BUSINESS ADDRESS

G. Ronnie Best, PhD, PWS
Coordinator, Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystems Science
United States Geological Survey
c/o University of Florida/IFAS, Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center
3205 College Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314-7719
Phone: 954 236 1228
Cell: 954 658 4676
Ronnie_Best@usgs.gov

EDUCATION

• 1976 Ph.D. Ecology/Botany, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.
  Dissertation: Treatment and Biota of an Ecosystem Affect Nutrient Cycling: I. Effects of Vegetation and Treatment on Cation Flux through Natural and Disturbed Ecosystems; II. Effect of an Endomycorrhizal Fungus on Cation Flux and Uptake by Plants. Major Professor: Dr. Carl D. Monk.
• 1971 M.S. Botany, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.
  Thesis: K, Na, Ca, and Mg Flux in a Mature Hardwood Forest Watershed and an Eastern White Pine Forest Watershed at Coweeta. Major Professor: Dr. Phillip L. Johnson.
• 1967 B.S. Biology, Augusta College, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.A.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION - Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) certification by Society of Wetland Scientists. Certification No. 106 issued July 1994.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION - Ecosystem Restoration; Wetlands Ecological Engineering; Ecology and Management of Wetland and Upland Forested Ecosystems; Management of Created and Natural Wetlands for Water Quality Enhancement; Wetlands Hydrology; Plant Community Ecology; Biogeochemical and Nutrient Cycling.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Place: U.S. Department of the Interior - U.S. Geological Survey/Eastern Regional Office / Re: Coordinator for USGS's Everglades Science Initiative
  Date: June 2001 -- Present
  Position: Coordinator and Biologist (GS-15), USGS's Greater Everglades Restoration Priority Ecosystems Science (PES)

Duties: Coordinate USGS's $7 Million national science initiative relevant to Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration. This USGS initiative involves over 70 scientists nationwide [USGS scientists and their academic research partners] conducting more than 40 projects towards the mission of Greater Everglades restoration. As the Coordinator, it is my responsibility to ensure that USGS's science address critical, high priority, mission-oriented science information needs addressing Greater Everglades restoration. Also, as the USGS Lead Scientist responsible for USGS's involvement in Greater Everglades restoration, I serve as the USGS Director's representative on the Federal/State South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force's (Task Force) Science Coordination Group. I served as Chair of the Task Force's Science Coordination Team (SCT) from 1998 to 2003. I serve as the USGS representative to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) RECOVER Leadership Group (RLG). CERP's RLG is responsible for ensuring that 'science' is integrated into Adaptive Management of CERP implementation. I participate in key CERP and RECOVER meetings to ensure that 'science' (including USGS's science) is 'part of the conversation', i.e. making sure 'science' is at the decision table.

In addition, as an outreach mechanism to ensure science is shared, I conceived of and have organized (Chaired) the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration (GEER) Science Conferences (2000, 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2010) with 500-630 participants and over 300 presentations at each GEER Conference. The running theme for the GEER Conferences is Planning, Policy and Science. I conceived of, organized and Chaired the First National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (NCER) in December 2004 co-sponsored by USGS and US ACE. There were over 350 presentations and over 950 participants at this 1st NCER. I co-chaired NCER2007 and NCER2009 and am helping plan NCER 2011. I am co-chair for INTECOL-Wetlands 2012. The value of science is best realized when it is shared with others.

Recently, under my leadership, all DOI funding for science relevant to Greater Everglades restoration was integrated under a process for identifying critical science needs. I chair the DOI Everglades Science Team through the process which identifies critical priority projects that not only addressed the information needs of our DOI resource management partners,. The process was so successful that our DOI Everglades partners are celebrating this as an ideal model to use in future processes for linking science to restoration-related decisions in a useful, relevant and timely manner.

• Place: U.S. Department of the Interior - USGS Florida Caribbean Science Center
  Date: April 1997 - June 2001
  Position:
  • Chief and Supervisory Fish & Wildlife Biologist (GS-0408-14), Restoration Ecology Branch, South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Program, Miami, Fl.
  • Chief (acting) of Staff, USGS Biology Division -- When NBS joined USGS in 1997, I served as the first Chief (acting) of Staff to Chief Biologist Denny Fenn.

Duties: Administrative Responsibilities: Administer the Restoration Ecology Branch. Appoint, direct and oversee activities of several doctoral research scientists (Ecologists, Plant Physiologist, Wildlife Biologists), their research support staff (federal and contractors), and the Branch secretary. Oversee staff, research operations, daily operations, fiscal operations, oversee and administer Branch budgets; approve and oversee Branch research proposals. Provide insight and guidance on major research themes and directions for Branch.

Branch Research Activities: Research directed towards identifying factors influencing restoration of the greater Everglades and coastal ecosystems; research includes $3-5 million addressing several areas of major research including ATLSS ecological modeling; aquatic, wetland and terrestrial faunal studies; plant community dynamics; fire & plant community and landscape dynamics; mangrove and coastal ecosystems; Florida Bay research

Additional Responsibilities - South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Program Coordination: Serve as USGS-Biological Resources Division's representative to the SFER Working Group. The SFER WG meets on a monthly basis to oversee and coordinate the multi-agency [federal, state, tribal and local] activity related to sustainable restoration of the greater Everglades and coastal ecosystems of South Florida. Serve as Co-Chair of the SFER Science Coordination Team; the Team is responsible for integrating and coordinating the massive multi-agency research effort related to the restoration program. In addition, I serve as the USGS-BRD coordinator for the DOI Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative for programs on ecological processes/indicator species, landscapes, and contaminants/ecotoxicity, and co-coordinator for ATLSS ecological modeling.

• Place: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Biological Service, National Wetlands Research Center
  Date: July 1995 to April 1997
  Position: Chief and Supervisory Ecologist (GS-0408-14), (1995-97), Wetlands Ecology Branch.

Duties: Administrative Responsibilities: Provide insight and guidance on major research themes and directions for Branch. Solicit input from DOI bureaus on wetlands related research needs at regional and national level. Assign principal scientists to conduct ecological research, and oversee and administer the research. Administer the Wetlands Ecology Branch and professional staff and support contractors (total about 30 professionals). Appoint, direct and oversee activities of several doctoral research scientists (Ecologists, Plant Physiologist, Wildlife Biologists), their research support staff of federal General Biologists and contractors), and the Branch secretary. Oversee staff, research operations, daily operations, fiscal operations, oversee and administer Branch budgets; approve and oversee Branch research proposals.

Branch Research Activities: Research directed towards identifying factors influencing coastal and inland wetlands change as related to management and restoration; water quality dynamics of wetlands; restoration and management of coastal prairies; structure, dynamics and restoration of submerged aquatic ecosystems; dynamics of and management options for moist soil management of wetlands as wildlife enhancement areas; integrating management of agricultural lands (esp., ricelands) into moist soil management for wildlife; and construction and reconstruction of ecosystems through defining structure, function and processes.

