CSREES Environmental & Resource Economics Program

[Event]2010 AAEA, CAES, WAEA Joint Annual Meeting, July 25-27, 2010

9 Jul 2010 19:44:01 GMT

[Event]U.S. Biochar Initiative Conference, June 27-30, 2010

9 Jul 2010 19:44:00 GMT

[EVENT]Alternative Climate Changes Policies/Implications on U.S. Ag Economy, May 24-25, 2010

17 May 2010 18:10:26 GMT

The Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies, Bio-EPIC, North Dakota State University and Farm Foundation will hold a conference titled “Alternative Policies on Climate Changes and their Implications on the U.S. Agricultural Economy.” The conference will assess the impact of emerging climate change policies on U.S. agricultural production and farm income. Specific issues to be discussed in the conference include: (1) Potential impact of climate change policies on land use and food production (2) Economics of Sequestering carbon in the U.S. agriculture (3) Alternative policy options in reducing GHG emissions (4) Emerging issues for the U.S. food and livestock industries The conference will be held at Ramada Plaza & Suites, Fargo, North Dakota on May 24, 2010. When reserving a room ask for the NDSU rate of $79 per night.

[EVENT]Global Land Project First Open Science Meeting, October 17-19, 2010

17 May 2010 18:07:42 GMT

The Global Land Project (GLP) is pleased to announce the GLP 2010 Open Science Meeting (GLP OSM), to be held 17-19 October 2010 at Arizona State University. This Meeting is organized in close cooperation with IHDP’s Urbanization and Global Environmental Change project (UGEC). UGEC will hold its 1st International Science and Practice Conference from the 15-17 October, with the 17 October organized jointly with GLP. The aim of the GLP OSM on 'Land Systems, Global Change and Sustainability' is to bring together large parts of the international research community working on land change issues, showcase the width and scope of ongoing research, help build a community in this highly interdisciplinary field, inspire new research and facilitate review, theory building and extrapolation. Please revisit this website, as more details are forthcoming.

[Events]Informing Green Markets: The Roles of Industry, NGOs and Government, June 17-19, 2010

2 Apr 2010 18:46:30 GMT

[EVENTS] NAREA Workshop on Economics of Local Food Markets, June 15-16, 2010

28 Jan 2010 13:07:01 GMT

[EVENTS] Northeast Agricultural/Resource Economics Association Conference, June 13-15, 2010

28 Jan 2010 13:06:16 GMT

The 2010 NAREA annual meeting will be held on June 13-15, 2010 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. A post-conference workshop on local foods will be held at the Trump Plaza immediately following the annual meeting. Located in the heart of the northeast and within easy driving distance of a third of the population of the United States, Atlantic City is convenient to get to whether you ride a bus, take a train, drive, or fly. The seaside resort is readily accessible by air through two nearby International Airports or by car and bus along three major highways. A block of rooms has been reserved at $90 per night plus tax. Please use the link provided here to book your accommodations or see the "Travel Info" link in the left banner for further information. The opening reception will be held on Sunday evening (June 13th) on the roof of the Trump Plaza overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and is free for those registering for the conference. The conference registration fee is $160 for members, $185 for non-members, and $75 for member students (for early registration). The registration fee includes the Sunday evening reception and a ticket to Monday’s Awards Luncheon. The conference program will include further details once posted.

[EVENT] Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) 2010 Conference, Fairbanks, AK, June 27-30, 2010.

6 Apr 2009 14:16:24 GMT

[EVENT] 75th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference, Milwaukee, WI, March 22-27, 2010.

Mon, 6 Apr 2009 17:04:35 -0600

[IN FOCUS] CSREES-funded projects provide nature-based recreation and tourism for underserved audiences and enhance economic opportunities for limited resource landowners.

