UC Natural Reserve System
Ad Hoc Genotypes Advisory Committee

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Since Spring 2000, questions raised by research that involves the introduction or translocation of plants, animals, or microorganisms on NRS reserves have been the subject of active discussion by the Universitywide NRS Advisory Committee. To provide a foundation for discussion, the Committee to Evaluate Introduction of Exotic Genotypes into UC Reserves [John Endler (chair), Susan Mazer, Mike Williams, Cristina Sandoval, Wayne Ferren] developed reports, white papers, and draft guidelines for the assessment of the potential impact of such research projects. (See, for example, Problems Associated with the Introduction of Non-Native Genotypes on NRS Reserves.)

At its May 16, 2001 meeting, the Universitywide NRS Advisory Committee approved the establishment of a pilot NRS Genotypes Advisory Committee for a two-year trial term to provide guidance on research applications involving introductions or translocations of genotypes on reserves.

On May 12, 2004, the Universitywide Committee adopted on a permanent basis the following process for an NRS Ad Hoc Genotypes Advisory Committee (effective May 12, 2004):

1) The reserve managers will make the initial decision on which research applications are to be forwarded for review by an Ad Hoc Genotypes Advisory Committee.

2) Each Ad Hoc Genotypes Advisory Committee will be drawn from specialists among the eight general campuses with expertise in genetics. To initiate a review of a research application by such a committee, reserve managers will first submit their request to the NRS systemwide office. The systemwide office will then select an appropriate committee to conduct the review. In order to avoid potential conflicts of interest, the members of this committee will be from campuses other than the reserve's managing campus or the principal investigator's home campus. The recommendations of the committee will be advisory to the manager.

Approved by Universitywide NRS Advisory Committtee on
May 12, 2004.