Strategic Plan Executive Summary

Transcription

1 Overview College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources And Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station Strategic Plan Executive Summary The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR) is a founding college of Nevada s Land-Grant University. The college has a long and distinguished record of fulfilling the tripartite mission of teaching, research, and outreach education benefiting the health and economic vitality of Nevada s citizens. CABNR fully subscribes to and supports the University s goal to achieve recognition as a Fully Engaged institution and is committed to the principles of accessibility and program utility that have guided the Land Grant University System for 150 years. Mission of CABNR and the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station (NAES) To improve the quality of life for all Nevadans through education and research that 1) supports the agriculture enterprise, 2) promotes community health and wellbeing, 3) sustains natural resources and the environment, and 4) stimulates economic development. Stakeholders To fulfill the Land Grant mission, CABNR works closely with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including representatives of Nevada s major industries, federal and state agencies charged with managing natural resources, and non-governmental organizations. Communication, cooperation and committed partnerships are realized through formal working group meetings, periodic listening sessions, meetings of the CABNR Advisory Board and many informal contacts. Stakeholder priorities for instruction, research and outreach education include: Enhancing economic stability and growth in all aspects of the Great Basin s agriculture enterprise through advances in the application of biotechnology, increased diversity of crop and animal products, increases in production efficiency, and sound strategies for soil, water, air and landscape management.. Addressing the serious health concerns of Nevadans through improved quality of the environment and better nutrition through improved diet. Ensuring sustainable production of natural resources from stable and viable high desert and montane ecosystems. Ensuring a strong and enduring connection between CABNR/NAES and residents of the Great Basin. I

2 Vision To effectively address the identified priorities, CABNR/NAES will become: A recognized leader in the utilization of biotechnology and managed land resources for the development and growth of Nevada s agriculture enterprise and the general economy. A recognized leader in research and the training of professionals who improve the health of Nevadans. A recognized center for both research and knowledge dissemination related to sustaining ecosystem function on semi-arid and montane landscapes in the Great Basin and similar global environments. A model for using multi-disciplinary teams, including stakeholders, to identify critical needs, propose courses of action, and recommend the allocation of resources. Administrative Structure The Dean of CABNR also serves as the Director of NAES. The Dean/Director position is supported by five primary staff and the chairmen of three academic departments. This administrative structure along with departmental faculty and staff is responsible for meeting the management and oversight needs of: An annual instructional and NAES budget equal to $9.7 M. A total graduate student enrollment of 148 in four CABNR majors and five interdepartmental majors. An undergraduate enrollment of 1,101 students in ten majors. Research grants and contracts with a total award value of more than $37M. A total of 294 employees including 73 with professional faculty appointments. A total of 192 research projects including 39 funded from state and federal appropriations and 153 funded from external sources. Statewide responsibility for program development and management of six field stations. Statewide responsibility to identify and address the critical needs of a broad base of constituents and citizen stakeholders. Student Enrollment Trends In the five years between 2007 and 2012 the number of undergraduate students enrolled in CABNR majors increased by 37%. The largest gains in actual numbers occurred in 1. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2. Environmental Sciences, and 3. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Over this same time period, graduate student enrollment also increased by 37%. II

3 Budget The total CABNR/NAES budget for is approximately $17.6M including an estimated $7.9M from grant funds. The various sources of revenue supporting this budget are shown in the figure below: Source of CABNR/NAES Funds $7,916, % $4,866, % State (Research) State (Instruction) Cooperative Extension Federal (Research) Grants (Average Annual) $3,148, % $1,529, % $136, % Departments Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences The Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences (ANVS) supports programs of study that prepare students for successful careers in agriculture, human nutrition, and veterinary medicine. To link the various disciplines and address the needs of the state, the Department has adopted the programmatic theme of Sustainable Food Systems. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Combining new coursework and research to support the expansion of locally grown food and high desert agriculture. Expanding the human nutrition and dietetics program of excellence that focuses on the relationship between diet and chronic disease. Continued excellence as a gateway program for entrance into schools of veterinary medicine with a focus on large animal health. Expanding the new range management and ecology program with high quality teaching and research into environmentally compatible livestock production systems. III

4 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) prepares undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students for a broad array of successful careers that require the application of modern biochemical and molecular genetics expertise. High quality research and teaching achieves critical advances in human and animal health, insect control, and the modification of plant genomes to create entrepreneurial opportunities and diversify the economy for the benefit of a modern society. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Maintaining an undergraduate program of excellence that serves as a point of entrance for careers in human health. Contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce in the application of modern genomics to agriculture and other biotechnical enterprises. Applying advances in genomics research to new and successful agriculture enterprises including the production of bio-fuel. Contributing world class, scientific research on increasing plant resistance to environmental stress to improve the success of new agriculture endeavors and postwildfire site restoration efforts. Department Of Natural Resources and Environmental Science The Natural Resources and Environmental Science Department (NRES) prepares students for successful careers focused on ecologically based management of our natural resources. Contributions from research support policy and land use decisions to maintain an environment and natural resource base resilient to multi-scale disturbance and increasing societal demands. NRES has adopted the programmatic theme of Sustainable Human-Natural Systems. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Ensuring that natural resources are a productive and sustainable part of the economy of the Great Basin. Increasing success of post-disturbance landscape and habitat restoration in Great Basin Ecosystems. Reducing the threat to ecosystem sustainability from invasive exotic plant and animal species and increased pressure from use. Understanding the origin, transport, and fate of environmental contaminants and developing strategies to mitigate harmful effects. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem stability and the role of biodiversity and species adaptation. Developing and supporting strategies to manage threatened and endangered species of wildlife. IV

5 Strengths Program Relevance CABNR has a high level of communication with stakeholders resulting in a commitment to continuously reassess its programs and take advantage of emerging opportunities to ensure relevance to real situations and critical issues facing the State s citizens. This high level of responsiveness also generates committed and active citizen support for CABNR s teaching and research programs. Faculty Excellence CABNR/NAES has an outstanding faculty with high levels of productivity in world-class research, classroom instruction, scholarship, external funding success, and community-based education. To respond effectively to the program priority areas currently identified, approval for the reinstatement, replacement, and addition of faculty positions as detailed in this summary will be essential. Teaching - On a national level, 66% of CABNR s classes achieved ratings in the top 20% of similar courses. Scholarship In an average year, CABNR/NAES faculty each produce more than 3 refereed scientific articles and more than 4 scientific presentations.. External Funding In an average year, at least 43 of the more than100 proposals submitted are approved and awarded funding. Commitment to Outreach and Off-Campus Educational Programs: CABNR faculty create learning experiences and disseminate information to non-matriculated students using a broad array of mechanisms including publications, workshops, seminars, and all forms of media and social networking. CABNR faculty serve on commissions and working groups that address critical regional issues. CABNR faculty contribute research to support decisions and to develop strategies to resolve complex and socially difficult issues related to the Great Basin. Enrollment Growth and Student Excellence: Over the past five years, enrollment in CABNR programs has grown by 37%. Over 20% of the National Merit Scholars currently on campus are enrolled in CABNR. V

6 Fulfilling the Mission and Achieving the Vision VISION: CABNR will be a recognized leader in the utilization of biotechnology and managed land resources for the development and growth of Nevada s agriculture enterprise and the general economy. Stakeholder Priority: Enhancing economic stability and growth in all aspects of the Great Basin s agriculture enterprise through advances in the application of biotechnology, increased diversity of crop and animal products, increases in production efficiency, and sound strategies for soil, water, air and landscape management. On-Campus Instruction Research Provide adequate support for continued excellence in courses of study that prepare graduates for careers in agriculture business and management, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology. Emphasis will be placed on: Initiating a course of study in commercial plant production and developing entrepreneurial opportunities in the production of locally grown food products and commercial agriculture operations. Strengthening and growing the new Rangeland Ecology and Management major centered on implementing sustainable grazing systems for commercial livestock production. Diversifying program offerings to build a skilled biotechnology workforce by separating the joint BS/MS degree into separate bachelors and masters degree programs. Offering advanced study in sustainable food production by broadening the current Masters Degree in Nutrition to a new graduate program in Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science. Areas of emphasis include: Developing a sustainable food production industry focused on locally and organically grown and marketed vegetables, fruit, and meat products. Creating range management systems that improve the sustainability and viability of livestock production and wildlife populations. Creating viable and sustainable new industries through the introduction of alternative, high value crops such as plants with biofuel production potential. VI

7 To achieve this vision and implement the identified priority areas of emphasis, the addition of the following staff positions will be required. Faculty Position Protein Biochemist Metabolic Regulation Molecular Genetics Molecular Genetics Plant Biochemist Large Animal Veterinarian Large Ungulate Nutrition Range Livestock Production Production Plant Specialist Bio-Energy Production Production Economics Horticulture Rangeland/Arid Agriculture Soils Soil Physics Population Ecologist (with focus on wildlife disease) Position Status New Position - Approved Replacement Reinstate Replacement; Position Approved Reinstate Reinstate Position Approved New Position Reinstate New Position Joint with Engineering New Position Joint with Rural Development Center Part-time; New Position Joint with Extension Replacement Position Approved Replacement New Position Source of Funding Requires New Funding UNR Appropriated/NAES Requires New Funding UNR Appropriated/NAES Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Endowed Funding Requires new funding Endowed Funding Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Appropriated/NAES UNR Appropriated/NAES Requires New Funding Specialization Increased plant resistance to environmental stress such as drought Alternative crops biofuels from native plant species. Production of biofuels from native and introduced plant species; plant resistance to environmental stress Production of biofuels from native, introduced, and genetically modified plant species. Biochemistry of plants that produce specific products related to biomaterials, nutrition, and pharmacy. Impact of large animal health and disease on animal production and animal food products. Large animal production, health, and nutrition. Utilization of rangeland resources for improved stability and viability of commercial livestock operations. Effect of cultural practices on plant productivity, water efficiency, and commercial success. Industrial processes to convert oils from biological sources into commercially viable liquid fuels. Economic viability of small farm food and bio-fuels production. Vegetable and fruit production for small farm operations. Soil factors affecting plant production and food product nutrition; contaminant occurrence and mitigation. The effect of soil variables in creating ecosystem sustainability; effect of disturbance phenomenon on soil erosion and sediment production, site restoration, and fire risk reduction; Dynamics of wild populations including animal diseases, predatorprey, harvest effect, density dependence, and natural cycles. VII

8 VISION: CABNR will be a recognized leader in research and training of professionals who improve the health of Nevadans. Stakeholder Priority: Addressing the serious health concerns of Nevadans through improved quality of the environment and better nutrition through improved diet. On-Campus Instruction Research Completion of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree provides an excellent academic foundation and a gateway for admission to a variety of professional schools related to careers in human health as well as careers in biotechnology and agriculture industries. CABNR offers one undergraduate degree with specialization in Dietetics and Nutritional Sciences. Completion of this degree opens pathways to careers in numerous health related professions. CABNR offers advanced biochemistry course work and faculty guided research leading to both Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Aggressive recruiting, updated course offerings, and improved financial support will result in continued enrollment growth. Advanced study in sustainable food production will be offered by broadening the current Masters Degree in Nutrition to a new graduate program in Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science. CABNR offers two environmentally-oriented degrees Ecohydrology and Environmental Sciences. These provide students with sound practical instruction in water, air, soils, chemistry, global processes and landscape management. CABNR faculty participate in one departmental and three interdisciplinary graduate programs that focus on environmental quality and processes. Emphasis will be placed on: Developing strategies that promote optimal nutritional health across the lifespan through public policy, education, and medical nutrition therapy. Enhancing our understanding of the effect novel production practices and systems have on nutritional quality and food safety. Understanding the molecular actions of bioactive dietary components and investigating their potential use in the treatment and amelioration of metabolic disorders. Developing strategies for understanding the source and transport of environmental contaminants and mitigating the negative effects on air and water quality. Understanding the potential effects of contaminant occurrence, release and transport, especially with respect to effects on human health. VIII

9 Fulfilling the mission and realizing this vision will require the addition of the following staff positions: Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Nutritional Epidemiologist Food Safety Scientist Position Approved New Position Request UNR Appropriated/NAES Requires New Funding Area of Specialization Public health issues as impacted by human nutrition and diet. Food safety as affected by all phases of food delivery including production, processing, and marketing. Nutritionist (focus on obesity) Water Contaminant Transport New Position request New Position Request Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Relationship between diet, obesity, and chronic disease. Undergraduate and graduate courses in water quality, research focus on water quality in the Great Basin Rangeland/Arid Agriculture Soils Replacement Position Approved Appropriated/NAES Soil factors affecting plant production and food product nutrition; contaminant occurrence and mitigation. VISION: CABNR will be a recognized center for both research and knowledge dissemination related to sustaining ecosystem function on semi-arid and montane landscapes in the Great Basin and similar global environments. Stakeholder Priority: Ensuring sustainable production of natural resources from stable and viable high desert and montane ecosystems. On-Campus Instruction CABNR offers five undergraduate and one masters level graduate program with curricula designed to prepare students for professional careers in managing natural resources. Employment opportunity primarily occurs with public land and resource management agencies. Over the past five years, total enrollment has approximately doubled with substantial increases in programs focused on the environment and wildlife ecology and conservation. The Rangeland Ecology and Management B. S. program prepares professionals to ensure the sustained availability of rangeland resources from semi-arid, high desert lands. Taking advantage of faculty expertise at other institutions through greatly improved distance teaching technology offers a strategy to build program excellence while realizing increased efficiency and cost savings. CABNR also supports five interdisciplinary graduate programs that prepare students for professional careers in resource management, or university research and teaching. IX

10 Research Emphasis will be placed on: Developing ecologically based management systems that result in environmentally sustainable natural resource benefits from high desert and montane landscapes in the West. Increasing success of site and habitat restoration across the Great Basin following significant disturbance from wildfire. Developing strategies to ensure that Great Basin aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are stable and resistant to large-scale disturbances.. Developing and supporting strategies to manage threatened and endangered species of wildlife. Fulfilling the mission and realizing this vision will require the addition of the following staff positions: Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Soil Physics Replacement UNR Appropriated/NAES Fire Ecologist Reinstate Requires New Funding Population Ecologist (focus on wildlife disease) Water Contaminant Transport New Position Request New Position Request Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Area of Specialization The effect of soil variables in creating ecosystem sustainability; effect of disturbance phenomenon on soil erosion and sediment production, site restoration, and fire risk reduction; Role of fire in sustaining ecosystem function; impact of wildfire intensity of site restoration success. Dynamics of wild populations including animal diseases, predator-prey, harvest effect, density dependence, and natural cycles. Source and transport of contaminants affecting water quality in the Great Basin. Restoration/Remediation Ecologist Ecosystem Modeler New Position Request New Position Request Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Effect of disturbance on ecosystem stability and recovery; plant/landscape/human interactions and landscape quality sustainability; research focus on fire and invasive species in the Great Basin Integrating data to provide an interdisciplinary approach to practical problem solving in the Great Basin; research focus on wildfire effects, endangered and threatened species in the Great Basin. Biometrician New Position Request Requires New Funding Data collection and analysis; trend analysis for high resolution, large scale data sets related to resource management in the Great Basin. X

11 VISION: CABNR will be a model for using multi-disciplinary teams, including stakeholders, to identify critical needs, propose courses of action, and recommend the allocation of resources. Stakeholder Priority: Ensuring a strong and enduring connection between CABNR/NAES and residents of the Great Basin. CABNR/NAES, will seek the cooperation of UNCE to create teams composed of scientists and community-based educators and specialists to advance the application of knowledge in the identified priority areas of research and outreach education. These teams, jointly commissioned by CABNR/NAES and UNCE, may include faculty from other University colleges, industry representatives, and stakeholders where their inclusion presents a clear advantage to the team s programmatic goals. Initially teams will be organized and commissioned in program areas such as biofuel production, high desert agriculture, degraded site restoration, local food production, and new farmer training. The creation of programmatic teams will enhance the transition of research results into practical applications that address identified needs. This is especially important in meeting the goal of the University and the State in the area of economic development and the conversion of research based information to commercial applications. Historically successful information transfer processes such as user oriented publications, field days at the CABNR/NAES field stations and at commercial producer sites, workshops, short courses, presentations at stakeholder and professional meetings, and material presented in all forms of media will be utilized. In addition, more contemporary forms of communication such as web sites and social media will be exploited due to their effectiveness and widespread appeal. Improving the Administrative and Support Structure The fundamental elements necessary to effectively achieve the visions, and address the identified priorities for research, on-campus teaching, and off-campus education are: 1. a committed, engaged faculty dedicated to program excellence, 2. motivated, and high achieving students seeking rewarding career paths coupled with a support structure that ensures teaching excellence, 3. successful initiatives to secure sustained external funding for priority areas of research and education, 4. an administrative structure committed to supporting and assisting faculty and students achieve performance goals and meet funding requirements, and 5. physical facilities that create an enhanced learning environment, facilitate highly productive research and education endeavors, and instill a sense of institutional pride. Faculty Excellence CABNR/NAES has an outstanding and highly productive faculty. However, to meet stakeholder expectations and achieve the visions described will require that identified gaps in expertise be filled. To respond effectively to the program priority areas XI

12 currently identified, approval for the reinstatement, replacement, and addition of faculty positions as detailed previously will be essential. Recruiting and Graduating Highly Motivated, High Performing Students Currently CABNR s ability to obtain institutional funding is directly connected to student enrollment and retention. Therefore, growth in student numbers is not only important to meet stakeholder expectations, but is essential to secure a foundation of financial support for high quality programs. Recruitment will emphasize: Forming teams with other science based colleges to build stronger relations with high schools and community colleges in rural Nevada. Intensifying recruitment in community colleges and high schools in Washoe and Clark Counties, and in California. Aggressively reaching out to students in disadvantaged and under-represented groups. Appealing to potential new students by updating academic programs and CABNR websites and featuring successful alumni as role models. Retention will emphasize: A sense of community through internship and experiential learning opportunities. Financial assistance for students in need. Career development and tracking and improving employment success. A peer tutoring program. Improving Teaching Support: CABNR exceeds the average UNR teaching load by 60%. This has been partially addressed with two additional faculty positions to meet instructional needs in AVNS and BMB. While additional teaching capability in the form of new faculty hires is vital, additional requirements include adequate numbers of teaching assistants and laboratory technicians, modern equipment and updated teaching laboratory facilities, department level administrative staff, and renewed financial support for interdisciplinary graduate programs. External Funding Despite the heavy teaching load, CABNR/NAES faculty have exceptional success in securing external funding to support high priority research and education needs. The total award value of currently active grants is over $39M. Future growth and XII

13 effectiveness in addressing stakeholder priorities will increasingly be tied to success in securing external funding in priority areas of research and teaching. Administrative Support Structure Given the size and complexity of the total CABNR/NAES program, the current college level structure is understaffed to provide the support and assistance necessary for efficient and effective delivery of services required. The highest priority need is the addition of an Associate Director of NAES. This position must be reinstated as soon as possible. The complexities associated with managing federal, state, and grant funding, coupled with the accounting and reporting requirements inherent in the overall program require the focused effort of an experienced research administrator. Fulfilling the mission and achieving the required level of efficient administrative support will require the addition of the following staff positions: Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Associate Director of NAES Chair (NRES national search) Reinstate Reinstate Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Area of Specialization Record of research accomplishment and leadership of research programs. Leadership for CABNR in regional and national natural resources and environmental issues Infrastructure and Facilities Support CABNR/NAES will pursue the support and funding necessary for a new, Biotechnology and Life Sciences building to provide modern, cutting-edge teaching, research laboratory, and support facilities. Numerous courses taught by BMB, NRES, and ANVS faculty place a high demand on both teaching and research laboratory space that is in very short supply and inadequate to meet the requirements of a modern, high quality teaching/research institution. Construction of this proposed building will bring together scientists now scattered across the campus and stimulate the collaborative work necessary to achieve the College s teaching and research mission. Access to advanced research laboratories, equipment, and associated core facilities will aid immeasurably in attracting and retaining high quality scientists as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA (ARS) have approached CABNR/NAES to explore the possibility of becoming a partner in this endeavor and building a joint facility that also meets their needs. In addition, CABNR needs space to meet the short-term needs of visiting scientists and the medium and long term needs of collaborative partners. XIII

14 College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources And Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station Strategic Plan Meeting regional needs with innovative, globally recognized, research and education Table of Contents Overview... 4 Mission... 4 Vision... 5 Description of College... 5 Organization Departments Physical Assets... 8 Fiscal Assets Personnel Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats Strengths Challenges Opportunities Threats.. 19 Strategic Plan for Achieving the Visions Vision: A recognized leader in the utilization of biotechnology and managed land resources for the development and growth of Nevada s agriculture enterprise and the general economy Meeting Demand for On-campus Programs and Instruction Off-campus Educational Offerings

15 Research Emphasis Vision: A recognized leader in research and the training of professionals who improve the health of Nevadans. Meeting Demand for On-campus Programs and Instruction Off-campus Educational Offerings Research Emphasis Vision: A recognized center for both research and knowledge dissemination related to sustaining ecosystem function on semi-arid and montane landscapes in the Great Basin and similar global environments. Meeting Demand for On-campus Programs and Instruction Off-campus Educational Offerings Research Emphasis.. 25 Vision: A model for using multi-disciplinary teams, including stakeholders, to identify critical needs, propose courses of action, and recommend the allocation of resources. Programmatic Working Groups..27 Improving the Administrative and Support Structure Faculty Excellence...28 Faculty Expertise..28 Critical Needs for Faculty Hires...29 Recruiting and Graduating Highly Motivated, High Performing Students Improving Recruitment and Retention Retention Retention Priorities Improve Teaching Support Teaching Support Needs External Funding

16 Administrative Support Structure Infrastructure and Facilities Support Appendix A Operational Priorities and Core Values Appendix B Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station Field Laboratories.48 Appendix C Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities Appendix D Current Campus-Based Teaching Programs.. 64 Appendix E University-Wide Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs. 68 Appendix F Grant Fund Detail.. 69 Appendix G Main Station Field lab Business Plan

17 Overview College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources And Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station Strategic Plan The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR) is a founding college of Nevada s Land-Grant University. The college has a long and distinguished record of fulfilling the tripartite mission of teaching, research, and outreach education benefiting the health and economic vitality of Nevada s citizens. In an effort to be relevant and accountable, the college has continuously and systematically reviewed and focused its programs to address Nevada s highest priority needs. CABNR fully subscribes to and supports the University s goal to achieve recognition as a Fully Engaged institution and is committed to the principles of accessibility and program utility that have guided the Land Grant University System for 150 years. Additional background material including operational priorities, core values, the consequences of resource reductions, and adherence to the Land Grant principles can be found in Appendix A. Mission of CABNR and the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station (NAES) To improve the quality of life for all Nevadans through education and research that 1) supports the agriculture enterprise, 2) promotes community health and wellbeing, 3) sustains natural resources and the environment, and 4) stimulates economic development. Stakeholder Connection To fulfill the Land Grant mission, CABNR works closely with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including representatives of Nevada s major industries, federal and state agencies charged with managing natural resources, and non-governmental organizations. Communication, cooperation and committed partnerships are realized through formal working group meetings, periodic listening sessions, meetings of the CABNR Advisory Board and many informal contacts. CABNR/NAES is fortunate to have an advisory board composed of committed citizen stakeholders with strong and historic connections to the University and especially the College. The Board provides perspective, keeps the College leadership grounded in reality, reviews and offers advice on proposals and programs, and supports positions that strengthen and expand the effectiveness of the College s ability to address identified critical issues and problems. Stakeholders across the State create a network of feedback and advice regarding both College and University policies and programs. 4

18 Maintaining and utilizing this valuable connection to the citizen owners of their Land Grant University demonstrates the CABNR/NAES commitment to the Land Grant ideals and principles. Stakeholder priorities for instruction, research and outreach education include: Enhancing economic stability and growth in all aspects of the Great Basin s agriculture enterprise through advances in the application of biotechnology, increased diversity of crop and animal products, increases in production efficiency, and sound strategies for soil, water, air and landscape management. Addressing the serious health concerns of Nevadans through improved quality of the environment and better nutrition through improved diet. Ensuring sustainable production of natural resources from stable and viable high desert and montane ecosystems. Ensuring a strong and enduring connection between CABNR/NAES and residents of the Great Basin. Vision To effectively address the identified priorities, CABNR/NAES will become: A recognized leader in the utilization of biotechnology and managed land resources for the development and growth of Nevada s agriculture enterprise and the general economy. A recognized leader in research and the training of professionals who improve the health of Nevadans. A recognized center for both research and knowledge dissemination related to sustaining ecosystem function on semi-arid and montane landscapes in the Great Basin and similar global environments. A model for using multi-disciplinary teams, including stakeholders, to identify critical needs, propose courses of action, and recommend the allocation of resources. Description of CABNR The methods used to accomplish the mission and achieve the vision are: Knowledge accumulation through basic and applied research that leads to discovery, verification, organization, accessibility, and application. Knowledge dissemination through two fundamental approaches to learning: Highly structured, formal, credit based curricula requiring the payment of tuition, delivered to matriculated students who are ultimately awarded diplomas indicating mastery of a body of knowledge. Off-campus internship programs using a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences tailored to specific situations and clientele needs may be included as a component of the required course curriculum. 5

