NOTE: Detailed information about the following symposium can be found online at http://www.werc.usgs.gov/socal/.

A forum that brings together researchers and managers to examine the status of scientific knowledge about the California Southcoast Bioregion will be co-hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey and USDA Forest Service at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Feb. 29-Mar. 2.

At the symposium "Planning for Biodiversity: Bringing Research and Management Together," scientists and managers will meet to discuss their concerns about present and future threats to species and habitats from an expanding human population with needs for the same resources required by many species.

USGS scientist Dr. Barbara Kus said, "Southern California contains some of the most diverse habitats of any landscape in North America with more endangered and threatened species than any other area in the continental United States. Once-extensive natural communities have been reduced to remnants in the face of urban growth."

The symposium includes oral and poster presentations and panel discussions. Research by USGS supporting habitat conservation planning throughout the southlands will be highlighted as will a recent report by the Forest Service documenting the conditions of wildlife and plant habitats in southern California mountains.

As a principal sponsor of the symposium, the USGS Western Ecological Research Center will feature the studies of the USGS and cooperators/collaborators in southern California ecosystems and seek feedback from client agencies on the relevance of USGS research and future research needs.

Other sponsors of the symposium include California State Parks, The Irvine Company, The Nature Conservancy, LSA Associates, Southern California Edison Company and San Diego University Field Stations. The meeting is open to the public, but seating space may be at capacity by opening day. The symposium will be held in the Kellogg West Conference Center, 3801 West Temple Ave., off the 57 freeway near the junction of I-10 and I-210, and will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tues. and 8:30 a.m. on Wed. and Thurs.

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. This information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to the sound conservation, economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

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