Every once in a while we post a description of what the CONSGIS list is all about. The CONSGIS listserv was founded in 1993. Anyone may subscribe and post to the list. The list entertains any and all dialogue on matters of interest or importance to conservationists who use GIS technology as an analytical or support tool. The philosophy of CONSGIS is firmly rooted in the "hacker" belief that the free flow of information is good, and that colleagues helping colleagues will, in the end, improve our ability to conserve the earth's biological diversity. "Pure" GIS matters are best posted to strictly GIS lists. Likewise, conservation issues that do not have a GIS twist might best be posted to lists such as CONSLINK or ECOLOG-L.
Some of the postings on CONSGIS originated on other bulletin boards and are re-broadcast for the CONSGIS readership. A number of the subscribers to CONSGIS do so because it acts as a sieve by screening out a large volume of postings on other lists that fall outside of the specter of GIS/conservation. The topics covered on CONSGIS span a variety of themes and include: technical questions, sources of data or software, analytical problems, philosophical issues, meeting announcements, jobs, scholarships, and grant RFP's. Matters of business for the Society for Conservation GIS are also posted here.
The list is maintained at the University of Rhode Island and is managed by Peter August (pete@edc.uri.edu). There will be no screening of CONSGIS mail; however, only subscribed members can post to it. It is, however, understood that this venue will NOT be used for advertising products or services. Anyone who repeatedly abuses this simple request will be immediately unplugged by the list manager.
The value of the CONSGIS forum is a function of the quality of news, dialogue, and discussion each of you contribute. If you have a thought, question, or concern that is relevant to conservation and GIS, throw it out for your peers to enjoy, critique, or debate. CONSGIS encourages vigorous debate and discussion on complex and contentious issues. It is important to be frank, honest, and open -- but also be civil and do not make personal attacks or derogatory remarks about your colleagues.
An important development in the expanding collaboration and communication among conservation GIS groups was the founding last year of the Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS). The mission of the Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS) is to serve, represent and connect individuals using GIS for conservation worldwide. SCGIS has evolved from informal meetings of conservation GIS users and the ESRI Conservation Program in the early 1990's to the formation of a membership organization in 1997. Many SCGIS charter members were also involved in the creation of the CONSGIS listserv in 1993. As a result of the common goals of SCGIS and CONSGIS, SCGIS has agreed to become the official sponsor of the CONSGIS listserv. This does not in any way change anything about CONSGIS, how it is managed, who can join, etc. We are confident that this will improve CONSGIS by adding new sources of conservation GIS technical expertise, free technical support, training programs, and scholarships.
A few technical reminders:
* Send all messages (postings) to CONSGIS@URIACC.URI.EDU. Your message will be automagically forwarded to everyone who has subscribed to the CONSGIS list.
* NEVER include attachments to your postings. They can cause annoying problems with many subscribers email service.
* If you want to review past CONSGIS postings, see www.edc.uri.edu/consgislogs
* Think twice before hitting the reply button on your email software -- do you want to respond to the whole list or just the original author of the posting?
* To unsubscribe from CONSGIS, send to LISTSERV@URIACC.URI.EDU the following message:
For information on other conservation GIS technical programs, training, grants, listservers and publications sponsored by the Society for Conservation GIS, please visit the SCGIS web site at http://www.scgis.org/ or contact:
Society for Conservation GIS
PO Box 861
Lake Placid, FL 33862
attn: Roberta Pickert, Treasurer SCGIS
e-mail: rpickert@archbold-station.org