• Place: University of Florida
  Date: May 1979 to July 1995.
  Position: Director (Retired) (1991-July 1995), Center for Wetlands & Water Resources; Associate Director (1980-1991), Center for Wetlands; faculty position with Environmental Engineering Sciences Department, College of Engineering.

Duties: Administrative Responsibilities: Administer University of Florida joint centers: Center for Wetlands and Florida's federally funded Water Resources Research Institute Program (formally Florida's Water Resources Research Center). Appoint, direct and oversee activities of Associate Director, Publications Coordinator, Office Manager & Secretarial staff, daily operations, fiscal operations, oversee and administer Center for Wetlands & Water Resources state and federal budgets, approve and oversee Center for Wetlands & Water Resources research proposals, coordinate Center for Wetlands & Water Resources newsletter, and coordinate University of Florida's Graduate Wetlands Certification Program.

Research Activities: Research directed towards identifying factors influencing wetlands management; wetlands restoration, creation and mitigation; wastewater and stormwater recycling through wetlands; and construction and reconstruction of ecosystems through defining structure, function and biogeochemical cycling.

Teaching and Education: Teach Graduate Level Course in Wetlands Ecology, Wetlands and Water Resources Seminars, Readings in Wetlands Ecology; Major Advisor for several M.S./Ph.D. Students (10-15 students/year). While at the University of Florida, I served as Major Professor for over 45 graduate students and as committee member for over 120 graduate students including numerous M.S. and several Ph.D. students. I recently (2008-2009) served on the MS committee for a student at MIT.

• Place: University of Georgia, Institute of Ecology.
  Date: March 1977-May 1979
  Position: Faculty Research Associate and Project Manager of Swamp Ecosystem Research.

Duties: Research and management of Okefenokee Swamp project funded by NSF (at $350,000+ per year). Research involved nutrient dynamics, plant community development, and mycorrhizal fungi in swamp ecosystems. As Manager of Okefenokee Swamp Project, I was responsible for fiscal and scientific affairs (e.g., administering budgets, overseeing laboratory facilities, hiring, data management, etc.), and information services (e.g., annual reports, presentations, field trips, grant writing, etc.). Provide consultation and advice on wetlands and wetlands management. Field trip coordinator and host for AIBS meeting held at University of Georgia.

• Place: CDM/Limnetics Environmental Consulting Firm, Denver, Colorado.
  Date: July 1975-February 1977
  Position: Plant Ecologist.

Duties: Responsible for developing and implementing programs for vegetation community surveys, analysis of elements in ecosystems (vegetation, soils, trace metals), analysis of plant soil interactions, revegetation of disturbed lands, and preparation of environmental impact statements. Duties while with the consulting firm were directed specifically to collecting and interpreting data directly relevant to environmental issues and environmental/ecological consulting.

• Place: University of Georgia, Biology Department.
  Date: Summer Term 1975
  Position: Biology Instructor.

Duties: Co-taught a general ecology course to biology majors.

• Place: University of Georgia, Institute of Ecology.
  Date: 1968 to 1973 [summers] and September 1973 May 1975.
  Position: Graduate Research Assistant

Duties: Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, U.S. International Biological Program, Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome. Research involved nutrient flux through ecosystems.

• Place: University of Georgia, Department of Botany.
  Date: 1968 to 1973 [Academic Terms]
  Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Duties: Duties included teaching of general botany laboratories and labs for courses in Plant Ecology. Taught graduate level community ecology laboratories (one per year). Total teaching load of six courses per year.

• Place: Richmond County Board of Education, Augusta, Georgia. Sego Jr. High School.
  Date: 1967 to 1968
  Position: Teacher

Duties: Taught General Science and Biology

• Place: Augusta College, Biology Department.
  Date: 1965 to 1967
  Position: Laboratory Teaching Assistant.

Duties: Directed labs during junior and senior years.

• Place: Augusta, Georgia
  Date: 1960 to 1967
  Position: Various full and part-time jobs to earn my way through high school and college.

AWARDS

• 1989 & 1991, Faculty Research Achievement Award, University of Florida.
• USGS STAR (Monetary) Awards: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 (Quality Step Increase (promotion award))

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

• Ecological Society of America
• Society of Wetland Scientists

OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS- [A 4000 plus member International Society of Private, Government and Academic Professionals.]
  • Board Member 1986-1994.
  • President (1991-92), Vice-President (1990-91), and Treasurer (1987-90).
  • Chairman (1990-1994) of Society of Wetland Scientist's Wetland Professional Certification Committee; Chair of Committee that developed and implemented the Society's Professional Certification Program.
  • Chairman (1986 and 1988) South Atlantic Chapter. Appointed as Co-Chair by Society President in 1986. Elected as Chair for 1987-88. Initiated Chapter Newsletter.
  • Program Chairman (1988-1989), Society of Wetland Scientists Tenth Annual Meeting held 31 May-2 June 1989, Orlando, Florida.
  • SWS's Wetland Professional Certification Appeals Board, Member 1995-1998, Chair 1998 - Present.
• NATIONAL INSTITUTES FOR WATER RESOURCES- (Formally National Association of Water Institute Directors - NAWID)- as Director of Florida's Water Resources Institute Program, I served as Florida/University of Florida's lead delegate.
• UNIVERSITY COUNCIL OF WATER RESOURCES- University of Florida's lead delegate.
• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION- Appointed (1992-94) as member of Steering Committee charged with identifying the "Frontiers of Aquatic Ecology Research" for the 21st Century as part of a Federal Interagency Freshwater Initiative (FWI).
• NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES- Appointed (1988-89) to the National Research Council's Water Science and Technology Board's select committee on "Restoration of Aquatic Systems: Science, Technology, and Public Policy." "Wetlands Restoration" subcommittee.
• US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE- Workshop Participant to several workshops including the following: Soil Moisture Gradients in Wetlands (1986); Development of Management Plan for Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (1988).
• NASA- Workshop on Environmental Management of Kennedy Space Center and Related Wildlife Resources (1988).

• PARTNERS FOR A BETTER FLORIDA- Appointed by Florida's House of Representatives for 2 years (1992-94) membership
• SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT- Science Advisor (1990), Wetlands Minimum Level Project and Science Advisor (Fall 1991) for Wetlands Minimum Level Project
• FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF PHOSPHATE RESEARCH- Appointed to Reclamation Technical Advisory Committee (1985-90). Elected as Chairman 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989
• EDITORIAL REVIEW TEAM- Annual Conference on Wetlands Restoration and Creation (1983-91). Tampa, Florida.

