The Wildlife Society Pennsylvania Chapter The Wildlife Society …wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019_patws... · 2019. 2. 5. · Newsletter - Winter 2019 (1/30/19) 3 The

Newsletter - Winter 2019 (1/30/19)

The Wildlife Society - Pennsylvania Chapter

President’s Message

My Final Update… Greetings from Annville, PA! Yes, I moved to southeastern Pennsylvania following my official (and this time I mean it – final) re-tirement from Penn State in December. I’ve really enjoyed the past year serving on the Chapter board and as Chapter Presi-dent, working with and getting to know better several Chapter members, and help-ing fellow wildlifers – both students and working professionals – experience profes-sional development opportunities, better appreciate TWS and make progress in their careers. We are fortunate to have the op-portunity to represent and serve the com-munity of wildlife professionals in the Com-monwealth of Pennsylvania. I hope you’re planning to join us at the Ramada Inn, State College from February 21-23 for our annual Spring Meeting! Vice President Sara Mueller has done a fantastic job coordinating and planning this year’s joint meeting of the PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and PA TWS. The program has something for everyone

and we get to extend our professional network to include our fisheries col-leagues. Come join us to meet fellow professionals and wildlife and fisheries students who live and work in and around Pennsylvania. If you are unable to attend this year’s meeting put March 26-29, 2020 on your calendar today and join us next year! I want to encourage every member to support Sara Mueller this year during her time as President as she leads our Chap-ter and Executive Board. Also, we are for-

The Wildlife Society Pennsylvania Chapter

Presidents Message 1 Treasurer’s Report 3 2019 Conference 4 TWS Leadership Institute 5 Thank You PA TWS 6 Contributed Student Article 7 Chapter Correspondence 9 Member Profile: Rob Blye 12 Contributed Article: Are you certified? 15 Save the Date 16

Newsletter—Winter 2019

What’s Inside

Newsletter - Winter 2019 (1/30/19) 2


President's Message Continued

tunate to have a dozen other dedicated and very talented professionals on the Executive Board who regularly set aside time from their “day job” or work evenings to advance our Chapter and its mission. Please let us know if you want to serve on Chapter com-mittees or have ideas about new initiatives for the Chapter. I’ve said the following in each of my letters this year, and for the sake of consistent per-sistence, I’ll reiterate. If you’re not already a member, please join The Wildlife Society, our parent organization. Membership is rel-atively inexpensive and supports myriad TWS activities and services to wildlifers and society. Also, if you have a wildlife degree and are working or are expecting to work as a wildlife professional, then I appeal to you to consider getting professionally certified by TWS. I would be happy to assist you in this process if you contact me at [email protected]. Finally, please give seri-ous consideration to supporting our profes-sion and TWS by joining The 1000. Infor-mation is available at www.wildlife.org. Thanks for all your support, guidance, and encouragement over the past year. I look forward to remaining active in the Chapter and continuing to serve you, the public and our wildlife heritage for the foreseeable fu-ture. Stay warm and stay safe, spring is just around the corner!

Yours in conservation, Cal DuBrock

Cal DuBrock, PA TWS President, at 2017 TWS National Conference

©David Frey

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.wildlife.org



Pennsylvania Chapter of the Wildlife Society 2018 Treasurer's Report

2018 Treasury Summary

Acct Start

Balance Income subtotal Expend/Loss End

Balance

Checking 7,160.67 15,981.00 18,231.10 4,910.57 Checking Acct

Checking (OP) 15,228.58 0.00 15,228.58 0.00 Checking Acct (OP)a

Vanguard 10,394.48 1,264.72 1,670.10 9,989.10 Vanguard Total

Fed MM 581.27 3.49 584.76 0.00 Money Market Fundb

Wellesley 4,215.47 917.05 442.40 4,690.12 Mutual Fund - Wellesley Income Fund

Star 5,597.74 344.18 642.94 5,298.98 Mutual Fund - STAR Fund

Paypal 120.00 12,632.00 9,652.37 3,099.63 Paypalc

Total 32,903.73 29,877.72 62,781.45 44,782.15 17,999.30 Grand Total (coltot)

17,999.30 rowtot

NOTE: this accounts for all transfers among accounts

and investment gains or losses a $14728.58 paid to EBBW in March 2018, $500 gift to PATWS b moved to Vanguard Wellsley c expense includes $9000 moved to checking account

