Dear Colleagues, 

The SCC has been working with the HBRF on a plan to ensure the continuity of the data collection at HBEF and the well-being of our colleagues during the federal shut-down. 

Currently the only trained USFS employee allowed to work (without pay) is Ian Halm. It is neither reasonable nor safe to expect Ian to shoulder the entire burden of our winter data collection (streamwater, precipitation, snow courses). 

Our best solution is to provide additional funding via the HB Research Foundation to pay Hannah Vollmer and Gabe Winant to help Ian. Hannah and Gabe are HBRF employees. Half of their regular salary for technical work in the HBEF is typically paid through an agreement between the HBRF and the USFS. They are now not receiving the USFS portion of their pay nor will they be eligible for back pay. 

We do not know when the shutdown will end, but our target is to raise in total $5,300 in private contributions (equivalent to 2 months of technical support from Hannah and Gabe for Ian) to be used exclusively to mitigate circumstances where essential data collection is at risk. To kick off the campaign, we have received a pledge from a private donor to match gifts from Hubbard Brook researchers and HBRF Trustees up to $500.

We see three important reasons to ask for this support: 

1) It will maintain the long-term data record that we all rely on for our science. 

2) It will ease the burden on Ian Halm. 

3) It will financially support valued colleagues whose dedication to the day-to-day operation of the HBES is essential.

If you would like to contribute to this effort, please make a contribution using the following link:

Regards,

John Battles and Pam Templer

HB SCC co-chairs 

Anthea Lavallee

HBRF Executive Director