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

The U.S. Geological Survey and the USDA Forest Service are hosting a gathering of more than two hundred research scientists and natural resource managers to address species and habitat conservation issues in southern California, at a symposium titled "Planning for Biodiversity: Bringing Research and Management Together."

WHEN: On Tues., Feb. 29, interviews with Dr. J. D. Buffington and Brad Powell from about 10:15 a.m. until 11:15 and panel discussion at 11:15 a.m. The three-day symposium runs from Feb. 29th through Mar. 2.

WHAT: Dr. J. D. Buffington, USGS Western Regional Director, will be available from about 10:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. to comment on USGS science support for habitat planning in the Southwest. Forest Service Regional Forester Brad Powell will be available from about 10:15 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. to discuss findings in a multi-agency report on habitat conditions for endangered species in southern California national forests. A panel discussion with local land managers on future research needs will be held at 11:15 a.m.

WHY: An opportunity to learn the state of species populations and their habitats, as well as current and future threats from the expanding human population and development in southern California. The USGS and USDA Forest Service will highlight several recent studies of southern California ecosystems and gather suggestions on what additional research is needed. Southern California provides habitat for more than 100 threatened and endangered species.

WHERE: Kellogg West Conference Center, 3801 West Temple Ave. (off the 57 freeway near the junction of I-10 and I-210), on the campus of California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.

WHO: Principal sponsors of the symposium are the USGS and USDA Forest Service. Cosponsors 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.

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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