19 Organization Off-campus instruction using a wide variety of teaching methods tailored to specific situations and clientele needs. These teaching/learning programs tend to be less formal, address high priority needs, and are delivered to non-matriculated students. Follow-up assessments are completed to determine the level of beneficial effect on the identified need. CABNR and NAES administrators and faculty are responsible for a total annual Resident Instruction and NAES budget of $9.7 M; a graduate student enrollment of 148 in four college majors and five interdepartmental majors; an undergraduate enrollment of 1,101 students in ten undergraduate majors; a grants and contracts program equal to more than $37M; 294 employees including 73 on professional contracts; a total of 192 research projects including 153 with funding from external sources; the management of six field stations; and statewide responsibility to identify and address the needs of a broad base of constituents and citizen stakeholders. The current CABNR and Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station (NAES) administrative structure is as follows: CABNR Dean & NAES Director Associate Dean Resident Instruction Executive Assistant Internet Technology Manager Communications Manager Budget & Finance Manager Recruitment, Retention Manager Administrative Assistant Grants Manager Assistant Fiscal Officer Department Agriculture, Nutrition & Veterinary Sciences (ANVS) Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) Department Natural Resources & Environmental Science (NRES) Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences (ANVS) ANVS is a new department in CABNR which emerged out of curricular review at the university and reorganization within the college. The faculty supports three undergraduate majors and one masters level graduate program preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, human nutrition, and 6

20 veterinary medicine. To link the various disciplines and address the needs of the state as presented by CABNR stakeholders, the Department has adopted the programmatic theme of Sustainable Food Systems. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Combining new coursework and research in the area of commercial plant production to support the expansion of locally grown food and high desert agriculture. Maintaining and expanding a human nutrition and dietetics program of excellence that combines a track record of student success along with cutting edge research in the relationship between diet and chronic disease. Continued excellence as a gateway program for entrance into schools of veterinary medicine with a focus on large animal health. Aggressively supporting the development and expansion of the new range management and ecology program with high quality teaching and research into environmentally compatible livestock production systems. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology prepares undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students for a broad array of successful careers that require the application of modern biochemical and molecular genetics expertise. Departmental faculty and students conduct high quality research in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology to advance understanding and effectively transmit scientific knowledge to industry stakeholders and the general public. Modern biochemical and molecular genetic research within the medical and agricultural biosciences lies at the heart of global biotechnological competitiveness by achieving critical advances in human and animal health, insect control, and the modification of plant genomes for the benefit of modern society. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Maintaining an undergraduate program of excellence with a growing proportion of high achieving students that serves as a point of entrance for careers in human health. Supporting advances in Nevada s economy by contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce in the application of modern genomics to agriculture and other biotechnical enterprises. Applying advances in genomics research to the development of new and successful agriculture enterprises including the production of bio-energy and other high value products. Utilizing an advanced understanding of abiotic stress resulting from world class scientific research to increase the diversity and success of agriculture endeavors as well as efforts to restore ecosystem function on sites seriously degraded by excess disturbance such as wildfire. 7

21 Department Of Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES) The Natural Resources and Environmental Science Department prepares students for public and private sector careers focused on resolving local and global challenges to natural resources including air, water, soil, plants and animals. Faculty and students conduct research to support policy and land use decisions to maintain an environment and natural resource base resilient to multi-scale disturbance and increasing societal demands. The departmental contribution and commitment to CABNR s mission and vision will result from resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Ensuring the continuous availability of beneficial resources resulting from the ecologically based management of environmentally sustainable semi-arid and montane ecosystems across the Great Basin. Increasing success of efforts to rehabilitate and restore ecosystem function on landscapes degraded by natural and human causes such as wildfire and surface mining. Reducing the threat to ecosystem sustainability resulting from the pressure of human use. Understanding the origin, transport, and fate of environmental contaminants and developing strategies to mitigate harmful effects. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem stability and the role of biodiversity and species adaptation. Developing and supporting strategies to manage threatened and endangered species of wildlife. Physical Assets Research and Teaching Facilities On-campus research is conducted in the Max C. Fleischmann Agriculture Building, the Howard Medical School Building, and the Applied Research Facility. The research capability of CABNR and NAES faculty is also enhanced by cooperative arrangements with the Agriculture Research Service, the US Forest Service, and the USDA Plant Materials Testing Center. CABNR and NAES also operate several off-campus research sites as an integral component of research, teaching and outreach education programs. Teaching takes place in facilities managed by campus scheduling, with the exception of several teaching laboratories that are equipped to meet subject-matter specific needs. 8

22 Off-campus facilities CABNR/NAES manages 6 active off-campus facilities. Appendix B contains a complete description of the following off-campus field laboratory facilities including current use and future plans: o o o o o o Main Station Field Laboratory Reno, Nevada Valley Road Field Laboratory Reno, Nevada Logandale Field Laboratory Logandale, Nevada The Gund Ranch Grass Valley, Nevada J. Dow Wetlands Doyle, California Newland Field Laboratory Fallon, Nevada (Currently under lease for Plant Materials Center, NRCS/USDA; lease agreement allows acreage for NAES research/outreach). Fiscal Assets Appropriated and Grant Funding Table 1. CABNR/NAES Budgets FY 2009 to 2013 Allocation ($) Source FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 State (NAES) 9,686,428 8,030,255 5,425,384 4,613,014 4,866,936 State (ResidentInstruction) 4,124,399 3,804,440 3,096,716 2,935,409 3,148,016 Cooperative Extension 954, , , , ,102 Federal (Hatch/McIntyre Stennis) 1,253,645 1,389,398 1,529,685 1,529,685 1,529,685 Sub-total 16,018,884 14,134,897 10,709,323 9,418,926 9,680,739 External Grants (expenditures) 8,568,711 8,878,911 7,640,719 6,575,944 not available Total CABNR/NAES $ 24,587,595 $ 23,013,808 $ 18,350,042 $ 15,994,870 Endowments NAES has three endowments that generate an average annual income of $355,235. Of this amount $102,211 is currently committed to professional salaries and $30,463 is dedicated to support the Veterinary Science program. The current uncommitted annual balance from endowment income is $222,561. 9

23 Personnel Outstanding, highly productive, dedicated faculty A highly diversified group of teachers and scientists dedicated to both their field of study and the mission of a Land Grant University comprise the faculty of CABNR/NAES. Through performance that has achieved far reaching recognition, they have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in teaching, advancements in scientific understanding, and effectiveness in addressing the pressing problems facing the citizens of Nevada. They have established a close working relationship with stakeholders, public agency officials, and colleagues throughout the Land Grant University network and beyond. Increasing enrollments with an increasing proportion of high achieving students is the direct result of recognized faculty accomplishment and dedication to successful career preparation. CABNR has 41 tenured or tenure track faculty and three instructional faculty. For a complete list of faculty and their specialties see Appendix C. Members of the faculty have three components to their appointments, on-campus teaching, research, and extended education. Figure 1 shows the composite allocation of FTE to teaching, research, and University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Appendix C also includes the proportional assignment for individual faculty members. FTE by Source of Funding Resident Instruction Experiment Station Cooperative Extesnion 2% 58% 40% Graduate and Undergraduate Students Undergraduate programs A complete listing of BS degree programs offered by CABNR, is included in Appendix D. CABNR s undergraduate student enrollment increased by 37% between (Figures 1. and 2.), with the greatest increase in numbers in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Sciences, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation bachelor s degree programs. 10

24 450 Figure 1. CABNR Departmental Enrollment Trends Student Enrollment ANVS Total BCH Total NRES Total Resource Economics Figure 2. TotalCABNR Student Enrollment 1000 Student Enrollment Several programs meet accreditation standards, certificate standards or standards for admission to advanced professional schools or employment. Registered Dietitians (R.D.) Veterinary Science BS as preparation for professional veterinary training Biochemistry and Molecular Biology BS as preparation for medical, dental and pharmacy schools Federal Office of Personnel Management Standards for Forestry (OPM 460), Hydrology (OPM 1315), and Rangeland Management (OPM 454). 11

25 Graduate Programs CABNR offers graduate study leading to advanced degrees in Natural Resources and Environmental Science (MS only), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MS and PhD), and Nutrition (MS only). In calendar year 2012 CABNR faculty mentored 15 MS students and 23 PhD students in interdisciplinary graduate programs, including Cell and Molecular Biology, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, Environmental Sciences, Hydrologic Sciences, Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology. Figure 2 shows trends resulting in a 37% enrollment increase in CABNR graduate education. A complete listing of graduate degree programs can be found in Appendix D Graduate Students Additional Personnel The additional support for CABNR/NAES research and teaching programs provided by personnel in post-doctoral, letter of appointment, and administrative positions is detailed in Table 2. Individuals in these positions provide expanded capability to advance program productivity and are frequently employed by securing grant funds. Table 2. Number of Post-Doctoral, Letter of Appointment, and Administrative Positions Letter of Unit Post-Doctoral Appointment Administrative Adjunct Dean's Office ANVS BCH NRES Total

26 Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, and Threats I. Strengths Campus Connection: CABNR provides a central focus for the campus s teaching, research and outreach in agriculture, natural resources, biotechnology, environmental sciences and nutrition. The college s interdisciplinary philosophy fosters cooperation, coordination, and support for teamwork in the development of programs to address identified needs. Further, CABNR s considerable support of the university s interdisciplinary graduate programs provides added synergy to the core mission areas of the College. Commitment to Outreach and Off-Campus Educational Programs: CABNR/NAES has a high level of communication with stakeholders resulting in a commitment to continuously reassess its programs and take advantage of emerging opportunities to ensure relevance to real situations and critical issues facing the State s citizens. This high level of responsiveness also generates committed and active citizen support for CABNR s teaching and research programs. CABNR/NAES faculty create learning experiences and disseminate information to nonmatriculated students using a broad array of mechanisms including publications, workshops, seminars, and all forms of media and social networking. CABNR/NAES faculty serve on commissions and working groups that address critical regional issues. CABNR/NAES faculty contribute research to support decisions and to develop strategies to resolve complex and socially difficult issues related to the Great Basin. Federal Connection: The Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station (NAES) was established with the passage of the federal Hatch Act in 1887 and succeeding state legislation to promote scientific investigation and experiment respecting the principles and applications of agricultural science (NRS ). In 1962, the McIntire-Stennis Act was adopted by the US Congress to encourage and assist the several States in carrying on a program of forestry research. NAES supports a major portion of CABNR faculty to conduct mission-oriented research. The historic and legislated relationship between NAES and the College of Agriculture is documented in state and federal law as well as regulations related to research project approval, accomplishment reporting, program planning, departmental reviews and the expenditure of federal funds (NRS ). The Dean of CABNR is also the Director of the NAES. For fiscal year a total of 39 NAES research projects were supported by Federal and State funding totaling $1.4 million. Land Assets: CABNR/NAES controls a diverse portfolio of land assets that form a fundamental foundation for the conduct of basic and applied research to address critical needs and provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience. Please refer to Appendix B for a complete listing of field labs, current research and education activities, and future plans. Faculty Excellence: The College has an outstanding faculty engaged in world-class research in focused areas including 1) biochemistry, biotechnology/genomics, 2) environmental and natural resource science, and 3) human health and nutrition. Their dedication and commitment has resulted in substantial levels of research productivity, and highly rated classroom teaching performance. 13

27 Highly Rated Teaching The following bar graph, Figure 2 shows the number of courses that achieved specific performance levels as evaluated by students and compared with a national database. When the comparison is made against similar courses offered by comparable departments, 66% of CABNR s classes achieved ratings in the top 20%. When this comparison is expanded to the entire database representing all university classes, over 50% of CABNR s classes are rated in the top 30%. # Classes Figure 2. National Comparison of Teaching Quality Top 10% Top 20% Top 30% Top 40% Top 50% Bottom 50% Bottom 40% Bottom 30% Bottom 20% Bottom 10% Performance Category Department All Classes Strong Scholarship The most recent compilation of data shows that for calendar year 2011, CABNR/NAES faculty published 79 refereed journal articles, 4 books or book chapters, 9 abstracts, 37 other written releases and made 115 presentations to scientific, professional or lay audiences. This performance level equates to over 3 refereed publications and over 4 scientific presentations per FTE faculty per year. Highly Competitive For FY CABNR/NAES faculty submitted a total of 103 proposals to secure external grant support for research priorities. Of this number 43 received funding for a success rate of 42%. The total award amount for all currently active grants secured by the faculty exceeds $39 million. Career Focus: CABNR s undergraduate programs are targeted to career and graduate education success. To gain experience, many undergraduate students participate in faculty directed research programs and employee internships. Employers are canvassed to provide input into curriculum and coursework development. Student Support: CABNR s attention to student life and advisement is acknowledged as one of the best at the university. In addition, CABNR distributes over $250,000 in undergraduate endowed scholarship funds, including one specifically for Nevada Native Americans. This is one of the highest scholarship to student ratios on campus. CABNR supports numerous 14

28 professionally related student organizations that provide opportunities for career awareness and philanthropic projects. International Experience: Several faculty members of CABNR have been involved in international programs dealing with student and visiting scholar exchanges, research collaborations, technology transfers, development assistance in agricultural production, natural resource management and educational assistance through cooperative agreements. II. Challenges Diminished resources: Maintaining required program diversity and complexity in the face of a 38% reduction in financial support has stretched faculty resources extremely thin and programs have become increasingly vulnerable to the loss of key faculty. For FY the university s instructional budget provides for faculty FTE to deliver instruction in 10 undergraduate majors, contribute teaching resources to 5 M.S. and Ph.D. programs, and support another 8 interdisciplinary graduate programs. Using university data, the college earns at least 37.4 faculty FTE (561.7 sfte/15) or approximately twice its current allocation. Calculated on a faculty FTE basis, the course credit teaching load exceeds the University norm for a full-time instructor by 100%. The level of program activity and diversity, now expected by the college s constituents can only be delivered by diverting research time funded by NAES to support the teaching effort. This historic deficiency must be corrected and the budgeted Resident Instruction Faculty FTEs must be increased to align with the teaching demand being experienced. Decline in Federal and State Funding: The continuing decline in federal and state appropriated funds available to support teaching and research programs places additional pressure on the need to secure external funding to adequately address priority research and education programs. As a result, support through traditional NAES sources will increasingly be targeted to priority needs where the opportunity for sustained funding is high and start-up levels of investment have a strong chance of resulting in continued external funding support. Gaps in Expertise: CABNR has a strong and growing core of world class scientists conducting basic molecular genetics research to produce superior plant genomes for a variety of purposes. Additional expertise is necessary to build the core of scientists required and to maintain excellence in the undergraduate programs preparing students for careers in health science and applied biotechnology. As new plant genomes are produced and discoveries in the capability of native plants to produce valuable products are made, CABNR is lacking in the expertise needed to bring the discoveries of this research into commercial production. Lack of faculty expertise in plant production has seriously undermined the development of Nevada s crop and horticulture industry and seriously hampered the development of value-added products for economic development. This lack of expertise has been repeatedly identified by stakeholders as needing immediate attention from CABNR and NAES. CABNR has repeatedly submitted budget enhancement requests for legislative funding to correct this deficiency with no success. The rapidly growing interest in locally produced food products and healthy diets places increasing pressure on CABNR for teaching and research programs in viable small farm development, variety trials, best growing and cultural practices, food safety, and new farmer education. Additional faculty expertise is needed to meet this growing demand. 15

29 Wildfires continue to decimate the ecosystems of the Great Basin with increased frequency and intensity. Teaching and research programs are lacking in expertise that address the natural role fire plays in ecosystem sustainability and the current divergence from historic norms resulting in the degradation of ecosystem and normal hydrologic function now occurring. Reversing lack of success in efforts to rehabilitate and restore degraded sites alos requires additional expertise and resource commitment. The expertise to better understand fuel management and its impact on fire intensity and ecosystem function is also lacking. Animal production continues to be a mainstay of Nevada agriculture. Expertise in large animal health needs to be strengthened along with expertise in cross over diseases between wild and domestic animal herds and sustainable grazing systems. This support is needed not only for commercial producers but to also add depth to teaching programs in Natural Resource and Environmental Science and Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary sciences. Graduate Program Support: CABNR currently provides teaching, mentoring, and support resources for eight campus-wide interdisciplinary graduate programs. A complete listing of these programs can be found in Appendix E. These programs have provided a valuable avenue for qualified departmental faculty to guide students pursuing advanced degrees without requiring an extraordinary commitment of departmental resources to achieve the desired program quality and depth. However the absence of departmental authority for program governance and unclear criterion for determining the level of College support has generated concern regarding the viability of these programs. Recent budget decisions have also withdrawn university funding support which also puts continuation of these programs at considerable risk. Collaboration With Nevada Cooperative Extension: A critical and vitally important link to facilitate the transition of knowledge gained to application is the position of Extension State Specialist. Overcutting the budget of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) has resulted in a serious loss of faculty fulfilling this role. Additionally, departmentally based extension specialists have historically functioned at a disadvantage in the performance evaluation process when compared to traditional research and classroom teaching faculty. Time spent in assisting community based extension faculty develop programs of effectiveness and excellence receives little value and places the extension specialist at a serious disadvantage when competing for performance recognition and awards such as merit salary increases, promotion, and tenure. Attempting to alter this through accepted departmental, college and university processes has netted little in the way of progress or change. Inadequate Facilities: Despite very good research laboratories in some locations and excellent, modern greenhouse facilities, CABNR still has many inadequate and obsolete facilities that impede the development of high-tech laboratory-intensive programs and a high quality teaching/learning environment. Furthermore, CABNR s faculty is housed in four widely separated buildings creating a physical separation among departments that obstructs and creates barriers to communication and efficient administration. Antiquated facilities also create serious obstacles to recruiting top quality faculty, providing the laboratory, teaching, and office support necessary to attract post-doctoral faculty and visiting scientists, providing space for a unified undergraduate student body and vigorous graduate programs, and strengthening collaborative problem solving research and outreach. 16

30 III. Opportunities Focused Hiring: Multiple opportunities exist as a result of the focused hiring of faculty that has occurred over the past decade. Faculty hires have been largely directed to specific disciplinary areas in anticipation of emerging national priorities. As a result the CABNR/NAES faculty is well positioned to take advantage of funding opportunities in these areas. Some of these include: o o o o o o o o o Developing a better understanding of the genetics of abiotic stress in plants with the goal of creating bioengineered genomes with enhanced resistance. Development of biofuels from native or genetically altered plant material Specialty crop production in harsh environments The relationship between diet and chronic disease and obesity Insect genomics and biochemistry related to forest health Rangeland health with particular emphasis on invasive species, rehabilitation and restoration following wildfire and reduction of wildfire intensity and subsequent ecosystem degradation Habitat restoration for endangered wildlife species Rural economic development Protection of water quality in domestic supplies as well as natural streams and lakes. Public Agency Relations: CABNR/NAES has developed very strong and positive relationships with both state and federal agencies including the BLM, US Forest Service, USDA/ARS, USDA/NRCS, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Nevada Department of Agriculture, etc. Consequently considerable funding and collaborative research opportunities exist between these agencies and CABNR faculty. The existence of the USDA/ARS and US Forest Service research laboratories within NAES space on campus further facilitates collaboration with these agencies. The Great Basin Plant Material Center on NAES property in Fallon provides unique opportunities for collaboration with NRCS/USDA. Alignment with Needs: Often opportunities stem from adverse situations that create problems in need of a solution. Within Nevada and the Great Basin several such adverse situations exist that provide long term opportunities for both the CABNR/NAES research and teaching programs. These include: o o o o o o o o o The rapid escalation in wildfire frequency and magnitude The invasion of exotic weeds throughout the Great Basin The threatening of a number of wildlife species especially sagebrush obligate species The threat to the clarity and quality of the water in Lake Tahoe Water shortages and the conflict between rural and urban users of water Declining vitality in the economic base of rural Nevada, and the need for rural revitalization Climate changes affecting Great Basin Ecosystems The narrow and restricting economic base for Nevada and the need for economic diversification and development Continued and escalating high levels of chronic disease and obesity 17

31 Employment Opportunity: The continuing number of retirements within the natural resources management agencies provides considerable opportunities for career employment for new graduates. Deficiency of Health Care and Biotechnology Professionals: Continued need for health science professionals and biotechnology industry employees including researchers. New Facilities: The new NAES greenhouse complex provides considerably expanded opportunities in the areas of teaching and research in the plant sciences. Cooperator Partnerships: Recently established on-campus relationships with commercial vegetable producers using both hydroponic and aeroponic technologies provide an opportunity for the NAES to become a leader in establishing a significantly expanded greenhouse and locally grown food industry within Nevada. Multi-State Cooperation: The Great Basin Environmental Program (GBEP): This is a bold and innovative environmental management initiative proposed to be modeled after the Chesapeake Bay Program and approximately 25 other estuarial environmental programs that have been operating in the United States since the approval of the Clean Water Act. It will be the first such program aimed at a terrestrial area, the Great Basin, which includes parts of Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and California, and is designated as one of the most imperiled ecosystems in the United States. The program will establish partnerships and integrate efforts with federal agencies, state agencies, NGOs and the private sector to address broadly defined critical environmental issues. The purpose of the program is to target new funding from federal, state and private sources to conduct scientific research, on-the-ground implementation and management, provide educational programs and facilitate public input in the decision making process. The role of UNR is to provide leadership to facilitate the establishment of the GBEP and its organizational structure. Important Contribution of Data: Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI): This program provides an annual baseline on national and international agricultural commodity markets and provides government policy scenario analyses for the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees and the general public. The University of Nevada, Reno was added as a western partner to FAPRI. The contribution of the University of Nevada, Reno will be to develop modeling capacities for the impacts of public grazing on the cattle and sheep industries and some specialty crops of the West. Their introduction will make the FAPRI modeling system more valuable to the Western States. There are important issues related to the policy and management of public lands that will have impacts on the livestock industry in the Western States. The purpose of this program will be to develop models for the public and related grazing lands of the west and incorporate them into the FAPRI system for baseline and policy scenarios for the Senate and House Agriculture Committees and presentation of these results in Washington, DC. 18

32 IV. Threats As with any organization, CABNR/NAES is subject to a variety of threats that challenge mission focused progress. The most significant of these threats include: Reductions in Funding Support: Declining state resources resulting in budget cuts for CABNR and NAES threatens the teaching, research and outreach programs. While the critical core of faculty and programs have been protected thus far, any further cuts could seriously jeopardize the fundamental mission of CABNR and NAES and seriously erode citizen support for the entire University. Formula Funding Requires Enhancement Request for NAES: An additional threat to the NAES budget and mission is a result of the legislative process in funding the NAES. All budgets are reduced during times of declining state revenues. However, as state revenues increase, the university s base teaching budget would increase based on the percentage of the formula that is funded. Since the NAES is a separate appropriation it can only receive a funding increase through an enhancement request for an appropriation to a special initiative. This is considerably difficult to achieve and when it does occur may not result in the funding of core essential activities. Current budget and elimination of NAES funded faculty FTEs will remain permanent even when the state revenue situation improves unless the university supports special enhancement requests to the legislature. Eroded Partnership With UNCE: Continuing pressure on the financial support for CABNR, NAES, and UNCE has eroded the long standing partnership between campus based research and the application of new knowledge to the solution of the State s priority problems. UNCE s funding within CABNR has continually declined placing additional burden on both the RI and NAES faculty appointments to conduct CABNR s off-campus educational efforts. Rebuilding the collaborative partnership with UNCE is essential. Loss of Funds Generated From Field Labs: Negotiations to utilize funds realized from the sale and/or lease of NAES facilities to satisfy broader University needs continues unabated. Over the past 20 years at least half of these facilities have been liquidated following sound strategic decision making. It is imperative that funds that become available from any ownership or adjustments in use be preserved to support the mission of CABNR/NAES. Antiquated Physical Facilities: The inability of CABNR/NAES to replace outdated teaching and laboratory space and equipment. Most current space was constructed during the 1960 s and 70 s. Current economic trends place considerable doubt on the State s ability to provide modern space in the near future. Consequently CABNR s future ability to recruit new faculty, conduct state-of-the-art research, attract high quality graduate students and post-doctoral faculty, and grow the research enterprise will be significantly impeded without a large commitment of private funds. 19

33 Strategic Plan for Achieving the Vision As an initial step to achieving the vision, CABNR has engaged in a series of facilitated statewide discussions with citizens interested in and committed to the future of the College and all of its teaching and research programs. In responding to the critical needs identified during these discussions, CABNR and the NAES will work to make the statements of vision a reality by focusing future teaching, research, discovery, and extended educational efforts intofour priority areas. VISION: CABNR/NAES will be a recognized leader in the utilization of biotechnology and managed land resources for the development and growth of Nevada s agriculture enterprise and the general economy. Stakeholder Priority: Enhancing economic stability and growth in all aspects of the Great Basin s agriculture enterprise through advances in the application of biotechnology, increased diversity of crop and animal products, increases in production efficiency, and sound strategies for soil, water, air and landscape management. Meeting Demand for On-Campus Programs and Instruction CABNR offers two undergraduate degrees and one combined Bachelors/Masters degree that prepare students for careers in agriculture production, veterinary medicine, or biotechnology. There is a strong and growing statewide need to develop a program in plant science and plant related production agriculture. Emphasis will be placed on adding one or more courses in commercial plant production and developing internship and entrepreneurial opportunities to give students practical experience in the production of food products and commercial agriculture operations. Two departments currently administer the new Rangeland Ecology and Management major. The focus of this program is to graduate professionals, competent in the management of rangeland ecosystems for the sustained production of natural resource benefits. Central to the program will be the commercial production of livestock, utilizing grazing systems that can be sustained over time and are both profitable and environmentally compatible. Additional benefits from grazing such as fuel reduction to lower wildfire intensity will also be included. The Veterinary Sciences degree is a highly successful four year undergraduate program designed to achieve admission to schools of veterinary medicine. A fundamental component of this program is experience with large animals giving these students a unique exposure to the animal health needs of the Great Basin and provides experiences that help resolve the national deficiency of large animal veterinarians. Emphasis will be on continuing recruitment of outstanding students and ensuring a higher than average rate of acceptance into schools of veterinary medicine. The two-department, jointly administered BS/MS five-year program in biotechnology is designed to provide students with the necessary background to assure a career in the biotechnology industry. This program is proving highly successful. The Biochemistry undergraduate igem (International Genetic Engineered Machine) team won a gold award at the regional competition and will compete this year in the worldwide competition at MIT. However, providing leadership continuity for this program has proven exceptionally difficult placing continuation of this major in jeopardy. As a result, 20