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

• EXTERNAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT - Appointed as member in 2003; elected Chair for 2004-2005.
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA SENATE
  • Elected as member for 3-year term 1990 - 1993
  • University Senate Steering Committee, Elected as member for 3-year term 1990 - 1993
  • Elected Chair of Senate Steering Committee, 1992-1993
  • Nominating Committee: Appointed Member 1990/91; Appointed Chairman 1991/92; Appointed Member 1992-1993
  • Chair of University of Florida Senate, 1992/93
• NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT TASK FORCE- Appointed by Provost as Vice-Chair 1991/92; formulated UF's College/School of Natural Resources and The Environment.
• INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC COMMITTEE (IAC)- Appointed by President 1991/92, 1992/93
• UF/UAA's SEARCH COMMITTEE- for Associate Athletic Director Academic Affairs, appointed by Athletic Director as representative from I.A.C., Spring/Summer 1992
• CENTER FOR WETLANDS & WATER RESOURCES- Appointed as Director by Vice President for Research, September 1991 [resigned from appointment in 1995 - left University].

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCES:

• GRADUATE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE, Appointed by Department Chair 1991/92, 1992/93.

NONPROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Co-founder (1965) and President (1965-66, 1966-67) Augusta College Biology Club.
• President of the Junior Class of Augusta College, 1965-66.
• Vice President (1970-71) and President (1971-72) of the University of Georgia Botany Graduate Student Association.

PUBLICATIONS

Books

Cohen, A. D., D. J. Casagrande, M. J. Andrejko, and G. R. Best (eds.). 1984. Okefenokee Swamp: Its Natural History, Geology, and Geochemistry. Wetland Surveys, Los Alamos, NM. Pages 709.

Cairns, Jr., J., G.R. Best, P.L. Brezonik, S.R. Carpenter, G.D. Cooke, D.L. Hey, J.A. Kusler, C.L. Schelske, L. Shabman, R.R. Sharitz, S. Sorooshian, R.E. Sparks, J.T.T. Tripp, D.E. Willard, J.B. Zedler, & J.J. Berger. 1992. Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems: Science, Technology, and Public Policy. National Academy of Sciences Committee on Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems, Water Science Technology Board. Published by National Research Council, Washington, D.C. 552 Pages.

Books, Contributor of Chapter(s)

Best, G. R., G. T. Auble, and D. B. Hamilton. 1984. An Old Growth Cypress Stand in Okefenokee Swamp. In: A. D. Cohen, D. J. Casagrande, M. J. Andrejko and G. R. Best (eds.), Okefenokee Swamp: Its Natural History, Geology, and Geochemistry. Wetland Surveys, Los Alamos, NM. Pages 132-143.

Journal Articles and Other Publications

Best, G. R., and C. D. Monk. 1975. Cation Flux in Hardwood and White Pine Watersheds. In: F. G. Howell, J. B. Gentry, and M. H. Smith (eds.), Mineral Cycling in Southeastern Ecosystems. ERDA Symposium Series (CONF-740513). (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 847-861.

Haines, B. L., and G. R. Best. 1976. Effect of Endomycorrhizal Fungus on Nitrate, Nitrite, and Ammonium Nitrogen Movement through a Temperate Forest Soil Column. Plant and Soil 45: 257-261.

Haines, B. L., and G. R. Best. 1976. The Influence of an Endomycorrhizal Symbiosis on Nitrogen Movement through Soil Columns under Regimes of Artificial Throughfall and Acid Rain. Proceedings of the First International Symposium on Acid Precipitation and the Forest Ecosystem. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE-23. Pages 951-961.

Best, G. R., J. V. Nabholz, J. Ojasti, and D. A. Crossley, Jr. 1978. Response of Microarthropod Populations to Naphthalene in Three Contrasting Communities. Pedobiologia 18: 195-207.

Best, G. R. 1981. Enhanced Reestablishment of Disturbed Natural Ecosystems. In: M. T. Brown and H. T. Odum (eds.), Research Needs for a Basic Science of the System of Humanity and Nature and Appropriate Technology for the Future. Results of a workshop at Gainesville, Florida, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Florida Water Resources Research Center, University of Florida. Pages 45-47.

Best, G. R., W. J. Dunn, and P. M. Wallace. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 1. Effects of Various Soil Amendments on Establishment and Growth of Forest Trees from Seeds. In Symposium on Reclamation and the Phosphate Industry. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, Bartow, Fl. 19 Pages.

Best, G. R., P. M. Wallace, W. J. Dunn, and J. A. Feiertag. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 4. Growth, Density, and Species Richness of Forest Communities Established from Seed on Amended Overburden Soils. In: Symposium on Surface Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 377-383.

Dunn, W. J., and G. R. Best. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 2. Survey of Seed Bank Composition in Marsh Ecosystems and Potential of Seed Bank Establishment as an Alternative for Restoration of Native Marshes. In Symposium on Reclamation and the Phosphate Industry. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, Bartow, Florida. 16 Pages.

Wallace, P. M., and G. R. Best. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 3. Succession of Endomycorrhizal Fungi on Phosphate Strip Mined Lands. In Symposium on Reclamation and the Phosphate Industry. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, Bartow, Florida. 32 Pages.

Dunn, W. J., and G. R. Best. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 5. Seed Bank Survey of Some Florida Marshes and Role of Seed Banks in Marsh Reclamation. In: Symposium on Surface Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 365-370.

Wallace, P. M. and G. R. Best. 1983. Enhancing Ecological Succession: 6. Succession of Endomycorrhizal Fungi on Phosphate Strip Mined Lands. In: Symposium on Surface Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 385-394.

Best, G. Ronnie and P. M. Wallace. 1984. Application of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Reclamation of Phosphate Surface Mined Lands. In: J. J. Ferguson (ed.), Applications of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Crop Production. Proceedings of Conference held at University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. Pages 69-78.

Best, G. Ronnie, and Kevin L. Erwin. 1984. Effects of Hydroperiod on Survival and Growth of Tree Seedlings in a Phosphate Surface Mined Reclaimed Wetland. In: Symposium on Surface Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 221-225.

Nabholz, J. V., D. A. Crossley, Jr., and G. R. Best. 1984. An Inexpensive Wier and Proportional Sampler for Miniature Watershed Ecosystems. Water Resources Bulletin 20 (4): 619-625.

Wallace, P. M., G. R. Best, J. A. Feiertag and Karen M. Kervin. 1984. Mycorrhizae Enhance Growth of Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Phosphate Mined Overburden Soils. In: Symposium on Surface Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexington. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 447-453.

Erwin, K. L. and G. R. Best. 1985. Marsh and Forest Wetland Reclamation of a Central Florida Phosphate Mine. Wetlands 4: 87-104.

Wallace, P. M., G. R. Best, and J. A. Feiertag. 1985. Mycorrhizae Enhance Growth of Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) in Phosphate Surface- Mined Overburden Soils. In: C. A. Kolar (ed.), Proceedings of Better Reclamation with Trees Symposium, 5-7 June 1985, Carbondale, Ill. Pages 41-52.

