H2OSU is also available at: http://water.oregonstate.edu/newsletter/.
December 5, 2007
The View from 210
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We now have our Advisory Board in place. The Board’s first meeting will be on 4 April 2008, likely in Corvallis. Here are the 15 members, in no particular order.
- Phil Ward, Director, Oregon WRD
- Lorna Stickel, Manager, Regional Water Providers Consortium, City of Portland
- Tom Byler, Executive Director, OWEB
- Michelle A. Girts, Vice President, CH2M Hill
- Anita Winkler, Executive Director, Oregon Water Resources Congress
- Patrick Griffiths, Water Resources Coordinator, City of Bend
- Hon. Jackie Dingfelder, Oregon House of Representatives
- Hon. Linda Modrell, Benton County Commission
- Dennis D. Lynch, Director, USGS Oregon Water Science Center
- Leslie B. Bach, Director, Freshwater Programs, The Nature Conservancy
- John Moriarty, Statewide Coordinator, Network of Oregon Watershed Councils
- Peter C. Klingeman, Oregon State University (Emeritus)
- John W. Lund, Director, Geo-Heat Center, Oregon Institute of Technology
- Jaime Clarke, Walla Walla Community College
- David J. Newton, CEO, Newton Consultants
Quite an impressive group!
We received 24 proposals for the USGS Mini-Grant program, more than double last year’s total. The breadth of institutions and departments responding to the RFP was broad with multifaceted topics which may be due in part to the emphasis on assisting state and local agencies with water-related issues. The proposals are being reviewed by the selection committee with an anticipated selection date in mid-January.
Todd Jarvis gave his now-famous “Bottled Water and the Environment” presentation to a packed house of Portland humanists on 25 November. Look for related interviews with Todd in upcoming issues of Reader’s Digest and Mother Earth News. Todd’s agent is working on a movie deal, contingent upon the right person cast as Todd.
The long-awaited National Research Council Committee's report Hydrology, Ecology, and Fishes of the Klamath River Basin was officially released on 28 November. You can order a pre-publication copy or an “uncorrected” copy, or read the report online at: http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12072.
The upshot of the report is that science is being done piecemeal in the basin, a conclusion that comes as no surprise. A “big picture” perspective is lacking. The report also specifically evaluated the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Natural Flow Study and Utah State University’s Instream Flow Study. There have been “rumors” of a joint study by UC schools and Oregon schools; I will keep you updated. I have posted more information, including an executive summary, on my blog at: aquadoc.typepad.com/waterwired (28 November and 1 December posts).
Rick Bastasch of the City of Portland just alerted me to the following. Honoring Our River, an annual student anthology showcasing literature and artwork by students living within the Willamette River Watershed, is accepting submittals for next year's publication. In what will be its 8th edition, Honoring Our River is designed to nurture respect and appreciation for the water, land, plants, animals, and habitats that make up the Willamette River system. Contributions are welcome from students who are in kindergarten all the way through college, and also from students who might live outside the Willamette Watershed and who are inspired by their own local river. In fact, foreign language entries with English translation are strongly encouraged. Free copies of the anthology will be mailed to all selected contributors and participating schools. DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked (Honoring Our River, 4985 Battlecreek Road SE, #200, Salem, OR 97302) by 15 January 2008. For questions or details, call 503-585-8789, or email: hor@wildwood.com.
While in Albuquerque I ran into friend Jim Thebaut, who produced the landmark film Running Dry (www.runningdry.org) about the world water crisis. He was there to film his new opus, The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry? (aquadoc.typepad.com/waterwired/2007/11/jim-thebauts-ne.html. One thing I urged Jim to do is to provide a voice to people other than the “usual suspects”, and to examine what might happen if the Southwest actually does go dry – “thinking about the unthinkable”. If you think Southwest water problems will not impact us in the Pacific Northwest, think again. The film will debut in fall 2008.
Governor Ted Kulongoski will likely have a water agenda ready for the 2009 legislative session. The Governor’s top priorities are education, transportation, and health care, but water is high on the list as well. We are also working with the Oregon Business Plan to produce a water initiative that they plan to put forth in the 2009 legislative session.
And speaking of initiatives (I promise this will be the last one, at least till next month’s newsletter),
the Oregon University System Water Initiative will be discussed at the 7 December OUS Research Council meeting.
The abstract due date for the UCOWR Conference has been extended to 8 January 2008.
The Inavale School project with Corvallis School District 509J has now morphed into the EWERC (Environmental and Water Education and Research Center) initiative. We plan to co-locate the center with the proposed Muddy Creek Charter School at the Inavale site to constitute a ‘K-through-gray’ environmental learning center and research facility. Both OSU and CSD are on board, as are other school organizations. Now, the hard work begins. A steering committee will be formed to move the initiative forward. When I initially formed the APE (Acronym-Producing Expression), I put the word ‘Center’ first, which yielded the acronym ‘CEWER’. My wife reminded me that I am no longer a high-school sophomore, so I changed it to ‘EWERC’. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Enjoy the holidays, and may 2008 start auspiciously for all of you. See you next month.
