RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE HURON MOUNTAINS, MICHIGAN
The Huron Mt. Wildlife Foundation invites proposals for field research
at a natural area of approximately 10,000 ha in northern Marquette Co.,
Michigan. The Huron Mountains region encompasses an unusual diversity of
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, with many areas in near-pristine
condition.
Small grants are available for a limited number of projects.
Highest funding priority will be given to a) projects that hold promise
of generating further funding from other sources for longer-term
research, b) proposals that may lead to long-term studies (particularly
those that make use of existing base-line data-sets and past research at
HMWF), and c) projects that address poorly documented taxonomic groups
in our All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (see current ATBI at
www.hmwf.ort). Proposals from scientists with independent funding are
encouraged.
The research area includes Lake Superior shoreline, sandy beach ridge
complexes, granitic knobs and domes up to 300 m above Lake Superior, and
a variety of glacially shaped terrains. Upland ecosystems include
several thousand ha of old-growth forest, ranging from wetland forests,
to hemlock-northern hardwood forests, to pine and oak stands on drier
sites. Diverse and unusually pristine aquatic systems include wetlands,
large and small inland lakes (some over 80 m deep) and ponds, and a
variety of streams.
The Huron Mountain Wildlife Foundation (HMWF) promotes field-based,
natural-science research in this region generally. Researcher access to
the primary research area is exclusively under the auspices of HMWF. The
area is very secure, and particularly amenable to long-term ecological
studies. Much of the area has been under continuous, private
conservation management for over 100 years. Ecosystems remain unusually
free of direct, human impact, and long-term records provide baseline
data for many taxa and systems. More intensively managed ecosystems
within and outside the research area provide opportunities for
comparative studies. Current management is minimally intrusive and
emphasizes maintenance of natural-area status.
HMWF provides comfortable accommodations and work areas for approved
researchers, as space permits, at the Ives Lake field station.
Investigators interested in conducting research in the Huron Mountains
should submit a project proposal by 1 FEB 2009. For format and
guidelines, see 'information for researchers' at the Foundation’s
website (www.hmwf.org <http://www.hmwf.org>). The website also provides
information on past and current research. Late proposals will be
entertained, but will not be eligible for HMWF funding. Proposals
received by the same target date will also have first priority for
housing and use of research facilities.
Kerry D. Woods, Director of Research
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
or: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
When sending emails, please include "HMWF" in the subject line.