Best, G. R. 1986. Society of Wetland Scientists - South Atlantic Chapter Newsletter Volume 1. 2 Pages.

Segal, D. S., D. G. Neary, G. R. Best, and J. L. Michael. 1986. Effect of Ditching, Fertilization, and Herbicide Application on Groundwater Levels and Groundwater Quality in a Flatwood Spodosol. Soil and Crop Science Society 46: 107-112.

Best, G. R. 1987. Natural Wetlands Southern Environment: Wastewater to Wetlands, Where Do We Go From Here? In: K. R. Reddy and W. H. Smith (eds.), Aquatic Plants for Water Treatment and Resource Recovery. Magnolia Publishing, Inc., Orlando, Florida. Pages 99-120.

Best, G. R. 1987. Society of Wetland Scientists - South Atlantic Chapter Newsletter Volume 2. 3 Pages.

Best, G. R. 1987. Society of Wetland Scientists - South Atlantic Chapter Newsletter Volume 3. 4 Pages.

Segal, D. S., P. J. Latham, and G. R. Best. 1987. Determining Wetland Boundaries Using Vegetation, Soils, and Hydrology: A Florida Cypress Dome Example. Wetlands 7: 51-58.

Best, G. R. 1988. Society of Wetland Scientists - South Atlantic Chapter Newsletter Volume 4. 3 Pages.

Best, G. R. 1988. Society of Wetland Scientists - South Atlantic Chapter Newsletter Volume 5. 4 Pages.

Best, G. Ronnie, Debra S. Segal, and Charlotte Wolfe. 1990. Soil-Vegetation Correlations in Selected Wetlands and Uplands of North-Central Florida. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Biol. Rep. 90(9). 48 Pages.

Haack, S. K., G. R. Best, and T. L. Crisman. 1990. Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Communities in a Forested Wetland: Interrelationships with Environmental Gradients. Freshwater Wetlands and Wildlife. Ninth Proceedings of Savannah River Ecology Lab, 24-27 March 1986. Charleston, S.C. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 437-454.

Owens-Mion, P. A., G. R. Best, and C. R. Hinkle. 1990. Low Energy Wastewater Recycling Through Wetland Ecosystems: Study of Copper and Zinc in Wetland Microcosms. Freshwater Wetlands and Wildlife. Ninth Proceedings of Savannah River Ecology Lab, 24-27 March 1986. Charleston, S.C. (Refereed Symposium.). Pages 1227-1236.

Clough, K. S. and G. R. Best. 1993. Circular Succession of a Wet Prairie Plant Community. In: Landin, Mary C. (ed.) Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, SWS Utica, MS, USA 39175-9351. Pages 813-817.

Day, D. and G. R. Best. 1993. Light Extinction and Morphological Characteristics of Four Emergent Macrophytes. In: Landin, Mary C. (ed.) Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, SWS Utica, MS, USA 39175-9351. Pages 392-395.

Stenberg, J. R., R. Pond, and G. R. Best. 1993. Below-Ground Biomass and Spatial Distribution from a Freshwater Marsh in Central Florida. In: Landin, Mary C. (ed.) Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, SWS Utica, MS, USA 39175-9351. Pages 899-903.

Graham, C. W. and G. R. Best. 1993. Avifaunal Usage of a Constructed Marsh Adjacent to Lake Apopka, Florida. In: Landin, Mary C. (ed.) Wetlands: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of Society of Wetland Scientists, New Orleans, LA. South Central Chapter, SWS Utica, MS, USA 39175-9351. Pages 840-845.

Best, G. R. 1994. Wetlands Ecological Engineering: An Approach for Integrating Humanity and Nature Through Wastewater Recycling Through Wetlands. In: Brian H. Hill and J.M. Diamond (eds.), Dynamics of Wetlands: New Approaches to Assessing Wetland Structure and Function. Refereed Proceedings of the North American Benthological Society Technical Issues Workshop, Orlando, Florida. Pages 56-76.

Davis, M.M., S.W. Sprecher, J.S. Wakeley, and G.R. Best. 1996. Environmental Gradients and Identification of Wetlands in North-Central Florida. Wetlands 16(4): 512-523.

Powell, R.L., R. A. Kimerle, J.T. Coyle, and G.R. Best. 1997. Ecological Risk Assessment of a Wetland Exposed to Boron. Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry 16: 2409-2414.

Lemly, A. Dennis, G. Ronnie Best, William G. Crumpton, Mary G. Henry, Donal D. Hook, Greg Linder, Patrick H. Masscheleyn, Hans G. Peterson, Terrence Salt, Raph G. Stahl, Jr. 1999. Workgroup II Synopsis: Contaminant Fate and Effects in Freshwater Wetlands (pages 69-152). In: Lewis MA, Mayer FL, Powell RL, Nelson MK, Klaine SJ, Henry MG, Dickson GW, editors. Ecotoxicology and risk assessment for wetlands. SETAC Pellston Workshop on Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment for Wetlands; 1995 July 30-Aug 3; Fairmont Hot Springs, Anaconda, Montana. Published by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Pensacola, FL, USA. 398 p.

Mazzotti, F.J., Best, G.R. Brandt, L.A., Cherkiss, M.S., Jeffrey, B.M., Rice, K.G., (2009). Alligators and crocodiles as indicators for restoration of Everglades ecosystems. Ecological Indicators Integrating, Monitoring, Assessment, and Management, Ecological Indicators: 9(6): 137-149.

Doren, R., Trexler, J., Harwell, M., Best, G.R. (Eds) Ecological Indicators Integrating, Monitoring, Assessment and Management. (2009) Ecological Indicators: Volume 9, Supplement 6: 106 Pages. ISSN#1470-106X

Technical Reports and Miscellaneous Publications

Best, G. R. 1971. K, Na, Ca, and Mg Flux in a Mature Hardwood Forest Watershed and an Eastern White Pine Forest Watershed at Coweeta. (Master's thesis, University of Georgia, 1971). IBP EDFB MEMO REPORT NO. 71-8. 88 Pages.

Best, G. R. 1976. Treatment and Biota of an Ecosystem Affect Nutrient Cycling: I. Effects of Vegetation and Treatment on Cation Flux through Natural and Disturbed Ecosystems; II. Effect of an Endomycorrhizal Fungus on Cation Flux and Uptake by Plants. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Georgia, Athens. 113 Pages.

Odum, H. T., G. R. Best, P. Kangas, B. Rushton, and J. Butner. 1981. Studies on Phosphate Mining, Reclamation, and Energy. Final Report for EIES, University of Florida, Gainesville. 190 Pages.

Best, G. R., J. Tuschall, P. Brezonik, J. Butner, W. DeBusk, K. Ewel, A. Hernandez, and H. T. Odum. 1982. Fate of Selected Heavy Metals in a Forested Wetland Ecosystem. Report to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 209 Pages.

