National Science Foundation Biodiversity Observatory Network (BON) Workshop (Hosted by NCEAS)

NSF is planning to hold a working group at NCEAS to design a universal grid system for biodiversity inventories at Biodiversity Observatory Network (BON) sites. The concept for this workshop is that all BON sites must have one universal grid, as well as any other grids they desire, but the other grids should tie into the universal grid. The objective for the group is to design a sampling scheme which ensures that data collected at BON sites are comparable across sites, and across scales within sites. So, the group will develop a multi-scale sampling grid that can accommodate microbes to condors, and provide a framework for other sampling schemes. Not only will different scales be considered , but statistical aspects of the problem will be assessed, as well. The workshop will include 10-12 persons to discuss and evaluate various options, and make recommendations to NSF for a sampling design. A graduate student or postdoctoral associate will be involved with the group to conduct simulation studies, and perform other logistical support.