2017 Treasury Summary

Acct Start

Balance Income Expend/Loss End

Balance

Checking 13,166.38 29,397.86 35,403.57 7,160.67 Checking Acct

Checking (OP) 0.00 21,827.78 6,599.20 15,228.58 Checking Acct (OP)a

Vanguard 16,493.94 1,500.54 7600 10,394.48 Vanguard Total

Fed MM Money Market Fund

Wellesley Mutual Fund - Wellesley Income Fund

Star Mutual Fund - STAR Fund

Paypal 4,258.84 120.00 4,258.84 120.00 Paypal

Total 33,919.16 52,846.18 53,861.61 32,903.73 Grand Total (coltot)

32,903.73 rowtot

NOTE: this accounts for all transfers among accounts

a Added 2nd checking account OtherPeoples money (EBBW)

Treasurer’s Report End of Year: 2018

Please refer to the table below that compares beginning and year-end account balances for 2018 with 2017. The Chap-ters major activities were the annual meeting held at Toftrees in March 2018 and Fall Field Days held at Millersville in September 2018. Prior to Millersville, we purchased some $1200 of clothing to replenish our inventory. Absent mem-bership dues, these two events produced virtually all revenue and expenses for the Chapter. Both events were break even or close when one includes sale of clothing as part of the event revenue. The meeting at Millersville required that we purchase general liability insurance which will provide coverage for all our activities for a year.

The substantial reduction in 2018 year-end grand total balance is attributable to a $14,728.58 payment made to Eastern

Black Bear Workshop in March 2018. PA TWS had agreed to handle the money for a EBBW to be held in Pennsylvania

and returned the funds to EBBW after the workshop was complete. A second checking account (OP meaning other peo-

ple’s money) was opened by the previous Treasurer to separate TWS funds from EBBW funds. Prior to our returning the

funds, EBBW made a $500 contribution to PA TWS as a thank you.

Robert W. Blye, Treasurer



2019 Conference

Joint Conference of the Pennsylvania Chapters of The Wildlife Society

& The American Fisheries Society

February 21 – 23, 2019 The Ramada Inn – State College, PA

Plenary theme

The Nexus: Bridging Land and Water Issues

The 2019 Annual Conference registration deadline is fast approaching! Registration closes on February 4, 2019. The meeting will be held jointly with the PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society at the Ramada Inn in State College February 21-23, 2019.

This year we are asking all attendees to register using the electronic form available at the TWS website meeting page below:

http://wildlife.org/pennsylvania-chapter/annual-meeting/

Payment will be made using a credit card (in PayPal) or your PayPal account. One does not need a PayPal

account to use the electronic form.

***Deadline to register is February 4, 2019 *** Registration will be closed at the end of the day.

We are still seeking donations for the raffle and silent auction. Contact Rob Blye, Stacy Wolbert or send an email to the PA Chapter The Wildlife Society address <[email protected]>. The Board is always seeking candidates to run for the board, If you or someone you know is willing please

see any board member.

http://wildlife.org/pennsylvania-chapter/annual-meeting/




The Wildlife Society Leadership Institute

APPLY NOW FOR TWS’ LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE CLASS OF 2019 The Wildlife Society (TWS) is currently accepting applications for its Leadership Institute Class of 2019. Leadership Insti-tute is designed to engage participants in a series of activities to develop and expand their leadership skills. The Leader-ship Institute is geared toward early-career professionals, typically two to three years out of undergraduate or gradu-ate school, who are currently working full-time in a wildlife professional position with demonstrated evidence of lead-

ership potential.

The program begins in May and concludes at TWS’s Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada in October. During the confer-ence, the Leadership Institute cohort will participate in various activities, including mentoring and leadership workshop sessions. Participants will receive complimentary registration and a travel grant to attend the conference.

Throughout the 6-month program, participants will engage with Leadership Institute alumni and TWS Council mem-bers, work collaboratively to understand a wide array of leadership styles and perspectives, develop stronger written and verbal communication skills, and learn how to better navigate the conservation field.