Odum, H. T., G. R. Best, B. T. Rushton, and M. A. Miller. 1983. Interaction between Phosphate Industry and Wetlands. Annual & Final Reports to Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. 1982 Annual Report, 134 Pages. 416 Pages.

Best, G. R., P. Owens, and W. Sargent. 1985. Low Energy Wastewater Recycling through Wetland Ecosystems: Experimental Use of a Marsh Ecosystem at John F. Kennedy Space Center. Progress Report to the Bionetics Corporation in Cooperation with John F. Kennedy Space Center. 137 Pages.

Best, G. R., H. T. Odum, W. Dunn, and P. Wallace. 1988. Enhanced Ecological Succession following Phosphate Mining. Annual (2) & Final Reports to Florida Institute of Phosphate Research (Final Report Published in 1987). 160 Pages plus Appendices.

Brown, M. T., R. Tighe, G. R. Best, et al. 1990. Development of Techniques and Guidelines for Reclamation of Phosphate Mined Lands as Diverse Landscapes and Complete Hydrologic Units. Annual Reports (4) and Final Report to Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. 1984-1990. Final Report Published in 1990.

Atkins, K., G. R. Best, R. McCormick. 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992. Cone Ranch Wellfield Ecological Monitoring Report. Annual Reports to West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority (K. Dollar, W. Smith, C. Raymond). Report prepared in conjunction with Henigar & Ray Engineering Associates, Inc. 189 Pages plus Appendices; etc.

Best, G. R., L. M. Schwartz, et al. 1985, 1987, 1989. Low-Energy Wastewater Recycling through Wetland Ecosystems: Apalachicola Study -- Experimental Use of a Titi Shrub Swamp. First Summary Report (with J. McCreary, T. Crisman, and C. Montague), 1985, 102 Pages; Second Summary Progress Report (with S. K. Haack, and L. B. Sonnenburg), 1987, 114 Pages; Final Report to Florida Department of Environmental Regulation (with C.P. Wolfe), 1989, 257 Pages.

Best, G. R., D.S. Segal & C.P. Wolfe. 1989. Soil-Vegetation Correlations in Hydric and Nonhydric Soils in Northcentral Florida. Final Report to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 112 Pages.

Best, G. R., et al. 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993. Orange County Easterly Service Area Phase III Experimental Wetlands Exemption System Monitoring and Research Program: Chapter 5-Ecology of Aquatic Fauna in Experimental and Control Wetland Communities. First Annual Report (with K. Dollar, W.F.Smith), 1989, 96 pp; Second Annual Report (with K. Dollar, W.F.Smith), 1990, 121 pp.; and Third Annual Report (with K. Dollar, W.F.Smith), 1991, 121 pp. Forth Annual Report (with G.K Gruendling, W.F. Smith), 1992, 128 pp.; Fifth Annual Report (with G.K. Gruendling, R. Morton), 1993, 97 pp. Prepared for Orange County, Florida, through Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., Maitland, Florida.

Best, G. R., S. Everett, and K. Clough. 1990. Wetland Macrophyte Production Hydrodynamics in Hopkins Prairie, Ocala National Forest, Florida. 1989 Annual Report. Prepared for the St. Johns River Water Management District. Gainesville, FL: Center for Wetlands, Univ. of FL. 31 Pages.

Best, G. R. and M. T. Brown. 1991. Mitigation Site Reclamation Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. Prepared for the Department of Transportation. Gainesville, FL: Center for Wetlands, University of Florida. 20 Pages.

Best, G. R. and K. S. Clough. 1991. Wetland Macrophyte Production and Hydrodynamics in Hopkins Prairie, Ocala National Forest, Florida, March 1989-December 1990. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District. Gainesville, FL: Center for Wetlands, Univ. of FL. 96 Pages.

Stenberg, J., D. Day, and G. R. Best. 1991. Development of Natural Vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project: Phase I--Baseline Conditions, Fall 1990. Prepared for St. Johns River Water Management District. Gainesville, FL: Center for Wetlands, Univ. of FL. August 1991. 70 Pages.

Best, G.R., R.D. Peters, R.E. Borer, and F.F. Gaines III. 1993. Preliminary Assessment of Options for Management of Sweetwater Branch Surface Flow into Paynes Prairie, Alachua County, Florida. Report to Florida Department of Environmental Protection-Florida Park Service (Paynes Prairie State Preserve), Gainesville, FL. Center for Wetlands & Water Resources, Univ. of FL., Gainesville, FL. 32611. 130 Pages.

Doren, R. F., J. C. Trexler, M. Harwell, and G. R. Best. 2008. System-wide Indicators for Everglades Restoration 2008 Assessment. South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Technical Report.

Additional Professional Reports

Best, G. R. and C. Braun. 1975. Revegetation Experimental Program for the Rehabilitation of the Rio Blanco Oil Shale Tract C-a Disposal Piles. For Rio Blanco Oil Shale Project (with C. Braun). 47 Pages.

Best, G. R. 1975. Environmental Baseline Studies: Summary of quarterly progress reports. For Rio Blanco Oil Shale Project (Vegetation, Revegetation, and Soils Sections). 134 Pages.

Best, G. R., J. Wondolleck, and R. Gash. 1976. Preliminary Environmental Assessment of Station Creek Area. For Meadowlark Farms, Inc. and AMAX Corp. (Project manager, authored with several individuals.). 141 Pages.

Best, G. R. 1976. Feasibility Study of Flood Control in Oklawaha River Basin. For Southwest Florida Water Management District (authored section on "Environmental Setting and Amenities"). 1976. 12 Pages.

Gash, R., G. R. Best, M. Maass, and J. Wondolleck. 1976. Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements for the Proposed Development of Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 3, Natrona County, Wyoming. For Department of the Navy and Tesors Petroleum Corporation. 230 Pages.

Furman Jr., T. D. et al. 1977. Regional Water Supply Sources and Post 1980 Needs: Tampa Bay Region of Florida. For West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority (G. R. Best, Authored Ecological Survey Portion of Report, 25 pp.).

Best, G. R. 1977. An Evaluation of the Soils of Tract C-a and Adjacent Areas in Western Colorado: Summary. For Gulf Oil Corp. and Standard Oil Co. (Indiana), Rio Blanco Oil Shale Project (Project coordinator for soil survey and author of summary report). 47 Pages.

Best, J. Wondolleck, and R. Gash. 1977. Preliminary Environmental Assessment of Watkins/Lowry Area for Coal Development. For Meadowlark Farms, Inc. and AMAX Corp. (Project manager). 137 Pages.

Furman Jr., T. D., et al. 1980. Water Supply Sources for Lakeland, Florida. For City of Lakeland (authored Ecology Survey Portion of Report, 20 pp.).

