Major ObjectivesThis is a unique time in the history of the Interior Department. With a science organization in its infancy, Secretary Babbitt is in an excellent position to build upon the traditional cooperation the Department has had with States and to capitalize that relationship into a partnership for biological data.
States governments are major collectors and managers of biological information and are major natural resources decisionmakers. In addition, many Federal programs are organized on a State basis. A major component of the NBS strategy is to develop strong working arrangements between NBS and State governments for biological data sharing.
NBS will achieve this goal by initiating pilot efforts with selected states that will achieve specific objectives identified by the participating States, while helping NBS identify the most appropriate structures and strategies for ensuring strong State capability in this area.
Current Actions/StatusNBS staff have begun discussions with several States to determine their interest in initiating such efforts. A nation-wide analysis was done to evaluate State capabilities and to identify existing NBS operations that would form a strong initial basis for NBS presence in the State. Discussions regarding state interests and capabilities also took place with other DOI bureaus to establish priorities.
Project prospectuses were received from ten States by February 16, when they were reviewed by NBS and DOI staff. Four States have been identified for further project development with funding to be made available regionally and activities begun as soon as practical. In a separate action, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the State of California on March 4, 1994.
Partnership Objectives