Research fun

So, since class got out lat June I have been working as a Research Assistant out in the Sol Duc forest out west. Official plant specialist.

We are gathering base line data for a study that will try to quantify the change in diversity/structure in plant life and soil after a stand is treated. The areas differ from being left alone, cleared in 26' or 36' Gaps, or thined in patches. What they are trying to do is speed a late sucession forest, largly in stem exclution, to arrive at a more complex "Old Growth" like state much sooner than it would if left to its own devices.

Anyway, I get to bring Basil with me. We out out in the middle of nowhere with just a compass and the occasional flagging to guide us to the plots. Its way fun and I am getting paid!

I took some picture last week, I will try to get them up soon- Basil is an awesome field assistant! One day we had rain almost the whole time and he was even able to take a nap! Salmon Berry in the face, mosquito madness, he didn't care, we were on an adventure.

Rock on researchers of the world. Rock on.

2008!

I do believe this is the best option available. Check out any one of his interviews with people or some of his speeches to hear his ideas. He may not be perfect, but at least he knows what he believes in and sticks to it.

Just got go@blogger.com set up!

Here he is helping me work. He does a really good job, I think he's vying for a raise.