34 the development of stand-alone BS and MS degree programs in Biotechnology to complement the current combined BS/MS degree program in Biotechnology is being explored. Emphasis will be placed on securing adequate staffing, developing a highly regarded and skilled workforce, and continuing to develop strong relations with the biotechnology industry. Converting the current masters level program in nutrition into a single departmental Master s program in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science with multiple areas of specialization provides the best opportunity to develop a strong program while providing students the opportunity for post-graduate education in the areas of nutrition, animal production and health, and rangeland ecology. Emphasis will be on developing a proposal for submission early in To fill critical deficiencies and maintain and add depth to the current excellence in teaching programs, emphasis will be placed on recruiting biochemists with a focus on increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress and production of biofuels, increasing expertise in range animal health and production, building faculty expertise in commercial plant production, and adding a new position to strengthen the work in food safety. See Table 3. For a detailed listing of critical faculty needs. Off Campus Educational Offerings Collaborate with Cooperative Extension to offer workshops, seminars, short courses, and field days to convert research results to application for local food and other agriculture producers throughout the State. Research Emphasis Develop a sustainable food production industry focused on locally and organically grown and marketed vegetables, fruit, and meat products. Areas of emphasis include: Establishing trials using field lab facilities to test varieties and production methods. Establishing partnership with the College of Business units to explore economic feasibility, marketing strategies, and sustained profitability of crop and animal production on small farms. Engaging small farm producers to participate in student internships using field lab facilities to provide students with experience in operating a small farm, food production enterprise. Fully implement all four phases of the High Desert Farming Initiative including: o Revitalizing four existing greenhouses and constructing six hoop houses. o Construct new greenhouse along with post-harvest handling and packing facility. o Integrate campus food waste into on-site composting and initiate student internships. o Expand operation to other cities and rural areas. 21

35 Create range management systems that improve the sustainability of livestock production. Areas of emphasis include: Using the Gund Ranch as an incubator facility to test compatibility of breeds and grazing systems with Nevada range conditions. Examine the feasibility of finishing animals (sheep, goats, cattle) to market weight using highly managed grass pastures developed at the Main Station Field Laboratory. Process animals through Experiment Station meat processing facility to test nutrition quality and consumer acceptance. Create viable and sustainable new industries through the introduction of alternative, high value crops such as wine grapes and crops with biofuel production potential. Areas of emphasis include: Establishing partnerships with industry to create pilot projects using field lab facilities. Focusing biofuel production efforts on both native and introduced plant species established on non-food producing land and environments to minimize impacts on availability and price of food crops. Developing pilot scale production facility to produce adequate quantities of gaseous liquid and solid fuels for market testing. Expanding wine grape variety testing and develop plans and funding for construction of small incubator winery located on Main Station Field Lab. Creating product development team that includes faculty from Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Chemical Engineering; Natural Resource and Environmental Science; Cooperative Extension; and the College of Business to guide and direct the development effort from the introduction of modified genomes, through field testing, to economic feasibility, to final industrial processes. VISION: CABNR/NAES will be a recognized leader in research and the training of professionals who improve the health of Nevadans. Stakeholder Priority: Addressing the serious health concerns of Nevadans through improved quality of the environment and better nutrition through improved diet. Meeting Demand for On-Campus Programs and Instruction CABNR offers one undergraduate major in biochemistry. Over the past five years, enrollment in this major has grown from 290 to 389 students, a 34% increase. Completion of the requirements for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree provides an excellent academic foundation and a gateway for admission to a variety of professional schools related to careers in human health as well as careers in industries requiring expertise in biochemistry and biotechnology. This program continues to attract high achieving high school scholars with over 20% of the National Merit Scholars currently on campus enrolled in this Department. Emphasis will be on securing the necessary faculty and support staff to maintain program excellence. 22

36 CABNR offers one undergraduate degree in nutrition with two areas of specialization, 1) Dietetics and 2) Nutritional Sciences. The Dietetics degree is accredited by the American Dietetic Association with graduates of this program qualified to acquire the Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credential. The Nutritional Science specialization opens pathways to careers in numerous health professions including admission to medical, dental, pharmacy or physician assistance schools. This program generates one of the highest teaching loads on the campus. Emphasis will be on acquiring additional faculty positions to bring the teaching load more in line with the University average. CABNR offers advanced biochemistry course work and faculty guided research leading to both Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Steady growth in the number of graduate students over the next few years is anticipated due to recent recruitment of new faculty members, more aggressive recruiting, updated course offerings, and plans for improved funding of departmental stipends and fellowships. The need for replacement biochemists to maintain adequate faculty staffing of the biochemistry undergraduate program is detailed in Table 3. Advanced study in nutrition will continue to be offered under a new and more broadly based graduate program in Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science. Off Campus Educational Programs Conveying information to the public in a way that increases awareness of public health concerns and influences behavior to achieve corrective action through healthy choices will require translation of scientific findings into a usable form that has application and acceptance. Accomplishing this will require programs that: Create instructional programs with impact and effectiveness resulting from a partnership between campus based scientists and Cooperative Extension s community based faculty educators. Utilize popular forms of information transfer such as all forms of media and social networking systems. Create partnerships with public health organizations to define priorities for program development and delivery. Develop short courses and workshops to deliver highly focused, information to address critical needs and advance the knowledge of practitioners and the general public. Research Emphasis The citizens of Nevada lead the nation in health concerns related to obesity, tobacco, and alcohol use and have a high incidence of diet-related chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A healthier population through improved diet is a critical public health goal. Areas of emphasis include: 23

37 Increasing consumer preference for highly nutritious food. Determining the influence of cultural production practices on nutritional value and safety of food products. This includes the persistence and transport of agricultural production chemicals and potential contamination of the food supply. Ensuring the safety of food products is protected from the point of production through the harvesting and processing phases, to the point of consumer acquisition. Developing strategies for understanding and managing the fate and transport of environmental contaminants that can negatively affect human health is a continuing concern. The availability and transport of sediment, minerals, and other chemical contaminants can greatly affect water and air quality and elevate the potential for human health consequences. The exposure of mineral soil following wildfire results in increased availability of sediment and mineral nutrients that may be carried by water and wind erosion into stream courses and lakes. Air quality is negatively affected by increased levels of mercury and ozone. Areas of emphasis include: Assessing the origins, concentrations, and transport of contaminants such as mercury and ozone and the impact on water and air quality. Mineral and sediment contamination of streams and lakes following wildfire. Protecting water quality from degradation due to non-point source contamination. VISION: CABNR/NAES will be a recognized center for both research and knowledge dissemination related to sustaining ecosystem function on semi-arid and montane landscapes in the Great Basin and similar global environments. Stakeholder Priority: Ensuring sustainable production of natural resources from stable and viable high desert and montane ecosystems. Meeting Demand for On-Campus Programs and Instruction CABNR offers five undergraduate and one masters level graduate program with curricula designed to prepare students for professional careers in managing natural resources. Employment opportunity primarily occurs with public land and resource management agencies. Over the past five years, enrollment in all majors has approximately doubled with the largest increase taking place in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation BS major. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining a high level of graduate placement into career positions, effective recruiting of academically accomplished students, promoting interdisciplinary integration within the curricula and exploring the development of a new comprehensive, cross-cutting major in Natural Resource Ecology. To add depth and fill critical deficiencies in coursework and research, emphasis will be given to replacing two retiring soil scientists, reinstating a faculty member with expertise in fire ecology and adding a population ecologist with a focus on the effect of wildlife diseases. The new major in Rangeland Ecology and Management will focus recruiting on students seeking careers to implement land management policies that resolve problems and ensure the sustained 24

38 availability of benefits from semi-arid, high desert lands. Taking advantage of faculty expertise at other institutions through greatly improved distance teaching technology offers a strategy to build program excellence while realizing increased efficiency and cost savings. CABNR also supports five interdisciplinary graduate programs that prepare students for professional careers in resource management, or university research and teaching. Off Campus Educational Offerings CABNR will ensure that public land managers, commodity producers, and other users of Great Basin lands have at their disposal the best information available to guide implementation of best management practices. Addressing priority needs by translating research findings into useful application is essential to perpetual use and availability of natural resources. Areas of emphasis include: Working more closely with UNCE faculty and staff to identify and address critical needs by converting relevant research results into an effective program of learning and application. Advancing the knowledge of professional land managers and ensuring that the results of scientific inquiry are easily and readily accessible. Routinely conduct seminars, workshops, and short-courses as well as application focused publications to convey essential and relevant information. Research Emphasis CABNR/NAES will conduct research to develop ecologically based, management systems that result in environmentally sustainable natural resources from high desert and montane landscapes in the West. Eighty seven percent of Nevada s land base and a similar percentage of the entire Great Basin is controlled and managed by agencies of Federal and State Governments. Decisions and policy directions regarding resource utilization on these as well as privately held lands have a profound impact on ecosystem function and the sustained availability of resource benefits. Understanding the functioning of natural as well as human created systems and the intended as well as unintended consequences of management decisions is fundamental to the ability of ecosystems to provide sustained production of beneficial resources. Areas of emphasis include: Evaluating the impacts of current wildfire suppression and management policies and methods including hazardous fuel load reduction and enhanced community protection. Assessing the need for adaptive management priorities and direction resulting from the impact of climate change. Protecting Great Basin soils. Creating sustainable systems for livestock production through utilization of Great Basin rangelands. Developing effective population control methods to reduce widespread damage from epidemic populations of bark beetles attacking forests and woodlands throughout the West. 25

39 Increasing success of site restoration following significant disturbance is a critical need across the Great Basin. Over the past decade, unprecedented wildfires have converted stable and productive land to unstable and degraded sites occupied by invasive, exotic plant species. This situation is most graphically illustrated by the critical loss of sage grouse habitat resulting from wildfires burning over millions of acres. The continuing loss of prime habitat reinforces the initiative to list the sage grouse as an endangered species. This level of protection would have serious, debilitating effects on enumerable aspects of Nevada s economy. Areas of emphasis include: Understand the dynamics of Sage-grouse populations and developing successful methods to restore and maintain habitat. Developing management strategies to reduce the impact of undesirable invasive plant species. Developing successful methods to rehabilitate and restore ecosystem function on Great Basin rangelands seriously degraded by natural and human caused disturbance. Developing enhanced resistance to abiotic stress in plant species that can be used to increase success of restoration efforts and protect rangeland soils. Develop a better understanding of the relationship between the increasing pressure of human use and sustainable ecosystem function. Develop effective management strategies that preserve ecosystem viability while perpetuating the availability of natural resource benefits. Increases in human population as well as mining activity have placed increasing pressure on the Great Basin s ecosystem s ability to sustainably provide resource benefits without serious degradation. Increases in outdoor recreation pursuits and mineral extraction activities have required increased control and management measures and the necessity for restoration efforts. Areas of emphasis include: Human use effects on wildlife migration corridors. Reclamation of mined sites. Introduction of invasive aquatic species into lake and stream systems. Reducing the degradation of water quality and clarity in high value bodies of water and stream courses such as Lake Tahoe. The cross infection potential of disease organisms between domestic and wild animal populations. Long term population dynamics of avian populations. Grazing impact on water quality in vernal pools. Develop management strategies that preserve the availability of ecosystem services, while maintaining biodiversity and the adaptive potential of plant and animal species. The resilience of ecosystems to major disturbance and the ability to sustainably provide benefits is directly related to biodiversity and the adaptive capability of included plant and animal species. Understanding adaptability and the interrelationships and role of biodiversity is central to the development of management and policy decisions that enhance the ability of ecosystem recovery following natural and human caused disruptions. Areas of emphasis include: 26

40 Relationship between management decisions, land use, and impacts on biodiversity. Significance of biodiversity and species adaptation in the resilience of ecosystems to disturbance and capability to sustainably produce resource benefits. To continue the high level of teaching and research productivity and steadily advance toward realizing the vision, critical needs for additional faculty resources are detailed in Table 3. VISION: CABNR/NAES will be a model for using multi-disciplinary teams, including stakeholders, to identify critical needs, propose courses of action, and recommend the allocation of resources. Stakeholder Priority: Ensuring a strong and enduring connection between CABNR/NAES and residents of the Great Basin. Forging a More Effective Partnership Between CABNR/NAES and UNCE CABNR/NAES supports the University s stated mission to be a fully engaged institution devoted to the improvement of the economic and social condition of Nevadans. CABNR/NAES, will seek the cooperation of UNCE to create teams composed of scientists and community-based educators to advance the application of knowledge in the identified priority areas of research and outreach education. These teams, jointly commissioned by CABNR/NAES and UNCE, may include faculty from other University colleges, industry representatives, and stakeholders where their inclusion presents a clear advantage to the team s programmatic goals. These teams will identify priority needs, review and rank specific proposals, recommend NAES funding to support highly ranked proposals and evaluate progress and accomplishments. Adjustments in team members, team focus, and team numbers will occur as priorities change. Initially teams will be organized and commissioned in program areas such as biofuel production, high desert agriculture, degraded site restoration, local food production, and new farmer training. With University faculty and staff located throughout the State, UNCE provides CABNR and NAES with a critical linkage between campus-based research programs and the educational needs of Nevada communities. Strengthening the collaboration between departmental CABNR/NAES faculty and the community-based faculty of UNCE is a high priority for future programming. A vitally important component for effective collaboration is the position of State Specialist. State Specialists form the bridge between discovery and application but are often at a disadvantage in the traditional performance evaluation process of an academic department. Creative appointment solutions that allow for recognition of excellent performance in this position must be sought. The creation of programmatic teams of scientists, community-based educators, industry representatives and stakeholders will enhance the transition of research results into practical applications that address identified needs. This is especially important in meeting the goal of the University and the State in the area of economic development and the conversion of research based information to commercial applications. 27

41 Improving the Administrative and Support Structure The fundamental elements necessary to effectively address the research and education priorities identified and achieve the vision described are: 1. a committed, engaged faculty dedicated to program excellence, 2. motivated, and high achieving students seeking rewarding career paths coupled with a support structure that ensures teaching excellence, 3. successful initiatives to secure sustained external funding for priority areas of research and education, 4. an administrative structure committed to supporting and assisting faculty and students achieve performance goals and meet funding requirements, and 5. physical facilities that create an enhanced learning environment, facilitate highly productive research endeavors, and instill a sense of institutional pride. I. Faculty Excellence The CABNR/NAES culture must be one that attracts and retains the best candidates for tenure track positions. Progress must be made to create an environment that provides opportunities and attracts post-doctoral appointments, visiting scientists, and achieves recognition for a high degree of international participation in regional research efforts. Challenges: Faculty Expertise Instability associated with budget Uncertainty regarding administrative changes (Dean) Pending merger with Cooperative Extension Pending change in contracts Insufficient administrative support Space for visiting scientists and cooperators Diversity of expectations for College o o Rural Nevada economic development and agricultural needs Low enrollments in some programs in contrast with very high enrollments in others The capability and program focus of any University College or Department is fundamentally linked to the expertise and productivity of the faculty. While opportunities to shift emphasis may be realized through participation of willing individuals in continuing education, conferences, and sabbatical leave experiences, the opportunity to achieve renewed emphasis or a fundamental alteration in program focus is most easily achieved when opportunities arise due to position vacancies or additions. When limited resources require the careful identification of priorities, the process for hiring new faculty takes on added importance. The current allocation of faculty resources to the priority areas of research and campus-based teaching programs is detailed in Appendix C. To respond to the needs and concentrate resources in the program priority areas identified, approval for the reinstatement, replacement, and addition of faculty positions as detailed in Table 3. will be essential. To adequately support the viable commercialization of small farms and local food production, the production of biofuels, and the production of new crops for high desert agriculture will require the addition of jointly appointed faculty working With CABNR/NAES, the College of Engineering, and the Rural Development Center in the College of Business. These positions are also identified in Table 3. 28

42 Table 3. Critical Needs for Faculty Hires New Faculty Positions Currently Approved and Funded Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Department Assignment Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Utilizing Biotechnology and Developing Nevada's Agriculture Enterprise to Improve the General Economy Range Livestock Nutrition Rangeland/ Arid Agriculture Soils Approved New Position Approved Replacement for Dr. W. Miller Endowed Funding & UNR Appropriated UNR Appropriated/NAES ANVS NRES/ ANVS Courses in fundamental and advanced animal nutrition to correct serious curriculum deficiency. Basic and advanced soils courses related to soil formation and classification, soil chemistry, soil physics as it relates to cultivated and managed soils. Advanced courses for civil engineers. Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangeland Ecology and Management Environmental Science; Agriculture Science, Ecohydrology Large animal health and nutrition Soil factors impacting plant production and food product nutrition; contaminant occurrence and movement. CABNR/NAES Priority Supported High desert Agriculture production High desert agriculture production Protein Biochemist New Position Approved UNR Appropriated/NAES BMB Molecular Biophysics (BCH 413/613) currently being taught by a LOA. BCH 413 is required for all Biochemistry undergraduate majors. BCH 613 is recommended for all graduate students in the Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology graduate programs. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology Increased plant resistance to abiotic stress High desert agriculture production 29

43 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued New Faculty Positions Currently Approved and Funded Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Department Assignment Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Utilizing Biotechnology and Developing Nevada's Agriculture Enterprise to Improve the General Economy Metabolic Regulation Proteomics/ Genomics Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Shintani Position Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Schooley UNR Appropriated/NAES UNR Appropriated/NAES BMB BMB Required graduate level course Molecular Genetics (BCH 705). This course is required for all graduate students in the Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology graduate programs. Metabolic Regulation (BCH 417/617) BCH 417 is required for all Biochemistry undergraduate majors. BCH 617 is recommended for all graduate students in the Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology graduate programs. Biotechnology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology Alternative crops biofuels from native plant species Production of biofuels from native, introduced, and genetically modified plant species CABNR/NAES Priority Supported High desert agriculture production High desert agriculture production Improving the Health of Nevadans Nutritional Epidemiologist New Position Approved UNR Appropriated/NAES ANVS New courses to add depth and strengthen the Nutrition major. Contribute to Ag. Science, Community Health and Nursing. Nutrition; Agriculture Sciences Public health issues as impacted by human nutrition and diet Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet 30

44 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Sustaining Ecosystem Function Soil Physics Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Johnson UNR Appropriated/NAES New Faculty Positions Currently Approved and Funded Department Assignment NRES Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Basic and advanced soils courses related to soil formation and classification, soil chemistry, soil physics as it relates to natural ecosystem function and restoration. Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management, Ecohydrology Role of soil in ecosystem sustainability; impact of disturbance phenomenon on restoration; forest restoration and fire risk reduction CABNR/NAES Priority Supported Sustainable high desert and montane ecosystems Critical Faculty Positions Necessary Over the Next Three Years ( ) Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Department Assignment Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Utilizing Biotechnology and Developing Nevada's Agriculture Enterprise to Improve the General Economy Production Plant Scientist Horticulturist Large Animal Veterinarian Reinstate Position New Position Request (Parttime) Reinstate Position Endowed Funding Available Requires New Funding Requires New Funding ANVS ANVS/UNCE ANVS New courses in plant production to correct serious deficiency in Ag. Science Major. Student internships related to locally grown food supply New courses to support Veterinary Sciences and Agriculture Sciences majors Agriculture Sciences Agriculture Sciences Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangeland Ecology and Management Impact of cultural practices on plant productivity, water efficiency, and commercial success. Food crop and landscape plant variety trials Impact of large animal health and disease on animal production and animal food products. CABNR/NAES Priority Supported High desert Agriculture production High desert Agriculture production High desert Agriculture production Range Livestock Production New Position Request Requires New Funding ANVS/UNCE New Course to support Veterinary Sciences and Rangeland Ecology and Management Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangeland Ecology and Management Sustainable livestock grazing systems compatible with environmental constraints High desert Agriculture production 31

45 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued Critical Faculty Positions Necessary Over the Next Three Years ( ) Faculty Position Position Status Source of Funding Department Assignment Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Utilizing Biotechnology and Developing Nevada's Agriculture Enterprise to Improve the General Economy Molecular Genetics Plant Biochemist Commercial Production of Bio-Fuels Production Agriculture Economics Reinstate Position (Mittler) Reinstate Position (Welch) New Position Request New Position Request Improving the Health of Nevadans Food Safety Scientist New Position Request Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Requires New Funding Requires New Funding BMB BMB BMB and Engineering NAES and Rural Development Center ANVS Required graduate level course Molecular Genetics (BCH 705). This course is required for all graduate students in the Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology graduate programs. Undergraduate & graduate courses in medical biochemistry New Course related to commercial production of bio-fuels and alternative energy. New courses in food safety correcting serious deficiency in Nutrition and other majors. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Microbiology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology Biotechnology Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangeland Ecology and Management Production of biofuels from native and introduced plant species; plant resistance to abiotic stress Biochemistry of plants that produce specific products related to biomaterials, nutrition, and pharmacy. Conversion of oils from biological sources into commercially viable liquid fuels. Economic viability of small farm food production and bio-fuels Food safety as impacted by all phases of food delivery including production, processing, and marketing CABNR/NAES Priority Supported High desert Agriculture production High desert agriculture production High desert agriculture production High desert agriculture production Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet 32

46 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued Faculty Position Position Status Sustaining Ecosystem Function Critical Faculty Positions Necessary Over the Next Three Years ( ) Source of Funding Fire Ecologist Reinstate Requires New Funding Population Ecologist (Focus on wildlife disease) New Position Request Requires New Funding Administrative and Leadership Support Department Assignment NRES NRES Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution New and existing, high demand courses related to fire ecology and management; critical contributions to forest and range majors. New courses to add depth and correct serious deficiency in Veterinary Sciences and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major. Forest Management and Ecology, Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management, Ecohydrology Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Veterinary Sciences; Rangeland Ecology and Management Role of fire on ecosystem sustainability, impact of fire intensity on site restoration Dynamics of wild populations including animal diseases, predator -prey, harvest impact, density dependence, and natural cycles. CABNR/NAES Priority Supported Sustainable high desert ecosystem Sustainable high desert ecosystem Associate Director of NAES Reinstate Requires new Funding CABNR Administration Leadership, oversight, and administration of research program All Priorities 33

47 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued Faculty Position Position Status Improving the Health of Nevadans Nutritionist (Focus on obesity) New Position Request Critical Faculty Positions Necessary Over the Next Five Years ( ) Source of Funding Requires New Funding Department Assignment ANVS Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Fills gaps and adds badly needed depth to Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum Nutrition; Agriculture Sciences Relationship between diet, obesity, and chronic disease. CABNR/NAES Priority Supported Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Water Quality New Position Request Requires New Funding NRES Adds depth and critically needed area of expertise to support undergraduate and graduate programs in hydrology. Environmental Science; Ecohydrology Source and transport of water contaminants as they effect water quality and health in the Great Basin. Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Sustaining Ecosystem Function Restoration/ Remediation Ecologist Ecosystem Modeler New Position Request New Position Request Requires New Funding Requires New Funding NRES NRES Fills gaps and adds badly needed depth to curriculum in Environmental Science, Rangeland Ecology and Management, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Adds new courses integrating data to provide an interdisciplinary approach to practical problem solving related to managing natural resources. Supports undergraduate and graduate curricula. Forest Management and Ecology; Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Forest Management and Ecology; Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Ecohydrology Effects of disturbance on ecosystem stability and recovery; plant/landscape human interaction and sustainability of landscape quality; focus on wildfire and invasive species in the Great Basin. Integrating data and developing models to explain and/or predict wildfire effects, habitat degradation, and endangered and threatened wildlife species in the Great Basin. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Sustainable high desert ecosystem 34

48 Table 3, Critical Needs for Faculty Hires continued Faculty Position Position Status Sustaining Ecosystem Function Biometrician New Position Request Critical Faculty Positions Necessary Over the Next Five Years ( ) Source of Funding Requires New Funding Administrative and Leadership Support NRES Department Chair (National search) New Position Request Requires New Funding Department Assignment NRES Instruction Contribution Degree Supported Research Contribution Fills gaps and adds coursework depth in sampling designs, data collection, statistical analysis and derivation of conclusions. Supports undergraduate and graduate curricula. All CABNR majors Sampling design, data collection and analysis; trend analysis for high resolution, large scale data sets related to resource management in the Great Basin. NRES All NRES majors Leadership, oversight, and administration of research and teaching programs in NRES. CABNR/NAES Priority Supported Sustainable high desert ecosystem All Priorities 35