All applicants must be members in good standing of TWS and a chapter or section of TWS. The selection committee will be seeking to create a diverse group with participants of varying gender, ethnic, and regional diversity. Selection will be based upon:

An excellent academic record

Demonstrated leadership capability or potential

Demonstrated level of excellence in current position

Commitment to and involvement in TWS

Preference will be given to individuals who are certified as Associate Wildlife Biologists® or Certified Wildlife Biolo-gists®, or who have submitted such an application to TWS.

Applicants must submit (in one PDF, excluding recommendation letters):

Completed Leadership Institute application form

Cover letter with evidence of leadership capacity or potential, such as previous leadership in TWS organization units or in other organizations

Résumé including a list of publications, awards, etc.

Academic transcript(s)

An essay (1000 word limit), which succinctly summarizes 1) your concept of leadership, 2) your aspiration for your engagement within TWS and the wildlife profession in 5 to 10 years, and 3) why you are an ideal candidate for the Leadership Institute

Have two letters of recommendation sent from supervisors, academic advisors, professors, or others with whom you have worked and who are familiar with your previous and potential leadership, history and commitment to TWS, and commitment to wildlife management and conservation. Letters should be sent directly to [email protected] with subject line “Leadership Institute Recommendation for [applicant last name]”

Application deadline is March 24, 2019. Email all materials to: [email protected]. Visit wildlife.org/leadership-institute for more information.


wildlife.org/leadership-institute



Frank Felbaum Scholarship Award: A Thank You to PA TWS!

Like us on Facebook!

The Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society now has a Facebook page. Connect with us. Share with us. To find us on Face-book search: “PA Chapter -The Wildlife Society”

This Newsletter is produced at least a semi-annually for members of the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Editor: Samantha DiLorenzo Send items of interest, comments, announcements, questions, or cor-rections to Sam at: [email protected]. Subject— “newsletter”

Dear PATWS,

I would first like to thank the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society for awarding me the Frank Felbaum Scholarship Award this past year. I am ex-tremely honored and thankful to have received this award. This scholarship has greatly assisted me in paying for college as I pursue my degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Penn State DuBois. I recently graduated with my associate's degree in Wildlife Technology this past Spring. Receiving this scholar-ship award has allowed me to continue on with my education in the wildlife field and focus more on learning, and less on college funding. Focusing more on education has allowed me to have some inter-esting experiences for summer internships and jobs. This summer I had an Internship working for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, building on my previ-ous experiences as a fawn capture crew member for the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This summer I worked with a variety of animals like white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, pronghorn, turkey, and moun-tain lions in the Black Hills National Forest and Badlands.

I would like to become a wildlife biologist working with large mammals, and as I gain experience I am hoping to narrow down what species I would like to work with. Once again, thank you for awarding me the Frank Felbaum Scholarship Award last year, It has been one of my greatest honors. Many Thanks, Sean Lauer

https://www.facebook.com/PA-Chapter-The-Wildlife-Society-126407417490084/

http://www.digiday.com/brands/3-things-facebook-can-do-for-brands/attachment/facebook-like-2/



The Importance of Undergraduate Research

In science, research guides the precedent for everything that comes after. The collegiate environment is an area where research flourishes, and this includes undergraduate research. As an undergraduate biology student, I have found that undergraduate research is important because it validates much of what is learned in class. The scientific method is easily understood when taught in lec-ture, but it becomes an unforgettable lesson when applied in practice to an ac-tual study. There are many inherent challenges when pursuing a biology degree, such as the difficult course work and time consuming schedule. Most science-based courses include not only lecture but also a three-hour laboratory, and though the general familiarity with course content is attained during class time, greater depth of knowledge requires hours outside of class studying and work-ing on laboratory reports. Also, the demands of a student athlete adds another level of complexity to an everyday schedule. Balancing academics and athletics taught me the importance of time management and communication with my professors. Time management is difficult and I wish there were more minutes in the day to complete everything, but the experience is rewarding, and in the long run, I believe worth it. The same can be said for undergraduate research, which allows a stu-

