Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

After brief introductions, John Winder, Administrative Advisor, discussed the WERA opportunity and what makes various groups successful. Regional projects are still viewed as important priorities. This was followed by a round table discussion (Sherm, Kelly, John and Ginger) regarding potential goals and objectives for this WERA, noting that many key players and states were not at the table. It was clear that the original agenda and objectives for the week would not be followed. Major questions that were raised: 1) How to bring people including California to the table? The WERA has 15 members on paper, but few who are/can actively participate. 2) How to move forward? 3) Should the WERA continue to exist and if so, how will it function and what roles will it play? Jim Dobrowolski, joined us by speaker phone to discuss national perspectives on our opportunity to have Impact in his programming in Washington as well as in our own work out west. The discussion focused on funding opportunities and changes in the AFRI/NIFA programs. Discussion was held regarding next chairperson for the WERA. Ginger Paige (WY) was nominated and voted chair (2 votes for, 1 against, 1 abstained). Monday Afternoon: Scientists from the USDA-ARS, Northwest Watershed Research Center and NRCS, ID gave presentations to the group. This was followed by a planning meeting at the USDA-ARS facility in Boise on Tuesday. This discussion involved determining how to best leverage ARS as a partner in advancing the goals of WERA 1011.

WEAR 1011 members are working jointly to develop major outreach venues such as symposia, publications and joint research and outreach programs. Their goal is to begin delivery phase within the coming year.