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John C. Capece, Ph.D. |
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RESEARCH PROJECTS Caloosahatchee Watershed Management Plan Principal-investigator in a new research project to develop GIS coverages of the Caloosahatchee River Basin in preparation for eventual hydrologic and water quality modeling of the region. In addition to the GIS project, two additional projects are in progress: (1) hydrologic and water quality assessment of citrus groves and (2) development of a comprehensive management practices matrix and database for major agricultural land uses of the region. MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC-Buck Island Ranch) Principal investigator on BMP demonstration project funded by Florida Department of Environmental Protection to study water quality and hydrology of pasture and range management systems at Buck Island Ranch. The goal of the project is to develop sustainable cattle management systems and to reduce the phosphorus load to Lake Okeechobee. Additional projects at MAERC include: co-investigator and primary author of a USDA grant to support a multi-disciplinary team research project and principal investigator on flow measurement system installation project funded by Archbold Biological Station. Caloosahatchee Oxbow Study Principal investigator in a comprehensive oxbow assessment study of the Caloosahatchee in preparation for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers restoration program. Data analysis has documented sedimentation and bank erosion effects in the 35 oxbows. Principal investigator on an oxbow water quality survey project funded by the Florida Center for Environmental Studies. Florida Panther Refuge Water Quality Study Principal investigator on evaluation of water quality in the Florida Panther Refuge. We performed sample collection and laboratory services for analysis for surface water quality (pesticides, nutrients, and metals). FGCU-UF/IFAS Joint Research Program Principal investigator in a joint research and extension project development agreement between UF/IFAS and Florida Gulf Coast University. The first research project associated with this agreement is to conduct a literature search and prepare a literature review manuscript on publications related to the Caloosahatchee River. This project also led to development of a joint FGCU-UF/IFAS water quality laboratory at the FGCU campus. Big Cypress Basin Model Peer Review Principal investigator of a SFWMD-funded project to review and evaluate methodologies used by a consulting firm (Dames & Moore) in developing a hydrologic/hydraulic simulation model for the Big Cypress Basin (Collier County). DowElanco Telone Fate Study Co-investigator on fate study of Telone (1,3-dichloropropene), a potential substitute for methyl bromide. I serve as a member of experiment design and implementation team assembled and funded by DowElanco. Climatological Data Collection Co-investigator (1995-96) on climatological data collection at SWFREC. Thermal Characteristics of Vegetable Production Systems Co-investigator on study of thermal properties of seedling trays and media and their effects on plant germination and viability. Also provided technical assistance to entomology program in data collection on plastic mulch solarization study. Rangeland Water Quality Study Co-investigator on rangeland water quality study conducted at SWFREC. A resulting poster was presented at Range Science Society National Meeting. Wetland Restoration Study Co-investigator on wetlands restoration project for isolated wetlands on citrus developments. The project has been expanded recently to include a soil fertility management study. Additional project enhancements are anticipated. Water quality data collection is continuing at this site. Sludge Application Study Co-investigator on sludge application study on pasture lands. I have designed the water quality component of a study to investigate and demonstrate the viability of municipal sludge application in southwest Florida. Funding has been secured and work is beginning. Tropical Soda Apple Control Coperator on a study of the effect of composing treatments on Tropical Soda Apple seed viability. Solarization Co-investigator on evaluation of solarization techniques as a substitute for methyl bromide fumigation of plastic-mulched soil beds. I intend to focus on collecting thermal properties data for area soils and implement the heat transport model. Irrigation water quality management Co-investigator on studies to evaluate the suitability of water sources for irrigation use in Florida. EXTENSION PROGRAMS Caloosahatchee River Citizens Association (Riverwatch) The program seeks to educate the public in water quality and ecosystem management topics and establish constructive linkages between the agricultural community and the non-agricultural community (urban, environmental, and general public) to address critical water resource issues of the region. I have served as serve as the chair of the Technical Committee, a director, member of the Executive Committee, newsletter editor, and database manager. The new organization is now well established. Excellent relations exist between UF and Riverwatch. IFAS participation has also served to create an favorable environment for constructive dialogue between the environmental and agricultural communities on issues of mutual concern. Major activities include: the annual Caloosahatchee Community Forum, field research days on the Caloosahatchee oxbows, and frequent river cruise tours/lectures for the general public. Complete CV Resume Projects Grants Publications Presentations
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