2003 World Conference on Natural Resource Modeling

Beaufort, North Carolina, USA, June 16-19, 2003

This multidisciplinary conference is being sponsored by the Resource Modeling Association to provide a forum for new developments in modeling and analysis of natural resource systems, particularly ecological, economic and management aspects in forestry, fisheries, wildlife, agriculture, ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, and management of multiple use resources.

Theme

Quantifying, Monitoring, and Modeling Ecosystem Health and Sustainability

Invited Speakers

Rolfe Leary, Rolfe Leary & Associates, "Developing mathematical models of forest dynamics:­ the role of the modeler's environment".

Ram Oren, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, "Carbon source/sink interactions as affected by water, nutrients, and atmospheric CO2".

Larry Crowder, Duke Marine Laboratory. "Endangered species/fisheries conflicts (especially sea turtles and bycatch) in fishing gear".

Francis M. Fujioka, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest Fire Laboratory, "Statistical and dynamic physical models for predicting fire behavior".

Call for Papers

Abstracts of 100-200 words are invited for papers addressing the modeling and management of renewable natural resources. We particularly encourage papers demonstrating new developments in the Quantifying, Monitoring, and Modeling Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, particularly indicators of ecosystem health, monitoring systems and estimation procedures, risk assessment, and ecological, and economic, and management models useful in maintaining ecosystem health and sustainability in the management of forest, fisheries, wildlife, agricultural resources.

Along with the abstract, please include: all authors' names, the complete address of the contact author, the title of the paper, and whether an oral or poster format is preferred. The deadline to submit abstracts is 15 May 2003. Submission by email is preferred and should be sent to bdsmith@fs.fed.us. Submissions may also be posted to: Bill Smith, USDA Forest Service, National Forest Health Monitoring Program Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Paper Delivery Options

Presenters of oral presentations may use overhead projectors, slides or a computer data projector (Microsoft PowerPoint format). No special arrangements need to be made for any of these options. Poster presentations will have an area surrounding the meeting room.

Agenda

  • Monday, June 16
    • Registration and Social
  • Tuesday, June 17
    • until 1500 Conference Sessions
    • 1600 - 2000 Excursion on R/V Susan Hudson
  • Wednesday, June 18
    • until 1200 Conference Sessions
    • 1300 - 1700 Field Trip to the Croatan National Forest (Red-cockaded woodpecker and Longleaf Pine/Wiregrass restoration) and Weyerhaeuser Coastal Tree Farm (Environmental impact of intensive forest management)
    • 1830+ Banquet
  • Thursday, June 19
    • until 1500 Conference Sessions
    • 1600 - 2000 Excursion on R/V Susan Hudson
  • Friday & Saturday, June 20-21

If there is sufficient interest, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Manteo, North Carolina, will have several wildlife biologists talk to us about some of their current programs, especially the Red Wolf recovery program in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This will happen on Friday morning. That afternoon we will take a canoe trip in this refuge. On Friday evening some rangers will take us on a wolf calling outing. There may be a small charge for the canoe trip.

Please indicate on your registration form whether you and/or your family would like to participate in these activities. We need about 40 participants for the USFWS to put on the special program.

On Saturday the activities will be on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and will be conducted by commercial outfits. There may be several possible outings, including tours using sea kayaks and a dolphin tour using a jet boat. Since these trips are operated by commercial groups, there will be a cost involved. If a sufficient number of people are interested in a particular trip, we may be able to arrange a group trip at a reduced rate.

Location

Duke Marine Laboratory Beaufort, North Carolina, USA.

For tourism and travel information, visit Beaufort.net.

How to get to Beaufort, NC

By Air

Beaufort is accessible by air from Raleigh/Durham International Airport (164 miles) and New Bern Simmons Nott Airport (40 miles).

New Bern is served by US Airways, and Raleigh/Durham by most major airlines.

Local Transportation

New Bern: Taxi service (252-447-3101) is available at a rate of $45 one way. Car rental is available from Avis Rent A Car, (252) 637-2130, Budget, (252) 638-8761, Hertz Rent A Car, (252) 637-3021, and National Car Rental, (252) 637-5241.

Raleigh/Durham: Car rental is available from all major rental car agencies.

Accommodations

Accommodations and other local attractions can be found at www.nccoastchamber.com.

Registration

Registration fees include lunches, opening reception, and banquet. All fees are in US dollars.  As a special incentive for potential new members, you can pay member rates for the conference and join RMA at the same time for an additional $60.  This is the same total cost as non-member registration, but with all the membership benefits of a year's membership. To get this deal, be sure you choose the correct option on the conference registration form. Existing members who've been a bit slow in paying their 2003 dues can also pay together with conference registration.

  • Members (2003 dues paid)
    • $115 before May 1st
    • $140 after May 1st
  • Nonmembers
    • $175 before May 1st
    • $200 after May 1st
  • Students
    • $40 (excluding banquet)

Registration check-in will be held Monday afternoon followed by a social hour with heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Meals

Every morning breakfast (6-8 am) and lunch (12-1 pm) will be served at the conference cafeteria. During each session every day a coffee/refreshment break will take place. The Wednesday Evening Banquet will be a Local Seafood Buffet

Accompanying Partner Activities

Beaufort Attractions http://www.beaufort-nc.com/attractn/

A wide boardwalk along the waterfront offers a panoramic view of the water, fishing, and pleasure boats.

More than 100 homes make up Beaufort's historic district. The Restoration Grounds lie in the center of this area where costumed hostesses guide visitors through the area.

Other local attractions include the NC Maritime Museum, the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, and the Old Burying Ground. There are very popular tours and excursions to the Cape Lookout National Seashore and Cape Lookout Lighthouse as well as the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Sanctuary -where wild horses, descendants of those shipwrecked centuries ago, graze on the marsh grass.

Organizing Committee

Chair

Bill Smith
USDA Forest Service
National Forest Health Monitoring Program
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

bdsmith@fs.fed.us