49 II. Recruiting and Graduating Highly Motivated, High Performing Students While it has always been important that CABNR grow its academic programs to address stake holders needs, current changes in state funding have elevated the importance of student recruitment and retention to CABNR s ability to obtain institutional funding support. The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is evolving towards a model where student numbers and performance play a central role in the determination of institutional support. Currently a new model is being developed where base funding will be calculated primarily as a function of completed student credit hours and will reward institutions for increased undergraduate and graduate degree completion rates. In addition to the new base funding formula, the State is allowing NSHE institutions to maintain control of revenues generated from resident and out-of-state student fees. These student fees are expected to supplement the state base funding and contribute significantly to the University annual revenues. In response to these new funding initiatives, UNR has incentivized the growth of academic programs and is rewarding growing programs by allocating new faculty lines to departments where the ratio of student credit hours to faculty FTE are high. In the spring of 2012, the CABNR Departments of Agricultural, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences (ANVS) and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) were each awarded a new faculty position to address instructional deficiencies. Clearly, student recruitment and retention trends will impact the future growth of CABNR and its ability to develop new programs to address stake holder priorities. Recruiting to increase enrollment will also include the creation of a more diverse student body and recognition that CABNR is a leader in the establishment of a global campus assisting the University to reach greater numbers of international and non-traditional students. Success in achieving this goal will require increased availability of specific courses, increased graduate student and interdisciplinary program support, as well as filling instructional gaps in degree programs. Current recruitment efforts to improve prospective student awareness and encourage enrollment in CABNR include: Nevada Bound Tours for parents and students followed by individual meetings with Department Chairs has been extremely successful in attracting high achieving high school students. High School Contact Direct contact with principals, counselors, and students at high schools throughout the State builds relationships and facilitates the delivery of information and promotional materials directly to interested students. Online Recruiting A number of websites are maintained that highlight student and faculty accomplishments, academic programs, and questionnaires that help match student interest with department majors. Other Recruitment CABNR participates in all University wide recruitment activities including college fairs and student advisement events. 36

50 Improve Recruitment and Retention Re-establish Strong Presence in Rural Nevada: Supporting rural Nevada is central to CABNR s primary mission. CABNR s Recruitment Coordinator will be responsible for increasing our recruiting efforts in the rural areas of the state with an emphasis on Eastern Nevada. Rural high school contact information has been updated and CABNR Associate Dean will reinforce efforts with personal visits to these schools to emphasize CABNR commitment to our rural Nevada constituents. Intensify Recruitment from Community Colleges and High Schools in Washoe and Clark Counties: Community colleges represent a pool of students, many of which are motivated to pursue an undergraduate degree from a university program. Given the high cost of pursuing this goal at competing universities located in other states, these students need to be made aware of the excellent opportunities available at their in-state institutions. Facilitating a smooth transition from the community colleges to the university and specifically to CABNR is a major recruiting strategy. The largest population of high school seniors resides in the Clark and Washoe County School Districts. A strong and effective recruiting presence needs to be maintained in these schools. Reach Out to Students from Disadvantaged and Under-Represented Groups: CABNR embraces the philosophy that all Nevadans should have access to higher education. As such we will support programs that educate families from under-represented groups (i.e. Native Americans, Hispanic- American, and African American) and/or first generation college bound students on resources that will empower them academically and financially to access higher education. If Nevada is to succeed in attracting high-paying industries to the state, it is essential that we produce a home grown educated workforce. As these underrepresented groups comprise a significant portion of Nevada s population, their participation in higher education will not only allow them to reap the fiscal benefits associated with a college degree, but it will allow them to participate in the economic development of the state. Recruit in California: Due to budgetary difficulties, the University of California and California State University Systems have had to limit enrollment and at the same time impose severe increases in student fees. As such many California students are viewing UNR as a viable alternative to California universities. This trend is a financial windfall for UNR which is now able to retain the revenues generated from the out-of-state tuition paid by these students. Of the 264 newly enrolled CABNR students for the 2012 Fall Semester, approximately 25% are coming from California. We see California as an emerging source of highly qualified students for CABNR degree programs. Revamp Online Recruiting Resource: We are currently in the process of updating the academic program and CABNR student center websites to make them more appealing to potential recruits. Video highlighting student achievement will be prominently represented on these websites. We are also planning to insert Quick Response (QR) bar codes to all recruiting literature so that students can access pertinent web-based materials more quickly. We will also initiate a campaign utilizing social media to better connect with potential CABNR recruits. While CABNR currently has a Facebook page, it is primarily targeted at the general public. We are in the process of putting together a more student-centric Facebook page which will be frequently updated by the CABNR Ambassadors and Student Center Staff. The intent is to facilitate peer to peer exchanges that will draw student recruits into the larger CABNR student community. Utilizing CABNR Alumni as Role Models for Recruiting: Students want to enter degree programs that will lead to successful and rewarding careers. To show potential recruits that a degree from CABNR is valuable and will lead to a gainful employment, we need to show them examples. Fortunately, a large number of CABNR alumni have gone on to very successful careers in areas including government, business, agriculture, industry and medicine. We need to enlist the assistance of these 37

51 alumni and ask them to speak at recruiting functions. We can also produce video testimonials describing how their CABNR degree helped them achieve success. These videos will then be posted on our recruiting website. Ultimately we need to develop a network of successful CABNR alumni that would be willing to function as contacts to help future CABNR grads with career advice and employment leads. Retention CABNR Freshman and Sophomore Curriculum: Student retention and graduation rates are major priorities of CABNR and UNR. As mentioned above, course completion and graduation rates are important metrics used to calculate institutional base funding. Student Clubs: CABNR supports several student clubs that play a key role in student retention by building community, providing opportunities for leadership and career development, as well as community service. Each club has a mandatory faculty advisor and is sanctioned through the Associated Students of the University of Nevada (ASUN). Student Research Opportunities: Experiential learning is a powerful tool that can be used to promote student retention in academic programs. By participating in faculty research projects, students apply what they learned in the classroom to the lab or the field, making often abstract scientific principles relevant to the real world. Research experience also provides students with valuable practical experience that can later be leveraged toward employment and graduate/professional school admission. Therefore all CABNR majors are strongly encouraged to participate in faculty sponsored research. Faculty help incentivize student research participation with monetary compensation and letters of reference. We also encourage our students to apply for intramural funding through the Nevada INBRE and EPSCOR programs and the UNR Office for Undergraduate Research. Career Development Initiatives: One of the major draws that attract and retain students to CABNR degree programs is the fact that a high percentage of our students gain employment or acceptance to graduate/professional schools upon graduation. CABNR has worked hard to prepare our students to be competitive for the job market. To ensure our curriculum is up to date and meets the needs of potential employers, we periodically ask the relevant stakeholders from the public and private sectors to evaluate our programs. We also invite these stakeholders and other potential employers to come educate our students about career opportunities and the required qualifications. CABNR also helps stake holders recruit qualified CABNR graduates for employment. An example of this is the Annual CABNR Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Career Fair. This event was established at the request of government agencies, including the US Forest Service, BLM, USDA and Nevada Department of Wildlife, to help them find qualified replacements for their rapidly retiring workforce. Retention Priorities Helping students with financial difficulties: A major factor contributing to student withdrawal is the ability to pay for their education. While UNR is more affordable compared to other universities, many of our students are still finding it difficult to make ends meet. Many students are working and taking out loans in order to afford going to college and even then many still cannot make it. While CABNR is fortunate to have a relatively large donor generated scholarship fund, more is needed. Once the CABNR Development Officer is hired, soliciting donations for need-based scholarships should be a high priority. 38

52 Continue to build a sense of community among CABNR students: While CABNR has had reasonable success in establishing a community of students, we need to do more. Therefore, the CABNR Student Center will organize social events with food and/or entertainment being the draw for student participation. Such events are particularly important to target the sophomore population which statistics show are at high risk of leaving. Student clubs play a key role in team building and student retention by creating a sense of community, providing opportunities for leadership and career development, and encouraging participation in community service. Establish a CABNR Career Center: CABNR students need access to career counseling. Unfortunately there is no such service available to the general student body. Currently, the Colleges of Engineering, Business, Science and Education provide career counseling as an exclusive service to their students. Therefore CABNR needs to establish its own career development center that will serve our students. This center would employ a coordinator who would provide information about career choice pertinent to CABNR degree programs and help students access their suitability of various career options. The CABNR Career Center would also serve as a clearinghouse for internship and employment opportunities. As such the Center Coordinator will be charged with the responsibility of cultivating public and private sector contacts for internship and employment opportunities. Peer Tutoring for CABNR Majors: As student numbers increase so has the diversity of our student body. We have students coming from elite college prep schools and small rural high schools. A consequence of this is that the level of college preparedness can very significantly from student to student. Therefore some freshmen are not able to compete with their better prepared counterparts. In many cases it is not that the student is incapable of competing, it is just that he or she was not adequately prepared for the rigor of college. The unfortunate outcome is that these students become discouraged early on in their college career and ultimately leave the major and/or the university. One way alleviate this problem is to provide peer tutoring to struggling freshman and sophomore students. This initiative would employ high performing students to tutor lower performing student. The peer tutoring service would be run out of the student center and provided to the students for a modest fee that would go to the tutor. Subsidies will be provided to those unable to afford the service. This service will effectively level the playing field between students coming from privileged and modest academic backgrounds and help retain students in CABNR programs. 39

53 Improve Teaching Support A comparison of CABNR s teaching load to the campus average is shown in Table 4. Table 4. CABNR Faculty Teaching Loads Student FTE/Faculty FTE ( ) Department sfte/ffte % of Campus Average UNR - Campus-Wide CABNR Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Natural Resources and Environmental Science Every CABNR Department exceeds the average UNR teaching load by a considerable margin resulting in the College exceeding the campus average by 60%. This excessive teaching requirement has been partially addressed with the approval of one replacement faculty position in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a new faculty position in Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences. While additional teaching capability in the form of new faculty hires is vital, additional requirements for teaching support as discussed below and summarized in Table 5 remain to be addressed. Teaching Assistants: As class enrollment continues to grow, in many cases nearly doubling since 2007, the need for teaching assistants grows proportionately. However, funding to support teaching assistant positions has not only failed to keep pace with the growth, but has declined sharply. Many high demand classes also have requisite laboratory or internship experiences. A lack of technical assistance to organize and set-up the laboratories or manage internship experiences for enhanced student learning, requires additional faculty time, thereby reducing capacity for managing graduate students and submitting grant applications to highly competitive national funding sources. Restoration of Full Funding for Current Tenured Faculty in Veterinary Sciences Program: To compensate for budget reductions, funding to support two tenured faculty members equal to 0.4 FTE was transferred from state funding to a Veterinary Science endowment fund (McMillan Fund). This fund was established to provide exclusive support for the Veterinary Science program. Historically the funds have been used to enhance the teaching program including the funding of scholarships. Restoration of state funding for these 2 faculty positions and thus restoration of the endowment funds for this academic program is a very high priority for the department. 40

54 Internship Coordination: The faculty of CABNR believes strongly that a central component to every student s educational experience is the opportunity to participate in an internship or service learning experience. Current opportunities include senior thesis projects and assignments with public agencies. Stakeholders and employers hold firm to the belief that hands-on or real life experiences are central to a student s education and marketability and current opportunities are in need of expansion. It is CABNR s goal to offer the opportunity for internship and service learning opportunities for students in all of its majors. A successful internship program requires major work to ensure that every internship or service learning experience meets the needs of the intern as well as the entity providing the internship. This means that each internship experience must have clear objectives and that all legal requirements are in place prior to placing a student into a program. This goal cannot be met with existing personnel. The addition of an administrative assistant is necessary to promote, and manage the program. Administrative Assistance: Efficiently managing the many functions of any departmental office requires adequate administrative staffing. Answering phone calls, processing grant proposals, maintaining records, answering questions and assisting students resolve problems, completing the hiring process and tracking payroll are all tasks plus many more, which must be completed in a timely and accurate manner. Budget reductions have forced a corresponding reduction in departmental office assistance and a loss in ability to function effectively. Interdisciplinary Programs: Interdisciplinary graduate programs were conceived to provide advanced graduate study opportunities for departments with inadequate faculty resources to establish an autonomous program on their own. CABNR/NAES currently supports five of these programs at both the Masters and Doctoral level with a combined enrollment of 38 students. In addition to mentoring students, CABNR faculty also provide advanced courses and laboratory exposure in support of these programs. The existence of these interdisciplinary programs has allowed CABNR/NAES faculty to work with and advise advanced graduate students and pursue research opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. Continuation and revitalization of these programs is absolutely essential if growth in the research endeavor and pursuit of new knowledge in areas of critical need are to occur. Reductions in funding for program director stipends and graduate student assistantships have crippled these valuable programs. In addition the lack of departmental input regarding college level funding or any contribution to governance hampers enthusiastic participation. Funding support needs to be restored and a review of program governance needs to be completed with provisions for increased department level involvement in determining college funding support, program evaluation, and program oversight. An ongoing accounting system that tracks and gives proper credit for the actual number of graduate students being supported in each department needs to be established. Equipment and Facilities: Serious financial limitations have impeded the ability of departments to maintain laboratory and other teaching equipment in operable condition or to secure new and modern equipment to replace worn out, outmoded or non-functioning units. As student enrollment has increased, this situation has reached a critical stage where aging facilities and teaching equipment is degrading the learning environment. 41

55 Table 5. Teaching Support Needs Category of Need Department Specific Request Teaching Assistants BMB NRES Add one additional position to assist with increased enrollment in laboratory sections. Add one additional position to assist with increased class enrollments. Restoration of State Funding for 0.4 FTE of Faculty Salary Technical Assistant ANVS BMB Restore State funding to cover 0.4 FTE of faculty salary releasing endowment funds to support the Veterinary Science teaching program. Increase technician time from 0.53 FTE to 1.00 FTE to meet teaching set-up requirements in laboratory sections that have more than doubled in number. Internship Coordinator CABNR Add one Administrative Assistant to coordinate and manage internships for all College majors. Teaching Equipment and Laboratory Facilities BMB Establish and fund replacement schedule for aging and worn out laboratory teaching equipment. Renovate and upgrade teaching laboratories. Administrative Assistance ANVS NRES Reinstate Administrative Assistant position to increase efficiency and more adequately meet student and faculty support requirements. Increase part-time Administrative Assistant Position to full time to ensure adequate support for teaching and research program. Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs BMB,AVNS, NRES Restore financial support for graduate assistant stipends and stipends for program directors. 42

56 III. External Funding Despite a teaching load that exceeds the campus average by 60%, the faculty in CABNR/NAES continue their record of exceptional success in securing external funding to support high priority research endeavors. Table 6. shows the award amounts for currently active grants for by department and total. Table 6. CABNR/NAES Award Amounts Active Grants as of June 30, 2012 Currently Active Department Grants AVNS $ 4,615, BMB $ 14,307, NRES $ 17,584, Dean's Office $ 546, Total $ 37,053, A complete listing of grant awards by faculty member can be found in Appendix F. CABNR will continue to provide support and encouragement to promote success in securing external funding in priority areas of research and teaching. It is clear that future growth and effectiveness in addressing stakeholder needs will increasingly be tied to CABNR/NAES ability to secure stable financial support that is not dependent on appropriated funding through the political process. IV. Administrative Support Structure Given the size and complexity of the total CABNR/NAES program, the current college level structure is understaffed to provide the support and assistance necessary for efficient and effective delivery of services required. To fulfill the CABNR and NAES mission and effectively address the identified priorities, emphasis will be given to the following staff additions: Associate Director of NAES: This position must be reinstated as soon as possible. The complexities associated with managing federal, state, and grant funding, coupled with the accounting and reporting requirements inherent in the overall program require the focused effort of an experienced research administrator. Focused leadership is also required to take advantage of priority research funding opportunities and to keep faculty abreast of developments related to emerging grant opportunities. Maintaining connection with other Land Grant University Experiment Station Directors and federal research partners is critical to maintaining relevance in the research enterprise. Effective communication with State stakeholders is also necessary to maintain support and keep abreast of changing needs and issues. Capital Acquisition Support: A critically important staff reinstatement for the College is the position of Development Coordinator. The goal of achieving increased independence from State appropriated funding is essential to the long-term viability and productivity of CABNR and NAES. Steady progress on achieving this goal will require ever increasing success in accumulating funding through private sources. The acquisition of increased funding from private donors will require a concentrated effort and committed time from a college development staff position. The consequence of this funding 43

57 reality is erosion in the ability to establish priority programs independent of donor needs. Never-theless, an increase in the number of faculty positions funded from endowments will be required. CABNR will be exploring various funding approaches to reinstate this position eliminated during the curricular review process. In addition land acquisition by Washoe County to complete the Southeast Connector will generate income that will be used to enhance the endowment fund in support of CABNR/NAES. Stacked water rights at MSFL will be leased to generate income to support programs in CABNR/NAES. Preserving and expanding CABNR/NAES endowment funding for program development from gifting, revenues from NAES properties, and other extramural support is a high priority for CABNR/NAES as it decreases dependence of Federal and State financial support. Public Information and Accountability: Both CABNR and NAES are directly accountable to the Federal, State, and County governance system to demonstrate identification of priorities and subsequent performance in meeting the needs identified. In addition stakeholders dependent on CABNR and NAES programs have a vital interest in the performance and accomplishments of both organizations. As a result, routine reports and information releases documenting progress toward meeting goals as well as accomplishments are critical to meeting the accountability requirements. This information is also vitally important to maintain the communication link with Cooperative Extension community based faculty. Current staffing levels are not sufficient to adequately meet the public information and accountability reporting expected and/or required. V. Infrastructure and Facilities Support University Campus Space: Since 2002 CABNR has remodeled space from private funding to establish a modern student center to facilitate advising, create working areas for students and provide computer facilities. There also have been a number of remodeling projects involving offices and several laboratories in Fleischmann Agriculture that contribute to the Academy for the Environment as well as molecular biosciences and biotechnology programs across campus. The department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has offices and laboratories in the Howard building. The elimination of two academic departments along with associated faculty and staff vacated space and allowed the NRES faculty to relocate from the Knudtsen Valley Road facility to the Fleischmann Agriculture building on campus. While this move facilitated the goal of spatially consolidating College faculty, the space occupied has proven to be inadequate and does not meet the needs for either teaching or research. The Nutrition program has high enrollments that also require commensurate teaching and research laboratory space. CABNR will pursue the support and funding necessary for a new, biosecure Biotechnology and Life Sciences building to provide modern, cutting-edge teaching, research laboratory, and support facilities. Numerous courses taught by BCMB, NRES, and ANVS faculty place a high demand on both teaching and research laboratory space that is in very short supply and inadequate to meet the requirements of a modern, high quality teaching/research institution. Adequate space to meet the needs of visiting professors, both domestic and international, is virtually non-existent. With the construction of this proposed building, CABNR teaching and research faculty, staff, and graduate students will be consolidated, bringing together scientists now scattered across the campus and stimulating the collaborative work necessary to achieve the College s teaching and research mission. Access to advanced research laboratories, equipment, and associated core facilities will aid immeasurably in attracting and retaining high quality scientists as well as undergraduate and graduate students. 44

58 An Agricultural Biotechnology facility has been constructed on Valley Road using federal funds. Phase I of this project has 7500 square feet and houses the Nevada Genomics Center and the Cell Sorting Core Laboratory. The Phase II funding request is yet to receive funding to expand this facility. While this facility is certainly a welcomed addition, there is still a major need for (a) more space (b) higher quality laboratory and teaching space in a new location and (c) consolidation of CABNR faculty which requires a new building. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA (ARS) have approached CABNR/NAES to explore the possibility of becoming a partner in this endeavor and building a joint facility that also meets their needs. The aging buildings and the facilities on Valley Road, where the two agencies are currently located, are inadequate for meeting the future needs of the agencies and furthering collaborative efforts with CABNR scientists. A joint research facility would benefit the university in expanding its research programs as well as facilitating collaboration and integration with the federal agencies. CABNR will be looking into the feasibility of this alternative in the near future. 45

59 Appendix A Operational Priorities and Core Values To effectively accomplish the purpose and realize the vision, the administration and faculty of CABNR commit to the following actions and core values in establishing priorities, allocating resources, and recognizing and rewarding productivity: Operational Priorities Establish priorities, focus resources, and promote excellence in all phases of programmatic implementation. Utilize all human, infrastructure, land, and financial resources with maximum efficiency and optimal program benefit. Align resource allocation with the priority needs of citizens, decision-makers, and industry connected stakeholders by incorporating them in all phases of program definition, development, and implementation. Extend beyond the College defined resources to incorporate needed expertise and build integrated, multi-disciplinary teams to address identified priorities. Realistically assess resource needs and seek acquisition through well documented requests for private as well as public financial support. Recruit an increasing number of high performing high school graduates such as national merit and presidential scholars. Through carefully designed curricula and experiential learning, prepare all students for successful professional careers that incorporate a foundation of knowledge with sound decision-making capability. Utilize information provided by potential employers to identify desired performance capabilities and incorporate them into the learning experience. Promote degree granting programs in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science as the programs of choice for pre-medicine and preveterinary preparation. Achieve greater success in gaining ever increasing independence from State funding by securing extra-mural grants, donor giving, innovative entrepreneurial activity, and fiscally responsible management of CABNR/NAES resources. Encourage and support basic research in biotechnology and modern biology as essential endeavors to secure system sustainability. Exhibit leadership in the development of regional, multi-university educational programs to offer students a learning experience with extraordinary depth and quality where resource limitations exist at individual institutions. Core Values To achieve a high level of meaningful productivity and excellence, resources must be focused and applied to a few high priority areas. The administrative processes that establish policy, determine priorities, allocate budgets, and evaluate performance will be transparent to faculty, students and stakeholders. Shared expertise and collaboration to create multidisciplinary teams will receive emphasis in addressing Nevada s critical needs. Excellent performance in all methods of teaching and research will be determined and rewarded through fair and equitable evaluations. Program outcomes will be evaluated against strategic goals and reported to stakeholders. 46

60 The Land Grant principle of a people s university as well as accountability to the citizens of the State will be emphasized. Maintaining and strengthening a highly competent, productive, compassionate faculty base will be central to ongoing faculty development efforts as well as recruiting and hiring new faculty members. Scientific inquiry will be relevant to identified priority programs and needs and will reflect the highest standards of methodology and integrity. Effective teaching will include exposure of all students, both matriculated and nonmatriculated, to real life experiences, research activities, and practical problem solving activities. Consequences of Resource Reductions In 2009, the conclusion of a campus-wide, program evaluation process known as Curricular Review required CABNR to absorb a 38% overall reduction in its total budget by As a result, it became impossible to implement the new and/or modified program advances addressing critical State needs outlined in the College s 2009 strategic planning document. The priorities identified in the 2009 plan coupled with resource requirements necessary for implementation were rendered irrelevant by the Curricular Review process. Funding levels for CABNR/NAES through 2014, project continued reductions to a level of $6.89 M or 53% below the 2009 total funding level. It is imperative that these funding projections be reversed and the CABNR/NAES base budget be restored to the 2011 funding level of $9.19 M. The specific impacts of this funding reduction to date are as follows: A total of 31 support and faculty positions were eliminated with an additional two state extension faculty positions to be eliminated in This will further disconnect CABNR/NAES from UNCE. The academic departments of Animal Biotechnology and Resource Economics were closed. The following five academic majors were discontinued and are no longer available to Nevada students: Animal Biotechnology Animal Science Agriculture and Applied Economics Environmental and Resource Economics Range Livestock Production Effective July 1, 2013 all CABNR faculty on a 12 month contractual appointment will be converted to 9 month contracts. This move will reduce salaries by 6% for some up to 17% for others with the greatest burden falling on newly employed faculty. To make up this reduction in income, faculty will pursue research opportunities dictated by available funding opportunities rather than established program priorities. Mission drift will occur as faculty write grants to support summer salaries (critical period for field research related to agriculture and natural resources), the priority will necessarily be dictated by the funding agencies rather established Nevada priorities. A decrease in support for graduate students will occur as extramural grants re-focus resources from GRA s to faculty salaries. Graduate programs will erode. 47

61 In 2010, following the results of the Curricular Review and the loss of funding support, CABNR embarked on a series of discussions with stakeholders and faculty to organize and utilize remaining resources and chart a direction forward. Following these discussions and the resulting recommendations, the following changes were put in place: CABNR was reorganized into three academic departments, namely the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Sciences; the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Three undergraduate majors were added to CABNR s offering, 1) Agriculture Sciences, 2) Rangeland Ecology and Management, and 3) Forest Management and Ecology. A limited focus on agriculture and rural economics was established through collaboration between the College of Business, Rural Economic Development Center, and the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station. A partnership between CABNR and rural sociology faculty in the College of Liberal Arts maintained some attention to the critical community issues facing rural citizens. CABNR/NAES Adherence to the Land Grant Principles The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources fully subscribes to and supports the University s commitment to the principles that have guided the Land Grant University System for 150 years. Grounding programs and policies on the following principles has had a profound and beneficial effect on the human condition in the United States and world-wide since their inception a century and a half ago. Access Within the resource constraints imposed, the College will use all available methods to ensure open access to the expertise and knowledge available to improve the human condition of Nevada s citizens. The College will support the University s goal and mission to achieve recognition as a Fully Engaged institution and bring real meaning to the Land Grant vision of the people s university. The thinking and recommendations of the College s stakeholders will be sought and taken seriously to guide the priorities and direction for the College s programs of knowledge accumulation and knowledge dissemination. Utility The College s research and other knowledge accumulation efforts will be directed to achieve understanding, improvement, and sustainability in those systems, both natural and human-created, that have a direct bearing on the human condition of Nevada s citizens. Knowledge dissemination through formal courses of instruction offered to matriculated students will seek to build a fundamental understanding of the relationship between viably functioning systems and the human condition. The mission of degree granting programs is to build the human capacity to make science based, professional decisions regarding policies and procedures that influence the functioning and utilization of relevant systems. Courses of study that lead to advanced degrees will further enhance understanding and build the skills and capability necessary to productively contribute to knowledge accumulation. The mission of knowledge dissemination to non-matriculated students is to identify and prioritize critical issues facing the States citizens and provide a learning environment where the knowledge needed to address the issues and improve lives can be provided. 48

