Scientists to Identify Emerging Issues at Patuxent Refuge in February

U.S. Geological Survey scientists from Maine to Mississippi will identify emerging scientific issues of concern for resource managers when they gather with their scientific collaborators and federal partners at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Maryland, February 14-16.

The scientists will also identify the information needs of partners, report on current and/or completed research, and begin the groundwork for future projects. A focus will be on current research at the Patuxent Research Refuge, which is primarily conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey through the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, a leading international research institute for wildlife and applied environmental research, including the North American Bird Banding Program. The scientists will hear presentations on hierarchical modeling, the ecology of wildlife diseases, tropical bird conservation and habitat restoration.

The meeting will also be a special tribute to 60 years of service by Dr. Chandler S. Robbins, whose career as a Patuxent Refuge scientist included developing the North American Breeding Bird Survey, unique citizen/science-based surveys, and research to address the most profound problems in bird conservation.

For more information about the meeting, including attendance, contact Judy Salvo, information specialist, U.S. Geological Survey, (703) 648-5645.