Patterson budget contradicts Obama science policy

In a last minute vote on Friday, Feb. 6 the Senate agreed to increase funds (despite fervent efforts to cut) funding to the National Science Foundation. YAY! But there are other statewide efforts to nip science in this economic climate (see below). Before moving on, here is a bit more on the NSF funding:

As originally written the Economic Stimulous Plan:
"Provides $10 billion for scientific research, including investments at the National Science Foundation. That would include supporting 3,000 new NSF research awards and immediately put to work 12,750 senior scientists, as well as undergraduate- graduate- and post-graduate level researchers." Cited from here.

This is a very good thing! Actually, I read a separate estimate that each NSF research award provides direct financial benefits to 30 scientists... so, 30 x 3,000 = 90,000 scientists (I guess this figure includes ALL the postdocs, research techs, undergrads etc. in addition to the Principle Investigators) that will do well in this economy as a result of the extra funds, not to mention all the other benefits of research.

Ok, so that is the good news. In the mean time, New York State Governor Patterson is attempting to cut funding to the Wildlife Conservation Society (which manages the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and other NYC cultural institutions), as well as The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute, which among other projects, is working to understand why bats are disappearing from New York. Although the zoo has garnered media coverage by claiming they will have to lay off animals, this argument misses the real issue which, I believe, is as follows:

The Bronx Zoo is not simply a zoo! The Wildilfe Conservation Society is a major scientific and conservation education institution producing cutting edge curricula and research. In addition to losing animals, cuts to the zoo may lead to cuts in conservation education programs, which are critical in a place like NYC where exposure to nature is limited (especially children).

There is a deeper concern as well. While it is great that so much of the current discussion is focused on climate change and alternative energies, I am concerned that preservation of endangered species is getting the shaft. The Ecological Society of America recently sent a letter out to Obama with a reminder that saving the planet isn't just about carbon, its about species preservation and environmental education too (and yes, these are all linked).

The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute and Wildlife Conservation Society are two institutions working to preserve biodiversity and provide environmental education. Lets make sure Patterson understands that these cannot be cut. Call, call, call.