2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this cooperative research is to determine the diversity of wild bees in the Western U.S. and evaluate factors important to their preservation. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Wild bees will be studied in the Western U.S., especially the Great Basin and adjoining regions, sampling in and out of past wildfires on wildflower species targeted for use in restoration seeding projects. All bees will be identified for calculating their abundance and diversity. Geographical information systems will be used to evaluate bee populations as they are distributed in time and space. For bumble bees, historical records and DNA analysis will be used to evaluate whether populations are expanding or contracting in range, and whether any species are under threat of extinction. Their mortality factors, such as diseases and parasites, will also be evaluated. 3.Progress Report Research on the geographic and ecological extent of the decline of a Bombus occidentalis was concluded this year. This bumble bee was once abundant and widely distributed in the western U.S., but now is very rare. Manuscripts were prepared and submitted for publication. A second year of sampling was completed to determine the fate of solitary bee communities after a wild fire in the northern Great Basin of the U.S. Bees were sampled within- and outside-of large burn sites for comparative purposes. Data analysis was initiated. ADODR monitoring is conducted through site visits, phone calls, and email.