protected].
ENVIRONMENTAL IS SOCIAL IS ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE
By Drew Cameron, Forestry ‘08
Junior Forestry student Drew Cameron served as a
field artillery sergeant from 2000-2004, including
a seven month deployment to Iraq. He currently
serves as a board member of the Peace and Justice
Center and Regional Coordinator of the New England Chapter of the Iraq Veterans Against the War
(IVAW).
In the Rubenstein curriculum I have found
myself enthralled by the array of natural processes
of ecology and forestry. I am fascinated by the interconnectedness of these vastly complex systems
that promote a reverence and humility unlike any
that I have felt before. As I learn about the threats
and harms that are facing our abundantly diverse
world, I am motivated to take part in an education
that works towards synthesis, not mechanics. The
urgency of our global decline is well documented
and being grappled with on a multi-faceted scale
by many inspiring people involved within this
school. Global warming, species extinction, deforestation, mining, watershed conservation, are all
legitimate and critical issues. It is apparent that as
we work within our communities and government,
that grassroots movement and political process has
and can influence a positive change for the future.
We research, advocate, build, persuade and demand for the recognition of these issues that pervade the ecological outlook of our world.
Within the representative democratic structure of the United States, vast funds are available
for allocations and agendas that we all would like
to see such as sustainable energy development.
Yet, as we fall into a fifth year of war, our message
for environmental sponsorship is being silenced by
the demand for an ever increasing military and defense budget; leaving behind the growth of programs such as transportation, energy, education
and healthcare. The main reason that we are being
shorthanded on environmental advocacy is because
of the huge financial debt of the wars. We cannot
gain important legislation towards sustainability
when it is being wasted on violence and aggression. The biggest distraction and injustice to our
humanity and ecological refuge today, is the policy
that would guide this country in fear and intolerance.
Solutions to the global environmental crisis
will require the world community. We can, as informed and caring citizens make a difference. The
most obscene atrocities that are being fought in the
name of this country to date are occurring right
now. It is our choice, further our right to decide
what we the people feel is the most beneficial
course that our country plays in the role towards a
peaceful, secure, and sustainable future. Environmental awareness and justice is interwoven with
the social justice that we all deserve.
Let us put an end to this plunge from democracy and self-determination, reinstate a mindful awareness, and join together. As history has
shown us, the great accomplishments of both social
and environmental advocates has come through
action not patience.
12 The Rubenstein School News
HELP WANTED
The following is a sampling of positions listed at The Rubenstein School. Job postings are updated daily on the Job Board outside the
Dean’s office in the Aiken Center and weekly on the web at http://www.uvm.edu/envnr/?Page=employment/employmt.html. For further
information contact: Marie Vea-Fagnant, Career Services Coordinator, 656-3003, email: [email protected]
INTERNSHIPS
EPA Summer Opportunities for
Students Website
The site provides a central Web portal
through which students may enter to learn
about EPA offices and summer employment opportunities. Having a central
portal makes it easier for students to find
information about specific areas in which
they would like to work. They also will
be able to submit a job application directly to the EPA location that has a vacancy. The EPA Jobs Website is located
at: http://www.epa.gov/careers. The direct link to the Summer Student Employment Opportunities Website is http://
www.epa.gov/ohr/student. The Summer
Student Employment Opportunities Website will be available until May 18,
2007. The Office of Human Resources
will provide supporting services by maintaining the Website, collecting applicant
and hiring data, and evaluating the process at the end of each summer. The EPA
Summer Opportunities for Students Website is a hiring tool that will be useful for
students looking for summer work and for
EPA offices that have summer vacancies
to fill. If you have any questions about
our summer hiring program, please call
JoAnn Brant at (202) 564-0375 or
[email protected].
WATERSHED ASSESSMENT AND
PROTECTION INTERNSHIP
The Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District is seeking a paid summer
intern to assist with ongoing watershed
assessment and protection efforts in the
lower Connecticut River watershed. The
intern will work with District staff to conduct intensive stream assessment surveys,
develop and implement a nonpoint source
public outreach and education campaign
at two nearby state parks and as needed
participate in ongoing District monitoring
and conservation projects. The internship
will be part to full time (30-40 hrs/week).
Interested candidates should send a letter
of interest and resume by April 23, 2007
to: [email protected]
BACHELOR’S DEGREE REQUIRED fications and experience. Applications
should contain a cover letter, resume/CV,
National Wildlife Federation Campus transcripts, and contact information for
Field Coordinators
three references. Please email application
These positions will be exciting opportu- material to Dr. John Volin,
nities for someone who wants to join our [email protected], Department of Biologicampaign to reduce greenhouse gas emis- cal Sciences, Florida Atlantic University,
sions on college campuses. NWF CamDavie, FL 33314, USA. Review of applipus Field Coordinator - Ann Arbor, MI cations will begin immediately and conand Austin, TX National Wildlife Fed- tinue until the position is filled.
eration is seeking a national Campus
Field Coordinator who desires to work at
PHD REQUIRED
the leading edge of a movement for campus climate action. This person will be
Assistant Professor/Scientist
responsible for:
Washington State University seeks appliCampus Outreach: Recruiting, cultivatcants for an Assistant Professor and Asing, and supporting campus climate
champions who commit to reducing their sistant Scientist position in the fields of
Forest Landscape Ecology and Silviculgreenhouse gas emissions by at least 30
ture. This faculty position is a tenurepercent by 2020.
track position on the WSU campus in
Organizing regional gatherings and networks to support campus climate action. Pullman funded 50% in Academic ProOrchestrating a Web based community to grams and 50% in the Agricultural Research Center. This appointment has an
support climate action.
expected start date of August 16, 2007.
Providing administrative and logistical
The successful applicant will be expected
support to the field director.
to conduct competitively funded research
Apply online at:
consistent with the mission of the WSU
http://www.nwf.org/careergateway/
Agricultural Research Center. This research program will be in forested landMASTER’S DEGREE REQUIRED
scape ecology and will participate in inSenior Field Technician, Department of terdisciplinary research. Interdisciplinary
research may include GIS applications;
Biological Sciences,
wildlife habitat ecology, forested waterFlorida Atlantic University
shed sciences, forest health; or similar
The senior field technician will be responsible for overseeing the field compo- topics. The successful candidate will
teach undergraduate courses in forest
nent of an ongoing study on tree island
landscape ecology and silviculture each
hydrology in the Florida Everglades. Responsibilities will include the year, and a graduate course in their specialty every second year.
following: planning the field schedule,
leading a small crew, operating an airApplication Process: Screening of apboat, using GPS for airboat navigation,
plication begins May 10, 2007.
E-mail submission of materials as an MS
and upkeep of field equipment. Applicants should have a MS/MA or higher in Word or PDF attachment is strongly encouraged. Electronic application materials
ecology, biology, or a related discipline
should be sent to Rod Clausen, Search
or BS/BA is acceptable for applicants
Committee Clerical Manager,
with project management experience.
([email protected]).
Applicants must be able to work with
minimal supervision and be comfortable Questions concerning the status of your
application should be directed to Rod
working in a sometimes harsh environment. Applicants must be willing to com- Clausen, by e-mail or at 509-335-6166.
mit to the position for a minimum of one
year. Starting pay is dependent on quali-