DESCRIPTION >>> BioMERGE Workshop I

The distribution and abundance of species is strongly regulated by climate, fertility, disturbance, and other extrinsic factors (Holdridge 1947, Preston 1962, Huston 1979, Sugihara 1980, Currie and Paquin 1987, Currie 1991, Currie and Fritz 1993, Wylie and Currie 1993b, a, Huston 1994, Rosenzweig and Abramsky 1994). Thus much of the pattern of distribution and abundance can be predicted by such processes, though the mechanisms are seldom clear and remain an active area of contemporary research (Gaston 2000). Intrinsic drivers, however, secondarily modify distribution and abundance primarily by biotic interactions and individual growth, physiology, and life-history strategies (Harper 1977, Grime 1979, Tilman 1982, Goldberg and Brton 1992). Trophic interactions are considered especially important in this regard (Hairston et al. 1960, Paine 1966, Pimm 1982, Strong 1992, Polis and Winemiller 1996). Disentangling the relative contributions of extrinsic from intrinsic drivers in BEF is critical. The inability to distinguish between the effects of these different classes of factors has led to different interpretations of experimental findings (Tilman et al. 1997c, Wardle et al. 1997b, Naeem in press). Given the fundamental nature of these factors, BioMERGE's first activity will be to establish how ecosystem functioning can be understood as a joint function of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. The Synthesis Conference considered many of the issues related to this topic, thus progress is sufficient to make this the first topic in the ASW series. The first ASW will be held in Seattle, WA, BioMERGE's headquarters.

Format of ASWs. The format for each ASW is the same, starting with an electronic network of participants who address the issues formulated by the Assessment Committee. Over the incubation period, the Assessment committee clarifies terminology and issues, develops consensus, and develops and assigns tasks for participants. Tasks that do not find resolution are targeted for subsequent ASWs. This interactive exchange leads to the development of the agenda and list of attendees of the next ASW. Representatives from the Contributing Participants are invited to attend by the ASW to produce the following:

1. consensus documents
2. point - counter point documents that outline unresolved areas
3. directions documents - outlining needed areas of empirical and
4. theoretical research
5. uniform terminology
6. protocols
7. bibliography

Attendees: ASWs are attended by 5 senior researchers, 5 junior faculty, 5 postdoctoral associates, and 5 graduate students, selected by the Assessment Committee with particular attention to ensuring participation by underrepresented groups and less developed countries. Members of developed countries will secure funds through other agencies, but lesser developed countries and US citizens will be funded by BioMERGE. BioMERGE will also work to secure funds through foundations and other agencies. Pending funding by associated networks, ASWs will increase participants, but cap workshops at 35 individuals. The Assessment Committee and input from Contributing Participants will insure balance in perspective, gender, and age structure.

WELCOME LETTER >>>

Dear BioMERGE Group:

After considerable investigation concerning the costs of facilities and other schedules, I have selected the following dates for the first BioMERGE workshop: 24-29 October 2002

(Arrive Thursday (evening welcome dinner and presentation), workshop Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (presentations, breakout groups, document preparations, evening farewell dinner), depart Tuesday). No dates would accommodate everyone so I do hope if you cannot make the conference because of conflicts you might be able to send a graduate student or postdoc or make a recommendation.

As core members you are the first to be invited. If you would be interested and capable of attending,

PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY 28 June 2002.

BioMERGE will cover travel and housing costs. Because BioMERGE must maintain a balance of representatives, apologies in advance if have to restrict invitations. Only 18 participants can be accommodated.

A second message will be sent to the entire list of BioMERGE participants on 28 June.

ACCOMODATION >>>

Participants will be staying at: http://www.watertownseattle.com/index.html

SEATTLE TOURISM >>>

http://www.seattle.com/
http://www.cityofseattle.net/
http://www.experiencewashington.com/