62 Appendix B NAES Field Labs CABNR and NAES faculty currently utilize the land and facilities that exist on five field laboratory sites as a fundamental resource to support research projects and enhance teaching programs. Current activity and future plans are detailed as follows: Main Station Field Laboratory (MSFL): The Main Station Field Lab abuts the eastern boundary of the Sparks and Reno metropolitan area and encompasses 1,000 acres of which 190 acres are leased to the City of Reno until Located on the property is Wolf Pack Meats, the only USDA certified slaughter and meat processing facility available to livestock producers in a large area of western Nevada and eastern California. In addition MSFL has access to treated effluent for irrigation that can be incorporated as a variable into numerous research projects. See Appendix G, for a business plan detailing current use, future plans, and projected finances. Valley Road Field Laboratory (VRFL): The Valley Road Field Laboratory is located just five minutes from campus. Encompassing 47 acres, VRFL also includes CABNR s Equestrian Center. Current Utilization: VRFL facilities are currently being utilized to support 13 research projects including modern greenhouses dedicated to research and economic development connected to CABNR s high desert farming initiative. Also located on VRFL are offices and laboratories used by agency scientists under a cooperative agreement with the Agriculture Research Service and the US Forest Service. A detailed listing of the 13 research projects currently using VRFL facilities follows: Research Projects Improved abiotic stress tolerance of Camelina Improved cold, drought and salt tolerance of grapevines Resurrection plants: Alternative dehydration stress tolerant crops for Nevada Biofuels from salt basin algae Biomaterials including biofuels from rabbitbrush Evaluation of wine grape cultivars and clones Biomass and biofuel production from climatically suited plants Water and nitrogen acquisition by Cheatgrass and Native rangeland plants Salt Basin algae: Crop for carbon sequestration Regulatory and signaling mechanisms of Crassulacean acid metabolism Measurement of mercury release from FGD amended soils Fugitive mercury emissions Nevada high desert farming initiative Impact of environmental exposure on migratory birds Formal Courses One formal course with an enrollment of students uses the VRFL facilities for laboratory assignments. 49

63 Cooperator and General Public Use Six cooperating public agencies are either located at the VRFL or utilize the facilities for research and demonstration purposes. Tours and field days are held for the general public and the Washoe County School District. Future Plans for Expanded Utilization: Current teaching and research use will continue with future facility use at VRFL being expanded to accommodate increased needs as follows: Research Expanded trials using a variety of production methods will be undertaken to advance the commercialization of local food production. Fundamental research to develop new plant materials to support development of biofuels and bioproduct as alternative crops for Nevada agriculture and economic development. Formal Courses New courses on viticulture, urban farming and renewable energy will be developed. Cooperator and General Public Use Tours and field day open house will be continued and workshops with people interested in urban farming will be expanded. Facilities Development In addition to the state of the art research greenhouse located at VRFL, research plots will be expanded to test newly developed plants for agricultural and biofuels research. Two existing NAES greenhouses will be renovated and upgraded and the construction of six new hoop houses will support the HDFI program to evaluate commercialization of locally produced food. 50

64 51

65 52

66 Gund Ranch Field Lab (GRFL): Located in the center of the State approximately 260 miles east of Reno, the Gund Ranch encompasses 10,600 acres of deeded land and possesses a Bureau of Land Management grazing permit for an additional 130,000 acres. Unique among Experiment Station research and teaching facilities, the Gund Ranch is a fully functioning livestock production facility typical of ranches located in the Great Basin. Current Utilization: Work on the GRFL is focused on reinforcing the economic stability and viability of the ranching industry. The adaptation of cattle and other meat producing animals to Great Basin range conditions, the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems, the introduction and commercialization of new crops, and the brand marketing of range produced meat products are central to the research mission. Currently, three active research projects utilize the GRFL and are listed below: Research Projects Biomaterial and Biofuel uses for Chrysothamnus nauseosus (rabbitbrush) Improving range cattle health through DNA paternity identification Fall grazing of cheatgrass for fuel control Cooperator and General Public Use Public agencies and professional societies utilize GRFL for workshops and field tours. Approximately individuals attend these activities annually. Future Plans for Expanded Utilization: Current teaching and research use will continue with future facility use at GRFL being expanded to accommodate increased needs as follows: GRFL will be a location available for hands-on experiences associated with CABNR s Range Ecology and Management program as well as the newly formed multi-state range education program. Adaptation of new cattle breeds and other livestock to Nevada range conditions will be tested. Newlands Field Laboratory (NFL): The Newlands Field Laboratory is located in Fallon, Nevada approximately 160 miles east of Reno. NFL consists of 160 acres, with 135 acres under a 30 year lease to the Natural Resource Conservation Service s Plant Materials Testing Center program. This plant material testing program has a long and distinguished history of successful examination and introduction of valuable plant species utilized for a wide variety of purposes. The remaining 25 acres is used for comparative testing of potentially valuable plants for crops and degraded site restoration. It is currently evaluating new canola species growth potential in connection with similar trials being conducted at MSFL. Logandale Field Laboratory (LFL): This 15 acre site located in rural southern Nevada near the community of Logandale, is currently used by local high school teachers and students under a memorandum of understanding for teaching and demonstration purposes as well as UNCE faculty for outreach in the Moapa Valley.. Current plans are to expand this use to include trials of cultural practices and crop species to enhance the commercial production of locally grown food products. As 53

67 a low desert field station urban farming productivity and sustainability will be assessed in low desert (LFL) and high desert (VRFL, NFL and MSFL) environments. J Dow Field Laboratory (JDFL): Located 60 miles north of Reno, this 1,360 acre site is currently utilized for grazing for NAES production herd. Propose sale of the land and utilize resources to support CABNR/NAES programs through endowment funding 54

68 Appendix C Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013) Faculty Name Ashley, J Benedict, J Blomquest, G Dept. ANVS ANVS BMB Position Status Non-tenure - Continuing Tenured - Continuing Tenured - Continuing FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta. FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Area of Research Emphasis 0.53 Nutrition Integrating nutrition into clinical care and educating health professionals on weight control Nutrition Reduction of sugary drink consumption by children and low income households Department Chair Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Insect biochemistry - bark beetle control. College Priority Supported Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Sustainable high desert ecosystem Chandra, S Cramer, G. Cushman, J. NRES BMB BMB Tenured - Continuing Tenured - Continuing Tenured - Continuing Environmental Science; Ecohydrology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Restoration and Conservation of aquatic systems, focus on Lake Tahoe and similar high alpine lake systems. Meadow restoration to sustain stream flow and native fish populations. Impact of exotic introductions on aquatic ecosyste4m function. Adapted wine grape production Biofuel production Sustainable high desert ecosystem High desert agriculture production High desert agriculture production Damke, H. Ellison, P. BMB BMB Non-tenure - Continuing Non-tenure - Continuing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Enzyme function in governing basic cell activity Full-time teaching/advising 55

69 Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013), continued Faculty Name Felten, K. Gustin, M. Harper, J. Dept. ANVS NRES BMB Position Status FTE - RI Non-tenure - Continuing 0.75 Tenured - Continuing Tenured - Continuing FTE - Exp. Sta. FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Environmental Science Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Area of Research Emphasis Production of mercury contamination from irrigation drains. Origin and patterns of ozone pollution in rural NV. Biofuel production College Priority Supported Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet High desert agriculture production Holcombe, D. ANVS Tenured - Continuing Agriculture Sciences Howard, C. BMB Non-tenure - Continuing 1.00 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Full-time teaching/advising Johnson, D. NRES Retiring Environmental Science; Forest Management and Ecology; Ecohydrology; Rangeland Ecology and Management Long term effects of hazardous fuel treatments on soil fertility and water quality. Restoration of degraded range and forest land. Effects of wildfire on soil water processes. Nutrient reservoirs and cycling in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Leger, E. Markee, N. NRES Tenured - Continuing NRES Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management Persistence and evolution of native plants on highly altered sites. Adaptation of Indian Ricegrass to Great Basin environments. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Sustainable high desert ecosystems Matocq, M. NRES Tenured - Continuing Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Influence of genotype on parasite/pathogen load of Nevada Bighorn Sheep. Sustainable high desert ecosystem 56

70 Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013), continued Faculty Name Dept. Position Status FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta. FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Area of Research Emphasis College Priority Supported Miller, G. NRES Tenured - Continuing Environmental Science Impacts of agrochemicals on human health and environmental quality. Agrochemical impacts on human health and environmental quality. Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Miller, W. NRES Retiring Environmental Science; Forest Management and Ecology; Ecohydrology; Rangeland Ecology and Management Land restoration using alternative crops and revegetation and water conservation. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Nowak, R. NRES Tenured - Continuing Rangeland Ecology and Management Impact of elevated CO2 levels on carbon balance in arid ecosystems. Acquisition of nitrogen and water by exotic and native grasses. High desert food production systems. High desert agriculture production Sustainable high desert ecosystem Omaye, S. Pardini, R. ANVS BMB Tenured - Continuing Tenured - Continuing Nutrition 0.25 Interim Dean Understanding the mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation and developing pharmacological and nutritional interventions for chronic disease and aging Role of omega-3 fatty acids in cancer treatment Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Perryman, B. ANVS Tenured - Continuing Rangeland Ecology and Management Ecology and management of Great Basin rangelands Sustainable high desert ecosystem 57

71 Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013), continued Faculty Name Pritsos, C. Dept. ANVS Position Status Tenured - Continuing FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Department Chair Nutrition Area of Research Emphasis Health effects of environmental exposure. College Priority Supported Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Qualls, J. Ricketts, M. NRES ANVS Tenured - Continuing Tenure Track - Continuing Nutrition Environmental Science; Ecohydrology Formation of soil organic matter by microbial and chemical transformation, wetland and riparian restoration/management strategies. Mechanism of dietary components on mediating metabolic changes Sustainable high desert ecosystem Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Saito, L. NRES Tenured - Continuing Ecohyrology Aquatic ecosystem and reservoir management, ecosystem and water resource modeling;streamflow prediction models; hydrologic response of Great Basin plant communities. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Schlauch, K. BMB Tenure Track - Continuing 1.00 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Gene interaction and biological expression using bioinformatics Schooley, D. BMB Retiring Sedinger, J. NRES Tenured - Continuing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Control of bark beetles using specifically targeted pesticide Population biology and ecology of avian species including Sage Grouse, Wood Ducks and Sandhill Cranes. Effects of vegetation structure and power lines on reproductive success and population dynamics of Sage Grouse. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Sustainable high desert ecosystem 58

72 Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013), continued Faculty Name Dept. Position Status FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta. FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Area of Research Emphasis College Priority Supported Shinatin, D. BMB Tenured - Continuing Associate Dean - RI Alternative crops biofuel from native plant species High desert agriculture production Stewart, K. NRES Tenure Track - Continuing Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Better management of Nevada Mountain Lion populations through improved understanding of genetic structure and prey selection. Effect of permanent water sources on Mule deer survival and production and highway crossings on movement and migration. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Stoughton, J. NRES Non-tenure - Continuing 1.00 Environmental Science; Ecohydrology; Wildlife Ecology and Management; Forest Management and Ecology; Rangeland Ecology and Management Biogeography and impact of mine tailings on grasslands. Sustainable high desert ecosystem; Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet. Stringham, T. ANVS Tenured - Continuing Rangeland Ecology and Management Restoration of wildfire impacted rangelands; hydrologic and vegetative response to large scale pinyon-juniper treatments Sustainable high desert ecosystem Swanson, S. NRES Tenured - Continuing Rangeland Ecology and Management Resistance of rangeland to wildfire and sustained protection from mowed fuelbreaks. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Teglas, M. ANVS Tenured - Continuing Veterinary Sciences Developing control mechanisms for diseases affecting range livestock. High desert Agriculture production Tittiger, C. BMB Tenured - Continuing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Control of bark beetles using pheromones Sustainable high desert ecosystem 59

73 Allocation of Faculty Resources to Teaching and Research Priorities (2012/2013), continued Faculty Name Dept. Position Status FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta. FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Area of Research Emphasis College Priority Supported Walker, M. NRES Tenured - Continuing Department Chair Ecohydrology Non-point source management for public drinking water protection; risk assessment and modeling for water supply protection. Removal of uranium and biological contaminants from rural water sources. Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Walker, R. NRES Tenured - Continuing Forest Management and Ecology Forest health as impacted by wildfire. Sustainable high desert ecosystem Weisberg, P NRES Tenured - Continuing Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management Effects of grazing on seasonal wetlands and vernal pools. Alternative agriculture and vegetation management. Impact on Sage Grouse of fire and fuels management in pinyon juniper woodland. Impact of climate change on reducing wildfire risk. Historical land use and nutrient cycling at Lake Tahoe. High desert agriculture production Sustainable high desert ecosystem 60

74 Faculty Positions Approved for Hire, Requests for Position Reinstatement or Replacement, and Requests for New Positions Faculty Name Protein Biochemist Dept. Position Status FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta. BMB Position Approved FTE - Other Degree Program Supported Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Area of Research Emphasis Plant resistance to abiotic stress College Priority Supported High desert agriculture production Metabolic Regulation BMB Position Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Shintani Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Alternative crops biofuels from native plant species High desert agriculture production Molecular Genetics BMB Position Request Reinstate Position (Mittler) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biofuel production from native and introduced plants; plant resistance to abiotic stress High desert agriculture production Insect Biochemist BMB Position Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Schooley Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Control of bark beetles using biochemical pathways Sustainable high desert ecosystem Plant Biochemist Fire Ecologist Range soils BMB NRES NRES Position Request Replacement for Dr. B. Welch Position Request Reinstate Position Approved Replacement for Dr. D. Johnson Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Biotechnology Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management Environmental Science; Rangeland Ecology and Management; Ecohydrology; Forest Management and Ecology Biochemistry of plants that produce specific products related to biomaterials, nutrition, and pharmacy. Role of fire on ecosystem sustainability, impact of fire intensity on site restoration Role of soil in ecosystem sustainability; impact of disturbance phenomenon on restoration High desert agriculture production Sustainable high desert ecosystem Sustainable high desert ecosystem Agriculture Soils NRES Position Approved Replacement for Dr. W. Miller Environmental Science; Agriculture Science Soil factors impacting plant production and food product nutrition; contaminant occurrence and movement High desert agriculture production Population Ecologist NRES Position Request New Position Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Dynamics of wild populations including predator -prey, harvest impact, density dependence, and natural cycles. Sustainable high desert ecosystem 61

75 Faculty Positions Approved for Hire, Requests for Position Reinstatement or Replacement, and Requests for New Positions, continued Faculty Name Large Ungulate Nutrition Large Animal Veterinarian Nutritional Epidemiologist Dept. ANVS ANVS ANVS Position Status New position approved; search initiated Position Request Reinstate Position New Position Approved FTE - RI FTE - Exp. Sta FTE - Other 1.00 Degree Program Supported Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangland Ecology and Management Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangland Ecology and Management Nutrition; Agriculture Sciences Area of Research Emphasis Impact of range and pasture management on animal health and productivity. Impact of large animal health and disease on animal production and animal food products. Public health issues as impacted by human nutrition and diet College Priority Supported High desert agriculture production High desert agriculture production Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet Production Plant Scientist Food Safety Scientist ANVS ANVS Position Request Reinstate Position Position Request New Position 1.00 Agriculture Sciences Impact of cultural practices on plant productivity, water efficiency, and commercial success. Agriculture Sciences; Veterinary Sciences; Rangland Ecology and Management Food safety as impacted by all phases of food delivery including production, processing, and marketing High desert Agriculture production Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet 62

76 NAES Allocation of FTE to Priority Areas 24% 32% High desert agriculture production Sustainable high desert ecosystem Improved health through environmental quality, nutrition, and improved diet 44% 63

77 Appendix D Current Campus-Based CABNR Teaching Programs Department - Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science Major Degree # of Students Enrolled (Fall 2011) Degrees Awarded ( ) Allocation of Instruction Time/ Dept. ( FTE) Department sfte/faculty FTE ( ) First Year College Retention (%) 6-Year Graduation Rate (%) 1 Undergraduate Degree Programs Veterinary Science Nutrition Agriculture Science Rangeland Ecology and Management 2 Graduate Degree Programs Nutrition Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science 3 0 Bachelor of Science Masters of Science 6 3 Sub-total

78 Department - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major Degree # of Students Enrolled (Fall 2011) Degrees Awarded ( ) Allocation of Instruction Time/ Dept. ( FTE) Department sfte/faculty FTE ( ) First Year College Retention (%) 6-Year Graduation Rate (%) 1 Undergraduate Degree Programs Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Degree Programs Bachelor of Science Biochemistry Biotechnology Masters of Science 4 0 Bachelor/Masters of Science Biochemistry Doctor of Philosophy 30 3 Sub-total Faculty play a critical role in meeting the teaching and research requirements for the following interdisciplinary programs. Cell and Molecular Biology Cell and Molecular Biology Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Philosophy 65

79 Department - Natural Resources and Environmental Science Major Degree # of Students Enrolled (Fall 2011) Degrees Awarded ( ) Allocation of Instruction Time/ Dept. ( FTE) Department sfte/faculty FTE ( ) First Year College Retention (%) 6-Year Graduation Rate (%) 1 Undergraduate Degree Programs Ecohydrology Environmental Sciences Forest Management and Ecology Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Rangeland Ecology and Management 2 Graduate Degree Programs Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Bachelor of Science 0 4 Bachelor of Science 85 8 Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science Masters of Science 17 5 Sub-total

80 Department - Natural Resources and Environmental Science, continued Major Degree # of Students Enrolled (Fall 2011) Degrees Awarded ( ) Allocation of Instruction Time/ Dept. ( FTE) Department sfte/faculty FTE ( ) First Year College Retention (%) Faculty also lead research projects and mentor students in the following interdisciplinary graduate programs. Environmental Science Hydrologic Sciences and Ecology Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Environmental Science Hydrologic Sciences and Ecology Master of Science 4 Master of Science 11 Doctor of Philosophy 14 Doctor of Philosophy 6 Doctor of Philosophy 3 Total 38 6-Year Graduation Rate (%) 1 COLLEGE TOTALS Total Undergraduate 959 Total Graduate 69 (Does not include enrollment in Interdisciplinary Programs) TOTALS Percentage calculated on the number of students enrolled in 2005 that ultimately were awarded a degree within six years. 2 Program jointly administered by Agriculture, Nutrition and Veterinary Science and Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences 67

81 Appendix E University-Wide, Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs Supported by CABNR Major Environmental Science Hydrologic Sciences and Ecology Evolution and Conservation Biology Cell and Molecular Biology Cell and Molecular Biology Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology Degree Awarded Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Philosophy Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Philosophy Supporting Department NRES 4 NRES 6 NRES 11 NRES 3 NRES 14 BMB BMB BMB Number of Students Mentored & Support Provided by CABNR Faculty (2012) Advanced course instruction & guided research Advanced course instruction & guided research Advanced course instruction & guided research 68

82 Grant Fund Details Appendix F Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Ashley, Judith NIH 1,495, Resident and preceptor education in nutrition and cancer Benedict, Jamie A. Blomquist, Gary J. DOA - FNS (UNR Sub to NV Division of Welfare) National Science Foundation 98, Rethink Your Drink: A social Marketing Campaign to Reduce intake of Sugar-sweetened Beverages 280, How is pheromone stereochemistry regulated in lps bark beetles? Chandra, Sudeep Cal Trout 26, Meadow Restoration to sustain stream flows and native trout (Phase II) Chandra, Sudeep DOI-BOR 472, Assessing the importance of water acquisitions to health of the in-stream environment, aquatic ecology and tds loading to Walker Lake Chandra, Sudeep DRI through USDOI/NPS 67, Assessment of Benthic Ecology of Lake Mead and the Expansion of adult quagga mussel Chandra, Sudeep National Park Service 10, Assess the impact of warming thermal structure on the water clarity and productivity of Crater Lake (Oregon, USA) Chandra, Sudeep Nat'l fish & wildlife foundation 277, Walker basin project II aquatic Chandra, Sudeep NDOW 75, Marlette Lake ecosystems study: current status and documentation of limnological changes over time Chandra, Sudeep Nevada State Lands 101, Expansion of Asian clams in Lake Tahoe: a risk assessment of spread, habitat choice and potential impact Chandra, Sudeep NPS 113, Developing a long-term monitoring protocol for riparian vegetation in Mojave desert network Chandra, Sudeep Chandra, Sudeep Chandra, Sudeep Chandra, Sudeep Summit Lake Paiute Tribe through USFWS Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Truckee River Conservation District 146, A Jewel in the Great Basin: Fisheries and Resource Investigations of Summit Lake 408, Quantifying ecological responses to invasive warm water fish removal conducted by agencies in the Lake Tahoe basin 29, Emerald Bay Asian Clam Management 36, Assessment and monitoring for aquatic invasive species in the lower Truckee River region Chandra, Sudeep USAID/Guatemala 1,250, Proposal to enhance scientific capacity at Guatemalan institutions for long-term monitoring & restoration efforts at Lake Atitlan Chandra, Sudeep USDA Forest Service 314, Science to assist policy decisions regarding the prevention of invasive species: testing the survival and growth of quagga veliger Chandra, Sudeep USFS 321, Risk assessment of Asian clam expansion and potential environmental impacts in Lake Tahoe Chandra, Sudeep USFS 43, Evaluation of near shore ecology and aesthetics Chandra, Sudeep USFS/UCD Davis 96, Natural and human limitations to Asian clam distribution and recolonization-factors that impact the management Chandra, Sudeep 15, Marla Bay Coldwater Clam removal and population study Chandra, Sudeep 11, Lake Tahoe Large Mat Clam Control and Evaluation Project 69

83 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Cramer, Grant R. Cramer, Grant R. Agency Binational Ag R&D Fund (BARD) Binational Ag R&D Fund (BARD) Sponsor Award Title 66, Towards improved grape nutrition and defense: the regulation of stilbene metabolism under drought 51, Towards improved grape nutrition and defense: the regulation of stilbene metabolism under drought Cramer, Grant R. NSF 892, GEPR: Functional genomics of bud endodormancy induction in grapevines Cramer, Grant R. NSF 7, RCN: Grape functional program income Cramer, Grant R. NSF 509, RCN: an international research & educational collaborative for grape functional genomics Cushman, John Department of Energy 60, Cost-effective microalgae drying and extraction Cushman, John NSF 988, Regulatory and signaling mechanisms of crassulacean acid metabolism Cushman, John NSHE-DRI 204, Task B: Biofuels Cushman, John NV REC 74, Municipal wastewater for microalgae biofuel feedstock production Cushman, John 7,632, Engineering Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) Photosynthetic Machinery in to Bioenergy Crops for Biofuels Gustin, Mae S. Department of 148, Fugitive emissions/hg year 3 Environmental Protection Gustin, Mae S. EPRI 179, Measurement of mercury dry deposition at Florida TMDL and one search network site Gustin, Mae S. EPRI 135, Investigation of mercury deposition and sources of mercury input to four western National Parks and one California State Park Gustin, Mae S. NDEP 927, Nevada rural ozone initiative (NUROI) Gustin, Mae S. NPS 187, Investigation of mercury deposition and sources of mercury input to four western National Parks Gustin, Mae S. NSF 250, Integrating multiple methods to understand the atmospheric chemistry Hg and Hg dry deposition from the pacific Gustin, Mae S. NVREC 53, Municipal wastewater for microalgae feedstock production Harper, Jeff DOE Biosciences 420, P-type Atpases in plants-role of lipid flipases in membrane biogenesis Harper, Jeff NIH 1,081, CA2+ pumps in plant pollen growth Harper, Jeff NSF 390, Calcium dependent protein kinases in pollen tube tip growth Harper, Jeffrey US Dept. of Energy 636, Membrane targeting of P-type atpases in plant cells Harris, Thomas R. CSRESS/NAES 31, Rangeland fires & alternative grazing systems: ranch and regional level impacts Harris, Thomas R. DOI-BOR 354, Wild horse and burro marketing study Harris, Thomas R. Nat'l Fish & Wildlife 55, Walker river basin project phase II econ devel #2 Foundation Harris, Thomas R. NIFA 316, Food and agricultural research policy institute Harris, Thomas R. U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA 140, University Center for Economic Development 70

