Highlights for April 2, 1998
USGS Center for Biological Informatics

I. Key Department News:

• GAP Receives Renew America Award: On April 1, the USGS Gap Analysis Program (GAP) received notice of receipt of a Renew America Environmental Achievement Award for inspiring a vision of an earth preserved for future generations. Renew America is a nongovernment organization that identifies and promotes model programs that protect, restore, and enhance the environment. GAP will be listed in Renew American's Environmental Success Index <http://solstice.crest.org/sustainable/renew_america/>, a one-of-a-kind database of successful environmental programs. The award was made on the basis of GAP's success in program effectiveness, natural resource conservation, economic progress, and human development. The rigorous three-stage review process included reference checks and evaluations from independent local organizations, verification of program results by participating nonprofit organizations at the state level, and review by the National Awards Council for Environmental Sustainability (a coalition of 60 national environmental, nonprofit, government, and business organizations). GAP is a proactive geographic approach to protecting biodiversity. Satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems technologies are used to identify unprotected "gaps" that may be filled by applying alternative conservation strategies. The program is coordinated by the USGS and is managed by CBI. (Mike Jennings, Moscow, ID, 208/885-3565)

• USGS Participates in USFS Remote Sensing Conference: On April 6-9, Tom Owens (CBI) will attend the U.S. Forest Service 8th Biennial Conference on Remote Sensing in Houston, Texas. Owens will make a presentation on the USGS-NPS Vegetation Mapping Program. The protocols and techniques developed for this national vegetation mapping program may be applicable to USFS forest management and monitoring activities. (Tom Owens, Denver, 303/202-4259)

• USGS Scientist Appointed Chair of FGDC Working Group: In March, Karl Brown (CBI) was appointed chair of the Fixed Reference Station Working Group of the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (a Federal Geographic Data Committee subcommittee). The working group focuses on Federal coordination of satellite positioning systems base stations, standards for base station installations, the CORS network (continuously operating reference stations) for high accuracy geodetic positioning, and the promotion of adoption of ties to the network for all base station efforts. The working group will likely be the focus of emergency response assistance to the Civil Applications Committee by providing coordinate information for classified imagery assistance during disasters. Brown has served on the Fixed Reference Station Working Group since its formation in 1993. (Karl Brown 303/202-4240)

III. Notable Congressional Activity: No report.

IV. Press/Media Inquiries:

• GAP Responds to Brazilian TV Inquiry: On April 1, Mike Jennings (CBI) responded to an inquiry by Scientia of Idea Television, Brazil, for "interesting, newsworthy, and visually compelling science and technology stories" in Seattle, Washington. Idea Television produces Scientia in the United States and broadcasts it in Brazil to an audience of about 20 million. Jennings provided contact information for and a description of the Washington Gap Analysis Program project, which is identifying "gaps" in the existing network of biodiversity conservation lands in Washington State. The project maps natural vegetation using satellite images, and maps the distribution of each native vertebrate species and the existing network of conservation lands. GAP is coordinated by the USGS and is managed by CBI. (Mike Jennings, Moscow, ID, 208/885-3565)