[MPWG] MPWG in 2004 and Thoughts for 2005

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

As we near the end of 2004, I'd like to send a message of appreciation to
all of Medicinal Plant Working Group's dedicated volunteers, listserve
members (the lurkers and writers, alike!), and partners who have
participated in MPWG discussions, meetings, workshops, and field projects.

MPWG marked its 5th anniversary in 2004!
You'll recall that our mission is: To forge partnerships with industry,
government, academia, tribes and environmental organizations to facilitate
the sustainable use and the conservation of medicinal plants.  This year,
MPWG

   fostered increased participation of private landowners and medicinal
   plant growers;
   explored new opportunities to facilitate interaction and information
   sharing between academic researchers, extension agents and private
   growers;
   strengthened existing partnerships with nongovernmental organizations
   and the scientific community;
   entered our 5th field season for our inventory and monitoring projects;
   found new partners in a national harvester network; and
   held one regional workshop, which may be the beginning of several others
   in the Eastern Mountain region;
   saw our listserve grow to over 270 members, including several
   international partners!

Thoughts for 2005
In 2005, MPWG will continue to utilize existing networks and encourage
multi-stakeholder participation to address the complex biological, economic
and social issues facing medicinal plants in the United States.  We have
already identified several projects for 2005, to include:

   updating and reorganizing the MPWG website
   collating a 5-year review of our inventory and monitoring projects
   producing a handbook modeled on our inventory and monitoring projects
   planning two regional workshops - out West!
   producing new outreach materials
   producing the electronic membership directory
   planning the Third Symposium on Industrial Leadership for the
   Preservation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
   producing plant fact sheets with the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group
   the 2005 field season for our inventory and monitoring projects
   potential collaboration
   and more!

Everyone in MPWG has a role here.  Find your niche and get involved!
If you find any of the above-listed projects appealing and would like to
volunteer, please let me know.  I'm only one person here but we have quite
a network of Committee Chairs and volunteers who would certainly appreciate
another helping hand!

Special thanks to all of the MPWG-Committee Chairs for your dedicated
service to Medicinal Plant Working Group - many of whom have been with MPWG
since its inception in 1999!

Thanks again and best wishes for all of you  (us) in 2005!

Sincerely,
Patricia
               (Embedded image moved to file: pic15227.jpg)
Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority
Chair - Plant Conservation Alliance - Medicinal Plant Working Group
US Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 750
Arlington, VA  22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276
Working for the conservation and sustainable use of our green natural
resources.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>
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