• RELASKOP-TECHNIK is the manufacturer of Spiegel-Relaskop, the standard instrument for angle-count sampling, and assists in technical and scientific questions in co-operation with Prof. Dr. Bitterlich. For more information on all our forestry instruments e.g. the Bitterlich Sector-Fork visit www.relaskop.at or contact us via e-mail at rekaskop@relaskop.at

• Fritz Kahrl - Program Assistant, Institutions and Governance Program, World Resources Institute.
• Gesa Wessolowski - Programme on Forests (PROFOR), New York.
• John C. Weber - Senior Scientist - Forest Genetics, Programme for the Domestication of Agroforestry Trees, International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), Pucallpa, Peru.
• Les Whitmore - USDA Forest Service, retired. Active in International Society of Tropical Forestry, Tropical Forest Foundation, etc.
• Stephen Hinebaugh - Student in Forest Management, West Virginia University.
• Tso-yuan Hsieh - Specialist, Experimental Forest, National Taiwan University

MINING THE RICH SEAM OF CARBON STORAGE POSSIBILITIES FOR THE POOR - From Duncan Macqueen - One of the major doubts over the allowability of carbon sequestration in natural forests or plantations in the Clean Development Mechanism of the UN Climate Change Convention has been the lack of reliable base line data. It would undermine credibility if implementers were paid for things which they intended to do or would happen naturally anyway. In order to counter such doubts, this project has been developing perhaps the first carbon baseline map which portrays at a regional level (in Chiapas, Mexico) the current state and likely future carbon exchanges. By overcoming such doubts it is more likely that politicians will be willing to address aspects of carbon management which will enable poor communities to reap the benefits from improved land management while also sequestering carbon. Contact: richard.tipper@eccm.uk.com, http://www.eccm.uk.com/climafor.

GETTING SMALL FORESTS INTO CERTIFICATION - From Duncan Macqueen - Small forest producers may be discriminated against by the high costs of certification audits. In collaboration with the FSC, the development of an "off the shelf" group certification scheme within this project has been widely welcomed. A draft version is already in use to develop group schemes in South America and Asia. The final report of the first phase of this project has also stimulated an informal working group to take forward the issue of non-timber forest product certification (including NGOs from Europe and Cambodia, Kenya, Malaysia, Tanzania, USA and Vietnam). Contact: ruth_nussbaum@sgsgroup.com, URL: http://www.proforest.net

A GOOD MENSURATIONAL RULE-OF-THUMB - by Harry V. Wiant, Jr. (hwiant@juno.com). Forestry has it fair share of rules-of-thumb, the origins lost in the dimly perceived past. Those rules come to be accepted as gospel, although their scientific basis may be flimsy if not non-existent. Mensuration is no exception. The use of 10% cruises and 1/5-acre plots survived into the early 50’s, and the notion that a point sample should include 5 to 12 trees at each point is found in our modern textbooks. Both those rules are related, I suspect, as 5 to 12 sawtimber trees might be expected in many for our forests using 1/5-acre plots. I believe the surviving rule-of-thumb is little better than the validity of the 10% cruise rule, at least for cruising sawtimber-size timber. The best guide to the appropriate BAF or plot size is using the one that will provide the sampling error desired with the minimum amount of time in the field, and I contend that for the size tracts foresters are generally called upon to cruise, BAF’s or plot sizes providing 5 to 12 sawtimber-size trees per point or plot will rarely be optimum. For specific very large tracts, of course, larger plot sizes and smaller BAF’s, and thus 5 to 12 trees per point or plot may be appropriate. However, tracts of that size are the exception. My conclusion is strongly influenced by the results of the study reported by Gambill et al. (1985), and I have seen no studies since that time that cause me to doubt that work. A good rule-of-thumb in mensuration is to be skeptical of any rule-of thumb. Literature cited: Gambill, C. W., H. V. Wiant, Jr., and D. O. Yandle. 1985. Optimum plot size and BAF. For. Sci. 31;587-594.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - Note: If you can help with any of the requests below, please take the time to do so. Do not assume others will respond - they are assuming the same. Your kind assistance will be appreciated and rewarded. Thanks, Gyde

• GPS QUESTION - Dean Carstens writes, "I know that this has been asked more than a dozen times, but I'm posting this note anyway, hoping that someone would be able to have the patience to reply. We're in the process of acquiring a GPS and have been looking at the Trimble ProXRS-A and the Omnistar 2100. As we all know, forestry is relatively unique in the sense that forest canopies and GP Systems don't always go well together. I would now like to hear from the foresters out there who havehad experience in either of the systems or any other systems with which you've had success. We mainly work underneath Pinus radiata plantation canopies. Most of the data I capture goes to a GIS. I'd also prefer the system to have a real time function, not post processing. I'd also like to have an option to replace the logger (Psion) with a Pocket PC (e.g. the Compaq iPAQ). The system should however be of RELIABLE submeter accuracy." If you can help, contact Dean at ipsgis@safcol.co.za.