- Michael
"This is Washington; where there’s smoke, there’s mirrors.” – Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA)
Featured Research: Viruses and Freshwater Cyanobacteria
Theo Dreher (Dept of Microbiology), working with colleagues Connie Bozarth and Rick Colwell, has recently turned his interest in the molecular biology of viruses to the influence of viruses on the ecology of freshwater cyanobacteria that are capable of causing toxic algal blooms. This work in the Klamath basin will be funded by Oregon SeaGrant. A related research target that has emerged is the need to genetically identify and characterize bloom-forming cyanobacteria from Oregon lakes and reservoirs, using DNA sequence-dependent markers. The biggest concern is Microcystis, capable of producing the potent hepatotoxin microcystin. The goal of working towards a genetic catalog of the bloom forming cyanobacteria in Oregon is of strong interest to the agencies managing the affected water bodies. For more information, visit Theo's Web site or contact him by telephone 541-737-1795.
Congratulations
To Gail Achterman, the director of IWW's companion institute, the Institute for Natural Resources, for being appointed chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission by Governor Ted Kulongoski.
To Carl Schreck. "Carl Schreck, an Oregon State University scientist acknowledged as one of the leading salmon researchers in the country, has been named the recipient of a Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. He will be presented the award at the White House in April." Read more about Carl and his award in the OSU News Service press release...
To Dawn Wright. "Dawn Wright, an Oregon State University professor of geosciences, has been named Oregon Professor of the Year by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching." Read more about Dawn and her award in the OSU News Service press release...
Upcoming Events
Reminder - University Council on Water Resources Dissertation Awards applications are due to Michael Campana by December 11 (ignore the December 3 deadline in the UCOWR packet). Each year, UCOWR recognizes two outstanding Ph.D. dissertations on water issues, one in each of the following categories: (1) Water Policy and Socio-Economics, and (2) Natural Science and Engineering. OSU grads have have won these in the past and this year it could be you! You must have completed all requirements for a PhD by 31 December 2007. Your PhD can be in any field. See the UCOWR Web site for details.
Friday, December 14, 2007 10:00 -11:30 a.m., Valley Library, Willamette East & West. - Systematic Evidence Reviews in Natural Resources - Finding and Assessing "Best Available Science". Speakers: Jeff Behan, Institute for Natural Resources and Janet Webster, OSU Libraries.
IWW Winter 2008 Water Film Series - The series features films on rivers and topics from around the world. Films will be shown on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union, Room 208 (the La Raza Room). Contact Todd Jarvis for more information.
Winter Courses
There are many interesting course offerings this winter -- here are a few that have been advertised over the hydro email lists in the last few weeks:
Salmon 2100: The Future of Pacific Northwest Salmon (Cross-listed: PS 507; FW 599; SOC 507; MRM 507; AREC 507; M 3:00-5:50p.m.). Instructor: Robert T. Lackey. Class description: "Billions of dollars have been spent in an effort to restore salmon runs, but a sustainable future for wild salmon remains elusive. Salmon policy is controversial, polarized, divisive, and many proposals are regularly subject to legal challenge. A set of proposed policy options have been developed that, according to the developers would have, if implemented, a high probability of successfully restoring salmon runs to significant, sustainable levels in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and southern British Columbia. A representative subset of these policy options will be presented by guest speakers and then analyzed in detail from a scientific and policy perspective."
Snow Hydrology (GEO 483/583; MWF 11:00-11:50 a.m.plus two one-day field trips). Instructor:
Anne Nolin. Class topics: cloud processes and ice crystal formation; snow accumulation/melt processes, canopy interception, wind redistribution; snow metamorphism, aging, stratigraphy; snow climate regimes: alpine, maritime, prairie, etc.; snowpack energy balance; snowcover-climate interactions; water movement through snow, rain-on-snow flooding; snowpack/snowmelt chemistry; remote sensing of snow; avalanches; field methods: SNOTEL, snow course, snowpits, snow survey; snowmelt/runoff modeling techniques, watershed processes.
Ecology and evolution of life histories (Z 507; Weekly 1 hour meetings, exact time TBA). Instructor: Dave Lytle who wrote, "Life history analysis examines the allocation of an organism’s resources to growth, survival, and reproduction. An organism’s life history affects its ecology (distribution and abundance of individuals), and conversely, ecological factors can cause life histories to evolve. The basic methods for analyzing life histories cut across taxonomic groups, and so can be a powerful way to generalize research findings. This reading group will cover the fundamentals of life history theory (drawing from texts such as Roff’s 2002 “Life History Evolution” and Caswell’s 2000 “Matrix Population Models”) as well as empirical studies from the primary literature. We will also explore some of the models using Mathematica and R." Organizational meeting: (tentative) January 9th at 10am, 3030 Cordley. Email Dave if you plan to participate.