dent to apply what they have learned in the classroom to an actual scientific problem. Currently, I am part of a re-search team in Dr. Haines’ Applied Conservation Lab, reviewing documents for endangered vertebrates, invertebrates, non-flowering plants and flowering plants. For each species listed as endangered or threatened, a federal document is created detailing what past and current threats have caused population declines, as well as the justification for re-quired federal protection. I have been involved in reviewing a number of final listing documents and identifying specific threats causing species to become imperiled. Threats range from habitat destruction and loss, disease, invasive spe-cies, climate change, pollution, and many other impacts that negatively impact populations. Final listing documents can be circumlocutory; therefore, I follow a set of detailed methods created to ensure that each document is reviewed consistently. After our team has finished compiling data, we will incorporate our database into a map to show the types of threats that are impacting species and how these threats have changed over time across the national land-scape. Developing consistent and repeatable methods allowed me, as a researcher, to be detailed oriented and taught me the importance of collecting scientific data in consistent fashion. In addition, as part of our data collection process, the research team reviewed each other’s work to validate our efforts, highlighting the importance of recording accurate data. This past summer, I was also involved in field research through Dr. Wallace’s lab, and was fortunate enough to work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) on testing local mosquito populations for the prevalence of the West Nile virus in ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus. Throughout the summer I hiked Pennsylvania’s State Game Lands to trap mosquitoes and then sent the specimens to a lab for West Nile testing. Two of the test sites reported positive results for the West Nile virus. This made me feel like the research I was doing was valuable and meaningful.

By: Michella Salvitti Biology & Science Writing Major

Millersville University



Although being a junior biology major is rigorous and tedious at times, I consider myself lucky to have un-dergraduate research opportunities, and I recommend that all undergraduates participate in research to gain ex-perience, learn more, get excited, and determine if the biology field is right for them. I found that my professors were willing to work with me as a student athlete to ac-complish as much as I could at the collegiate level regard-less of my schedule. Balancing research, academics, and athletics taught me skills and lessons that I can take with me after college. Participating in undergraduate research has provided me with more experience and aided me in deciding what I want to do with my future.

PA TWS Chapter Secretary

Samara Trusso

Visiting sunny Florida!

Send in pictures of you and your fellow wildlifers sporting

your PA TWS gear on your next adventure! Pictures can be

sent to your newsletter editor.

Where’s PA TWS Visiting???



Chapter Correspondence

Dr. Aaron Haines

Certified Wildlife Biologist

Board of Game Commissioners Pennsylvania Game Commission

Public Comment for Species State Listing Dear Board of Game Commissioners,

Bat species benefit human societies and biological systems by being indicators of ecosystem health and providing bio-logical control over problem insect species (Kunz et al. 2011). For example, a colony of 150 big brown bats

(Eptesicus fuscus) in the midwestern United States annually consumed a number of agricultural pest species including

approximately 600,000 cucumber beetles (including 33,000,000 beetle larvae), 194,000 June beetles, 158,000 leaf-

hoppers, and 335,000 stinkbugs (Whitaker 1995). Unfortunately, human activities such as depletion or destruction of forests, disturbances to caves, increased use of pesticides, and the proliferation and operation of large-scale wind ener-

gy facilities have contributed to bat mortality (Kunz et al. 2011).

Currently, there are 7 species of bats in Pennsylvania listed as species of conservation concern as identified under the 2015 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan: Big brown bat, Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), Northern Long-eared

bat (Myotis septentrionalis), Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), Little brown bat

(Myotis lucifucgus) and Silver- haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). In addition, the viability of hoary populations

are at risk due to projected population declines caused by wind turbines (Frick et al. 2017).

Ten years ago the Little brown bat, Tricolored bat and Northern long-eared bat populations were common and wide-

spread in Pennsylvania, and the federally endangered Indiana bat populations were also present in Pennsylvania. In

the last decade, populations of these bat species have declined dramatically with the onset and spread of the White-nose fungal disease (Pseudogymnoascus destructans) (Tuner et al. 2011, USFWS 2015a). Population sizes for many

of these bat species have been reduced, some up to 98%, causing regional extinctions of local populations (Frick et al.

2010, Turner et al. 2011). Indiana bat populations have been reduced further by 72% from their already diminished

endangered populations (Turner et al. 2011, USFWS 2015a). These declines have caused the Northern long-eared bat populations to be listed as federally threatened (USFWS 2015b).