OPPORTUNITIES - Several readers of FIU are seeking employment in the forestry field. If you have jobs available and are in need of good people, please consider posting your vacancies in FIU (there is no charge for this service) and the following outlets:
http://foresters.org/jobs/
http://forestry.about.com/education/forestry/msub14.htm
http://www.safnet.org/market/careercenter.htm
http://stateforesters.org/news.html

• U.S. MAB PROGRAM LEADER (INTERDISCIPLINARY) - GS-101/401/1301-13/14. Vacancy Announcement: WO-354-01G (RB). USDA Forest Service; Research &Development; Wildlife, Fish, Water and Air Research Staff; Washington, DC. Area of consideration: Government-Wide. DUTIES: Provides expert technical leadership and direction on behalf of the Forest Service to the U.S. Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program. Specific program components within U.S. MAB include Biodiversity Resources for Inventorying and Monitoring (BRIM), interdisciplinary research, and Biosphere Reserves. Formulates and recommends U.S. MAB related national level program policies, objectives, and plans. Determines avenues of research most needed and likely to yield beneficial results. Evaluates research programs and activities to ensure that sound approaches are used, productive results obtained, MAB research is integrated with other program activities, and for compliance with applicable policies and standards. Works with the Chair and members of the U.S. MAB National Committee to further the goals and objectives of the U.S. MAB Program. Represents U.S. MAB Program in conferences and workshops, domestic and international, and in meetings and information exchanges with the international UNESCO MAB Program. Coordinates and prepares responses to requests for program information from diverse sources, and synthesizes and disseminates information generated by U.S. MAB and its components. Closing date 21 May 2001. For specific technical information about the job contact: Marty Longan, tel: + 1-202-205-1345. For information about the application procedure contact: Bob Bell, +1-703-605-5200, ext. 3080.

• U.S. MAB PROGRAM SPECIALIST, GS-301-11/12. Vacancy Announcement: WO-356-01G (RB).: Location: USDA Forest Service; Research &Development; Wildlife, Fish, Water and Air Research Staff; Washington, DC. Area of consideration: Government-Wide. Duties: Analyzes, sythesizes, displays and reports information generated by or related to the U.S. Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program and its components. Works closely with the staffs of other domestic and foreign land management agencies to further the specific goals of the U.S. MAB Program. Responsible for ensuring the timely publication of requests to be supported through U.S. MAB and serves as a key functionary in maintaining the administration of the U.S. MAB Program within approved operating guidelines. Responds to requests for program information from diverse sources. Closing date - 7 May 2001. . For specific technical information about the job contact: Marty Longan, tel: + 1-202-205-1345. For information about the application procedure contact: Bob Bell, +1-703-605-5200, ext. 3080.

• ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR - ITC, The Netherlands. Tasks Teach Professional Master and MSc students, and contribute to the development of educational modules and new educational products, such as distance learning packages • Initiate, conduct and guide research, including PhD research, and develop research co-operation, both inside and outside ITC • Participate in the division’s consulting tasks • Share responsibility in the management of the division.  REQUIREMENTS - • A PhD degree in forestry or a related discipline, and experience with remote sensing and GIS applications • Proven capabilities for creative research, supported by publications, and demonstrated ability to lead and participate in multidisciplinary research teams • Teaching qualities • Extensive working experience in developing countries, preferable in the field of biodiversity assessment and conservation • Experience in proposal formulation and fund acquisition • English language proficiency and willingness to learn the Dutch language. WE OFFER an inspiring and challenging international environment and good employment and financial facilities. The employee will be appointed for a period of 4 years after which a permanent employment can be offered. Salary and conditions of employment will be according to Dutch University regulations. The gross monthly salary depends on experience and qualifications and ranges from NLG 8.148,- to NLG 10.903,- (exclusive 8% holiday allowance). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about this position may be obtained from Prof. Dr. A. de Gier, Head of Division, direct phone +31 (0)53- 4874 240. You are invited to visit our home page: www.itc.nl/forestry Note that short-listed candidates will be interviewed and will need to give a short lecture as part of the selection procedure. Candidates will be asked to provide references. Interested candidates are invited to send their letter of application and detailed CV before May 12, 2001 to ITC for the attention of Department P&O, P.O. Box 6, 7500 AA Enschede, The Netherlands. E-mail posecretariat@itc.nl

