Project Manager Management
Resume:
G. RONNIE BEST, Ph.D., P.W.S.
Ecologist
Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed. -- Bacon
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 33314-7799
Phone: 954-***-****; Fax: 954-***-****
Cell: 954-***-****
***********@****.***
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
Coordinator and Biologist (GS-15), USGS s Greater Everglades Restoration
Position:
Priority Ecosystems Science (PES)
Coordinate USGS s $7 Million national science initiative relevant to Greater
Duties:
Everglades Ecosystem Restoration. This USGS initiative involves over 70 scientists natio nwide
[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
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 2
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) RECOV ER 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 1 st 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 Everglade s
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 t hat 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.
U.S. Department of the Interior USGS Florida Caribbean Science Center
Place:
April 1997 June 2001
Date:
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 -
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 3
5million 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 greate r
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 Enginee ring.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 4
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, d irect 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, funct ion 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 fund ed 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 infor mation 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, Colo rado.
Date: July 1975-February 1977
Position: Plant Ecologist.
Duties: Responsible for developing and implementing programs for vegetation
community surveys, analysis of elements in eco systems (vegetation, soils, trace metals), analysis
of plant-soil inter actions, revegetation of disturbed lands, and preparation of enviro nmental
impact statements. Duties while with the consulting firm were directed specifically to collecting
and interpreting data directly relevant to environmental issues and envir onmental/ecological
consulting.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 5
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 Assist ant
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 laborator ies 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 Assist ant.
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))
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 6
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
Ecological Society of America
Society of Wetland Scientists
OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
NATIONAL
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).
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 7
NASA- Workshop on Environmental Management of Kennedy Space Center and Related
Wildlife Resources (1988).
STATE OF FLORIDA
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
o Elected as member for 3-year term 1990 1993
o University Senate Steering Committee, Elected as member for 3 -year term 1990
1993
o Elected Chair of Senate Steering Committee, 1992-1993
o Nominating Committee: Appointed Member 1990/91; Appointed Chairman 1991/92;
Appointed Member 1992-1993
o 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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 8
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 Geochemis try. 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. A n 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
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 9
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 Endomycor rhizal 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 Eco systems. 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 Flor ida. 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 Over burden Soils. In: Symposium on Surface
Mining, Hydrology, Sedimentology, and Reclamation. University of Kentucky, Lexing -
ton. (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 E cological 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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 10
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 Symposiu m.). 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 Inexpen sive Wier and Proportio nal
Sampler for Miniature Watershed Ecosys tems. 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 Flori da
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. Effe ct of Ditching, Fertilization,
and Herbicide Application on Groundwater Levels and Groundwater Quality in a
Flatwood Spodosol. Soil and Crop Science Society 46: 107 -112.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 11
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 Newslet ter 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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 12
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
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 13
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 Uptak e 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 Phosphat e 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: Apa lachicola 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),
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 14
1987, 114 Pages; Final Report to Florida Department of Environmental Regu lation (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. Smit h),
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 Product ion 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 Hyd rodynamics 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 Pro tection-
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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 15
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 Pro ject (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 Author ity (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 West ern
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
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 16
Summary: Currently, as USGS s Lead Scientists for USGS s Greater Everglades science
initiative I administer and supervise a 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 Resea rch, 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 Univer sity 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 Com-
munities 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: Apa lachicola 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 Recla mation 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 Phospha te Research. 1984-1989.
Development of Techniques for Recla mation 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).
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 17
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 Che mical 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: Apa lachicola 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 Correla tion 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 Pre liminary Assessment of
Success Criteria; $20,000.
Brown, M. T. (PI) and G. R. Best. Environmental Protection Agency. 198 7-1988. 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 Mo nitoring
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 Suppl y 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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 18
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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 19
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 Count y 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.
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, Mast er'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 Oligo haline Coastal
Marsh System. Chairman, Masters Committee with C. Ross Hinkle, Co -
Chairman.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 20
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 Discha rge of
Treated Wastewater. Chairman, Master's Commit tee.
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 Comm ittee.
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 D istributions 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.
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 21
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 Cha nges 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 Alac hua 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 o f 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 Co mmittee.
Enck, V. ET and LAIs of Three Wetland Species. Chairman, Master's Thesis,
G. Ronnie Best, Ph.D., PWS
Page 22
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 Freshwate r 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).
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. Eco
Contact this candidate