UC DANR
Conservation Biology Workgroup
Proposal FY2006-2007

WG ratified 1999, Re-ratified 2004
Chair: C.O. Qualset, Genetic Resources Conservation Program (GRCP)

Activity 1. UC systemwide conference on conservation biology.

Purpose and objectives: This would be a statewide meeting to be held in the Davis-Sacramento area by mid-fiscal year 2006-2007. One purpose would be to present existing efforts at identifying and monitoring biodiversity as case studies and allowing analysis and evaluation of such activities in light of opportunities for enhancement. A second purpose would be to showcase UC efforts at advancing conservation biology research. Other topics will be generated at the scheduled WG meeting in June, 2006.

Invited audience will be the WG membership which includes ANR and non-ANR faculty whose programs involve identification and monitoring genetic diversity of native wildlife, non-WG academics who are involved with genetic diversity measurement and analysis, state and federal agency and NGO personnel whose responsibilities include management of native biological resources.

Presentations will be solicited from the participants and from experts who may be from outside of California, but who may represent notably successful case studies in the measurement, monitoring, and analysis of genetic diversity.

Expected outcomes: The benefit to ANR is the establishment of a leadership and clearinghouse role for statewide efforts in this area. The status of genetic diversity of the state’s flora and fauna underlies any effort at assessing the impact of invasive species, pest management success, and sustainability of agriculture and natural resources, all high priority ANR issues.

The outcome would be an action blueprint for improving the status and security of existing collections, defining synergistic initiatives that would enhance all efforts at benefiting native biodiversity, targeting efficiencies in backup and security for collections that a statewide approach could offer, and focusing effort on needed research and conservation efforts.

Estimated attendance: 30 ANR and 25 non-ANR.

Budget:

Staff salary and benefits 1 month at 100% FTE of research geneticist (To facilitate organization of the workshop)	$6,947
Travel	$5,000
Meeting costs (venue costs, AV rental)	$2,000
Communication costs (meeting documents, telephone, fax)	$1,000
Total	$14,947
Additional support will be provided by GRCP general funds.

Activity 2. Contribution to the holding of two meetings of the Monterey Pine Forest Ecology Cooperative

Purpose and objectives: Improve the understanding of the underlying biology of native Pinus radiata forests (an ecologically restricted forest type that is endemic to only central coastal California and two Mexican islands and is threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and other development pressures). This is an under-served ecosystem type that is not represented in CE expertise or focus, yet is considerably threatened, and decisions for its management can be significantly improved through provision of appropriate scientific information.

Expected outcomes: Extension of science-based information for use by managers and supporters Monterey pine forest ecosystems. Locations to be determined, but will be in areas where the Monterey pine forest is a relevant ecosystem.

Budget:

Staff salary 0.5 months at 100% FTE of research geneticist (To organize and chair the meetings)	$3,474
Travel (Contribution to support of invited presenters and participants)	$1,000
Meeting costs (venue costs, AV rental)	$1,000
Communication costs (meeting documents, telephone, fax)	$500
Total	$5,974
Additional support will be provided by individual participants

This page last updated August 27, 2006.
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