The state of Pennsylvania should take the initiative to state list the Northern long-eared, Tricolored and Little brown

bat, to prevent their local extinction and help begin the road to recovery. Listing these species as endangered in the state of Pennsylvania, provides state wildlife biologists the opportunity to work with state business’s and industry to

identify solutions that mitigate negative impacts to these imperiled species, while at the same time maintaining eco-

nomic progress in the state. Pennsylvania has the opportunity in becoming an example of how to develop conserva-

tion solutions locally, to prevent the need for these species to become federally listed. Federal listing can impose fur-ther regulations within the state. By conserving species now, and developing strategies for species recovery, future

potential federal regulations can be prevented.

I thank you for your time. Sincerely, Aaron Haines

[email protected]

*For citations of literature please contact [email protected]





Chapter Correspondence Continued

THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER

January 27, 2019 Good afternoon Commission Board Members and Commission staff, my name is Calvin DuBrock. I am a certified wildlife biologist and President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society. I am here today to comment on regulations and policies that will be under consideration in your business meeting this week, to make some suggestions concerning science-based management and to thank you for the work and accomplishments of the Board, your agency and staff in conserving our commonwealth’s wild-life resources and providing opportunities to use and enjoy these resources now and in the future. The Wildlife Society – TWS – is an international organization of professional wildlife scientists, managers, educators and consult-ants who study wildlife and strive to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conserva-tion actions. TWS has more than 10,000 members and our state chapter has a membership of nearly 300 wildlife professionals. Many of your agency biologists are PA TWS members, but their membership constitutes less than 10 percent of our membership. In addition to serving the community of wildlife professionals in Pennsylvania, PA TWS endeavors to develop and promote sound, science-based stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environment. Advocacy for science-based stewardship is why we are here today. Wildlife are public trust resources and the Public Trust Doctrine, which establishes a trustee relationship of government holding and managing wildlife for the benefit of the public, is deeply rooted in our culture and history. Nearly 125 years ago the Pennsyl-vania legislature created the Game Commission for the purpose of protecting, propagating and managing the Commonwealth’s wildlife for all citizens. Keeping the public’s wildlife public is a big task and while you haven’t won every battle – for example, deer farms – your efforts to inform and educate members of the General Assembly and our citizens have been noticed and are appreci-ated. We encourage you to remain vigilant and continue to strongly resist challenges that privatize and/or commercialize owner-ship of wildlife resources, that introduce non-native species, that compromise the health and vitality of native wildlife populations and their habitats and unnecessarily limit access to and use of wildlife. In many ways and for many species, especially many forest game species, this is the best of times in part due to improving environ-mental conditions, but also because of Commission programs. We dwell too much on the challenges and issues before us, but we should celebrate the restoration and improved situation for many species, including the otter, fisher, wild turkey, elk, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon. Wildlife management has historically been, and continues to be, a difficult and often contentious arena. There really are no “magic bullets”, but there are lots of traditions and a multitude of public values and expectations. The original concept behind the Com-mission governance model – essentially a policy board model – is to have representative commitment and leadership from knowl-edgeable, appointed citizens, with a minimum of political oversight. This is a great theoretical construct, but we realize all actions concerning public resources are inherently political. We encourage you to follow your roadmap, i.e., your plans derived with the help of the public. Let mission drive your decisions, not tradition. We commend the Commission for developing written policy, a strategic vision, mission and plan, and science-informed manage-ment plans for game species as well as species of greatest conservation need. We are encouraged by the allocation of fiscal re-sources to implement these plans to protect and encourage public enjoyment and use of wildlife. We commend you for hiring qualified and capable staff and for holding them accountable. We also are encouraged by the number of citizen volunteer pro-grams and volunteers assisting in the work of the Commission. We remain concerned about wildlife health issues and there are many including chronic wasting disease, white nose syndrome, rabies, west Nile virus, mange, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, to name just a few. Time does not allow for outlining the many challenges the Commission faces.