20 Mar 2009 11:49:52 GMT

[IN FOCUS] CSREES-funded projects provide nature-based recreation and tourism for underserved audiences and enhance

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:17:19 -0600

[EVENT] 2005 Environmental Law Update. Research article on federal agency regulatory actions and court decisions.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:32:21 -0600

[EVENT] Clarifying NPDES Requirements for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. Research article on prohibiting point source pollutant discharge in navigable waters.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:31:59 -0600

[EVENT] Government Oversight of Animal Feeding Operations. Research article on animal production changes, environmental impacts and regulatory actions.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:31:34 -0600

[EVENT] How the Concept of Navigability May Determine the Rights of Landowners along Streams. Research article on control of stream activities and public use.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:31:06 -0600

[EVENT] States’ Recreation Use Statutes. Research publication on state laws that encourage private landowners to open access to the public for recreational purposes.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:30:38 -0600

[EVENT] Planting the Seeds for a New Industry in Arkansas: Agritourism. Research article on prominent and more recognized role of agritourism in a state economy.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:30:16 -0600

[EVENT] Biodiversity and Law: The Culture of Agriculture and the Nature of Nature Conservation. Research article on biodiversity conservation strengths and weaknesses.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:29:54 -0600

[EVENT] Managing Carbon in a World Economy: The Role of American Agriculture. Research article on carbon sequestration to curb climate change effects.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:29:30 -0600

[PARTNERSHIP] In partnership with CSREES, the National Agricultural Law Center produces in-depth analytical publications on agricultural and food law topics.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:27:31 -0600

[EVENT] Micro-Econometrics In and Out of Markets: A Second Training Workshop on Micro-Econometrics in Environmental Economics, Washington, DC, May 28-29, 2009.

23 Feb 2009 15:26:47 GMT

[RESOURCE] Opening a Public Recreation Area to Revitalize Coastal Communities and Preserve

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:14:41 -0600

[IN FOCUS] CSREES funds new technology to ensure outdoor recreation and trail routes are more efficiently maintained and accessible to all individuals.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:12:37 -0600

New Monitoring Systems Enhance Quality of Nation's Trails

Media Contact:
Jennifer Martin, (202) 720-8188

By Stacy Kish, CSREES Staff
November 18, 2008

The WISP mounted to an ATV.
Credit: Beneficial Designs, Inc.

The United States is fortunate to contain miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails that improve the quality of life for rural and urban communities across the country. Unfortunately, managing and monitoring these trails can be time consuming and, at times, cost prohibitive.

With funding from USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, scientists in Nevada have developed new technology to ensure outdoor recreation and trail routes are more efficiently maintained and accessible to all individuals.

Peter Axelson and colleagues at Beneficial Designs, Inc., in Minden, NV, developed the Wheeled Instrumentation Sensor Package (WISP) and High Efficiency Trail Assessment Process (HETAP) Software system package. WISP/HETAP is an automated system that allows for rapid and objective collection of trail data following the Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP). WISP/HETAP requires only one person and operates at a speed of about one hour per mile.

UTAP is a tool used by land managers, agencies, and individuals to monitor outdoor trails to improve trail accessibility for all users. "Many trail managers needed a way to complete trail assessments more efficiently," Axelson said. "By automating the UTAP, one person could complete a trail assessment in less time with greater accuracy, saving the trail agency time and money."

The package consists of a user-friendly graphical interface, which improves ease-of-use for the HETAP software. The package collects and stores information including GPS location, pictures, and trail details, such as length, grade and cross slope, surface firmness and stability, and built and natural features.

"The sensors on the wheeled instrumentation sensor cart automatically capture grade and cross slope information, and the dual reed switch allows forward and backup movements with the cart, roll-a-wheel, or all terrain vehicle (ATV) to accurately record location."

The research and development team mounted the computers and sensors in the HETAP package onto a jogging stroller, roll-a-wheel, and an ATV to monitor trails with different characteristics.

The stroller was designed to accommodate trails greater than 24 inches wide. The stroller is highly maneuverable and represents the stride length and width of a typical hiker.The sensors on the roll-a-wheel were designed for narrower trails. The adjustable, ergonomic handle and compact construction allow for maximum stability to ensure accurate measurements. A chest harness comfortably holds a laptop at chest height to monitor data collection.

