Publications by Bill Dennison

IAN is committed to producing practical, user-centered communications that foster a better understanding of science and enable readers to pursue new opportunities in research, education, and environmental problem-solving. Our publications synthesize scientific findings using effective science communication techniques.

Report cards and system dynamics modelling (Page 1)

Report cards and system dynamics modelling

Simon Costanzo, Bill Dennison, Alexandra Fries, Heath Kelsey, Dave Nemazie, Vanessa Vargas-Nguyen, Emily Nastase ·
23 March 2017

This newsletter summarizes the outcomes of a workshop exploring the linkages and potential benefits of combining river basin health report cards and system dynamics modelling. These two approaches have traditionally been utilized separate from each other, however merging the two will lead to better management of the world's river basins.

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Ecological Drought in the Southeast United States (Page 1)

Ecological Drought in the Southeast United States

Brianne Walsh, Simon Costanzo, Bill Dennison ·
24 February 2017

The Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers (CSCs) and their managing organization, the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey, have chosen the emerging climate science field of Ecological Drought as a research focus area. This newsletter highlights the outcomes of a two-day workshop held in Raleigh, North Carolina as part of a series of meetings at each of the nation’s eight CSCs.

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Ecological drought in the South Central United States (Page 1)

Ecological drought in the South Central United States

Brianne Walsh, Simon Costanzo, Bill Dennison ·
2 November 2016

The Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers (CSCs) and their managing organization, the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey, have chosen the emerging climate science field of Ecological Drought as a research focus area. This newsletter highlights the outcomes of a two-day workshop held in Norman, Oklahoma, as part of a series of meetings at each of the nation’s eight CSCs.

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Ecological Drought in the Northeast United States (Page 1)

Ecological Drought in the Northeast United States

Brianne Walsh, Simon Costanzo, Bill Dennison ·
28 September 2016

The Department of the Interior Climate Science Centers (CSCs) and their managing organization, the National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center at the U.S. Geological Survey, have chosen the emerging climate science field of Ecological Drought as a research focus area. This newsletter highlights the outcomes of a two-day workshop held in Amherst, Massachusetts, as part of a series of meetings at each of the nation’s eight CSCs.

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2015 Maryland Coastal Bays report card (Page 1)

2015 Maryland Coastal Bays report card

Jane Thomas, Bill Dennison ·
8 September 2016

The aim of this report card is to provide a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2015 Coastal Bays health. Coastal Bays health is defined as the progress of four water quality indicators (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a, dissolved oxygen) and two biotic indicators (seagrass, hard clams) toward scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals.

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Maryland Coastal Bays 2016: Bay perspectives (Page 1)

Maryland Coastal Bays 2016: Bay perspectives

Jane Thomas, Bill Dennison, Heath Kelsey ·
7 September 2016

This booklet provides an overview of the current science and management issues in the Maryland Coastal Bays in 2016. The full report (which can be found here) includes two ‘booklets’ in one publication—one intended for those interested in the bay perspective, and the other for those interested in the land perspective. The two documents culminate in a summary centerfold which focuses on both watershed and bay issues.

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Maryland Coastal Bays 2016: Land perspectives (Page 1)

Maryland Coastal Bays 2016: Land perspectives

Jane Thomas, Bill Dennison, Heath Kelsey ·
7 September 2016

This booklet provides an overview of the current science and management issues in the Maryland Coastal Bays in 2016. The full report (which can be found here) includes two ‘booklets’ in one publication—one intended for those interested in the bay perspective, and the other for those interested in the land perspective. The two documents culminate in a summary centerfold which focuses on both watershed and bay issues.

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Conceptual Diagrams (Page 1)

Conceptual Diagrams

Tracey Saxby, Nicole Lehmer, Jane Thomas, Jane Hawkey, Adrian Jones, Bill Dennison ·
21 July 2016

This newsletter details the use of symbols as a visual language. Symbols are useful for depicting unequivocal messages that transcend cultures, languages and times. The use of symbols to construct conceptual diagrams ('thought drawings') can be an effective tool for science communication and problem solving. Conceptual diagrams help to clarify thinking and provide a communication interface between scientists and non-scientists.

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2015 Chesapeake Bay Report Card (Page 1)

2015 Chesapeake Bay Report Card

Caroline Donovan, Alexandra Fries, Bill Dennison ·
17 May 2016

This report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of Chesapeake Bay. In 2015, the report card includes five water quality indicators and two biotic indicators. In 2015, the overall grade for Chesapeake Bay is a 53%, a C. This means the Bay is in moderate health. Long term trends of each reporting region health and a fisheries index are also presented. For further details, visit the Report Card website.

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