We have some simple, yet admittedly complex, suggestions for your consideration as you take action this week and in the coming months: List wildlife species that are imperiled and in need of additional protection and extraordinary actions to help them recover. We fully support the regulations change to list as endangered the northern long-eared bat, the tri-colored bat and the little brown bat, as well as the piping plover, and to upgrade the peregrine falcon to threatened. Use the best scientific data available in managing our public wildlife resources. Listen to your professional biologists and other wildlife professionals, follow your strategic plan and the species and habitat management plans that have been developed and approved. When applying social input, remember that this is science, too. There is credible methodology in assessing social needs, wants and attitudes. Social input is not focused on personal values, the desires of your closest confidants or those who fared best at the most recent election, it should represent input from the citizens of Pennsylvania. Expand volunteer programs beyond the hunting and enforcement aspects of Game Commission operations to projects that en-gage citizen scientists in assessing the status of wildlife species and supporting recovery and management activities. Increased public involvement with the agency and its personnel will lead to increased public support for the Commission. Take more positive action to control and manage wildlife health issues, especially chronic wasting disease. An important and es-sential strategy is to allocate seasons and licenses/permits to accomplish deer population goals. In our opinion there is no justifia-ble reason to allow deer populations to increase in CWD management zones or the WMA’s in which these zones can be found. This is contrary to good science and the agency’s deer management plan. Seek alternative funding models and methods to support agency operations that engage the vast majority of Pennsylvania’s citi-zens, i.e., the owners of our public wildlife resources. For too long we have been dependent on hunters, furtakers and shooters as the principal source for bankrolling wildlife conservation that benefits all citizens. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. If our organization can be of assistance to the Commission board or its staff, we would welcome the occasion to discuss how we might benefit the work and mission of the Commission. Sincerely, Calvin W. DuBrock Certified Wildlife Biologist® President, Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society



I was asked by Samantha DiLorenzo, our newsletter editor, to write a member profile for this newsletter. Here goes:

I grew up in then rural Chester County, PA and start-ed birding and botanizing with my great aunt when I was 6 years old. My best friend in high school lived on a 3000-acre camp and we had the run of that place all through junior and senior high. We fished, hunted and hiked. When it came time to choose a college, my mother suggested Cornell, which also had a top lacrosse team; I was lucky enough to get ac-cepted. I played lacrosse until practice interfered with birding, hunting and fishing. I majored in wildlife science figuring if I were a wildlife biologist I would never have to sit behind a desk. I got married after my junior year and as a senior my wife and I rented a 20X24-foot cottage next to Buttermilk Falls State Park. We had central heat – a centrally located kero-sene stove in the middle of the cottage. Space was tight; one could sit on the toilet with your feet in the shower and wash your hands in the bathroom sink. My first job after graduating with an Ivy League de-gree in ornithology was to spread chicken manure on a huge chicken farm! Ask me about some stinky sto-ries next time you see me. Life lesson # 1 – embrace character building opportunities with enthusiasm.

I did not join the TWS student chapter at Cornell, a decision that I regret. I did surround myself with friends and roommates who were equally as passion-ate about wildlife as I was. I spent as much time as possible at the Lab of Ornithology. I spent a summer in Ithaca working at the New York State Game Farm at Ithaca and winter break working in a deer research lab for my advisor. I got to know as many wildlifers and ornithologists as my four years permitted.

I did join The Wildlife Society in 1972 just after I grad-uated and about the time I began my career as a biol-ogist. I was encouraged by my employer, Ichthyologi-cal Associates, Inc. (IA), to join both the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society. This en-couragement to engage as a professional early in my career was a policy I promoted later in my career when I was in a position to do so. IA may have paid for the memberships and certainly did later as did many of my subsequent employers. I did not pursue certification when that opportunity became available, another decision I regret. It is now too late for me. Life lesson #2 – take advantage of education and net-working opportunities.

IA was a sole proprietorship owned by Dr. Edward C. Raney who mostly hired his students from Cornell. He formed IA in the late 1960s to provide science-based fish, wildlife and water quality consulting services to large infrastructure projects; especially nuclear pow-er plants then under construction throughout the eastern US. The company was one of the very early consultants that developed to help industry comply with the new environmental regulations that were being promulgated at the time: Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, National Environ-mental Policy Act and similar federal and state regu-lations. The environmental consulting industry was so new that experienced engineers at the utilities looked to twenty-something recent college graduate biologists as experts! And we were, compared to our client’s knowledge and interest in environmental compliance.

