Riparian Restoration Project and Plot Characterization
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Jon Souder
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Forest Engineering Resources & Management
Project Location:
Actually anywhere since work will likely be conducted remotely. This project would be suitable for an eCampus student.
Project Description:
Millions of dollars are spent annually to restore riparian areas, often in lands previously used for pasture and agriculture. The ecosystem benefits from these projects typically take decades to achieve, while most monitoring and evaluation ends once the plantings are "free-to-grow." This project is based on permanent plots established in riparian restoration in the early 2000s where the plantings are now approximately 15-20 years of age. Plot re-measurements are providing data on the growth, survival, competition, and stand conditions for these middle-aged plantings. The results of this research will be used to better design and evaluate riparian restoration projects and programs.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
The MEP student will be tasked with developing project profiles from existing restoration data and other sources of information (digital imagery, soil surveys, etc.). This information will predominantly be in MS-Excel files, but may also include charts and figures generated by R-statistics scripts. Student will be provided with a template for the information, and be responsible for accessing, re-working as needed, and compiling specific project and plot data into the template for publication. Student will also be expected to participate in lab meetings and present the results of their work in these meetings and other venues.
Hourly rate of pay:
12.50
Detail your mentorship plan:
I have a long history of successfully mentoring MEP students: two are now employed as project managers for watershed councils working in the same types of projects as they did for their MEP. In addition to the weekly lab meetings, I establish a personal relationship with the MEP and provide assistance with class selection, refer potential job opportunities, and write reference letters. This relationship continues past the MEP experience. In addition, the MEP will also work with my graduate student, Lucie Law, who has successfully mentored two previous MEP students.