• FOREST SERVICE REMOTE SENSING POSITION - The Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service will be advertising a GS 11/12 Remote Sensing Specialist position in Atlanta, Georgia. Incumbent plans and executes complex projects of considerable scope and variety with numerous complications involving digital image processing on data acquired from both space and airborne imaging platforms, such as Landsat, SPOT, AVHRR, airborne videography, and airborne digital camera.  Incumbent searches out, adapts, and applies biological, geological, statistical, and other procedures for the analysis of complex digital image and geographic information systems data.  Generates reports and oral presentations after extensive study, research, and analysis of complex data for Forest, Regional, and National presentation. Provides expert advice, technical direction, and guidance to Forest Service personnel regarding usage of remote sensing and GIS for natural resource management, planning, and related activities.  Trains Regional and Forest personnel in the development and effective utilization of remote sensing technology for natural resource management.The position will be open to both current federal employees and U.S. Citizen applicants from the private sector. The position will be advertised under the biological scientist, physical scientist and geographer categories. Monitor the US Government Jobs website for the application information (http://www.usajobs.opm.gov). For further information contact Bill Clerke wclerke@fs.fed.us  (+1-404-347-2592)or Elizibeth McMullen emcmullen@fs.fed.us  (+1-404-347-2583)

• Bahuguna, Vinod Kumar. 2000. Forests in the Economy of the Rural Poor: An Estimation of the Dependency Level. Ambio 26 (3): pages unknown. http://www.ambio.kva.se/2000/Nr3_00/May00_1.shtml
• Bradshaw, G. A. Borchers, J. G. 2000. Uncertainty as information: narrowing the science-policy gap. Conservation Ecology 4(1): 7.[online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol4/iss1/art7
• Doll, Christopher N.H. et al. 2000. Night-time Imagery as a Tool for Global Mapping of Socioeconomic Parameters and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Ambio 26 (3): pages unknown. http://www.ambio.kva.se/2000/Nr3_00/May00_6.shtml
• FAO. 2001. The Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000 Summary Report. Committee on Forestry.  COFO-2001/INF.5 http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/003/X9835e/X9835e00.htm
• Gahegana, Mark; Ehlersb, Manfred. 2000. A framework for the modelling of uncertainty between remote sensing and geographic information systems. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 55 (3): 176-188. http://www.elsevier.nl/inca/publications/store/5/0/3/3/4/0/
• Gauld, Ian D.1996? Inventory and monitoring biodiversity: a taxonomist's perspective. Theme 1: Biological inventory and monitoring. Earthwatch Institute. http://www.earthwatch.org/europe/limbe/imbiodiv.html
• Gold, Christopher; Mostafavia, Mir Abolfazl. 2000.Towards the global GIS. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing 55(3):150-163. http://www.elsevier.nl/inca/publications/store/5/0/3/3/4/0/
• Goodrich, S. 1996. Ecosystem management or ecological approach to management and rangeland condition. http://www.fs.fed.us/eco/emrange.htm
• Hopkinson, Paul. 2001. Flexibility and the use of indicator taxa in the selection of sites for nature reserves. Biodiversity and Conservation 10 (2):271-285. http://www.wkap.nl/issuetoc.htm/0960-3115+10+2+2001
• Lesslie, R.G. 2001. Landscape classification and strategic assessment for conservation: an analysis of native cover loss in far south-east Australia. Biodiversity and Conservation 10 (3):427-442. http://www.wkap.nl/issuetoc.htm/0960-3115+10+3+2001
• López,Tania del Mar et al. 2001. Urban Expansion and the Loss of Prime Agricultural Lands in Puerto Rico. Ambio 26(1): pages unknown. http://www.ambio.kva.se/2001/Nr1_01/Feb01_7.shtml
• Myint, Moe; Pradhan, Pramod. 1999. Integration of GIS, Remote Sensing and Ecological Methods for Biodiversity Inventory and Assessment. Issues in Mountain Development (1999/4). ISSN: 1608-2125(Online). http://www.icimod.org.sg/publications/imd/imd99-4.htm
• Riitters, K., et al. 2000. Global-scale patterns of forest fragmentation. Conservation Ecology 4(2):3. [online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol4/iss2/art3
• Runnström, Michael C. 2000. Is Northern China Winning the Battle against Desertification? Satellite Remote Sensing as a Tool to Study Biomass Trends on the Ordos Plateau in Semiarid China. Ambio 26(8): pages unknown. http://www.ambio.kva.se/2000/Nr8_00/Dec00_2.shtml

