NOV. 22 & 23, 2002
AT SIMPSON COLLEGE – HOST: JEFF PARMELEE
FRIDAY NOV. 22
An evening social was held at the El Tapito Restaurant in Indianola and was followed by an evening program at Simpson College which was attended by the following people: Neil Bernstein, Jim Christiansen, Paul and Barbara Christiansen, John and Peg Pearson, Connie Mutel, Frank Olsen, Dennis Schlicht, Jeff Parmelee, Tom Rosburg, Paul and Heather Frese, Dave and Janine Lyon, Steve Main, David McCullough, Steve Johnson, Mary Stark, Jackie Brittingham, Brian Maher and Terry VanDeWalle.
An excellent program was presented by Jim Christiansen, Tom Rosburg, David McCullough and Dennis Schlicht entitled, “Biological Surveys on the Rathbun (Honey Creek) Resort State Park Site, Appanoose County, Iowa.
SATURDAY NOV. 23 (AT SIMPSON COLLEGE)
Chair Jim Christiansen called the meeting to order at 9:10 am and welcomed everyone.
PRESENT: Jim Christiansen, Paul Christiansen, Neil Bernstein, Jeff Parmelee, Frank Olsen, Dennis Schlicht, David Lyon, Connie Mutel, Mary Stark, Steve Johnson, Daryl Howell, Paul Frese, John Pearson, Steve Main, Lois Tiffany, Deb Lewis, David McCullough and Terry VanDeWalle
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Neil Bernstein made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting as submitted. Seconded by Jeff Parmelee. Motion Carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total balance in CDs -- $4,214.69 ($2,214.02, $1,200.67 and $800)
Total balance in checking -- $1198.20
Total for all accounts -- $5,412.89
Current amount of total funds attached to Runkel-Roosa fund -- $487.00.
Neil Bernstein reported that he has a student working on an application.
Discussion was held regarding raising the amount of the Runkel-Roosa award
from $200 to $250. Jim Christiansen proposed raising the award to
$250. (Note: A motion was made and carried at the November 2001 meeting
to raise the amount of the Runkel-Roosa Award to $250. Therefore,
the Runkel-Roosa Award is currently $250). Dennis Schlicht inquired
about offering two awards at $250 each. Jim Christiansen indicated
that there is currently enough money in the bank accounts to cover two
awards. Jeff Parmelee asked about instructions/requirements for submitting
an application. Neil Bernstein outlined the current application requirements.
Paul Christiansen suggested a supporting letter from a professor should
accompany the application. Connie Mutel suggested sending the application
instructions out with the next newsletter and following up with a couple
of reminders during the year.
OLD BUSINESS
2003 Mussel Symposium at the IAS Annual Meeting
Dave Lyon reported that plans for the symposium are going well; there are currently 10 participants. The symposium is planned for Saturday. Dave gave a short description of what each participant will be presenting and indicated that he is still looking for poster presentations. Discussion was held concerning the possibly changing the schedule of other sections (botany, zoology and conservation) at the IAS meeting to avoid possible conflicts with the mussel symposium.
Jim Christiansen asked if the participants have been asked to prepare a paper for the IAS Journal. Dave Lyon responded yes. Discussion was held concerning the cost to prepare a special issue of the Journal. Neil Bernstein reported that he estimates the cost would be approximately $7500 for 10 papers. Jim Christiansen asked that a discussion of the possibility of INHA subsidizing the publication of the symposium papers be put on the agenda for the next INHA meeting.
Neil Bernstein took this opportunity to inform the IHNA members that he has told the IAS that he will no longer be serving as the IAS Journal editor. At most he will continue for the next year. Jim Christiansen asked if there is someone in INHA who could take over as editor. David McCullough asked how the job is done. Does the Neil do it by himself or does he have assistance? Neil Bernstein said that he relies on assistant editors and described the process. Jim Christiansen asked that any member with interest in being the editor discuss with Neil the responsibilities and time commitment.
Neil Bernstein reported that in the past the ISU library has purchased 500 copies of the IAS Journal and served as a repository for back issues. ISU has indicated that they will no longer be doing that.
Loess Hill Research
Jim Christiansen reviewed the proposed work – Intensive research of the Loess Hills repeating the work from the 1980’s.
Paul Christiansen reported that he made contact with a representative of the Loess Hills Alliance and did not get any encouragement from them on possible funding.
Jim Christiansen stated that the USFWS, Iowa DNR, and County Conservation Boards all have land in the area and may be possible funding sources. Jim described a new NPS program call the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units Network based at the University of Missouri – Columbia. These units would be able to fund projects, but only with partner institutions. We would need to come up with matching funds. Jim has submitted a proposal to have Drake University become a member institution. ISU and UI are already members. Jim stated that hopefully by the spring INHA meeting we would be able to put a committee together to organize a study.
Connie Mutel reported that the NPS Loess Hills Report recommends study of 12 special resource areas. She feels that the NPS would respond positively to a study, but cannot lobby for money. The NPS is eager to get studies done, what is needed is to get funding to do studies. Any studies that are done in the Loess Hills may aid in getting some form of national designation for the area. We need to lobby state legislators, US congressmen, DNR, etc. for funding to do studies.
