The summer of 1993 will mark the first year of a projected long term involvement in the MAPS program. MAPS is an attempt by ornithologists to develop a better understanding of who some species of Neotropical migrant songbirds are declining while others are maintaining stable or even growing populations. Both variables are measured through long term and intensive banding studies on permanent plots in the forest. The Upper Tract of Pine Lake is an ideal setting for the establishment of a MAPS station because it is a large and protected area. The MAPS program itself is administered by the Institute of Bird Population Studies and is oficially recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Several people plan to be involved with the project.
Murphy will head the program and the intent is to involve students as heavily as possible. This is a very important program that will require the involvement of many people if it is to be successful. As the program becomes better known we expect additional Hartwick and non-Hartwick people to contribute their time and effort. Davis Serrell will conduct research on the population biology of flying squirrels. He specifically will attempt to measure the dispersal patterns and the probability of survival for young squirrels born at different times of the year.