84 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Hogan, Zeb National Geographic 60, Global Trends in Freshwater Fish Diversity: Implications for Management and Conservation Holcombe, Dale W. Nevada Agriculture Foundation 1, Agriculture literacy internship program Johnson, Dale W. Forest Service 321, Can repeated burning of cheatgrass dominate rangelands be used to restore sagebrush steppe Johnson, Dale W. NSF 74, Critical zone observatories (CZO) Johnson, Dale W. NSF 247, Critical zone observations Kindred, Bo Nevada Agricultural Foundation 2, Work experience for undergraduates in General Agricultural Practices through Internship Opportunities at MSFL Leger, Elizabeth BLM 243, Learning together: great basin science delivery Leger, Elizabeth CSREES/NAES 27, Identifying barriers to successful establishment of postfire seeding in the Great Basin Leger, Elizabeth DOI-BOR 583, Alternative agriculture and vegetation management task 2-4 Leger, Elizabeth Forest Service 33, Understanding the causes and consequences of cheatgrass die-off in the Great Basin Leger, Elizabeth NARI 58, Persistence of native species in cheatgrass invaded systems Leger, Elizabeth National Park Service 91, Determining adaptive potential of Mojave Desert plants to N-deposition and invasion at Joshua Tree National Park Leger, Elizabeth Nat'l Fish & Wildlife Foundation 143, Walker river basin project phase II alt ag #2 Leger, Elizabeth US Fish & Wildlife 26, Vegetation mapping and field sampling on Anaho Island national wildlife refuge, Washoe County Nevada Leger, Elizabeth USDA 71, Integrated invasive species control, revegitation, and assessment of Great Basin rangelands Leger, Elizabeth USDA 20, Persistence and evolution of native plants in cheatgrass invaded systems: implications for health and management Leger, Elizabeth USDA 199, Effects of repeated burning on soil nitrogen and cheatgrass biomass and reproduction Leger, Elizabeth USDA - NIFA 270, A systems approach to seedling establishment on degraded rangelands Leger, Elizabeth USDA Forest Service 17, Adapted Indian ricegrass for the great basin Leger, Elizabeth USDA Forest Service Rocky Mtn. Research Station 73, Understanding the causes and consequences of cheatgrass die offs in the Great Basin Leger, Elizabeth USFWS (GB-CESU) 84, CESU: Vegetation Mapping for Nevada National Wildlife Refuges Longland, William Nevada Wildlife Record Book Foundation 19, Characterizing Cougar Distribution and Interactions with Prey Populations in Nevada Matocq, Marjorie BLM 15, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Mohave Ground Squirrel Genetics Study Matocq, Marjorie NSF 7, Career REU Matocq, Marjorie NSF 18, Career: REU Matocq, Marjorie NSF 467, CAREER: the roles of ecology, behavior, and morphology in maintaining species boundariesdemonstrating evolution 71

85 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Matocq, Marjorie NSF 15, Brandi Coyner: National Science foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology for FY Institutional Allowance Matocq, Marjorie Tonopah Solar Energy, LLC 199, Distribution, abundance, and ecology of the Pale Kangaroo Mouse (Microdipodops Pallidus) in the Little Smoky Valley of Nevada Matocq, Marjorie US Geological Survey 78, Landscape genetics and habitat connectivity of the Mohave ground squirrel Miller, Glenn C. NASA EPSCoR 1, NASA EPSCoR Scholarship Program Miller, Watkins W. DOI-BOR 933, Plant, soils and water interactions Miller, Watkins W. Nat'l Fish & Wildlife 253, Walker river basin project phase II alt ag #1 Foundation Narayanan, Rang CSREES 196, Great basin environmental program Narayanan, Rang USDA-ARS 210, Estimating environmental impacts of conservation practices Nowak, Robert S. BLM 113, Reconstructing historical pinyon-juniper woodland distribution in Central Nevada Nowak, Robert S. DOE 65, Carbon balance desert ecosystem Nowak, Robert S. NSF 258, Building arid-land international collaborations between US and China Nowak, Robert S. US DOE 946, Biotic Processes Regulating the Carbon Balance of Desert Ecosystems Nowak, Robert S. US DOE 1,275, Biotic Processes Regulating the Carbon Balance of Desert Ecosystems Nowak, Robert S. USDA 149, Global changes in arid ecosystems: strengthening US- Asian partnerships in science and education Omaye, Stan US Dept. of Army 106, Efficacy of gamma-glutamylcysteine (GGC) in ishemiareperfusion injury Pardini, Ronald S. CSREES 350, Nevada arid rangelands initiative Pardini, Ronald S. Nevada Agricultural Foundation 2, Work experience for undergraduates in general agricultural practices through internship opportunities at main station field laboratory Pardini, Ronald S. USDA 165, Participation in the USDA Agricultural economics faculty exchange program in Turkmenistan Pardini, Ronald S. USDA-ARS 27, Acquisition of Good and Services: CABNR IT Support of ARS Perryman, Barry CSREES/NAES 3, Graduate student exchange program with Turkmenistan Perryman, Barry CSREES/NAES 34, Reducing fuel load of key cheatgrass dominated range sites by the use of livestock grazing Perryman, Barry NARI 8, A field guide to Nevada shrubs Rollins, Kim STAR-EPA 489, Integrating market and non-market benefits to value ecological change in agroecosystems: an application to invasive weeds on great basin rangeland Rollins, Kim USDA 177, Institutional design for resource allocation and risk sharing among private and public sector agents to manage invasive grasses and wildfire in the Great Basin Rollins, Kim USDA/ARS 425, Economics of annual grass invasion 72

86 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Saito, Laurel NSF 110, Multi-century stream flow derived from watershed modeling and tree-ring data Part of Biondi proposal Saito, Laurel NSF 128, Investigating pesticide contamination in small lakes in Khorezm, Uzbekistan Saito, Laurel NSF/NSHE 364, EPSCOR task 4 climate change Saito, Laurel NSHE 25, Spec Project EPSCOR 4: H20 Saito, Laurel NSHE 2, Spec Project EPSCoR ISP Task 1 Saito, Laurel USDA ARS 105, Assessing hydrologic response of plant communities in the Great Basin Saito, Laurel USDA - EPSCoR 2, Spec Proj EPSCoR ISP Task 1 Schlauch, Karen NSF/South Dakota University 51, DBI Plant genome research project Schooley, David NIH 392, Peptidergic modulation of drosophila higher brain function Sedinger, James BLM 29, Dynamics of Sage Grouse populations in response to transmission lines in central Nevada Sedinger, James CESU 98, Assess population dynamics of Lahontan cutthroat trout in Walker Lake Sedinger, James CSREES/NAES 51, Effects of shrubstep vegetation structure on reproductive success of sage grouse Sedinger, James NDOW 165, Effects of Falcon-Gondor Transmission Line on Sagegrouse Population Dynamics in Eureka County, Nevada Sedinger, James Nevada Waterfowl Association 67, Factors regulating wood ducks in Lahontan Valley, Nevada Sedinger, James NSF 8, REU Supplement for LTREB Project Lifetime fitness consequences of reproductive strategies Sedinger, James NSF 599, Lifetime fitness consequences of reproductive strategies in geese Sedinger, James US Fish & Wildlife 23, Assessment of monitoring data for Black Brant Sedinger, James US Fish & Wildlife 39, Estimation of demographic parameters for a northern common goldeneye population Shintani, David K. ARS 85, Polymer-protein interactions in natural rubber latex Shintani, David K. DOE. NVREC 76, Biomass and biofuel production from plants suited for Nevada's arid environment Shintani, David K. PanAridus 6, PanAridus/UNR Extraction Process Trials Stewart, Kelley Alaska Department of Fish and Game 38, Dall's Sheep Population Dynamics in the Chugach Mountains, GMU 14C Stewart, Kelley California Deer Association 20, Responses of Mule Deer to Experimental Manipulation of Water Stewart, Kelley National Park Service 14, Responses of mule deer to experimental manipulation of water Stewart, Kelley NDOT 155, Effectiveness of US Highway 93 wildlife crossing for mule deer and other wildlife 73

87 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Stewart, Kelley NDOW 30, Potential impacts on mule deer and mitigation associated with mine developments in Nevada (also under 52YQ & 52ZE) Stewart, Kelley NDOW 30, Potential impacts on mule deer and mitigation associated with mine developments in Nevada (see also 52YQ & 52ZD) Stewart, Kelley Nevada Bighorns Unlimited 5, Mule deer and mountain lion populations in Nevada Stewart, Kelley Nevada Bighorns Unlimited 10, Movement patterns, survival, and responses to habitat alterations by mule deer in Nevada Stewart, Kelley Stewart, Kelley Stewart, Kelley Nevada Department of Wildlife Nevada Wildlife Record Book Foundation Nevada Wildlife Record Book Foundation 30, Potential impacts on mule deer and mitigation associated with mine developments in Nevada (see also 52ZD & 52ZE) 15, Effectiveness of US Highway 93 Wildlife Crossing for Mule Deer and other Wildlife 10, Effectiveness of US HWY 93 wildlife overpass for mule deer and other wildlife in Nevada Stewart, Kelley Safari Club 99, Responses of mule deer to experimental manipulation of water in Mojave preserve Stewart, Kelley USDA 149, Mineral efficiency or disease: wildlife as indicators for livestock Stewart, Kelley 24, Habitat use of mule deer on agricultural lands: implications for survival and reproduction Stringham, Tamzen ARS 141, Quantifying environmental benefits from implementing rangeland and conservation practices within the great basin Stringham, Tamzen BLM 120, Plant communities and water table relationships Stringham, Tamzen NARI 30, Cooperative restoration of wildfire impacted rangelands in Kings River Valley, NV Stringham, Tamzen NRCS 79, State and transition models for Nevada MLRA 25 upland sites Stringham, Tamzen Swanson, Sherman W. Swanson, Sherman W. Swanson, Sherman W. Swanson, Sherman W. USDA Agriculture Research Service 100, Great Basin Ecological Sites BLM 10, Synergistic monitoring CESU project proposal for BLM NDOW 25, Synergistic monitoring for adaptive vegetation management in the sagebrush ecosystem of the Great Basin USDA Forest Service (Pacific Southwest) USDA-FS - Secure Rural Schools RAC 60, Sierra Nevada Meadow Hydrology Assessment: Final Revised Approach 80, Monitoring pinyon juniper projects for adaptive management Teglas, Mike NIH, NIAID 70, Endemic maintenance of relapsing fever genotypes Teglas, Mike US Dept. of State 156, Capacity building, epidemiology and risk assessment of endemic and emerging tick-borne disease in NWFP Thain, David NARI 64, Factors influencing desert bighorn sheep health and population persistence Thain, David NIFA 100, Incorporating agriculture into elementary school curriculum while enhancing undergraduate education in agriculture 74

88 Grant Fund Details, continued Primary PI Agency Sponsor Award Title Tittiger, Claus UDDA 398, Terminal steps in mountain pine beetle pheromone biosynthesis Walker, Mark CSREES 176, The regional water quality program in region 9 of the United States Walker, Mark USDA 175, Undergraduate education: watershed focused filed studies in ecohydrology for arid rangeland management Walker, Mark USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service 20, Rapid Assessment of Soil Carbon Assistance for MLRA 03 Soil Survey Region Walker, Mark USDA-ARS 22, Agriculture Research of Mutual Interest FY2013 Weisberg, Peter Forest Service 122, Decision support tools for conserving greater sage grouse during fire and fuels management projects in pinyon and juniper woodlands Weisberg, Peter US Fish & Wildlife 451, Decision support for ecological restoration of Walker Basin, Nevada Weisberg, Peter USFS 66, Management options for reducing wildfire risk and maximizing carbon storage under future climate changes Weisberg, Peter USGS 156, Quantifying vulnerability of quaking aspen and associated bird communities to global climate change Zanjani, Esmail NIH 2,004, In utero stem cell transplantation TOTAL: 3,593,

89 76 I. Plan Development APPENDIX G Main Station Field Laboratory Center for Sustainable Arid Land Agriculture Business Plan December 2012 The purpose of this plan is to develop implementable strategies to utilize Main Station Field Laboratory (MSFL) assets to achieve long-term sustainable education, research, and outreach education goals established by the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR), the Nevada Agriculture Experiment Station (NAES) and cooperators. The development of this plan has involved monthly meetings with a working group of CABNR, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE), UNR, and WNC-faculty; and interested stakeholders representing local, state, and federal agencies; agricultural and food distribution professionals; and local food advocates. In addition, meetings and facility tours to explore additional opportunities for asset utilization have been conducted with deans from the colleges of business, engineering, science and liberal arts. Complementing this business plan is a working map of MSLF outlining optimal uses for each parcel of land based on these factors and CABNR/NAES future vision. Jana Vanderhaar of Verdant Connections, a landscape architectural firm in Reno, developed the map using data collected in the field, overlays of soil, flood, and topographical maps, and input from stakeholders, managers and researchers at MSFL (see Appendix B). II. Overview The Main Station Field Lab encompasses 1,000 acres of floodplain farm land that abuts the eastern boundary of the Sparks and Reno metropolitan area. Located just south of the Truckee River and East of the intersection of Mill and McCarran, MSFL consists mainly of pasture and hay fields for livestock research and education. MSFL is located within Reno s critical flood pool and is subject to flooding on those occasions when the Truckee River exceeds flood stage. The dominant soil types, particularly on the western portion of MSFL, are Truckee and Votaire series loamy soils formed on alluvial fans and stream terraces. These soils present the best opportunity for successful crop and plant variety trials and demonstrations. In addition MSFL has access to treated effluent for irrigating pasture and grassland that can be incorporated as a variable into numerous research projects. Currently 190 of the 1,000 acres are leased to the City of Reno until 2052, and acres were recently approved for sale to the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission for the future proposed southeast connector corridor. Located on the property is Wolf Pack Meats, the only USDA certified slaughter and meat processing facility in the State of Nevada available to livestock producers in a large area of western Nevada and eastern California. See Appendix A for base maps showing 1. Field layout and acres, 2. Soil types, 3. Roads, including the proposed southeast connector corridor, and 4. Truckee Meadows flood plain. 76

90 77 Available Assets Wolf Pack Meats Wolf Pack Meats (WPM), located on the northwest corner of MSFL, is currently the only facility in the north-western portion of Nevada that houses a USDA-inspected livestock slaughter and meat processing plant in one building. Wolf Pack Meats is also one of the few facilities of its kind available to livestock producers in north-eastern California. While other regional facilities offer USDA-inspected slaughter, only WPM can provide the USDA-inspected services necessary to develop a carcass into salable packaged (highvalue) retail meat products. Access to USDA-inspected services is critical for livestock producers engaged in sales of the high-value retail cuts that earn a premium price (past UNR research estimates premiums of 2% to 71% for locally-produced meats, variable on cut and meat type) from interested consumers. Consumer demand for locally-produced food products in general is rising, and meat is no exception. Recent UNR research found that Nevada consumers valuation of the importance of local production, as an attribute of meat, increased by a statistically significant 8% between 2007 and Following several years of changes including retirement of CABNR s meat sciences professor and substantial budget cuts, WPM shifted their business management from slaughter, processing and sales of CABNR s own production herd to slaughter and processing of privately-owned livestock. In 2011, WPM slaughtered and processed a total of 1,074 cattle, sheep, hogs, and goats with 60% of this total being high-value cattle. During this time, WPM provided services to 45 regional livestock producers considered to be frequent customers (utilizing the facility on more than one occasion), with about one-third (32%) of these frequent customers travelling less than 30 miles to reach the facility, 27% travelling more than 100 miles, and one frequent customer who made multiple trips of approximately 475 miles (oneway) from southern California to utilize this facility. During the first six months of fiscal year 2011, WPM turned a profit of approximately $15,000, a vast improvement over the average annual losses of $113,000 WPM incurred during the five years prior. Systems for improving the business management and associated profitability of WPM are currently in development including exploration of increasing production capacity. NAES is developing strategies to increase educational opportunities at the facility for both UNR instruction and certificate programs. At the present time WPM slaughter capacity exceeds the refrigeration capacity by a considerable margin. This discrepancy in capacity, along with the time constraint of holding carcasses in the cooling room for between 18 hours and two days, creates a bottleneck in WPM s production and is the main impediment to WPM s ability to expand. WPM remains unable to keep pace with regional slaughter demand. Producers have indicated a serious need for small numbers of livestock to be slaughtered on demand or short notice. Impacts of reducing or eliminating this bottleneck were estimated in a recent joint NAES/UCED report. Polar King International provided a quote on a separate but attached refrigeration facility with adequate capacity to resolve the processing impediment that now exists. The price of the fully-equipped and installed refrigeration facility was quoted at $111,

91 78 A scenario analysis taking into consideration the additional planning required and sufficient regional supply of livestock showed that the allowable increase in capacity could increase annual profits by over $185,000. Currently the facility is utilized for teaching as source of material for the Veterinary Anatomy (VM 328) and Reproductive Physiology (AGSC 310) courses, as WPM provide the sheep and cattle samples used during laboratory instruction. The TMCC Veterinary Technician program has utilized the facility for the teaching of large animal anatomy and it is expected the UNR AGSC 406 (Advanced Animal Nutrition) course will begin to utilize the facility with increased frequency with the expected hire of a new faculty member in animal nutrition. WPM also serves researchers in CABNR and the School of Medicine as a source of animal tissues for use in ongoing research projects. Irrigation Water Effluent Water The City of Reno and the University of Nevada, Reno have entered an agreement in which the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility provides the delivery of treated effluent for irrigation of a minimum of 600 acres annually of pasture and hay fields at no cost to the MSFL. Through this agreement funds are also provided to pay the salary of a full time irrigation manager at the MSFL. This approach allows for the use of nearly unlimited amounts of free, treated effluent for use for in the irrigation of pasture and forage crops as well as for future agricultural purposes while keeping existing water resources (in the form of unused surface water rights) in the Truckee River itself. This allows for more Truckee River water to remain within the river and reach Pyramid Lake without the addition of effluent water, which although clean, is high in nitrogen and other nutrients known to be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. Groundwater Five wells provide ground water for irrigation at the Main Station Field Lab. The wells are connected through a loop system so if one well fails adequate water flow is maintained throughout the property. The duty assigned to each well varies in regard to the amount of acre feet each well is allowed to pump per year. Combined all five wells have a duty of (af/yr). The two main wells supplying irrigation water for food crop production have a combined capacity of (af/yr). Well water is used for animal and human consumption on the MSFL and can be used for research and teaching efforts (i.e. for crops consumed directly by humans) when necessary. Research efforts in which the use of traditional water sources, such as groundwater, can be compared with effluent use in production will be given priority. Livestock Herds Livestock herds at the MSFL are comprised of approximately 250 to 300 head of beef cattle that includes a herd of pure bred, registered Angus and a sheep flock of between 50 and 75 animals annually. Due to its ability to irrigate, the MSFL produces all of the hay necessary to maintain the animal herds throughout the year when pasture is 78

92 79 unavailable. Irrigated pasture and use of the JDOW field station has diminished the need to feed hay during the growing season. Sheep and cattle are used for teaching purposes within the college and outside the university (i.e. TMCC and NDOW). The animals are utilized in hands-on teaching efforts for students in the Veterinary Science and Agriculture Science majors, both through formalized courses and through special topics courses as well. CABNR faculty strives to include students during the course of their research when the handling of cattle or sheep is necessary. Faculty and staff routinely involve students during routine husbandry procedures, such as palpating/ultrasound for pregnancy detection, hoof trimming and vaccinations, in order to provide applicable animal related experiences. Cattle in the production herd are used for the dual purposes of research by CABNR faculty and also to serve as a source of income to pay for operations, facilities repair and employee salaries at the MSFL. Production animals from the MSFL are mainly sold through auction to local producers that utilize them within their own herds or raise them as finishing animals, allowing for income production without directly competing with private beef producers in the area. Cattle and sheep require adequate space for pasture on the MSFL for grazing during the summer and fall months. Irrigated pasture provides for most of the nutritional needs of the animals during the growing season but additional acreage is necessary in order to grow hay crops such as alfalfa and grass for the consumption by the livestock herd when green grass is not available. Currently the MSFL is self-sufficient in regards to hay production as all of the hay consumed by livestock is grown on the MSFL grounds and does not require the purchase of additional feed from outside sources. Areas on the map in Appendix B, labeled as Animal/Livestock Production and Health and Winter Pasture, are intended to indicate needed space designated for use by the livestock herd at MSFL. Facilities The facilities at the MSFL include a large covered feedlot adjacent to Wolf Pack Meats that can house over 100 animals, a hydraulic squeeze chute and tub system and an isolation area for sick animals. Other buildings include a large machine shop, grain and feed storage, 2 large hay barns, an enclosed lambing barn and a secure, fenced area for housing of large animals used for biomedical research. A surgical building is located on the premises with a fully equipped surgical unit that includes separate rooms for anesthetic induction of livestock species, a padded recovery room and separate laboratory space. The MSFL has 4 separate housing units (3 manufactured homes and a small apartment unit) that are rented at relatively low costs to CABNR employees or students that work at MSFL, allowing for a 7 day a week presence of CABNR personnel. A large maintenance building for storing and repair of irrigation pipes is also located on the premises near the Truckee River. The dairy hill area of the MSFL is the only high ground on the property and is the designated evacuation area for livestock on the property during a flooding event. The dairy hill houses a large, fully enclosed pig barn, outside pens suitable for pig rearing and a second feedlot facility designed for small ruminants such as sheep and goats. Dairy hill also houses a second large machine shop used for maintenance and repair of farm equipment, a building housing equipment used in animal nutrition research such as drying ovens and plant grinders, a free standing walk-in freezer and a gas powered incinerator capable of safely cremating animal carcasses weighing several hundred pounds. 79

93 80 Personnel and Staff Currently, the following positions are funded and assigned responsibilities directly affecting operations at MSFL: Agricultural Operations NAES Field Laboratory Manager Responsible for day-to-day operations and oversight on MSFL and three other NAES field laboratories. Two permanent, full-time staff filling state classified positions. Eleven part-time student employees. One summer student intern Wolf Pack Meats Six full-time employees including 3 holding classified staff positions and 3 holding classified casual labor positions. Two part-time student employees. Hourly employees as needed for facility repair and maintenance. III. Mission, Goal & Objectives Mission: MSFL provides the assets necessary to determine the practicality and applicability of innovative ideas to improve the lives of Nevadans through advances in the agricultural enterprise. Advancing this mission in a water limited high desert environment becomes increasingly important as the impact of climate change affects food production on a global basis. UNR has the opportunity to make history by establishing vital research and development of crops that are drought tolerant and require less chemical input. USDA reported in May 2012 that family farms account for about 88% of production in the US, and that local and organic food production continues to outpace growth of the total US food market. Meanwhile, half of our current farmers in the US are likely to retire in the next decade, with the average age of farmers in Nevada being 54.9 years according to the 2007 Agricultural Census. The next generation of farmers does not come from a farming background, but instead a city-raised generation of people in their 20s and 30s is emerging that choose farming as their career. Goal: With land, water, and good soil available at the Main Station Field Lab, CABNR/NAES faculty, UNCE staff, and community stakeholders will form a strong and productive partnership to immediately initiate the research and education projects and programs described in this plan. The resulting synergy and collaboration will foster the continued development of a much-needed center for drought-resistant crop research and small farm education at UNR with the potential to attract students and researchers nation-wide. 80

94 81 Objectives: Over the next five years, the focused emphasis for achieving this goal will be the following 4 objectives: 1. Increase the availability of locally grown vegetable and fruit crops. Included will be new farmer orientation and training as well as testing production systems both conventional and organic, cultural practices, pest control and irrigation methods, plant and animal varieties, harvesting and storage systems, product quality and nutritional content, consumer acceptance, marketing strategies, and economic viability. 2. Improve the economic stability and profitability of the agriculture enterprise through the introduction of new plant species and/or varieties and animal production systems. Focus will be on increasing water use efficiency and salt tolerance. 3. Provide entrepreneurial and practical hands-on experiences for university and high school students through formal course requirements or cooperative agreements and internships with agriculture producers. 4. Create the sense that MSFL is a total community resource by increasing the opportunities for local farmers, schools, and the general public to experience and learn of the many important and varied activities taking place. IV. Strategic Plan to Accomplish Four Objectives The following section describes the four main objectives as listed above, and how these will be accomplished through CABNR faculty, UNCE staff, and Community Partners implemented in 1-3 and 3-5 year stages. 1. Increase the availability of locally grown vegetable and fruit crops. Included will be new farmer orientation and training as well as testing production systems both conventional and organic, cultural practices, pest control and irrigation methods, plant and animal varieties, harvesting and storage systems, product quality and nutritional content, consumer acceptance, and marketing strategies. CABNR s departments will contribute to the accomplishment of this objective through resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Combining new coursework and research in the area of commercial plant production to support the expansion of locally grown food and high desert agriculture. Maintaining and expanding a human nutrition and dietetics program of excellence that combines a track record of student success along with cutting edge research in the relationship between diet and chronic disease. Utilizing faculty in partnership with UNCE to conduct seminars, workshops, and demonstrations in support of new Master Farmer Program. 81

95 82 A. Small Farm Organic and Conventional Food Production Research Refocused emphasis on sustainable local food production will require acreage to test production methods, varieties, and food quality. Demonstration areas to showcase successful cultural and management techniques for interested stakeholders will also require commitment of additional acreage (see Appendix B for specific specialty crops research field trial locations and the Master Gardener s Demonstration Garden). Additional acreage will not only be needed for actual field trial and plot locations, but adequate buffers must also be established to separate chemically dependent conventional production trials from those that rely strictly on organic production methods. 1. Organic and Conventional Food Production Small Farm Research a. 1 3 year goals: Faculty within the Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences and Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (B. Nowak, M. Walker, S. Omaye and M. Teglas) along with faculty members from Cooperative Extension (J. Davidson, G. Bishop and H. Gatzke) have submitted proposal through USDA (Western SARE) to implement plans to conduct research related to Improving the availability of locally grown, healthy food products using MSFL as one center for production research. Over the next three years trials will be initiated to test the economic viability of production systems, cultural practices, pest control methods, plant and animal varieties, as well as harvesting and storage systems. This area of research provides federal funding opportunities with numerous collaborative opportunities with faculty from other departments and colleges including UNCE and the University Center for Economic Development, and private producers. b. 3 5 year goals: Trials will be expanded to include the relationship between cultural practices and nutritional quality, food safety, consumer acceptance, and marketing strategies for locally grown food products. Regional producers have expressed interest in research studying the efficacy of various plant buffers separating organic from conventional growing areas for small agriculture systems. B. Specialized Training and Industry Development 1. Master Farmer Program CABNR, UNCE, and Urban Roots are currently taking the first steps to create a Master Farmer program to enhance the success of individuals wishing to initiate a farming business or strengthen their existing business venture. This project is a collaborative effort to host, design, build farm demonstration areas, create curriculum, and locate speakers for workshops and seminars providing education to these new and existing agriculture producers. This project also provides the potential to partner with other UNR colleges and divisions to provide appropriate expertise, such as the Small Business Development Center. CABNR s ANVS Department in cooperation with UNCE and UNR s Center for Resource Economics will provide the leadership required for this new program. 82