David McCullough stated that Jim Christiansen has found a source of funds if we can come up with matching funds. The focus now should be on finding matching funds.
Jim Christiansen stated that everyone he spoke to was very enthusiastic about the possibility of doing a study.
Mary Stark indicated that she has a colleague who serves on the Governor’s Council and she will talk to her about possible state funding.
Connie Mutel reported that a new ecological station has been established on the Mississippi at Fairport and is looking for partners.
Changes in Iowa’s Wetlands
Jim Christiansen asked if anything had been done on this topic in the past year. The response was no. Jim asked if we should pursue this now.
David McCullough stated that he has observed wildlife using borrow pits along highways and feels that these areas may be important wildlife travel corridors.
Terry VanDeWalle reported that he is involved with numerous wetland mitigation projects, primarily for the Iowa DOT, and has also noticed that certain types of wildlife quickly move into newly created or restored wetlands.
Jim Christiansen suggested establishing a committee to design a research problem to isolate specific research approaches, such as wildlife use of created (including farm ponds) versus restored wetlands, value to T & E species, what works what does not. Discussion was held on the types of questions and who would serve on the committee.
A committee was formed to look at the issue. Committee member include, Dave Lyon, Jeff Parmelee, David McCullough, Steve Main, Neil Bernstein, Steve Johnson, Paul Frese and Terry VanDeWalle. Terry VanDeWalle will serve as the initial contact. Deb Lewis suggested contacting Jim Dinsmore to see if he would be interested in participating in committee. Terry VanDeWalle will contact Jim Dinsmore. If any others are interested in serving on the committee, they should contact Terry VanDeWalle. The committee will report back at the spring meeting.
Discussion was held concerning the possibility of NRCS money being available through the new Farm Bill. The committee will look into the possibility.
New Research Opportunities
Tiger Salamander Decline
Jim Christiansen noted that he has seen a decline in tiger salamanders, once one of the most common amphibians in the state. Neil Bernstein stated that we are seeing a decline in generalist species where in the past we were concerned only with specialists species and cited fish and bird examples. Lois Tiffany mentioned the loss of big bluestem from native prairies. Jim Christiansen asked the group to think about what generalist species in their particular area appear to be declining.
Connie Mutel suggest looking at Laura Jackson’s new book and think about
what is happening with the intensification of farming. Connie posed
the question, isn’t this what you would expect with ecosystem collapse,
the loss of generalist species?
Ecosystem Collapse Study
Discussion was held on regarding ecosystem collapse and the factors involved and the consequences of. Are we on the edge of an ecosystem collapse here in Iowa? We appear to have some evidence that it is occurring, but we need to identify the problem and make recommendations, then conduct a follow-up study. Jim Christiansen asked if we have enough data to design an approach to test the problem at this time. Discussion was held concerning what data is currently available and potential funding sources. Jim Christiansen suggested putting preliminary data together and approaching the Governor. Steve Main suggested the Leopold Center as a possible funding source. Other potential funding sources discussed include NSF grants and the State.
Jim Christiansen suggested the following Action Item:
Think about what is happening to generalist species in your particular area of interest and put together what data you have and bring it to the spring meeting.
John Pearson suggested that it is not only important to document loss, but also how do we accomplish restoration and monitor restoration.
Fee Schedules
Fees charged by INHA members for consulting work varies; this has been an issue on some recent group proposals. Jim Christiansen asked whether we should decide on a uniform fee schedule. Neil Bernstein stated that he is curious about what others charge. What is a competitive rate? Should the fees be different for the DNR and County Conservation Boards, etc., than for private individuals or businesses? Discussion was held concerning fees and fees for DNR, etc. versus private clients.
NEW BUSINESS
New Funding Source
Connie Mutel reported that UI's Center for Global and Regional Environmental
Research is now open and provides seed grants for 4-7 projects per year
up to $20,000. The center would welcome biological projects that
look at environmental change in Iowa.
Newsletter
Jim Christiansen asked all members to send a description of their on-going research and recent publications for inclusion in the newsletter. The information should be e-mailed to Terry VanDeWalle.
Web Page
Discussion was held concern and INHA web page. Jeff Parmelee will design and set up the web page.
Preserves Board Opportunity
Neil Bernstein reported that the State Preserves Advisory board would like to have GIS layers showing the preserves through time using historic aerial photographs. If anyone has a student(s) or colleague with GIS experience that would like to work this project, have them contact Neil.
Officers
Dave Lyon made a motion to nominate the existing officers. Discussion
was held concerning nominations. Paul Christiansen seconded the motion.
Carried. Officers for 2003 will remain the same:
Jim Christiansen, Chair
Terry VanDeWalle, Vice-Chair/Secretary
Tom Rosburg, Treasurer
Terry VanDeWalle suggested the Vice-Chair/Secretary take over the newsletter duties from the Chair. All agreed
Future meeting
The next meeting will be at the 2003 IAS meeting. More information on this to follow.
The meeting was adjoined at 1:15 pm
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED – Terry VanDeWalle, Vice-Chair/Secretary