National Capital Region Network poster series
This poster series outlines the work of the National Capital Region Network's (NCRN) Inventory and Monitoring Program. The program's role is to monitor the status and trends of the parks, their vital signs and development pressures. Park vital signs monitoring is designed to inform managers of the condition of water, air, plants and animals, and the various ecological, biological, and physical processes that act on those resources. These site-specific data will provide parks the information needed for ecologically sound management of the natural resources.
Harmful algal blooms: Maryland status and trends newsletter
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are growing in frequency around the world and their effects are being recognized by ecosystem managers, scientists, and the public alike. From the serious threat to public health created by seafood tainted with algal toxins, to human respiratory and skin irritations from exposures to aerosols along beaches with red tides, to stranded whales, manatees, and dolphins, to economically-devastating fish kills, these events are serious threats to the viability of our coastal systems. HPL faculty member Pat Glibert worked with IAN staff to produce this newsletter. It details the causes for HAB expansion, including increased nutrient loading from expanding human population, increased agriculture and aquaculture activities, and transportation and discharge of ballast water.
Summer forecast award ceremony raises a laugh
Accurately forecasting summer ecological conditions in Chesapeake Bay is not an easy task. This was especially true in 2006 when weather conditions were extreme. A lighthearted award ceremony was conducted at a recent Tidal Monitoring and Analysis Workgroup (Chesapeake Bay Program) meeting to acknowledge the individuals who produced the summer forecasts. Dave Jasinski, UMCES-CBP analyst, won the 'most accurate' award for his forecast of mainstem anoxic volume. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Potomac River continued to be the most difficult parameter to predict, resulting in Peter Tango, MD DNR, receiving the 'worst forecast' award - Peter is determined to win the 'most accurate' award next year. For more information on the forecasts visit the EcoCheck and Chesapeake Bay Program websites.
New UMCES-IAN Support Staff
Dorothy 'Dottie' Samonisky is our new Program Administrative Specialist, located in the Center Administration (CA) offices in Cambridge, MD. She will provide support to Dr. Bill Dennison and the IAN team as well as assisting with other UMCES services. Dottie has been working in Oxford, MD for a private company that provides educational review services to union contractors and staff services for two accrediting commissions. She was raised as an 'Air Force Brat' starting out in Cocoa Beach, FL and ending up in Cambridge, MD. Dottie is a Certified Purchasing Manager as well as a commissioned Notary Public by the State of Maryland. She lives in Cambridge with her two Yorkshire terriers, Scooter & Bear. Her interests outside of work include cooking, watching movies, gardening, and reading.