Bats, Bears and Cobblebars in Our Backyard

Date: October 20, 2014
Contact: Henrietta DeGroot, 209-617-5558
Contact: Tom Blount, 423-569-9778

Do you know what bats, bears, and cobblebars have in common?  To find out, attend the National Park Service's science public meeting on Wednesday, October 29, at the theater in Rugby.  Everyone is invited to attend this free meeting beginning at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) and continuing throughout the day.

Distinguished faculty from area universities and agencies will present their findings on a wide range of research topics including geology, hydrology, biology, anthropology, and aquatic ecology.  Among them will be:

• Dr. Ryan Sharp, Eastern Kentucky University, discussing the interface of social science, natural systems, and community engagement;
• Dr. Kandace Hollenbach, University of Tennessee, and Dr. Jay Franklin, Eastern Tennessee State University, presenting the findings of their archaeological investigations at Big South Fork, Obed Wild &Scenic River, and the Southern Cumberland Plateau;
• Tim Higgs,U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, discussing regional efforts to protect the endangered tuxedo darter;
• Dr. William Wolfe and Rodney Knight, U.S. Geological Survey, discussing the hydrology of the Obed and Cumberland streams; and
• Dr. Robert Hatcher, University of Tennessee, revealing his recent geologic mapping effort of the Obed Wild and Scenic River.

The overall goal of the public meeting is to increase understanding of the ecosystems of the parks, enhance communication and collaboration among researchers, and encourage future scientific investigations.  Poster presentations at the end of the workshop will provide an opportunity for less formal dialogue with the scientists.  "Our hope is that participants will leave the meeting and poster session with a greater knowledge of the amazing natural and cultural resources protected by the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Obed Wild and Scenic River," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, park superintendent.

For more information about this free event, please contact Henrietta DeGroot at [phone] or [e-mail].