2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To conduct cooperative research and implementation activities on restoration of sagebrush communities in the Great Basin. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): This is a non-funded obligating document that shall not obligate the participating parties to obligate or transfer any funds. The MOU primarily encourages all signatory institutions to cooperate in the overall goals of habitat restoration research and implementation efforts in areas that are highly impacted by invasive plants such as exotic cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and/or native pinyon-juniper. The partnerships will allow the signatory institutions to set joint priorities, coordinate activities, define common visions/ goals and to develop and implement innovative approaches to resolve serious rangeland problems within the Great Basin. 3.Progress Report: This MOU facilitates meeting objective 2 in the parent project, "Understand the ecology, biology and genetic variation of invasive weeds such as saltcedar, perennial pepperweed, and medusahead rye, and their natural enemies" by providing a formal method where ARS can transfer technology to state and federal agencies. ARS scientists at Reno, Nevada, worked with other state and federal agencies to identify the major barriers that need to be addressed to “turn the tide” on cheatgrass. Scientists participated in a meeting organized by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) and the Nevada Partners for Conservation Development (NPCD) on April 16, 2012. Scientists commented on a draft agenda and participated in developing the final summary findings statement from the meeting that NDOW used to develop planning recommendations for restoring sage grouse habitat in Nevada. We also worked with NDOW to initiate sage grouse monitoring in treated pinyon and juniper woodland areas (the Porter Canyon Watershed – details contained within the parent CRIS project 5370-22000-023-00D). ARS scientists at Reno, Nevada, seeded and transplanted mountain big sagebrush and Wyoming sagebrush in Northern Nevada field sites managed by NDOW to compare the establishment rates of seeding versus transplanted sagebrush plants. We will be able to determine which technique is more cost effective on per acre bases when restoring degraded sage grouse habitat.