96 83 a. 1 3 year goals During the next one to three years, MSFL plans to initiate a farm incubator program as a revenue-generating, academic opportunity. The farm incubator is an alternative education model that positions UNR as a cutting edge land-grant university committed to supporting and preparing farmers of tomorrow. With less than 1% of the population farming and 70% of today s farmers about to retire, the United States is in desperate need of more farmers; farmers who can keep land in agricultural production using modern cultural practices that are compatible with environmental concerns and create a sustainable food producing economic foundation (See Appendix B for specific incubator farm locations). Urban Roots FarmCorps Program: Urban Roots is a Reno nonprofit organization whose goal is promoting physical, social, and intellectual development in Washoe County Schools via in-school garden and kitchen classrooms, opportunities for teacher involvement, and afterschool garden clubs. Urban Roots has recently received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish a regional FarmCorps program. In support of the farm incubator and small farmer education program, Urban Roots has received AmeriCorps VISTA capacity building funds to hire a Farm-to- School Coordinator (to begin in January 2013) dedicated to development of the FarmCorps project at MSFL. The FarmCorps members start in September 2013 and will help implement infrastructure and maintenance on 50 to70 acres of land at MSFL. (See Appendix D. for Urban Roots letter of intent and commitment). Urban Roots intends to utilize MSFL for the FarmCorps program as follows: Small Plot Management: Working with University students and faculty, and UNCE staff, FarmCorps members assist with managing small plots (from.5 acres - 10 acres) of land at MSFL for the farm incubator program. Plots will be developed for different functions of a healthy agricultural community and managed independently of one another. These individual plots serve as incubator farms for young farmers and entrepreneurs. Local Schools Involvement: Incorporating regional schools into the program, the FarmCorps program helps to establish on-campus farmers markets and/or CSA programs at schools throughout Washoe County. A long-term goal of utilizing produce from this program to offer fresh produce to the Washoe County School District lunch program would benefit the community as a whole. In addition to using MSFL acreage for growing this produce, University faculty could provide related mentorship to high school students on small business management and public policy. Cooperative Service: In this partnership, the FarmCorps program provides direct service at each small plot/incubator farm; education and outreach initiatives with local schools and the community; support 83

97 84 for Master Farmer certificate programs; assistance with special events (i.e. field days, tours) at MSFL; distribution of produce throughout the community; and development of land and infrastructure for new programs at MSFL. Members of Urban Roots FarmCorps program receive training and mentorship while serving, providing a valuable resource and labor pool to area farmers. CABNR/NAES, in partnership with UNCE, and Urban Roots, will build the infrastructure necessary to educate and support new farmers. Through a unique and innovative series of three program offerings the Farm Incubator program will assist in overcoming the four major hurdles facing new farmers: 1. Learning best farming practices, 2. Gaining access to capital, 3. Gaining access to land, and 4. Securing affordable health care protection. The first of three small farmer educational programs envisioned will be offered in the first three years and is described below: Two-year small farm certificate: This certificate program will not only emphasize best farming practices but build background in sound business practices. Entrepreneurial experience will be required using available land and resources at MSFL to start and operate a small food producing business over the two-year instructional time period. Partnerships and involvement of successful producers will be encouraged. Meat animal production will be incorporated and Wolf Pack Meats will be utilized to produce the processed meat products. b. 3 5 year goals Following the initial implementation the program will be expanded to add the following two components to a comprehensive training opportunity. Small Farm Training Series: This six-month training course will focus on best farming practices and use the projects from the small farm certificate program as well as other trials at MSFL as teaching and demonstration opportunities. Specific course subject matter would be developed with the assistance of successful producers as well as University personnel. Wolf Pack Meats will be used as a teaching facility to acquaint trainees with meat animal production and processing. Small Farm Incubator Program: This is a follow-up extended education and entrepreneurial opportunity for students that complete the small farm training or small farm certificate programs. Under this program, land and equipment would be made available for sublease to start a small farm business. Production of meat animals will be included and arrangements will be made to grow and process animals through Wolf Pack Meats. Advice and counsel would continue to be available along with developed markets for the crops and other products produced. The subsidized subleases would be available for a designated time period after which the 84

98 85 start-up business would be required to move totally into private ownership. Following an initial investment and a limited start-up time, it is anticipated that the operational costs of this program will be covered by course fees, land and equipment leases, and profit from the marketing of produce and other products. Given that the land and instructional resources are already available from CABNR/NAES, UNCE, and Urban Roots, launching this program is more about coordinating resources rather than starting from the ground up. The farm incubator provides those conducting a capital campaign with a new opportunity to engage potential and current donors. Securing a locally grown food supply that is compatible with environmental requirements and fosters a more resilient and equitable local economy may stimulate interest and a desire to provide financial assistance. 2. Improve the economic stability and profitability of the agriculture enterprise through the introduction of new plant species and/or varieties, animal production systems, and best management practices especially those that increase water use efficiency. CABNR s departments will contribute to the accomplishment of this objective through resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Continued excellence as a gateway program for entrance into schools of veterinary medicine with a focus on large animal health. Aggressively supporting the development and expansion of the new range management and ecology program with high quality teaching and research into environmentally compatible livestock production systems. Supporting advances in Nevada s economy by contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce in the application of modern genomics to agriculture and other biotechnical enterprises. Applying advances in genomics research to the development of new and successful agriculture enterprises including the production of bio-fuel. Utilizing an advanced understanding of abiotic stress resulting from world class scientific research to increase the diversity and success of agriculture endeavors as well as efforts to restore ecosystem function on sites seriously degraded by excess disturbance such as wildfire. Ensuring the continuous availability of beneficial resources resulting from the ecologically based management of environmentally sustainable semiarid and montane ecosystems across the Great Basin. Increasing success of efforts to rehabilitate and restore ecosystem function on landscapes degraded by natural and human causes such as wildfire and surface mining. 85

99 86 Reducing the threat to ecosystem sustainability resulting from the pressure of human use. Understanding the origin, transport, and fate of environmental contaminants and developing strategies to mitigate harmful effects. Understanding the relationship between ecosystem stability and the role of biodiversity and species adaptation. Developing and supporting strategies to manage threatened and endangered species of wildlife. A. The following projects are currently active and contribute to the objective of improving the economic stability and profitability of Nevada s agriculture enterprise. Reproductive performance in domestic ruminants Improving range cattle through DNA paternity identification Efficacy and safety of the Epizootic Bovine Abortion agent vaccine developed in collaboration between UNR faculty and UC Davis Tall whitetop mitigation through livestock grazing Mercury measurement in the environment Herbicide treatment to control whitetop Methyl mercury production from irrigation drains Testing new varieties of Camelina developed at UNR for biofuel potential Testing new varieties of Canola developed at Cetusfor biofuels Evaluation of the Economic Impact and Feasibility of Wolf Pack Meats B. Animal/Livestock Production and Health year goals Develop a restoration plan for the year round water course on the MSFL known as the Yori (or University) ditch in conjunction with CABNR faculty (T. Stringham and S. Swanson) that will benefit research in riparian health and restoration techniques (see Livestock and Riparian Interface Studies on map, Appendix B). A plan has been developed that calls for the creation of sinuosity within the streambed and development of habitat necessary to create a healthy riparian zone along the length of the waterway. The project will be used by students and faculty as a living laboratory to test methods utilizing livestock as a management tool to control invasive plants, test methods to exclude or manage livestock movement within riparian areas and as a teaching resource to train students in monitoring and restoration techniques. Once established, the area can also be used by classes such as mammology, ornithology, hydrology and environmental science across multiple disciplines and colleges. Expand research into better utilization of forage resources and development of new/novel forage types suitable for use in the Great Basin. Plans to evaluate new breeds of cattle for range livestock production in the Great Basin are being considered along with traditional livestock breeds. With the 86

100 87 addition of a new faculty member specializing in ungulate nutrition it is expected that increased livestock nutritional research will be conducted to determine effect of native species composition on livestock productivity and meat product quality (See Appendix B, Forage Field Trials). Continue with existing animal health research including vaccine development and testing and studies revolving around the pathogenesis of abortigenic diseases in livestock year goals Expand the forage crop trials to include an examination of nutritional characteristics and consumer acceptance of locally produced animal food products. This will require dedicated use of the Wolf Pack meats processing plant and expanded use of land for determining the impact on nutritional quality related to plant varieties and cultural practices. Explore the feasibility of finishing range cattle and other meat animal species to market weight and quality on highly managed forage pasture. This will require expanded use of MSFL pasture acreage. Involved will be the introduction of new cattle breeds and a variety of grass and legume pasture mixes under different intensities of management. Sheep and goat breeds will also be added to test the acceptance of these meat types in the consumer market. The meat products produced will be processed through Wolf Pack Meats facility to test quality, nutritional characteristics and consumer acceptance. Animal nutrition research related to pasture management and cultural practices will be examined in relation to animal marketability and health. C. Increased Availability and Production of New Crops and Specialty Plants year goals Testing of Native, Introduced, and Genetically Enhanced Non-Food Plant Material The Departments of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in partnership with UNCE will initiate research on the biological and economic viability of native, introduced, and genetically enhanced plant material to create new commercial product opportunities, increase success of habitat and ecosystem restoration, and solve problems related to accelerated soil erosion and site degradation. The Departments of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology have plans to initiate research relating to improving the economic stability and profitability of the agricultural enterprise through the introduction of genetically enhanced plant varieties adapted to heat, soil salinity, and water stress. This includes studying small-scale, season extended, and low water use non-food plant production methods as well as larger scale conversion to commercial production. 87

101 88 Over the course of the next five years, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will increase efforts to develop alternative energy sources through the introduction and testing of plant materials with enhanced capability of producing biofuel products. In addition to propagating and testing plants with biofuel potential, this project may include the development of a biofuels processing plant described in detail under sub-section D below. Initial trials will focus on both introduced and native plant species with high potential for oil production (See Appendix B for specific location of alternative crop research and specialty plant trials locations). Plans to initiate trials, spring of 2013 include the following: David Shintani: Alternative crops (guar for guar gum production; rabbitbrush/guayule for rubber/resin production) Glenn Miller: gumweed (resin production) Grant Cramer w/ Vines and Wines : grapes(1 acre expanding to 10 acres over four years) Jeff Harper /John Cushman: camelina (planted fall 2012) Jay Davison: canola(already underway), hops, lavender, barley Elizabeth Leger: reclamation of fallow fields with perennial grasses. Expanded Availability of Adapted Plants for Landscaping and Food Production Northern Nevada s horticultural industry lacks the capability to evaluate horticultural products for their ability to thrive in this region s unique environment. Because many of the plants sold in Northern Nevada are obtained from out-of-state distributers, nurserymen and landscapers need to identify the best horticultural products for regional consumers. Evidence for this need can be seen in the findings from a recent CABNR/UNCE survey of representatives of the Northern Nevada horticultural industry leaders (Appendix C). Over two thirds of the respondents expressed a desire to work with CANBR and UNCE to evaluate a variety of commercial plant products at MSFL. Of those, nearly 75% indicated a willingness to financially support these efforts and/or provide in-kind contributions; this evaluation service can be a self-sustaining enterprise. Annual and perennial landscape plants will be evaluated in conjunction with the UNCE Master Gardeners in their Demonstration Garden. Larger landscape trees and shrubs will be evaluated in a newly established urban arboretum. These two sites will be designed in collaboration with landscapers and landscape architects to present plant products in a garden setting and function as consumer show places. Vegetable, fruit and turf products will be assessed in smaller tradition evaluation plots. An additional benefit of this University/Industry partnership is that students will be exposed to and trained in real-world industrial practices 88

102 89 that they can use in horticultural careers. New faculty hires in agronomy, horticulture, and soils in cooperation with UNCR and Urban Roots will provide leadership for this effort. UNCE horticulturist Heidi Kratsch is currently studying the degradation over time of various nursery stock and other containers when planted in the soil to determine longevity and other negative and desirable characteristics. This research will have a direct bearing on cultural practices related to nursery plant and crop establishment year goals The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is currently developing a plan to develop and test plant species with increased resistance to abiotic stress such as drought and high soil salinity. While this research is underway in laboratory trials, the next step will be to expand plant trials to locations at MSFL. This project provides the potential for creation of plant varieties that can be used for high desert site restoration following wildfire or for mining reclamation efforts. This project is currently being funded through the National Science Foundation with potential for partnerships with federal land management agencies and the mining industry. Laboratory-altered plant genomes to increase the production of bio-energy and other high value products holds great promise. However transitional testing under field conditions will be required to expose production difficulties and develop problem resolutions to achieve commercial scale production. D. Additional Physical Facility and Infrastructure Requirements To support and fully implement the planned developments to improve the economic stability and profitability of the agriculture enterprise, construction of the facilities described below will be critically important. Grape Vineyard and Incubator Winery An incubator winery is being planned for construction on the site of the old dairy. This vineyard will advance the testing of wine grapes adapted to the high desert environment and accelerate the development of a Nevada grape and wine production industry. A MOU is currently under consideration with a newly formed non-profit organization, Vines and Wines to construct a 10 acre vineyard in the field and vineyard/tasting room on the hill area (See Appendix B for location of proposed vineyard and Dairy Hill incubator winery). Biofuels Processing Plant The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) established the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) mandating transportation fuels sold in the U.S. contain a minimum of 36 B gallons (Bg) of renewable fuels including advanced biofuels (21 Bg) and cellulosic biofuels (16 Bg) and biomass-based diesel (> 1 Bg) by Traditional feedstock availability will likely be inadequate to meet these standards and novel feedstocks must be identified 89

103 90 and exploited. Research programs and variety trials are already in place for testing and developing woody and oilseed feedstocks for their suitability to be grown in Nevada and the Great Basin region. Key infrastructure is needed to exploit potential bioenergy crops available for arid lands production systems and to develop novel, cost-effective processes to create renewable drop-in replacement fuels from regionally available renewable feedstocks. Pilot-scale production facilities would be required to produce adequate quantities of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels for market testing (See Appendix B for specific location of proposed pilot biofuels production facility).. A new stand-alone (or retrofitted) building of 2,000 square feet or greater would be required to house various pilot-scale equipment including: o o o o o o o o Covered storage areas for feedstocks Oilseed crushing and screw press equipment Pilot-scale batch solvent extraction and desolventizing system This unit would allow testing of different solvent systems to optimize extraction conditions for diverse oilseed and biosolids (wastewater sludge) feedstocks for local evaluation. This would provide the ability to identify and remove contaminants to produce market-ready oils. Pilot-scale upgrading system to produce biodiesel and novel fuels Extracted oils will be upgraded by removing free-fatty acids. Both FFAs and purified virgin oils will be esterified to produce pilot-scale fuels for ASTM standards and engine emission testing. Pilot-scale batch hydrothermal pretreatment system This unit would allow testing of diverse, herbaceous and woody lignocellulosic biomass and conversion of these feedstocks to homogenously densified, friable, pre-treated lignocellulosic material also called biochar, useful as a soil improver, as a CO 2 mitigation measure, or as a solid fuel for power generation or for co-firing applications. Pilot-scale process for power generation from agricultural residues. Biochars produced from residues will be processed into pellets, gasified, and cleanly converted to generate the electric power to be put back on the grid. Safe solvent storage areas Finished fuel blending pumps All of the above equipment would foster research collaborations with the private sector and facilitate economic development within the state and region. 3. Provide entrepreneurial and practical hands-on experiences for university and high school students through formal course requirements or cooperative agreements and internships with agriculture producers. CABNR s departments will contribute to the accomplishment of this objective through resource allocation and emphasis on the following: 90

104 91 Continuing to use the animal herds and property for laboratory exercises and ongoing class assignments Establishing formal courses requiring hands-on, entrepreneurial experiences that are included as part of the curriculum for undergraduate majors in agriculture science. Requiring a senior project that involves research and production related experience that is reported at an annual agriculture production conference. Cooperating with other colleges in providing opportunities for practical, hands-on experiences for a wider array of university students. Working with stakeholders and commercial producers to create internship opportunities for CABNR students. A. University Courses 1. Current Activities Twelve formal courses and one student workshop involving 280 to 300 students annually utilize MSFL facilities including Wolf Pack Meats for instruction and hands-on learning. A list of specific courses and number of students served is as follows: Students per Course Number Course Name Course Offering AGSC 309 Physiology of Reproduction 31 AGSC 316 Internship 2 AGSC 325 Animal Genetics 26 AGSC 406/606 Advanced Nutrition Management 30 AGSC 410 Sheep Management 19 AGSC 416 Internship 8 NRES 310 Wildlife Ecology and Management 53 NRES 322 Soils 47 NRES 341 Principles of Range Management 25 NRES 407 Forest and Range Measurements 25 VM 328 Veterinary Physiology and Applied Anatomy 10 GEOL 701 Advanced Geology 10 Workshop UNR Student Association for International Water Issues (SAIWI) Total Students Varies 286 Critical to the effectiveness of these classes as well as other internship and hands-on experiences, is the availability of livestock including a production herd of cattle and a flock of sheep. Maintaining animal herds also provides a needed source of income for the MSFL. 91

105 92 2. Enhanced Utilization a. 1 3 year goals The education goals for MSFL in the next one to three years focus on increasing collaboration with other UNR colleges and divisions to engage more students in experiential learning opportunities and to add practical, hands-on experiences as a component of current curriculum and class experience. CABNR is working with the School of Mines within the College of Science to develop a small-scale ore processing operation on a five-acre tract at MSFL (See Appendix B for specific location of proposed pilot ore processing facility). As of Fall 2012, engineering and designs have been completed and a memorandum of understanding is in development. The site is slated to be in place for student instruction Fall In addition to providing experiential learning in Reno, this project provides the opportunity for UNR to seek funding from the large-scale mines located in Nevada and to promote enhanced relationships between mines and students for additional student internships. o o Students from three majors (Geology, Geological Engineering and Mining Engineering) within the College of Science are expected to utilize this resource comprising over 160 individuals. Funding from mining companies and industry groups in the state is expected to be used to support the majority of the development of this teaching resource with funds from student laboratory fees planned to maintain the facility once built. CABNR is working with the College of Science to identify a tract of land at MSFL property to be used for student's practical surveying and land use planning and development exercises. CABNR is working with the College of Business to discuss the potential for students to undertake the business operations of the Wolf Pack Meats facility located at MSFL. This project would allow students to gain handson experience with the financial and entrepreneurial aspects of small business operations, small farm production, value-added agriculture, marketing, advertising and entrepreneurship. Research is being conducted by the University Center for Economic Development in the College of Business to evaluate the financial and logistic feasibility of reintroducing course work at Wolf Pack Meats. This may include revitalization of past course work or development of new courses designed to reflect the current environment of food production, agribusiness, and meat science. The number of students who may be reached by such courses, potential funding sources and amounts, and a feasibility and strategy assessment will be developed by June The Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Science within CABNR is actively pursuing cooperative agreements with small farm 92

106 93 producers to develop student internships with a focus on entrepreneurial and practical business experiences. Approximately 15 to 20 students annually are expected to participate in internship programs with agricultural producers per year, with the majority of these expected to be completed during the summer months. Opportunities in both animal agriculture and vegetable/crop production will be offered to students in the program. b. 3 5 year goals In the next three to five years, CABNR's education goal for MSFL is to increase the number and diversity of students participating in learning activities which compliment a broader array of disciplines and degree programs. This will be accomplished through incorporating experiential learning opportunities into existing curricula, and to develop new curricula. These learning opportunities will be multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary to maximize the effectiveness of the learning experience and gain cost efficiencies. B. High School Program Connection 1. Current Activities To date, Reno High School has been the most involved local school with students participating in field trips and demonstrations. During the summer 2012 growing seasons, Reno High students tended a small garden plot at MSFL and learned small business management skills through selling their produce to Reno High students, faculty and staff. The students are currently engaged in fall planting at MSFL and request additional space for Expanded Opportunity a. 1 3 year goals The teaching staff at Reno High School has expressed an interest in a more intensive program and an expanded opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the production, harvesting, and distribution of food crops. CABNR/NAES will work cooperatively with University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) and Reno High School to develop a more structured educational program that allows students to utilize MSFL facilities and support personnel to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Local food producers and UNCE Master Gardeners will also be encouraged to participate as mentors and instructors. Expansion of the Master Gardner s demonstration gardens to include participation by students in this program (See Appendix B for specific location of Master Gardeners demonstration and variety trial site). It is anticipated that this program will involve approximately 20 Honor Program students and require the dedication of an acre of property. Urban Roots, a local non-profit that provides curriculum, teacher workshops and support in creating and maintaining schoolyard gardens, 93

107 94 is actively developing a partnership with CABNR to act as a liaison to local high schools. Urban Roots currently works with 9 different schools in Washoe County (including 4 high schools) and is pursuing new learning opportunities for Washoe County students at MSFL and UNCE s demonstration gardens. Additional space will allow for larger research projects (e.g. USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants) than what is feasible at a typical high school campus. These research projects would reach several hundred students annually. Establishing a close working relationship between high school students and adult mentors representing the University of Nevada will establish a strong connection between prospective students and their local university. This will prove to be of considerable value in recruiting students for the entire university. Establishing a close working relationship with high school teachers will also encourage them to recommend UNR as the university of choice for their students. b. 3 5 year goals This program will be expanded to other interested high schools in the local area. Enthusiasm for such a program is expected to increase in the three to five year period. The current local foods movement has generated much regional excitement for agriculture education, some of which is targeted towards youth, such as Urban Roots s work with elementary students. As these students reach high school, it is expected that there will be greater demand for these experiences and for more advanced training than is currently available. In addition to agricultural production and harvest education, future plans will incorporate more business management and entrepreneurial training for students, including budgeting, personnel management, and development of direct marketing opportunities such as on-campus CSA programs. The program also creates opportunity for expanded partnerships if students are able to grow products for regional community organizations such as Food Bank of Northern Nevada or Washoe County School District. Building on student interest already expressed through high school vocational agriculture programs and the Future Farmers of America student organization will increase participation. Also need to include school programs that incorporate food production as part of the formal curriculum. Conceivably approximately 150 annually students may take advantage of this program requiring the utilization of up to 3 to 4 acres of property. C. Facility Upgrades Needed 1. New Teaching Facility The research laboratory and teaching facilities at MSFL are inadequate for the programmatic needs described and envisioned by this plan. A new, modern and functional facility is needed both for teaching and research. (See Appendix B for specific location of Dairy Hill Teaching and Research Facility, the proposed site of a new facility). The site of the former dairy is an ideal location for this investment as the basic infrastructure needs such as power, sewer, and water are already in place. The new building would house a large wet lab, classrooms, 94

108 95 community gathering space, video conferencing capability, and modern smart classroom technology. Space will be designed so faculty from CABNR and the Colleges of Science and Engineering can teach laboratory and field related courses that require hands-on participation from students. This teaching space can also be utilized for other purposes such as public functions associated with the planned incubator winery and Cooperative Extension workshops and educational efforts planned at the MSFL. Funding for the construction of this modern facility will be a high priority on the list of needs for the planned university capital campaign. 4. Create the sense that MSFL is a total community resource by increasing the opportunities for local schools and the general public to experience and learn of the many important and varied activities taking place. CABNR s departments will contribute to the accomplishment of this objective through resource allocation and emphasis on the following: Cooperating with departmental undergraduate and graduate students, UNCE faculty, student interns, Master Gardeners, retail nurseries, and commercial producers to organize field days, demonstrations, and other events to encourage visitation and participation by the general public and citizens with special interests. Assisting in the organization of tours for students in the Washoe County School District and the general public to acquaint them with food production, natural resource, and modern genetics research. A. Public Education 1. Current Activities The following six cooperating public agencies currently use MSFL for research and/or demonstration purposes: o Desert Research Institute o University of Nevada Cooperative Extension o City of Reno o Washoe Crime Lab o Washoe County School District o Nevada Veterinary Medical Association Research and/or demonstration trials conducted by the above organizations or UNR scientists include: o IED and countermine detection and defeat. o Degradation of plastic containers in contact with soil in collaboration with UNCE. o Effects of BP Gulf oil on orientation and memory in migratory birds. Tours and demonstrations for the general public as well as K - 12 schools in the Washoe County School District involve approximately 500 participants (students, parents and teachers) annually. 95