24-26 April 2001. 4th Annual Bureau of Land Management (BLM) GIS Workshop. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Contact: Diane Nelson, Geosciences Training Coordinator, BLM National Training Center, 9828 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85051 USA. Tel: +1-602-906-5548. Fax: +1-602-906-5555. Email: diane_nelson@tc.blm.gov. URL: http://www.ntc.blm.gov

25 April 2001. Mahogany Logging in Brazil. USDA/FS International Programs Seminar Series. 12 noon - 1pm. 1099 14th Street, NW, Suite 5500W, Washington, DC  20005. Contact:  Allie Hoover +1-202-273-4738

30 April - 3 May 2001. 2001 Intermountain GIS Users Conference. Boise, Idaho, USA. Contact: Craig Rindlisbacher, 12 North Center, PO Box 280, Rexburg, ID 83440 USA. Tel: +1-208-359-3020. Fax: +1-208-359-3022. Email: craigr@ci.rexburg.id.us. URL: http://www.internmountaingis.org.

31 May 2001. 23rd annual Science Day "Sustainability: Substance or Slogan?" Resources For the Future Conference Center, 1600 P. Street N.W., Washington, D.C. For more details on the program and how to register, check out the web-site at http://www.potomac-afs.org/science_day.html, or contact Dick Pfilf +1-703-922-3854 or e-mail dpfilf@tcs.wap.org.

16-22 September 2001. Tree rings and People. Davos, Lantsch, canton Grisons, Switzerland. URL: http://www.wsl.ch/forest/dendro2001/fieldweek-en.ehtml

19-21 September 2001. Continuous Cover Forestry, Assessment, Analysis, Scenarios. Göttingen, Germany. URL: http://iufro.boku.ac.at/iufro/iufronet/d4/wu40000/ccf.htm

24-30 September 2001. Uneven-Aged Silviculture Tradition and Practices in Central Europe. Zürich, Switzerland, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH. IUFRO sponsored. Conference Secretariat: Andreas Zingg, Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, CH-8903 Birmensdorf ZH, Switzerland. Phone: +41 +1 739 23 35, Fax: +41 +1 739 22 15. E-mail: andreas.zingg@wsl.ch

3-6 October 2001. International Conference on Forest Dynamics and Ungulate Herbivory. Davos, Switzerland. URL: http://www.fowi.ethz.ch/pgw/herbivory/

11-17 August 2002. 26th International Horticultural Congress. Toronto, Ontario Canada. Contact: Norm Looney, Chair, Executive Committee: Email: looneyn@cm.agr.ca

14-21 August 2002. 17th World Congress of Soil Science - "Confronting new realities in the 21st Century". Bangkok, Thailand. Contact: Congress Office, Kasetsart University, Box 1048, Bangkok 10903, Thailand. Email: o.sfst@nontrj.ku.ac.th

Sensor Search (Which data to use?) - http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/health/sensor/senchar.html

Protocols and Methods for Biological Monitoring Projects (Flora) - http://www.im.nbs.gov/sandp/plants.htm

Regional Forest Ecosystem Surveys - http://www2.msstate.edu/~vrudis/fiaaffinity.html

Vermont Monitoring Cooperative - http://www.uvm.edu/~snrdept/vmc/

Forests - Websites & Resources Directory - http://www.worldrevolution.org/Resources.asp?CategoryName=Forests

Wildlife web sounds - http://www.selu.com/bio/wildlife/sounds/ - (For mi amigo and sort of cousin-in-law twice removed, Rodolfo Vieto, - click on Natures Song, then on Costa Rican Birds and Animals, then on Mammals, then on Mantled Howler Monkey. You're close, but not quite!)