Sensors on an ATV measure motorized trails. The HETAP system is securely mounted between the ATV handlebars for ease-of-use. Sensors are affixed to the rear wheel of the vehicle.

Beneficial Designs aims toward universal access to all environments through research, design, and education. The company also aims to enhance the quality of life for people of all abilities by developing and marketing technology for daily living, vocational, and leisure activities.

Axelson believes that "ongoing availability of objective trail data using HETAP will continue to enhance the availability or trail access information for users and trail managers."

CSREES funded this project with Phase I and Phase II funds through the SBIR program. Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, CSREES focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues affecting people’s daily lives and the nation’s future. For more information, visit www.csrees.usda.gov.

[EVENT] Ecosystem Based Management: The Chesapeake and Other Systems, Baltimore, MD, March 22-26, 2009.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:49:21 -0600

[EVENT] Ecosystem Services: Marketing Environmental Solutions, Charlottesville, VA, March 12-13-2009.

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:39:54 -0600

[Event] Southern Agricultural Economics Association Meeting, (in conjunction with Southern Agricultural Scientists Meeting), Atlanta, GA, January 31-February 3, 2009

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:54:03 -0600

[EVENT] Western Agricultural and Resource Economics Association Meeting, Kauai, HI, June 24-26, 2009

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:54:32 -0600

[EVENT] European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, June 24-27, 2009

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:55:15 -0600

[EVENT] The International Farm Management Congress 17, Bloomington, IL, July 19-24, 2009

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:55:49 -0600

[EVENTS] 2 Environmental & Resource Economics-related Events

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:37:54 -0600

Transition to a Bioeconomy: Environmental and Rural Development Impacts. St. Louis, MO, October 15-16, 2008.

Integrated Assessment of Agriculture and Sustainable Development; Setting the Agenda for Science and Policy, Egmond aan Zee, The Netherlands, March 10-12, 2009.

[EVENT] Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges, and Decisions, International Alliance of Research Universities Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark, March 10-12 2009.

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:38:14 -0600

[IN FOCUS] CSREES participated in and helped fund National Academies' Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability workshop on ecosystems services and biofuels

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 21:57:00 -0600

Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability

The National Academies' Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability held a workshop on Transitioning to Sustainability Through Research and Development on Ecosystems Services and Biofuels on October 17-18, 2007.

Participants discussed research gaps, needed analytical tools, and opportunities for collaboration among federal research and development programs on selected high priority challenges to sustainability in the areas of biofuels and ecosystem services.

Many federal agencies are using sustainability to help focus their research and development activities and their natural resource management programs. CSREES is incorporating sustainability concepts across its research, education, and extension activities. CSREES is an active member of the USDA Council on Sustainable Development, which coordinates and guides USDA policies and programs supporting sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry, and sustainable rural communities.

[EVENTS] 2 Related Events for the Environmental & Resource Economics Program

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:16:28 -0600

2008 National Rural Transportation Conference, Duluth, MN, August 17-19, 2008.

National Extension Tourism Conference, Park City, UT, June 14-17, 2009.

[FUNDING OPPORTUNITY] Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:21 -0600

Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) was established to solve critical industry issues through research and extension activities. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops including floriculture. SCRI will give priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or trans-disciplinary; and include explicit mechanisms to communicate results to producers and the public. Projects must address at least one of five focus areas: research in plant breeding, genetics, and genomics to improve crop characteristics; efforts to identify and address threats from pests and diseases, including threats to pollinators; efforts to improve production efficiency, productivity, and profitability over the long term; new innovations and technology, including improved mechanization and technologies that delay or inhibit ripening; and methods to prevent, detect, monitor control, and respond to potential food safety hazards in the production and processing of specialty crops.