Get to Know Your Board: A Word From Robert Blye, Treasurer



I was hired as a terrestrial ecologist to describe the plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals of a >1000-acre greenfield site for the Limerick Gener-ating Station. The place was run like a biological field station; each biologist got to design and con-duct research on his or her specialty or area of in-terest. I spent most of my days in the field con-ducting studies of the plants and animals on the site before construction. I characterized my job as that of a paid birdwatcher. I taught myself plant identification. I was forced to take a weekly float trip down the Schuylkill River to count water birds for three glorious years. We wrote annual reports, presented to the client and the regulators, and ulti-mately compiled a NEPA document that informed licensing and permitting decisions.

My colleagues were all recently graduated biolo-gists, about half from Cornell. My boss was 3 years older than I. The oldest person was in his late twen-ties. There was little adult supervision although we did have one twenty something PhD on staff (and Dr. Raney in Ithaca ostensibly overseeing our efforts). We played volleyball at lunch and after work all year long; in waders if it was wet or snowy. Our “lab” was a group of three old houses, a garage and a 1760s barn. We built lab benches and offices in the houses and a shop in the barn. The single guys lived in the upstairs rooms of the houses.

I did that job for four years until someone decided I was such a good biologist they offered me a posi-tion as a project manager. My career went steadily downhill from there. Life lesson #3 – have fun while you can.

My project was mandated by the Clean Water Act section 316(b) to estimate impingement and en-trainment at cooling water intakes of eight of fossil-fueled power plants on the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. At the tender age of 25, I was assigned a staff of 16 field biologists and taxonomists, includ-

ing two with masters degrees and one with a PhD, boats, vehicles, meters and sampling equipment. The studies were conducted for 24 hours once a week at each station. From the cooling water we collected fish, fish eggs and larvae, zooplankton and phytoplankton at each location once a week for a more than a year. Since this work had never been done before, we designed our own sampling gear and designed studies that met the information re-quirement of the Clean Water Act. I learned along with the rest of the staff and became very familiar with the fishes of the Delaware drainage. I man-aged to survive the project after which I longed for my halcyon days in the field observing plants and wildlife. Life lesson # 4 – take what life has to offer.

During my 316(b) project Dr. Raney was forced out of his own business by the client over a time ac-counting and billing issue. As the business grew, I started to take an interest in the non-science as-pects of the company. We had an abundance of top technical talent but no one interested in running the business. We went through several iterations of ownership until a group of managers and two NYC venture capitalists bought the company. In 1993 I became the president of RMC Environmental Ser-vices Inc. which we sold two years later to resolve a debt issue forced upon us by the VCs.

For the period from 1977-1994 I went through the lengthy process of learning how to run a consulting business and laboratory through on the job train-ing. Our model was similar to a law firm in that the managers were often the top technical consultants so I continued to provide ecological consulting ser-vices throughout my tenure as a manager and busi-ness executive. By the time we sold it we had three consulting offices and a chemistry lab with over 100 employees. I continued in a similar fashion for my new employer, Normandeau Associates, Inc. from which I retired in 2013. I left Normandeau briefly

A Word From Rob Continued



A Word From Rob Continued

for a chance to own a company of my own until I figured out the company I was buying was successful be-cause the owner falsified times sheet to defraud the state and federal government. I also spent about 3 years working for National Audubon doing state wide bird conservation work, which gave me the opportuni-ty to reconnect with my life-long technical interest in birds and wildlife conservation. Life lesson #5 – be careful what you wish for.

In 1987, wildlife professionals in Pennsylvania decided to form a chapter of The Wildlife Society. I attended the first meeting in State College and wrote an article about it for this newsletter two years ago. I was active in the chapter through attendance at annual meetings and a project to train newly hired PGC habitat manag-ers for CREP. During my employment I had served on several non-profit boards and on the board of direc-tors of Normandeau. After I retired I decided I would run for election as a Board Member at Large to offer my experience on for profit and nonprofit boards to my professional society. After my first term on the Exec-utive Board, I successfully ran for Treasurer. Life lesson #6 – giving back can be rewarding.

My experience as an active member and on the board has been rewarding. Since I worked for a private em-ployer, TWS was the best way for me to connect with state and federal wildlife biologists. Membership and the board permitted an easy way to engage professionally and socially with PGC, USDA, USFS and other agency staff.

-Robert Blye, PA TWS Treasurer



Are You Certified?