CONTRACTS AND GRANTS

Summary: Currently, as USGS's Lead Scientists for USGS's Greater Everglades science initiative I administer and supervise an interdisciplinary research program totaling over $7 million annually (although not really a 'contract' or 'grant', it does reflect the level of responsibility). In addition, while on faculty at University of Florida, I served as Principal Investigator on over 30 grants (and Co-PI for 7 additional grants) totaling over $4.2 million from numerous funding sources including: federal (EPA, COE, FWS, FPS), state (Fl.DEP, Water Management District(s), Fl.DNR, Fl. Institute of Phosphate Research, etc.), county/city (Orlando, Fl.; Orange Co., Fl.), and others.

Best, G. R. (PI). NSF, 1979-1980. Mineral Distribution and Flow in Major Habitats in Okefenokee Swamp (through Subcontract with the University of Georgia); $9,064.

Best, G. R. (PI), H. T. Odum, K.C. Ewel, and P.L. Brezonik. EPA, 1979-1982. Fate of Select Heavy Metals in a Forested Wetland Ecosystem; $72,347.

Odum, H. T. (PI), G. R. Best, and J. Zoltek. NSF, 1980-1982. Appropriate Environmental Systems for Waste Management; $27,299.

Best, G. R. (PI), and H. T. Odum. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, 1981-1984. Enhanced Ecological Succession Following Phosphate Mining; $190,397.

Odum (PI) and G. R. Best. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research, Co-Principal Investigator, 1981-1983. Interaction Between Phosphate Industry and Wetlands; $92,883.

Best, G. R. (PI). NSF, Principal Investigator, 1981-1982. Root Dynamics in Woody Plant Communities in Okefenokee Swamp (through Subcontract with the University of Georgia); $23,504.

Best, G. R. (PI), T. Crisman, J. McCreary, C. Montague, and L. Schwartz. 1981-1985. Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. Low-Energy Wastewater Recycling through Wetland Ecosystems: Apalachicola Study, I -- Experimental Use of a Freshwater Shrub Swamp; $100,746.

Brown, M. T. (PI) and G. R. Best. Gardinier, Inc. 198-198. Research Development and Design of a Wetlands Reclamation Project for Gardinier, Inc.; $20,321.

Best, G. R. (PI). Kennedy Space Center (NASA), 1983-1985. Low Energy Wastewater Recycling through Wetland Ecosystems: Experimental Use of a Marsh Ecosystem at Kennedy Space Center (through subcontract with the Bionetics Corporation); $76,000.

Brown, M. T. (PI) and G. R. Best (PI). Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. 1984-1989. Development of Techniques for Reclamation of Phosphate Mined Lands as Diverse Landscapes and Complete Hydrologic Units; Total Five-Year Funding $825,599 (1984, $158,890; 1985, $211,009; 1986, $187,520; 1987, $128,611; 1988, $139,569).

Odum, H. T. and G. R. Best. Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. 1984-1987. Interaction of Wetlands with Phosphate Mining; Total Three-Year Funding $263,443 (1984-85, $84,190; 1985-86, $86,543; 1986-87, $92,710).

Best, G. R. (PI). Mobil Chemical Company. 1984-1985. A Predictive Assessment of Long Term Trends Towards Forest Development on Mobil's Reclaimed Phosphate Mined Lands; $29,614.

Best, G. R. (PI). Florida Department of Environmental Regulation. 1986-1987. Low Energy Wastewater Recycling through Wetland Ecosystems: Apalachicola Study, II -- Experimental Use of a Freshwater Shrub Swamp; $53,980.

Best, G. R. (PI). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986-1987. Soil/Plant Correlation Studies in Florida; $28,680.

Best, G. R. (PI). Occidental Chemical Company. June 1986-December 1986. Evaluating Success of Wetlands Reclamation, Phase I: Development of Preliminary Assessment of Success Criteria; $20,000.

Brown, M. T. (PI) and G. R. Best. Environmental Protection Agency. 1987-1988. A Florida Pilot Study for the Evaluation of Created and Restored Wetlands; $55,000.

Best, G. R. (PI). West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority (through Subcontract with Henigar and Ray Engineering). October 1987-September 1989. Ecological Monitoring of Cone Ranch Wellfield. $47,384.00.

Best, G. R. (PI) and J. Zoltek, Jr (Co-PI). Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) 1988-1989. Orange County ESAWWTF Phase III Experimental Exemption System; First Year Funding $241,467.

Best, G. R. (PI). St. John's River Water Management Districts. October 1990-August 1992. To Determine the Effects of Wetlands Hydrology on Aquatic Plant Primary Production. $37,876.

Best, G. R. (PI, CFW Portion) Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) 1989-1990. Orange County ESAWWTF Phase III Experimental Exemption System; Second Year Funding $141,949 (CFW-$104,449).

Best, G. R. (PI). West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority (through Sub-Contract with Henigar and Ray Engineering). October 1989-September 1992. Ecological Monitoring of Cone Ranch Wellfield. $81,230.00.

Best, G. R. (PI) and S. W. Vince (PI). U.S. Department of the Interior. June 1988-August 1990. Restoration Methods for Oil Development Sites in Big Cypress National Preserve. $92,046.

Brown, M. T. (PI) and G. R. Best (Co-PI). St. Johns River Water Management District. October 1988-October 1989. Lake Apopka Marsh Restoration. $80,000.00.

Best, G. R. (PI, CFW Portion) Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) April 1989-June 1990. Research Scope of Work for Evaluating Options for Management of Landfill-Generated Stormwater-Leachate Mixture Using Wet. $205,675 (CFW-$86,231).

Best, G. R. (PI). St. Johns River Water Management District. December 1988-April 1990. The Effects of Wetland Hydrology on Macrophyte Primary Production and Litter Decomposition Rates. $13,290.00.

Best, G. R. (PI) and M.T. Brown (Co-PI). St. Johns River Water Management District. May 1991-December 1993. Development of Natural & Planted Vegetation and Wildlife Use in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Demonstration Project. $155,000.

Best, G. R. (PI) Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) November 1991-September 1992. Research Scope of Work for Evaluating Options for Management of Landfill-Generated Stormwater-Leachate Mixture Using Wet. $270,019 (CFW Portion-$64,344).

Best, G. R. (PI). Department of Natural Resources, Florida Park Service. March 1991-July 1992. Sweetwater Branch and Paynes Prairie Research. $50.000.

Best, G. R. (PI & Project Director). U.S. Department of Interior. USGS's Water Resources Research Program: Information and Technology Transfer and Administration of Florida's Water Resources Research Center Program. 1991/92-$320,262); 1992/93-$336,552; 1993/94-$322,255; 1994/95-$325,057.

Best, G. R. (PI). U.S. Army COE-Waterways Experiment Station (through subcontract w/ KBN Engineering). January 1992-December 1992. Hydric Soils. $19,221.

Best, G. R. (PI). Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) June 1992-March 1994. Orange County Landfill Wetland Research Program. $55,000.