Special Notation

More SCRI Information

Who Is Eligible to Apply

1862 Land-Grant Institutions

1890 Land-Grant Institutions

1994 Land-Grant Institutions

For-profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses

Individuals

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed

Other or Additional Information (See below)

Private Institutions of Higher Ed

State Agricultural Experiment Stations

State Controlled Institutions of Higher Ed

More Information on Eligibility

Applications may be submitted by Federal agencies, national laboratories, colleges and universities, research institutions and organizations, private organizations or corporations, State agricultural experiment stations, individuals, or groups consisting of 2 or more of these entities.

Request for Application (RFA) | Apply: Electronic

[EVENT] Rising Food and Energy Prices: US Food Policy at a Crossroads, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, October 2, 2008. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:58:12 -0600 [IN FOCUS] CSREES and partners promote sustainable outdoor recreation environments to connect people with nature, leading to healthier people, resources, and communities. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:28:47 -0600 [EVENT] Pathways to Success Conference & Training: Integrating Human Dimensions into Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Estes Park, CO, September 28-October 2, 2008. Thu, 29 May 2008 21:29:20 -0600 [RESOURCE] Visit Iowa Farms. Agritourism website listing bed/breakfasts, Christmas tree farms, fruit/vegetable u-picks, hiking, hunting, fishing, mazes, wineries, gifts. Wed, 7 May 2008 18:50:17 -0600 [IN FOCUS] CSREES begins strategic planning process to strengthen outdoor recreation research, education, and extension programs. Fri, 2 May 2008 20:34:27 -0600 Outdoor Recreation Programs CSREES is partnering with West Virginia University to initiate a strategic planning process to strengthen the agency's outdoor recreation research, education, and extension programs for the 21st century. This comprehensive process will examine demographic, economic, ecological, and other societal changes that affect outdoor recreation participation, which promotes human health and rural economic sustainability, and improves quality of life. A 30-person steering committee representing a multidisciplinary cross-section of expertise from land-grant universities and federal agencies is participating in the planning. Broader stakeholder input will be generated from roundtable discussions conducted in the future at various professional meetings (Northeast Recreation Research Symposium, International Symposium on Society and Resource Management, and Society of American Foresters), and from using other venues, such as Web casts. A draft 5-year plan identifying strategic directions is now available. Steering committee members: Djime Adoum, CSREES Planning & Accountability Catalino Blanche, co-team leader, CSREES Natural Resources & Environment Frank Boteler, CSREES deputy administrator, Economic & Community Systems Perry Brown, University of Montana Linda Caldwell, The Pennsylvania State University Wen-Huei Chang, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nathan Caldwell , U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Steve Deller, University of Wisconsin John Dennis, National Park Service Diana Augie, National Institutes of Health Jim Falk, University of Delaware Jim Gramann, Texas A&M University and National Park Service Hal Hallett, Bureau of Land Management Anne Hoover, USDA Forest Service Bill Hammit, Clemson University Fen Hunt, Team Leader, CSREES Economic and Community Systems Linda Kruger, USDA Forest Service Jessica Leahy, University of Maine Maureen McDonough, Michigan State University David McGranahan, USDA Economic Research Service Chad Pierskalla , West Virginia University Dennis Propst, Michigan State University Richard Reeder, USDA Economic Research Service Randy Rosenberger, Oregon State University Ingrid Schneider, University of Minnesota Steve Selin, co-team leader, West Virginia University Randy Simmons, Utah State University Kate Thompson, West Virginia University Bruce Weber, Oregon State University Doug Wellman, North Carolina State University For more information, contact Fen Hunt. Environmental & Resource Economics Home Page
Solicitation Date (Opening)	July 14, 2008
Letter of Intent Due Date	None
Due Date (Closing)	August 14, 2008
Anticipated Award Date	None
Estimated Total Program Funding	$28,400,000.00
Range of Awards	$0.00 to $6,000,000.00
Percent of Applications Funded Last Fiscal Year	0%
Cost Sharing Requirements	100 %