The Wildlife Society (TWS) is com-mitted to the advancement of wildlife professionals engaged in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats through science-based man-agement and conservation. One of the ways we strive to do this is

through professional certification of wildlife biolo-gists. Every TWS Section and Chapter is encouraged to promote professional standards and participation of wildlife professionals in certification and continu-ing education. Discussions about defining standards for wild-life professionals, i.e., certification, began within TWS more than 50 years ago. The TWS certification pro-gram was endorsed and launched in 1977. Since 1977 more than 1,600 members have become certi-fied including about 270 residing in the Northeast Section. Within the Northeast this represents slightly less than one-third of all members. Certification essentially is a third-party confir-mation of an individual's level of expertise in a pro-fession. Certification by TWS constitutes recognition that, to its best knowledge, a TWS member meets the minimum educational, experience, and ethical stand-ards adopted by the Society for professional wildlife biologists. Applications for certification are reviewed by TWS’ Certification Review Board (CRB), which is com-prised of five certified members, chosen to provide equitable representation of The Wildlife Society Sec-tions and professional disciplines. The Board evalu-ates each Associate Wildlife Biologist (AWB®) and Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB®) application to de-termine if an applicant meets the prescribed require-ments. I believe certification makes our profession and TWS stronger and more relevant in our society. To protect the public from charlatans and reckless individuals who claim to have professional creden-tials, and make our profession more accountable, and to increase our value proposition in the public eye,

we should lean into certification. It is a sacrifice – and may not be ‘necessary’ for some professionals – but in support of our profession, our ethical stand-ards and our standing among other professions, I be-lieve all working biologists should join TWS and should submit their credentials for certification re-view. It is really a small personal sacrifice but a great service to our profession and to the wildlife resources we work to conserve. Two of my favorite quotes are “If you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything” and “If you don’t know where you’re going any road will get you there!” We need to stand up for our profession and the standards it promotes and we need to travel the path toward increased public relevancy and apprecia-tion for wildlife professionals. I implore our leaders, members, mentors, stu-dents, student advisors, and all who care about TWS and the wildlife profession to encourage TWS mem-bership, certification applications and to push em-ployers and their human resource departments to require or at least promote certification standards for employment. More information is available at TWS Certifi-cation Programs and I have a Certification PowerPoint presentation that I’m willing to share – and/or willing to present to your group – upon request. We must all do our part! WE ARE….THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY! By: Calvin W. DuBrock Cal is a Certified Wildlife Biologist®, TWS Fellow, a TWS Certification Review Board member, President of the Pennsylvania Chapter of TWS and recently re-tired Maurice K. Goddard Chair in Forestry and Envi-ronmental Resource Conservation at Penn State Uni-versity.



Pennsylvania TWS Objectives

To develop and promote sound steward-ship of wildlife resources and of the en-vironments upon which wildlife and hu-mans depend.

2. To undertake an active role in prevent-

ing human-induced environmental deg-radation.

3. To increase awareness and apprecia-

tion of wildlife values. 4. To seek the highest standards in all ac-

tivities of the wildlife profession. 5. To serve the specialized needs of Penn-

sylvania in wildlife resource manage-ment.

President……………...Calvin DuBrock Vice-President………..Sara Mueller Past President………. Jane O. Rowan Secretary……………..Samara Trusso Treasurer……………..Robert W. Blye Northeast Section Representative……….Kyle Van Why Website Manager……Jennifer Dzimiela Martin Newsletter Editor…….Samantha DiLorenzo Membership Coordinator………….. Keely Tolley Roen At-Large Members…. Emily Thomas Stacy Wolbert Aaron Haines Avery Corondi

—Who’s Who on the Board— 2018 Executive Board Members

Pennsylvania Chapter of The Wildlife Society

Save the Date February 21st—23rd Pennsylvania Wildlife Society Meeting: The Nexus: Bridging Land and Water, a joint conference be-tween PA TWS and the PA Chapter of The American Fisheries Society.

April 14th—16th Northeast Wildlife Society Meeting: The annual meeting will be held during the 75th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference in Groton, Connecticut.

April 12th—14th TWS Northeast Student Conclave: The University of Maine Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society will be hosting the 2019 TWS Northeast Student Conclave April 12-14, 2019.



The Wildlife Society Pennsylvania Chapter The Wildlife Society …wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019_patws... · 2019. 2. 5. · Newsletter - Winter 2019 (1/30/19) 3 The

Documents