2nd Annual Grassbank Symposium and National Grassbank Network Meeting: February 9-10, 2005. Society of Range Management, Fort Worth, Texas.

Email Mike Dechter mdechter@fs.fed.us for more information.

1st Annual Grassbank Symposium: January 29th, 2004, Society of Range Management, Salt Lake City

8:00 a.m. Forward (speaker TBD): (20 minutes) The symposium will start with a brief discussion about the importance of open space, and the need for effective cross-boundary open space conservation tools. It will also include a brief discussion how Grassbanks, forage reserves, and common reserve allotments have been identified as one potential tool to be used for effective rangeland open space conservation.

8:30 a.m. History of Grassbanking and Accomplishments to Date by Stephanie Gripne, Boone and Crocket Conservation Program, University of Montana: (20 minutes) A synopsis describing the birth of grassbanking and the current scope of similar efforts and research, followed by an introduction to project presentations.

9:00 a.m. Vina Plains Grassbank (20 Minutes) This discussion will be led by Peter Hujik (and a rancher that utilizes the GB) of The Nature Conservancy’s Vina Plains Grassbank. Important points: cast aside common misperceptions about what Grassbanks are, and how they can be used to meet a spectrum conservation goals.

9:30 a.m. Valle Grande Grass Bank (20 minutes) A discussion led by Maria Sonnet (and Dave Stewart of FS) of The Conservation Fund’s Valle Grande Grass Bank. Important points: illustrate how grassbanking can be used

to promote conservation goals across public/private ownership boundaries.

10:00 a.m. Matador Ranch Grassbank: Meeting Objectives on and off the Preserve (20 minutes) Linda Poole of The Nature Conservancy’s Matador Ranch Grassbank in Montana. Important points: leveraging conservation across vast areas; targeting recovery of ESA listed species.

10:30 a.m. Results of The Nature Conservancy's Grassbank Forum (20 minutes) Lisa Bay of The Nature Conservancy, and a rancher on Montana's Rocky Mountain Front, will discuss the costs, benefits, pitfalls and rewards of grassbanking across the west, based on a summer 2003 forum of current grassbank practioners.

11:00 a.m. Economic and Strategic Analysis of the Conservation Efficacy of Grassbanking (45 minutes) Lisa Bay and Stephanie Gripne. A summary of current research on the efficacy of grassbanks in achieving conservation objectives. What have we learned, what more do we need to know, and where do we go from here?

I invite your comments, suggestions, and any other sort of feedback you would like to give me Stephanie Gripne.

Stephanie Gripne, Boone and Crockett Wildlife Conservation Program, School of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, steph@compatibleventures.com