In the strongest possible terms, the Ecological Society of America condemns the recent bomb threats aimed at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The disruption to normal campus life adds fear, stress and enormous strain as colleges try to operate safely during the pandemic. It is especially egregious during Black History month when we reflect on the sacrifices and achievements…

Dear ESA Members: House Democrats unveiled a legislative package called the America COMPETES Act of 2022 that is the companion bill to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) that the Senate passed in June. The bill authorizes Congress to increase funding levels for the National Science Foundation and includes other STEM bills that benefit the research community. CONTACT your…

In this issue: Congress House leadership unveils legislation reauthorizing the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy Office of Science. Executive Branch Interior Department seeks nominations for the Invasive Species Advisory Council. Courts Supreme Court to hear Clean Water Act case. States Utah State Legislators considering plan to save the Great Salt Lake from drought. International UN seeks input…

The world lost a dedicated scientist and enthusiastic spokesperson for the environment with the passing of Tom Lovejoy. His optimism, generosity, and compassion inspired an amazing spectrum of ecologists, conservation biologists, economists, politicians, celebrities, and students.

In this issue: ESA Water Cooler Chat: COP 26 Debrief Join ESA in sharing lessons learned from COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Congress Senate committees advance EPA, USFWS and USDA nominees. Executive Branch White House releases scientific integrity report. Courts Judge orders USFWS to reconsider 2019 decision to not list the Yellowstone bison under the Endangered Species Act. States Pennsylvania governor…

As you may recall, ESA formally made the latest in a series of changes to our Bylaws, as recommended by the Governing Board and adopted by the ESA Council last August. Overall, the goal of these changes in our Bylaws is to enhance participation of members in leadership roles and to add transparency to ESA decision-making processes. The new Bylaws…

In this issue: ESA Water Cooler Chat: COP 26 Debrief Join ESA in sharing lessons learned from COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. Scientific Community The USCRP seeks ecologists feedback on outline of NCA5 chapter outlines. Congress Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) signals willingness to support climate provisions of the Build Back Better Act. Executive Branch White House seeks feedback about the American…

In this issue: Congress Senate committee holds hearing for the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Executive Branch NOAA releases the annual Arctic Report Card. States California, Arizona, Nevada and the federal government reach agreement to reduce water consumption in the Colorado River basin. International A draft of IPBES’ thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control is open for review….

ESA Governing Board Fall Meeting 16-17 November 2021 by President Dennis Ojima The ESA Governing Board (GB) met in November to consider a number of issues that are determining how professional societies will operate in the future. Some of these issues are a reflection on how the pandemic has affected society at large, but other issues are emerging rapidly after…

We are concerned by the recent news report on sexual misconduct associated with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI). We commend the courageous women who came forward to share their experiences and hold the perpetrators accountable. For ecologists, this situation hits us close to home because many of the women targeted are colleagues in our field. In the short term,…

In this issue: Apply for the 2022 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award Applications are due Dec. 10, 2021. Congress Congress passes stopgap measure to fund the government through Feb. 18. Executive Branch USDA proposes reinstating roadless protections for Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. States Maryland Attorney General Sues Monsanto. Scientific Community The National Academics issues a call for nomination…

In this issue: Apply for the 2022 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award Applications are due Dec. 10, 2021. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Biden Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Bill includes $668 million for National Science Foundation (NSF) research and training grants and $500 million for NSF climate research. Nations Agree to “Phase Down” Use of Coal at UN Climate…