BLM OR/WA - Rare Care and Plant Conservation

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The Cooperative Ecosystems Study Unit (CESU) program began in 2000 as a partnership for research, technical assistance, and education to enhance understanding and management of natural and cultural resources involving federal and state agencies, tribes, and universities. The CESU is a cooperative and joint venture agreement between federal agencies, universities and non-government organizations dedicated to natural and cultural resource management. The National network of CESUs has been established to provide research, technical assistance, and education to land, resource, and environmental managers, across multiple jurisdictions, including Cities, Counties, States, and Non-Profit and for Profit organizations. Projects involve the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences and address both natural and cultural resource issues at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context. The Bureau of Land Management has partnered with the University of Washington, a member of CESU, for ten years on the long-term conservation and management of rare and sensitive plant species in the Pacific Northwest. This has included the collection and long term storage of rare plant seed in the Miller Seed vault housed at the University of Washington in order to assist them in meeting their mission of dedicated to conserving Washingtonâ¿¿s native rare plants through methods including ex situ conservation, rare plant monitoring, reintroduction, and education. The principal purpose of proposed projects/programs is to obtain the needed scientific and technical assistance through the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit concept to improve management and stewardship of the nationâ¿¿s public lands. Complex issues that transcend boundaries make it essential for partners to work together. CESU objectives are to develop a program of research, technical assistance and education that involves the biological, physical, social, and cultural sciences needed to address resources issues and interdisciplinary problem-solving at multiple scales and in an ecosystem context at the local, regional, and national level; and place special emphasis on the working collaboration among federal agencies and universities and their related partner institutions. The objective of this program is to support rare plant conservation, ex situ storage of rare plant seed, species reintroductions, and performing educational outreach. Projects will include, but not be limited to, documenting and monitoring the status and distribution of rare plant populations on public lands; gathering data on rare plant biology and ecological requirements; performing studies and activities necessary to ensure their long-term persistence and survival; seed collection; and educating the public on rare and sensitive plants.

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