Best, G. R. (PI). Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) October 1992-September 1993. Orange County's Eastern Service Area WWTF Phase V Wastewater-to-Wetlands Experimental Exemption System; Fifth Year Funding $67,560.

Best, G. R. (PI). Department of Environmental Regulation. January 1993-January 1995. Assessment of Forest Plant Community Continuity Before & After Cypress Harvesting. $42,400.

Best, G. R. (PI). CH2M Hill. May 1993-June 1993. AWWA Reservoir Benefits. $9,000.00

Best, G. R. (PI). West Coast Regional Water Supply Authority (through Sub-Contract with Henigar and Ray Engineering). May 1993-November 1993. Ecological Monitoring of Cone Ranch Wellfield. $6,801.00.

Best, G. R. (PI). St. Johns River Water Management Districts. May 1993-December 1994. Monitoring of Natural & Planted Vegetation in the Lake Apopka Marsh Flow-Way Restoration Project. $29,999.

Best, G. R. (PI & UF Project Coordinator) with M.T. Brown (PI-Ecosystem Analysis), T.L. Crisman (PI-Aquatic Fauna), K.R. Reddy & D.A. Graetz (PIs-Soils). Florida Institute of Phosphate Research. An Evaluation of Constructed Wetlands on Phosphate Mined Lands in Florida: Vegetation, Soils, Aquatic Fauna, Water Quality, Ecosystem Analysis, and Values, Functions & Regulations. $394,696 (PI on "Values, Functions and Regulations" portion @ $79,289). July 1993- April 1995.

Best, G. R. (PI). Orange County, Florida (through subcontract w/ Orange County project engineers CDM, Inc.) December 1993- February 1996. Orange County's Eastern Service Area WWTF Phase V Wastewater-to-Wetlands Experimental Exemption System; Sixth and Seventh Year Funding, Total : $788,000.

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GRADUATE COMMITTEES CHAIRED OR CO-CHAIRED

Summary: While at the University of Florida, I served as Major Professor for over 45 graduate students and as committee member for over 120 graduate students including numerous M.S. and several Ph.D. students.

1983

• Rushton, B. T. Ecosystem Organization in Phosphate Clay Settling Ponds. Co-Chairman, Master's Committee with H. T. Odum, Chairman.

1984

• DeBusk, W. F. Nutrient Dynamics in a Cypress Strand Receiving Municipal Wastewater Effluent. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Kidd-Haack, S. Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Community Structure in a Forested Wetland: Interrelationships with Environmental Parameters. Co-Chairman, Master's Committee with T. L. Crisman, Chairman.

1986

• Owens-Mion, L. P. Low-Energy Wastewater Recycling through an Oligohaline Coastal Marsh System. Chairman, Masters Committee with C. Ross Hinkle, Co-Chairman.
• Sargent, W. Avoidance of Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent by Selected Fish and Macrobenthos. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.

1987

• Gross, F. E. H. Influence of Water Level Fluctuations on the Productivity of Lake Kissimmee. Chairman, Master's Committee with M. T. Brown, Co-Chairman.
• Pezeshki, C. Response of Benthic Macroinvertebrates of a Shrub Swamp to Discharge of Treated Wastewater. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Segal, D. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Wolfe, R. Seed Dispersal and Wetland Restoration. Chairman, Master's Committee (H. T. Odum, Co-Chairman).

1988

• Dunn, William J. Ecological Paradigms, Species Interactions, and Primary Succession on Phosphate-Mined Lands. Chairman, Doctoral Committee.
• Wallace, Peter M. Role of Mycorrhizae in Reclamation of Phosphate Mined Lands by Ecological Successional Processes. Chairman, Master's Committee.

1989

• Anderson, Peggy. Root/Shoot Biomass Allocation in An Alaskan Coastal Marsh. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Rector, Melvin H. Evaluation of Two Marsh Development Techniques At Central Florida Surface Mine Sites. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Schwartz, Larry N. Ecosystem Processes in a Titi Shrub Swamp Near Apalachicola, Florida. Chairman, Doctoral Committee.

1990

• Davis, M. M. Vegetative Regeneration in Wetland Forests of Florida. Doctoral Committee.
• Latham, P. J. Plant Distributions and Competitive Interactions along a Gradient of Tidal Freshwater and Brackish Marshes. Co-Chairman, Doctoral Committee

1991

• Sleszynski, P. A. The Significance of Soil Seed Reserves in the Seasonal Wetlands of South Florida and their Possible Applications for Habitat Restoration. Chairman, Master's Committee.

1992

• Clough, K. Hydrology, Plant Community Structure and Nutrient Dynamics of a Wet Prairie in North Central Florida. Chairman Master's Thesis.
• Smith, W. F. Response of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and Least Killifish (Heterandria formosa) to Water Quality and Vegetation Changes Associated with Wastewater Addition to a Forested Wetland in Central Florida.
• Graham, C. W. Avifaunal Usage of a Constructed Freshwater Marsh Adjacent to Lake Apopka, Florida. Chairman Master's Thesis.
• Everett, S. Growth of Bald Cypress and Pond Cypress Seedlings in Post-Mining Soils and the Effect of Nutrient Tablets. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Raymond, C. A. Seasonal and Annual Changes in Herbaceous Vegetation in Three Wetland Ecosystems in N. E. Hillsborough County. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Peters Jr., R. D. Preliminary Assessment - Options for Management of Sweetwater Branch Surface Flow into Paynes Prairie Alachua County, Florida. Chairman, Master's Thesis.

1993

• Kertis, E. J. Private Aquatic Weed Control in Florida. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Lee, James P. Ancillary Environmental Benefits of Water Supply. Co-Chair, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Ton, S. Lead Cycling Through a Hazardous Waste-Impacted Wetland. Chairman, Doctoral Committee.

1994

• Fleischner, J.E. Survival and Growth of Tree Seedlings on a Phosphate-Mined Reclaimed Wetland and Upland Landscape. Chair, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Dyche, K.J. The Adventitious Rooting Response of Three Species of Wetland Plants. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Karras, D. Estimating Change in Stormwater Runoff and Sediment Accumulation in a Wetland Using Geographic Information Systems and the EPA's Stormwater Management Model. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Borer, R.E. Influence of Soil Flooding and Nutrient Load on Growth of Selected Wetland Plants. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Gaines, F.F. Response of Fish Populations to Dilute Landfill Leachate Application in a Central Florida Wetland. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Bailey, J.J. Assessing Long-Term Impacts of Ditching and Grazing Using GIS and Undisturbed Reference Wetlands. Chairman, Master's Committee.
• Enck, V. ET and LAIs of Three Wetland Species. Chairman, Master's Thesis,
• Morton, R. Response of a Forested Wetland Fish Populations to Reclaimed Water. Chairman, Master's Thesis.
• Day, D.L. Light Use and Competition Between Four Freshwater Macrophytes and Growth Model of Typha latifolia. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Ramakrishna, H. Economics and Emergy Evaluation of Two Constructed Wetlands in Florida. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.
• Jennings, M. Analysis of Fish Populations of Wastewater to Wetlands Facility in Central Florida. Chairman, Non-Thesis Master's Committee.