NonPoint Source Pollution Assessment and Control (BEE 448/548; MWF 9:00-9:50; Gilmore 234). Instructor: Desiree Tullos. Course description: "This course is designed to (1) introduce and demonstrate methods for
evaluating the extent, rate, timing, and fate of NonPoint Source (NPS) pollutants in the agricultural, urban, rural residential, and forested environments, and (2) require students to apply methods and design principles for evaluating and designing NPS control systems with incomplete information. The application, data, design criteria, and maintenance of common treatment practices (e.g. constructed wetlands, bioretention, cisterns, etc.) will be discussed. Students will complete five homework assignments aimed at critical thinking about real-world problems. Individual design projects will also be required of students enrolled in BEE 558. The target audience is both OSU students and the broader community (e.g. engineers and practitioners, regulators, watershed council coordinators)."
Geomorphology of Forests & Streams (GEO 582; MWF 1400-1450) Instructor: Stephen Lancaster who wrote, "The objective of GEO 582 is to provide students with a state-of-the-art knowledge of current research on the geomorphology of forested landscapes and their stream networks such that the students achieve the following learning outcomes: 1) Knowledge of the major concepts in hillslope and fluvial geomorphology of forested landscapes; 2) Knowledge of key literature on geomorphology of forests and streams; 3) Understanding of the key approaches and techniques for research projects in geomorphology of forests and streams."
Biology of Soil Ecosystems (CSS 455/555; MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.). Instructor: Dave Myrold. Course description: "A detailed study of the organisms that live in the soil and their activities in the soil ecosystem. Topics include: the soil habitat, soil organisms, plant-microbe interactions, decomposition, nitrogen cycling, environmental applications."
Funding Opportunities for Students
UC Boulder Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences - Paid fellowships for post-docs to senior faculty to conduct interdisciplinary research in areas such as atmosphere and ocean processes, cryospheric processes, ecology and ecosystems, regional/global environmental variability and change, global water cycle, advanced observing systems, geophysics, global health, science and technology policy research, and space weather. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and cost of living considerations. The Fellow will be eligible for benefits, office space, telephone and computer facilities, and a small moving and start-up allowance. Applications due: December 31, 2007.
NSF Earth Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowships (EAR-PF) - The Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) awards Postdoctoral Fellowships to highly qualified investigators within 3 years of obtaining their PhD to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. The research and education plans of each fellowship must address scientific questions within the scope of EAR disciplines. The program supports researchers for a period of up to 2 years with fellowships that can be taken to the institution or national facility of their choice. The program is intended to recognize young investigators of significant potential, and provide them with experience in research and education that will establish them in leadership positions in the Earth Sciences community. Proposal Deadline: January 8, 2008.
American Water Works Association Scholarships and Fellowships - There are several awards available for students in the field of water supply and treatment. Applications due: January 15, 2008.
Young Scientists Summer Program at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis near Vienna, Austria - YSSP offers advanced graduate students from around the world the opportunity to spend a summer working with distinguished scientists on projects related to their own doctoral research in the natural and social sciences. Funding is available for successful applicants. Applicants’ academic interests should coincide with current IIASA research and methodologies, and preference is given to predoctoral candidates who expect to be awarded a PhD or equivalent in the next two years. IIASA conducts policy-oriented scientific research within three core themes: Environment and Natural Resources; Population and Society; and Energy and Technology. Registration will be open until January 15, 2008.
Funding Opportunities for Faculty
USDA, Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (CSREES), National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Pgm (NRICGP), 26.0 Water and Watersheds - FY 2008 Priorities for Research Projects:
1.) Understand the sources, fate, and transport of pathogens, such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in soil, surface and ground water, and irrigation systems of agricultural and rural watersheds to reduce zoonotic pathogens in the environment. Special emphasis is considered for Escherichia coli, Cryptosporidium, and enteric viruses.
2.) Identify, evaluate, and understand producer management behaviors that improve agricultural water conservation in crop, livestock, and poultry production, with an emphasis on a) projects that integrate hydrologic, economic, and policy components; b) social determinants of water use; and c) documented water savings, especially at spatial scales greater than a single field. Proposals due: January 17, 2008.
NSF Earth Sciences: Instrumentation and Facilities (EAR/IF) - Supports meritorious requests within and across Earth science disciplines. EAR/IF will consider proposals for: 1) Acquisition or Upgrade of Research Equipment; 2) Development of New Instrumentation, Analytical Techniques or Software ; 3) Support of National or Regional Multi-User Facilities; 4) Support of Research Technicians; (5) Development of Cyberinfrastructure for the Earth Sciences (Geoinformatics). Planned research uses of requested instruments must include basic research on solid-Earth and surface-Earth processes. Proposals due: February 13, 2008.
A list of additional water-related external funding opportunities is available on the IWW Web site.
H2OSU is a periodic e-mail news briefing provided by the Institute for Water and Watersheds. It is distributed through the OSU Hydro Email lists and the Oregon Water List (http://water.oregonstate.edu/news/email_lists.htm). Questions, comments and ideas for news briefs may be sent to the IWW at iww@oregonstate.edu. More news from the IWW is available at http://water.oregonstate.edu/news/index.htm.