109 96 Public information field days are held annually to acquaint the general population with the research and demonstration projects currently underway. More focused field days are held to inform agriculture producers of the latest advances in production techniques. 2. Increased Use and New Activities a. 1 3 year goals MSFL's one to three year outreach goals include building upon some of the education and research objectives to provide applicable experiential learning to community members in partnership with UNCE, Urban Roots, Washoe County School District, and other regional groups. Additionally, the outreach goals strive to create the sense that MSFL is a total community resource by increasing the opportunities for local schools and the general public to experience and learn of the many important and varied activities taking place. Master Gardener s Demonstration Garden To support the community outreach arm of the University s mission, the development of a demonstration garden will be pursued. At present time, the successful Master Gardener s program at UNCE is without a location to demonstrate gardening techniques in northern Nevada. The location of this garden at MSFL allows for the interaction of small farm research, the small farm training series and the incubator program to take place in a common area with shared facilities (See Appendix B. 2 for Master Gardener demonstration garden plan). CABNR and UNCE are working with UNCE's Master Gardener program to increase the success of home-based gardening by establishing demonstration gardens and conducting classes, workshops, field days, and tours. In addition to demonstration gardens, this project will also include hoop houses, and teaching exhibitions of other controlled environment, crop production techniques (See Appendix B for specific location of Master Gardeners Demonstration Gardens). An MOU is in preparation with Urban Roots to provide a variety of site plans to MSLF through their Permaculture Design Course, an alternative spring break program organized for March, 2013, that hosts students and young professional from around the country. Infrastructure and plans are expected to be set in place by April Estimated acreage requirement is 12.5 to 20 acres for demonstration gardens, orchards, windbreaks, and small farm production areas. b. 3 5 year goals Goals for the three to five year term will include exploration of expanded involvement of high schools, Cooperative Extension s Master Gardeners, Valley Road Field Lab s High Desert Farming Initiative, and the general public in a Community Gardening venture. Acquainting citizens of all ages in the process of food production increases understanding of the requirements for meeting a basic human need and strengthens the connection between food security and American agriculture. Research, education, and outreach activities will be continually updated to incorporate new and innovative 96

110 97 agriculture techniques in partnership with UNCE, local agriculture producers, and regional food advocates. Increased research, teaching, and demonstration activity will increase requests for tours and field days. Accommodating these requests will require an examination of facilities needs for parking and visitor comfort. Demonstrations and trials related to local landscaping and food production will expand to include orchards and comparative turf performance. V. Staff and Personnel Needs Funds generated by the liquidation or lease of MSFL assets such as water rights, land, rights-of-way, and/or conservation easements are critically needed to support the addition of faculty and staff positions. Implementation of this plan and expansion of the beneficial outcomes described can only be realized by increasing the availability of support personnel as follows: Field Lab Manager: Currently oversight of field trials and other activities is provided on a part-time basis by a staff employee responsible for implementing projects on numerous field lab locations. This level of supervision will simply be inadequate as expansion of MSFL utilization is realized. A fulltime site manager is needed to provide the on-the-ground, day-to-day, oversight required to ensure the necessary level of communication, coordination, and decision making essential to successful project implementation. Field Agronomist: Successful establishment of field trials to test and evaluate new plant materials will require the expertise of an experienced technical agronomist. Variables associated with soil types, microclimates, and cultural practices will need to be carefully evaluated to isolate variables affecting plant survival and performance. This level of testing and analysis requires the sophisticated partnership of a field experienced agronomist and campus-based plant scientists. This will be a part-time position. Horticulturist: The development of the Farmer Incubator program, sustainable food demonstration areas, local food production trials, and trials of landscape plants will require the involvement of a knowledgeable horticulturist. Proper trial design, implementation, data collection, analysis, and proper cultural practices will require cooperative partnerships between producers, interns, master gardeners, local nurseries and an experienced horticulturist. This will be a parttime position. Student Assistants: Two graduate and two undergraduate student positions will be required to provide assistance in project installation, maintenance, and data collection. These positions will be part-time. 97

111 98 The projected labor and operations cost associated with these positions and implementation of new projects is detailed below. Expenditure Category Estimated Cost Full-Time Field Lab Manager $50, Field Agronomist (Part-Time) $45, Horticulturist (Part-Time) $,18, Fringe Benefits $30, Graduate Student (2) $33, Undergraduate Student (2) $20, Operating & Start-Up Expenses for: Farmer Incubator Program $10, High School Honor Student Program $10, Master Gardener Demonstration $10, New Crop Field Trials $10, Turf and Landscape Plant Trials $10, Total Annual Expense $248, VI. Facilities Development A. Incubator winery Details of this proposed new facility can be found in Plan Section 2. D. Additional Physical Facility and Infrastructure Requirements on page 14. B. Bio-fuels Processing Plant Details of this proposed new facility can be found in Plan Section 2.D. Additional Physical Facility and Infrastructure Requirements on page 14. C. Teaching and Research Facility - Details of this proposed new facility can be found in Plan Section 3.C.1. New Teaching Facility on page 19. D. Expansion of Wolf Pack Meats Details for expanded refrigeration space can be found under the heading Wolf Pack Meats on page 2. E. Flood Mitigation and Upgrades - Flood events at Main Station Field Laboratory require the evacuation of all livestock including beef cattle herds and sheep flocks to the high ground of dairy hill. In order to accomplish this evacuation in an orderly and safe fashion, several upgrades are required as follows: Construct additional hay barns at the dairy hill to provide a source of dry feed during animal evacuation to the dairy hill Construct new fencing at the dairy hill to accommodate MSFL livestock and maintain the integrity of our livestock research and breeding programs during animal evacuations Construct a permanent chemical storage facility at the dairy hill to protect materials from flood damage and protect fields from contamination Construct a well at the dairy hill to provide a clean water supply during flood and other emergency animal evacuations Rebuild, elevate and improve drainage for the feedlot. 98

112 99 F. Improve Animal Care and Welfare - Renovations are needed to improve the animal research facility, improve animal welfare, and allow for the expansion of research and teaching activities. To improve animal welfare at MSFL, there are needed improvements including: Cover for corrals to provide shade and protection from inclement weather for livestock housed adjacent to the feedlot (along McCarran Blvd.) Construction of a calving barn to improve animal care and welfare during calving Construction of predator resistant fencing around highly vulnerable pastures Construction of a new veterinary facility to enhance veterinary services to livestock including a cattle barn and pen area to serve as a hospital to house sick and treated animals. VII. Financial Statement A. Current Funding Table 1 shows MSFL funding sources from fiscal year (FY) 2008 through FY 2012 (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012) as well as the five year average. This table shows that state support for MSFL decreased substantially between FY 2009 and FY 2010 due to economic conditions, and was subsequently reduced to approximately 9% of the FY 2009 support levels for FY These cuts were partially responsible for the $39,000 loss MSFL incurred in FY 2010 after earning profits over a quarter of a million dollars in FY As MSFL has fought to regain its financial footing, it has incurred average losses of $23,000 between FY 2010 and FY In the absence of state support, CABNR and NAES have worked to find additional sources of funding and revenue. Animal livestock sales and hay sales are sources of income for MSFL, but continuing to rely on or expand these sales will require adequate acreage and resources (particularly access to pasture and water for livestock) and the ability to engage in agricultural production at the site. In order to generate income that can be used to renovate existing facilities and help pay for the development of new research projects and the educational efforts listed in this document, novel methods for obtaining funding must be considered. The following section outlines funding methods MSFL has under consideration. Table 1: MSFL Funding Sources, Fiscal Years 2008 through 2012 MSFL Revenues FY 08 FY 09 FY 10 FY 11 FY 12 5 yr avg State Support 244, , ,495 69,622 25, ,941 Research/grant funds ,500 2,700 1,040 Indirect research total 104,114 88,153 30,024 8,674 7,700 47,733 Tower Rent 34,244 38,273 38,273 39,219 45,673 39,136 City of Reno 213, , , , , ,340 Hay Sales - 79,601 3, ,250 18,611 Animal Sales Total 139, , , , , ,960 Miscellaneous Total ,288 1,387 2,376 1,125 Fiscal Year Total $ 736,580 $ 937,122 $ 624,435 $ 594,337 $ 491,960 $ 676,887 99

113 100 Table 2: MSFL Profit and Loss, Fiscal Years 2008 through 2012 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 Revenues Sales and Services Recharge ,604 78,139 48,244 Sales and Services 490, , , , ,089 Total Revenues $ 490,698 $ 643,299 $ 462,940 $ 361,730 $ 348,333 Expenses Professional Salaries 3, ,587 19,436 5,612 Graduate Salaries 378-2,801 7,223 3,882 Classified Salaries ,533 53,448 Wages 81,430 69, ,167 82,905 95,027 Fringe Benefits 3,720 2,241 6,475 13,679 24,770 Travel 2, ,268 1,039 - General Operations 539, , , , ,742 Equipment - 13,126 14, Other Fixed Assets Total Expenses $ 631,108 $ 376,186 $ 501,776 $ 287,061 $ 452,481 Profit (Loss) $ (140,410) $ 267,113 $ (38,836) $ 74,669 $ (104,148) B. Funding Opportunities Funding opportunities under consideration for MSFL include conservation easements, sale of property, sale or lease of water rights, course fees from the proposed Master Farmer program, lab fees from agreements with cooperating colleges, and income from crop and livestock trials. Conservation Easements One method to obtain funding for MSFL is through the sale of conservation easements on the property. An analogy of a bundle of sticks is often used when describing a conservation easement with each stick in the bundle representing some item of value associated with the property; i.e. water rights, buildings, land value or developments rights. Each of these sticks can then be monetized and sold to raise funds. The majority of conservation easements are programs in which the federal government, via the USDA-NRCS, or a private non-profit group pays a landowner to relinquish their right to develop the property or to maintain it in perpetuity for agricultural uses. Two different conservation easement plans have been developed for consideration in order to raise capital for the MSFL. The first plan developed by the non-profit conservation group River Partners includes a restoration plan for the Yori (aka Pioneer or University) Ditch watercourse which runs through the MSFL, a rare example of the few year round flowing water ways in existence within the Truckee Meadows region, and a model for funding that utilizes existing federal conservation programs. The restoration component of the plan calls for providing the necessary fill dirt needed to build the elevated roadway for the RTC southeast connector as it crosses the Truckee River from the Yori Ditch channel itself. This will allow for the creation of sinuosity within the streambed and begin to provide the habitat necessary to create a healthy riparian zone along the length of the waterway. The project can be used by students and faculty as a living laboratory to test methods utilizing livestock as a management tool to control invasive plants, test methods to exclude or manage livestock movement within riparian areas and as a teaching resource to train students in monitoring and restoration techniques. 100

114 101 Funding through conservation easements would be obtained through enrollment of acreage along the Yori Ditch and Steamboat Ditch into the Wetlands Preserve Program, which currently pays a landowner $16,200/acre to maintain the property as wetland/riparian habitat and would allow for the use of the property for teaching and research uses. Other suitable areas in the MSFL would be enrolled in the Grassland Reserve Program, which currently pays $12,060/acre and would allow the University to use the property for agricultural, teaching and research uses in the future. Under these two programs, MSFL could generate an estimated $11,073,250 in one-time revenues on 843 acres, approximately 80% of total farm acreage (Table 3). Other easement programs may also be available through USDA-NRCS or alternative sources of federal funding. Table 3: USDA-NRCS Conservation Easement Options for Main Station Field Lab Land Use Value($/Acre) Acres % Area of MSFL Total Value Wetland Reserve Program (Habitat 7900 x 550 feet) 16, % $ 1,620,000 RTC Road Mitigation / Restoration Area 16, % $ 1,927,800 Grassland Reserve Program (Farm & Habitat) 12, % $ 6,271,200 McCarran Strip PUD 12, % $ 1,254,250 Total % $ 11,073,250 A second conservation easement plan being considered for the MSFL is one proposed by the national, non-profit conservation organization The Conservation Fund. This plan would utilize private donations to raise the money necessary to fund a conservation easement. In return, the University and CABNR would agree to sell its right to develop the property in perpetuity. The amount earned from this form of easement would be dependent on the amount of land placed into the easement itself and the proposed uses ascribed to it. Future development on the MSFL would have to be designated at the time an easement agreement is made and any potential future development of the MSFL property adjacent to McCarran Boulevard for light industrial or commercial uses (see UNR McCarran PUD) would greatly reduce the value of any remaining properties on the field station for consideration in an easement with this second form of funding. This plan would take a holistic approach to funding which would restrict future development on the property but allow for continued agricultural, teaching and research uses as they currently exist. The more land that can be protected in this manner, the higher the amount that would be paid as a conservation easement. Sale of Property Southeast Connector Right of Way The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has requested Board of Regents approval to sell acres of MSFL for $7,402, The Buyer is the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County, State of Nevada. The Southeast Connector roadway has been a long-standing priority project for the RTC to increase the transportation capacity in service to the cities of Reno, Sparks and the County of Washoe. While seeking approval to finalize this transaction, President Johnson has also requested Board approval to compensate the College of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Natural Resources (CABNR) for the sale of the land by augmenting the CABNR operating budget, on an ongoing annual basis, in an amount equal to the net proceeds 101

115 102 from the land sale times the current UNR Foundation pay-out rate of 4.5%, or approximately $333,120 ($7,402,600 x.045%). This would effectively provide CABNR with an identical revenue stream had the proceeds from the proposed sale been used to establish an endowment account with the Foundation. Leasing water rights MSFL holds the deed to approximately 4700 acre feet of Truckee River water rights. MSFL has considered various scenarios in which a portion or all of these rights could be monetized to generate income. Nevada water law allows for water rights to be leased if an application is filed with and approved by the State Engineer s office to change the place of use. Recent sales value for Truckee River water rights range between $7,000 and $9,000 per acre foot depending on priority dates. Lease values are not as readily available, but historical data from Nevada and other western states (Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and New Mexico) indicate that lease prices range between 0.2% and 27% of sales prices, with an average rate of 6.0%. Table 4 compares a sales price of $8,000 per acre foot, lease rates of $500, $2,000, and $4,000 and a 4% discount rate. This comparison assumes that under a lease, MSFL would receive the base lease price per acre foot each year. While the lease price of $500 (approximately 6% of regional average sales price of $8,000) has a lower present value than the $8,000 sales price when considering terms of five, ten, and 20 years, a lease price of $2,000 yields a greater present value than the sales price in the five year term. This demonstrates that while selling an acre foot of water rights would generate greater cash flow in the present term, the present value of leasing the rights will generate great income over the long term (given pricing and interest rates). Additionally, leasing the rights now allows for the potential to sell them in the future when values are higher and interest rates more attractive. With increased water scarcity, particularly in western states such as Nevada, water rights are expected to continue to increase in value in the future. Table 4: Present Value of Water Rights Lease and Sale Prices (1 AF) Lease Sell One Acre Foot $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 5 years $2,500 $10,000 $20,000 $8,000 Present value (5 years at 4%) $2,048 $8,194 $16,388 $8,000 Lease Sell One Acre Foot $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 10 years $5,000 $20,000 $40,000 $8,000 Present value (10 years at 4%) $3,354 $13,417 $26,834 $8,000 Lease Sell One Acre Foot $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 20 years $10,000 $40,000 $80,000 $8,000 Present value (20 years at 4%) $4,497 $17,988 $35,975 $8,000 Table 5 considers the sale of lease of 500 acre feet of water rights. This shows that leasing 500 acre feet of water at $500 per acre foot could generate $1.25 million over the next five years, or $250,000 per year. 102

116 103 Table 5: Present Value of Water Rights Lease and Sale Prices (500 AF) Lease Sell 500 Acre Feet $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 5 years $1,250,000 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $4,000,000 Present value (5 years at 4%) $1,024,225 $4,096,910 $8,193,825 $4,000,000 Lease Sell 500 Acre Feet $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 10 years $2,500,000 $10,000,000 $20,000,000 $4,000,000 Present value (10 years at 4%) $1,677,135 $6,708,500 $13,417,000 $4,000,000 Lease Sell 500 Acre Feet $500 $2,000 $4,000 $8,000 Payments over 20 years $5,000,000 $20,000,000 $40,000,000 $4,000,000 Present value (20 years at 4%) $2,248,440 $8,993,760 $17,987,520 $4,000,000 Course fees from proposed Master Farmer program The Master Farmer program outlined in Section IV could generate income through course and land lease fees. A similar program run through the Agriculture and Land- Based Training Associated (ALBA) and Hartnell Community College offers a nine month credit-based farm management and crop production program, for which administration fees are paid to the community college while course fees are paid to ALBA on a sliding scale based on annual income and number of dependents. At present, the sliding scale ranges between $250 and $2500 per student. In 2012, ALBA introduced a new five month field experience course that students are required to participate in before moving on to the farm incubation portion, which is assessed at a $500 flat fee per student. Following successful completion of the coursework, students are eligible to enroll in a six year farm incubator program with a small plot of land (0.5 to eight acres each) and a largely subsidized lease. As the student progresses, they are allowed additional land and are required to pay a greater portion of their land lease fees. The lease fees range between 20% and 100% of market value. A similar model could be employed at MSFL with UNR retaining some portion of instruction and administration fees, with course fees directed to NAES and partner organizations to cover the costs of providing education on a sliding scale to accommodate lower resource students. Land lease fees could be assessed on farm incubator plots in the same manner ALBA employs, using percentages of market rates with fees increasing as students progress and gain proficiency. These activities could take plan on land previously protected through the Grassland Preserve Program. Table 6 outlines potential income from the first seven years of the program. Note that this scenario considers only three cohorts of students; in reality one cohort would enter the program annually in years four through seven, generating additional income. This scenario assumes that the students are distributed across the sliding fee scales ($250 to $2500 for the course work and 20% to 100% for land leases), with weight at the lower end of the scales. It also assumes that in the second year of each cohort s program, students are assigned 4.25 acres each (average value of 0.5 to 8.0 acres in half-acre increments), comprising a total of 85 acres from year four on. Market value for these 4.25-acre plots was estimated at $125 per acre, the National Agricultural Statistics Service s estimate for per-acre cropland rents for Nevada in 2010 (most recent data available). 103

117 104 The top portion of Table 6 shows that based on course fees and land leases for just these three cohorts, MSFL could earn $61,031 in the first seven years of the program. While the students will require technical assistance during the first couple of years of their farm incubation, during the latter portion the lease fees will essentially be passive income for MSFL. The lower portion of Table 6 provides an additional scenario in which MSFL retains 1% of the market value of all crops raised on the incubator plots. Using regional estimates of $2.50 per square foot for specialty crop production and 15% crop loss, 1% of market value of production is estimated as $369,797 over the first seven years, or an average of $4,350 per acre. Added to course fees and land leases, this scenario indicates that MSFL could earn income of over $430,000 during the first seven years of the program. Again, it is important to note that this does not consider additional students entering the program after year three. Table 6: Potential Income from Three Cohorts of Master Farmer Program Number of students Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Total Group A 4 $ 4,500 $ 850 $ 1,275 $ 1,275 $ 1,700 $ 2,019 $ 2,125 $ 13,744 Group B 6 $ 8,000 $ 1,594 $ 1,594 $ 2,231 $ 2,763 $ 2,975 $ 19,156 Group C 10 $ 14,000 $ 2,763 $ 2,869 $ 3,931 $ 4,569 $ 28,131 Subtotal $ 4,500 $ 8,850 $ 16,869 $ 5,631 $ 6,800 $ 8,713 $ 9,669 $ 61,031 Considering $2.50/sqft, 4.25 ac each, 15% loss 1% of production $ - $ 15,736 $ 39,340 $ 78,680 $ 78,680 $ 78,680 $ 78,680 $ 369,797 Grand total $ 4,500 $ 24,586 $ 56,209 $ 84,312 $ 85,480 $ 87,393 $ 88,349 $ 430,828 Lab fees/other agreement with College of Science and College of Mines Memoranda of understanding are currently being developed with the College of Science and School of Mines for the activities previously outlined. While the details of any sort of compensation or course fee sharing agreements have yet to be determined, it is likely MSFL will request fees for use of the land as well as a small portion of any associated lab fees. Table 7 outlines a scenario in which MSFL requests annual fees of $5000 from the School of Mines to compensate for loss of the land (five acres) for agricultural production or use in the Master Farmer program, as well as $1,000 in lab fees, assuming 100 students annually assessed at $10 each. This scenario assumed MSFL requests annual land use fees of $500 from the College of Science to cover the costs of additional student traffic on the site, as well as $1,000 in lab fees, assuming 100 students annually assessed at $10 each. Total fees collected under this scenario total $7,500 each. Table 7: Potential Annual Fees from MSFL Use by Cooperating Colleges Land Use Lab fees Total School of Mines $5,000 $1,000 $6,000 College of Science $500 $1,000 $1,500 Total per year $5,500 $2,000 $7,500 Crop and Livestock Trials There is potential for per diem rates to be charged for land and resource use with crop trials and for maintenance and resources for livestock trials at MSFL. Crop trials are suggested to be recouped at $5,550 per acre based on crop values of $1.50 per square foot less 15% ($1.00 per acre less than regional square foot crop production values). Livestock trials are suggested to be recouped at $1,000 per head. Considering a 104

118 105 scenario where 15 acres are devoted to crop trials and 75 head cattle are used for livestock trials, these per diems could earn MSFL $157,500 annually. Table 8: Potential Reimbursements for Crop and Livestock Trials Rate Units Total Crop trials $5,550 per acre 15 $ 82,500 Livestock trials $1,000 per head 75 $ 75,000 Total $ 157,500 Grants and Contracts, Fundraising, and Capital Campaigns The availability of the land, water, personnel, and other assets at MSFL can be used to enhance positive consideration of proposals for funding to conduct research, demonstrations, and educational programs. Developing committed partnerships to collaborate in the planning and implementation of proposed activities also enhances proposal success. There is strong support from commercial producers, other business interests, and the general public in maintaining the integrity of the MSFL as a teaching, research, and demonstration facility. A capital campaign to raise funds for specific purposes may be successful. C. Economic Impact of MSFL Table 9 shows the economic impact of MSFL and WPM to Washoe County as estimated using real expenditure data and IMPLAN software. The direct impact of MSFL to Washoe County is estimated to be $274,463 with indirect impact of $120,880 and induced impact of $160,184 for total economic impact of $555,527. In terms of employment, MSFL s 13 employees indirectly create 0.8 jobs in Washoe County and induce 1.3 for total employment impact of 15.2 jobs (figure subject to rounding error). The direct economic impact of WPM is estimated to be $509,210 with indirect impact of $349,718 and induced impact of $95,545, for total economic impact of $954,473. In terms of employment, WPM s six employees indirectly create 12 jobs and induce four, for total employment impact of 22 jobs. Table 9: Economic Impact of MSFL and Wolf Pack Meats to Washoe County Main Station Field Lab Wolf Pack Meats Economic Economic ImpactType Impact Employment Impact Employment Direct Effect $ 274, $ 509, Indirect Effect $ 120, $ 349, Induced Effect $ 160, $ 95, Total Effect $ 555, $ 954,

119 106 VIII. Appendices A. Base Maps 1. Field layout and acres 106

120 Soil types 107

121 Roads, and proposed southeast connector corridor. 108

122 Floodplain Map of MSFL (from Truckee River Flood Project, April 2011). 109

123 110 B. Location and Acreage Commitment to Current and Future Use 110

124 111 B. 1 MSFL Legend of Planned Uses Planned Activity Wolf Pack Meats Master Gardner Demonstration Gardens Local & Organic Farm Research Area Small Farm Incubator Fields Grape Vineyards Specialty Crops Research Biofuels Crops Research Forage Crop Trials Animal/Livestock Production and Health Livestock and Riparian Interface Studies Biofuels Processing Plant Pilot Ore Processing Plant Water Efficient Grassland Research Salt and Drought Tolerant Crop Field Trials Winter Pasture Dairy Hill Teaching Lab and Winery Composting and Hay Crop Experimental Plots Description Currently the only facility in the north-western portion of Nevada that houses a USDA-inspected livestock slaughter and meat processing plant in one building. Facility to be used in support of Master Farmer Program, student internships, business experience for students, and research relating animal production methods and meat product quality and nutrition. Demonstration of successful food production varieties and cultural practices. Interaction of small farm research, the small farm training series and the incubator program to take place in a common area with shared facilities. Sustainable local food production focused on production methods, varieties, and food quality. Demonstration areas to showcase successful cultural and management techniques Master Farmer program to enhance the success of individuals wishing to initiate a farming business or strengthen their existing business venture. Land designated for entrepreneurial and internship experiences. Varietal trials expanding from 1 acre in first year to 10 or more acres over four years. Trials of introduced plant varieties to determine local adaptation and commercial viability. Alternative energy sources through the introduction and testing of plant materials with enhanced capability of producing biofuel and other plant derived high value products. Designated pastureland for forage crop and variety trials. Research focused on quality and nutritional characteristics of meat products derived from pasture finished animals. Designated property for research on viability of highly managed forage and animal management systems. Designated property to study livestock management systems compatible with environmentally sensitive riparian vegetation and soil types. Pilot-scale production facility to produce adequate quantities of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels for market testing Small-scale ore processing operation to provide mining students with experiential learning. Pastureland designated for research on water efficiency of natural and genetically enhanced forage and grass varieties. Trials and testing of introduced genetically enhanced plant varieties adapted to heat, soil salinity, and water stress. Property dedicated to determine economic viability of intensively managed winter pasture for livestock production. An incubator winery is being planned to advance the testing of wine grapes adapted to the high desert environment and accelerate the development of a Nevada grape and wine production industry. A new, modern and functional teaching and research facility is seriously needed to fulfill the mission and meet the priority objectives identified. Area designated for research on creating composite including component mixtures, cultural practices, additives, time requirements and product quality. 111

125 112 B.2 Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Plan 112