BLM NSTC USGS Partnership


	Spring and Summer 2001 Numerous meetings between USGS and BLM occur and planning for the field trip to Colorado’s National Conservation Areas (NCAs) and National Monument (NM) begins with the BLM’s National Science and Technology Center (NSTC) and Colorado State Office. Communication between USGS and BLM-NSTC focusing on science needs initiated. Lee Barkow, NSTC Director, suggests a field trip to the NLCS sites in Colorado to discuss science needs with managers. USGS participates in BLM Science Coordination yearly meeting. Lee Barkow briefs the USGS Central Region Leadership Team on BLM science needs. USGS Midcontinent Ecological Science Center (MESC) hosts BLM for a discussion and presentation of a series of science briefings. August 2001 During the week of August 27–30, USGS scientists and managers travel to several sites in Colorado with BLM managers and scientists. During these well-organized tours, participants are introduced to the issues and science needs of the NCA managers, observing first-hand the effects on the landscape. During the Science Needs Field Tour, the USGS-RD and the BLM Colorado State Director agree to develop closer working relationships and more specifically to collaborate in funding of high-priority science needs. November 2001 NCA and NM managers and staff visit the NSTC and the MESC for briefings and discussions on follow-up activities. December 2001 NCA and NM managers are asked to present a prioritized list of important science needs. February 2002 USGS responds with a set of proposals for five of the highest priority needs. April 2002 USGS and BLM identify matching funds to support all projects. June 2002 A workshop (Mancos Landscapes: Science and Management) is held June 10-13 to discuss the issues, assess the scientific status of the area, and develop a plan for addressing the management and science needs of the Mancos shale landscapes. Funds for the high-priority projects are assembled and allocated to the project leads. (Funds were provided primarily by the BLM Colorado State Office and the USGS Central Regional Office. Additional funds were also provided by the USGS Chief Scientist for Biology, and the Program Coordinator for the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. Funds totaled $220,000, but significant in-kind support was also provided by the BLM National Science and Technology Center, BLM National Conservation Area managers, and USGS Science Centers in support of several projects.) July 2002 A presentation is made on July 8 to Elena Daly, assistant director for BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The topic is “Joint Science Accomplishments between the BLM and USGS. August 2002 BLM and USGS partners meet at the NSTC on August 15 to discuss follow up to collaborative projects and plan for continuation into the second year and beyond. Some issues discussed include interim reports for managers and proposals for second year funding requests. September 2002 A new USGS-BLM joint science partnership Web site is rolled out to tell the story of the partnership and to document the partnership’s activities and progress.