2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): To conduct cooperative research and implementation activities on restoration of sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands 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 NFCA 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, and define common visions / goals and to develop and implement innovative approaches to resolve serious rangeland problems within the Great Basin. 3.Progress Report: This research directly supports objective 2: Devise management guidelines, technologies, and practices for conserving and restoring Great Basin rangelands. Specifically Sub-objective 2.1: Develop an integrated package of ground-based and remote sensing tools to quantify and assess the environmental impact of management decisions and conservation practices at hillslope and landscape scales in woodland, shrub-steppe, and desert ecosystems of the Great Basin. Currently no research is being conducted under this agreement. However, the Great Basin Cooperative Studies Ecosystem Unit holds an annual meeting to discuss research opportunities within the Great Basin to make members aware of grant opportunities. At the annual meeting a central focus of discussion is defining opportunities to develop regional research teams to develop methods for restoring degraded Great Basin rangelands. In addition, the Great Basin Cooperative Studies Ecosystem Unit sends out weekly updates on grant opportunities and contract opportunities for scientists.