FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 3, 1994 CONTACT: Lucia Pan 202-482-3048
National Biological Survey (NBS) Director H. Ronald Pulliam today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). The agreement establishes a framework to facilitate biological research, inventory and monitoring, and information and technology services between the two agencies. Signing on behalf of OSM was Director Robert J. Uram.
"This is another major step in cementing collaborative relationships between the National Biological Survey and its sister agencies within the Department of the Interior," said Dr. Pulliam. "Now we have the structure in place for the hand-in-glove cooperation essential to providing OSM policy makers with the best scientific foundation possible for their decisions."
Areas of cooperation will include identification of inventory, research, and technology programs and needs; coordination of activities and initiatives relating to biological science; exchange of fiscal information for use in budget development; and administrative support. The MOU provides for future letters of agreement to outline more specific areas of cooperation.
"Joint efforts on behalf of the environment can only be beneficial to the programs of both agencies," said OSM Director Uram. "Our Appalachian Clean Streams Initiative in particular is sure to benefit from the scientific support NBS can provide."