1995

• Piazza, Michelle MS, Chairman
• Howington, T MS (Co-Chairman).

1997

• Carrara, M. MS (Chairman).
• Ponzio, K. MS (Chairman).

1999

• Clark, Mark MS [Chairman]

2001

• Clark, Mark Ph.D. (Co-Chairman).

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RELATED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• 1982-92 With Agrico Chemical Company, Mulberry, Florida. Evaluation of proposed and existing wetlands and native forest reclamation projects.

Through my involvement with this company, several graduate students have used several of the reclaimed sites and/or data from the reclaimed sites for their graduate research. Specifically, see: Bersok (M.S.), Rector (non-thesis M.S.), Dunn (Ph.D.), Wallace (M.S.), Wolfe (M.S.).

• 1983-89 With Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., Maitland, Florida. Ecological evaluation, ecological survey, and development of alternatives for management of wastewater discharge to wetlands for Seminole, Orange and Hillsborough Counties, Florida.

Ecological evaluation, ecological survey, and development of alternatives for management of wastewater discharge to wetlands for Seminole, Orange and Hillsborough Counties, Florida. This advisory activity lead to several major research grants at Wetland and Water Resources Research Center, Environmental Engineering Sciences Department, and Soil and Water Science Department at University of Florida; plus, the environmental engineering firm, Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc. Specifically, one set of grants dealing with evaluating wastewater recycling through wetlands (part through CFW for ecology & soils research, with part through EES Department for environmental chemistry) lasted over seven years. The combined research projects total over $300,000 - $400,000 per year. In addition, this project is part of a publication on advances in utilizing wetlands for wastewater recycling and reuse (see attached publications: Best, G.R. Natural Wetlands - Southern Environment: Wastewater to Wetlands, Where Do We Go From Here? p. 111-115; and Best, G. R. 1994. Wetlands Ecological Engineering: An Approach for Integrating Humanity and Nature Through Wastewater Recycling Through Wetlands. In: Brian H. Hill and J.M. Diamond (eds.), Dynamics of Wetlands: New Approaches to Assessing Wetland Structure and Function. Refereed Proceedings of the North American Benthological Society Technical Issues Workshop, Orlando, Florida. Pages 56-76.).

Another grant dealing with evaluating landfill leachate/stormwater recycling through wetlands, again involving EES, CFW and Soils, was conducted for three years at about $225,000 per year.

• 1983-85 With Post, Buckley, Schuh, and Jernigan, Inc., Orlando, Florida. Ecological evaluation, ecological survey, and development of alternatives for creation of large wetland (about 1200 acres) for discharge and final treatment of 20 MGD municipal wastewater for City of Orlando, Florida.

Ecological evaluation, ecological survey, and development of alternatives for creation of large wetland (about 1200 acres) for discharge and final treatment of 20 MGD municipal wastewater for City of Orlando, Florida. I conceived of the idea for creating a multifunctional wetland ecosystem for advanced wastewater treatment. I and M. T. Brown developed preliminary conceptual design of wetland. Presently, (1992), the wetland, currently called "Orlando Wilderness Park," is one of the worlds largest wetland created specifically for advanced wastewater treatment, and at the time of construction was the largest ever permitted by US EPA and the State of Florida. The site has been featured on news casts in Florida and briefly mentioned on NBC news. The site is a haven for wetland-dependent wildlife and has won several environmental awards, including the Governor's (Florida) Award and Florida's Department of Environmental Regulation's Secretary's Award. In addition, the engineering concept and site design have won several engineering design awards. This project is part of a publication on advances in utilizing wetlands for wastewater recycling and reuse (see attached publications: Best, G.R. Natural Wetlands - Southern Environment: Wastewater to Wetlands, Where Do We Go From Here? p. 111-115; and Best, G. R. 1994. Wetlands Ecological Engineering: An Approach for Integrating Humanity and Nature Through Wastewater Recycling Through Wetlands. In: Brian H. Hill and J.M. Diamond (eds.), Dynamics of Wetlands: New Approaches to Assessing Wetland Structure and Function. Refereed Proceedings of the North American Benthological Society Technical Issues Workshop, Orlando, Florida. Pages 56-76.).

• 1987-87 With Bromwell & Carrier, Inc., Lakeland, Florida. Ecological evaluation and development of reclamation plan for coal mining in floodplain forest in Kentucky.

• 1977 With Rio Blanco Oil Shale Project, Denver, Colorado. Reviewed and analyzed results of soil survey of proposed mining site to recommend soil handling practice with regard to reclamation and surface revegetation. Prepared summary report of soil survey and recommendations.

• 1977-78 With RSBW, Inc., & CDM, Inc., Clearwater, Florida. Assess the potential impact of municipal water well field development on wetland and terrestrial ecosystems in Tampa Bay region of Florida (primary area I recommended based on least ecological sensitivity was chosen as well field site). Prepared environmental section of document on regional water supply sources and post 1980 needs for Tampa Bay region of Florida. Provide advice on how to develop and evaluate management of water wellfield pumping in environmentally sensitive areas.

• 1979 With EcoImpact, Inc., Gainesville, Florida. Evaluating site characteristics and vegetation data for purpose of assessing the "ordinary high water" line in the Peace River and adjacent swamplands.

• 1980 With BioEcological Services Team, Inc. via Subcontract with RSBW, Inc., Clearwater, Florida. Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Wellfield Sites for the City of Lakeland, Florida (primary area I recommended based on least ecological sensitivity was chosen as wellfield site).

• 1980 With BioEcological Services Team, Inc. via Contract with Ronald T. Hopwood, Leesburg, Florida. Evaluate Ecological Impacts of Proposed Canal Extension Around Pine Island, Florida. Resulted in an activity that would enhance the ecology of the area through partially reestablishing flow through adjacent wetland areas (with T. L. Crisman).

• 1981 With Ackerman, Senterfitt, and Edison, Orlando, Florida. Development of an Alternative Management Plan for the Upper St. Johns River Basin, Florida (with J. Alexander).

• 1983-89 With Camp Dresser & McKee, Inc., Orlando, Florida. Ecological Evaluation, Ecological Survey, and Mapping of Plant Communities of a Proposed Wastewater Infiltration Basin in East Orange County, Florida. Prepared Vegetation Map and Ecological Report Entitled, "Environmental Evaluation of Proposed Wastewater Infiltration Basin in East Orange County." 32 pp. with map (with M. T. Brown).

• 1981-92 With AGRICO Chemical, Mulberry, Florida. Assessment of Reclaimed Wetlands following Phosphate Mining. Provided assistance on field sampling, data analysis, and reporting. Provided advice on methods for creation of forested and marsh wetlands.