28 July 2006

GB-NERR Launches New Website

Christopher sends us news that the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has launched a renewed and enhanced website and sporting its own domain. Our intrepid Stewardship Coordinator appears in a few of the images on the site. A copy of the Press Release follows.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Launches New Web site
 
BILOXI, Miss. —The Department of Marine Resource's Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) has just launched its new Web site: www.grandbaynerr.org.
 
The new Web site is designed to provide its visitors with general information about estuaries, specific information about Mississippi's estuaries and coastal habitats, as well as detailed information about the education, research and stewardship activities that take place at the reserve. Current weather and water quality data gathered in the reserve are also available.
 
"When we designed this Web site, we really tried to keep in mind the needs of our community," said Jennifer Buchanan, Education Coordinator for the Reserve. "We have included sections that are of interest to all audiences including students, teachers, coastal decision-makers, researchers and recreational users." Buchanan encourages the community to provide feedback to the reserve regarding the Web site.
 
"We are especially looking for items of historical information and pictures regarding the lands of the reserve, so that we can add them to the Web site to make it more historically relevant," said Buchanan.
 
If you have ideas for enhancing the Web site, please provide your input through the feedback section of the Web site. For more information, contact Jennifer Buchanan at jen.buchanan@dmr.state.ms.us or(228) 475-7047.
 
The Grand Bay Reserve is located near the community of Pecan in southeast Jackson County and includes wild lands and waterways from Bangs Lake to the Alabama state line. A major goal of the Reserve is to provide for research coordination and dissemination of scientific data to the community and local decision-makers to provide sound information on which to base management decisions. The 18,000+-acre reserve is home to several rare plant and animal species and serves as an essential nursery habitat for numerous important commercial and recreational fish species. The Reserve is managed through state-federal partnership between the Department of Marine Resources and its partners—Mississippi Secretary of State's Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, The Nature Conservancy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
 
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the State by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.state.ms.us

 

12 July 2006

Emergency Contact

Nearly six weeks into the 2006 Hurricane Season, serious impact to the continental U.S. has been minimal. Complacency, however, should be avoided. Many of our family and friends live in areas of potential landfall and serious damage. As such, we would like to enlighten these individuals of a heretofore overlooked resource for informing loved ones and friends of their health and welfare.

Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and, to a lesser extent, Wilma reinforced the fact that reliance upon telephone (whether wireless or terrestrial) and the internet may be futile in imemdiate aftermath of a catastrophic event. There is, however, merit and benefit to the timely notification of kith and kin of one's well-being. One mainstay of every disaster situation is the presence of members of the amateur radio service. Whether from the Red Cross, Salvation Army, ARES or RACES, ham radio operators are ever present and ready to relay a message to areas outside of the disaster zone.

Tried and tested relay networks exist to get "Health and Welfare" messages delivered past the blackout perimeter and into the hands of those who are concerned for the well-being of those affected. At the earliest opportunity during which it can safely be accomplished, make your way to the command post of the local civil or governmental authority and ask for the location of the communications center. Seek out someone in charge and ask them for directions to the amateur radio volunteers. Provide the latter with the name, address and telephone contact for next of kin and ask them to send a message informing loved ones of your situation.

For maximum effect, please consider directing such messages to one or both of our resident radio operators, Herman (KE5HYW) or Fred (N2TOO). The primary advantage of this option is greater coverage. As radio operators, they will have the greatest chance of receiving any message in a timely manner and can ensure relay to the widest audience of friends and family. In fact, as webmaster for this domain, Herman can publicize the state of one's well-being to an even wider audience.

Regardless of the designated recipient, please bear this option in mind when disaster strikes. Whether or not you as an affected individual are feeling the anxiety of the moment, friends and members of your family may be quite beside themselves with worry and concern. A simple note of welfare can go a long way toward calming apprehension.

Do not limits this resource to foul weather, either. Disasters come in many forms and can affect the communications infrastructure in equally severe ways. The ability to vault over the striken area by means of radio waves is applicable to many situations. Remember it and use it. Amateur radio operators are there to serve your needs!

09 July 2006

Denali Trek Album

Christopher reports that he and Jen have returned safely from their two week trip to Denali National Park in Alaska. As usual, they have taken pictures of some spectacular vistas and made them available to interested family and friends at their web site.

For those with a community membership, Christopher has posted an announcement to the root message board where comments and feedback are welcome.

02 July 2006

Return of John Adame Photography

Indirect notification has been received that John Adame Photography has returned to the net. Evidently in existence since late May, John has resurrected his freelance photography venture under the auspices of a Photo Reflect node. Navigation is a bit difficult, but the benefits of a competent online presence will no doubt prove advantageous.

01 July 2006

Return from Down Under

Peggy informs the net that Mike and Lisa have returned from Tasmania and have settled into the community of Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. According to the report, they repatriated three months ago and Mike has joined a practice with five other surgeons. Their residence if less than forty minutes from Spokane — the home of Lisa's father.

A two week April visit by Peggy helped the newly returned couple with move-in activities by looking after Georgia and Lachlan. This entire branch of the May Clan — all sixteen members — are planning to gather in Idaho during August to celebrate Georgia's third birthday and provide a proper homecoming for the family. The promise of photos and a summary have been offered. Be sure to check back in about eight weeks or so.

 

continue to the June 2006 archive ⇒