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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><blockquote style='margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt'><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%'><tr><td valign=top style='padding:6.0pt 0in 6.75pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>From the Ecological Society of America<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:22.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#016360'>ACTION ALERT:</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#016360'>Ask your Members of Congress to restore funding for science</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>As you may know, President Trump's Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) budget request sent to Congress would flat-fund or cut research accounts at several federal agencies for America's scientific enterprise. <strong><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>There is a realistic opportunity to achieve budget increases for scientific research because Congress</span></strong> came to a <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FWiM8IzFzj-KU744xFWSBXgkNkIAp3ZM0MK9uEuvfi8-WgooOKIwzjj1KKUPesE5p-jG1Zs7A8NQffBSRqNLe3-5MXQezKNcsFr_UgcTUI0ByozenUHweBKIy2alrHAQE4UBQkL6Q4eOZfxzwlJ4llFisT9LMTIA5cV11RbgV5Sc7nhEMG7grpBNXbsE4QAUrmCkwTLPjXXI7JSCUryQo4zB3zXffoskTUS6kFNhWFJ1_dY2jj--q87PfDg3jfm1xNOkKauK0JQ=&c=UsW631PwzPjKRSbCpTiLAmY2wIahmyv9t0SDzTVktodZH462vTbxag==&ch=g9x27DtEQK524bdTdepM3r0uB-FzWUpgOk0LP5h7vubduo0wFWuzhQ==" target="_blank">two-year budget agreement</a> Feb. 29 that suspends the debt ceiling for a year and <strong><span style='font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>raises the budget caps for two years</span></strong> for both defense and non-defense discretionary spending. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>We are hearing from Hill staff that they are not hearing from constituents in support of science funding. If you have reached out to your lawmaker: thank you. If you have not: please do. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>The ecological community is facing many hurdles to see strong funding for science in FY19. Each of you has an important role as a constituent to let your Members of Congress know how and why strong federal funding for science benefits you, your state, and the nation. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>We ask you to contact (email or call) your U.S. Representative and both of your U.S. Senators and request robust funding for FY19 appropriation bills for scientific research - especially for ecological research. Visit GovTrack to identify your <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FWiM8IzFzj-KU744xFWSBXgkNkIAp3ZM0MK9uEuvfi8-WgooOKIwzukPvwZZ52ekqnIdqzGsiSronRuhgfnM35F3DZmm1Bs26sdIgrPG_hToNN8YaDXfRrmDwExYhft-ytdJR2skOxHcJJUkwUXGbCkBiTei09uMDTmFO81FfXvhDimaDcdRCuAN94Uw-Eto1anDNSigIxA=&c=UsW631PwzPjKRSbCpTiLAmY2wIahmyv9t0SDzTVktodZH462vTbxag==&ch=g9x27DtEQK524bdTdepM3r0uB-FzWUpgOk0LP5h7vubduo0wFWuzhQ==" target="_blank">Members of Congress</a>. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Thanks for your consideration,</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>ESA Public Affairs Office</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=4 width="100%" align=center></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#016360'>Here are some tips to develop a short, concise message.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Step 1. Start with a High-Level Talking Point</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Example: Our nation's research enterprise is among the most powerful engines for American prosperity. We need robust FY 2019 funding for scientific research! One of the consistent areas of bipartisan agreement over the past 70 years has been the importance of the federal government's role in supporting research and innovation. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Step 2. Share your personal story!</span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Briefly explain how federal science funding has benefited your research, your life and the species and places you care about. Also discuss how science contributes to addressing local, state, or federal issues of concern. Note the role that science plays in supporting your local economy, in preserving human health, and the health of the environment.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Highlight flat funding or drastic cuts</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'> proposed by the administration to key agencies important to you:</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><ul type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>NSF:</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'> $7.47 billion, 0% increase </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>EPA</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $6.14 billion, 24% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>DOE</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: Office of Science: $5.39 billion, 0% increase </span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>NOAA</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $4.56 billion, 20% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>USDA/AFRI</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $375 million, 0% increase</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>USDA/ARS</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $1.21 billion, 5% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>USDA/USFS</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $4.76 billion, 10% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>DOI/USFWS</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $1.26 billion, 19% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>DOI/USGS</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $860 million, 21% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>DOI/NPS</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $2.73 billion, 7% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='color:#454545;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>DOI/BLM</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif'>: $1.03 billion, 17% decrease</span><o:p></o:p></li></ul><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FWiM8IzFzj-KU744xFWSBXgkNkIAp3ZM0MK9uEuvfi8-WgooOKIwzhN5ysd7sp0eDDGNIqh8kpB2XwdN2zhHANCuU7AWN2FbxtVmaJaLwDzYHpcB9YYVapglYOZ8NGRb7T_v1l02eS_3WLYNoBQqgmw9xU02QTPYkO6WOESieI0a1T01--OZeZjtFQe8iwJ_RHaVu3m6YxvWlLcMw4LgKw==&c=UsW631PwzPjKRSbCpTiLAmY2wIahmyv9t0SDzTVktodZH462vTbxag==&ch=g9x27DtEQK524bdTdepM3r0uB-FzWUpgOk0LP5h7vubduo0wFWuzhQ==" target="_blank">Visit ESA's Federal Agency Budget Tracker for FY 2019 detailed budget information</a></span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Step 3. Say Thank You! </span></strong><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Thank your Member of Congress for their support for sustainable funding for our nation's S&T agencies and ask them to continue sustainable, predictable funding and urge them to prioritize these investments and reject the administration-proposed cuts to science as they begin to craft the FY 2019 funding bills.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;color:#454545'>Visit GovTrack to identify your <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FWiM8IzFzj-KU744xFWSBXgkNkIAp3ZM0MK9uEuvfi8-WgooOKIwzukPvwZZ52ekqnIdqzGsiSronRuhgfnM35F3DZmm1Bs26sdIgrPG_hToNN8YaDXfRrmDwExYhft-ytdJR2skOxHcJJUkwUXGbCkBiTei09uMDTmFO81FfXvhDimaDcdRCuAN94Uw-Eto1anDNSigIxA=&c=UsW631PwzPjKRSbCpTiLAmY2wIahmyv9t0SDzTVktodZH462vTbxag==&ch=g9x27DtEQK524bdTdepM3r0uB-FzWUpgOk0LP5h7vubduo0wFWuzhQ==" target="_blank">Member of Congress</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></td></tr></table></div><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p><div><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>________________________________________<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>Emil<a href="http://plantsocieties.cnps.org/"></a>y B. Roberson, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://plantsocieties.cnps.org/">Native Plant Conservation Campaign</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>415 531 4439<o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><a href="mailto:emilyr@plantsocieties.org">emilyr@</a><a href="mailto:emilyr@plantsocieties.org">plantsocieties.org</a><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><em><span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>The mission of the Native Plant Conservation Campaign is to promote the conservation of native plants and their habitats through collaboration, research, education, and advocacy.</span></em><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://signup.ymlp29.com/xghwwhjjgmgb">Sign up for NPCC News</a>! </b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/plantsocieties"><b>Like us on Facebook!</b></a> <b><a href="http://plantsocieties.cnps.org/index.php/action-main/donate-to-campaign">Donate</a>!</b><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><p class=MsoNormal>Please forward this message to any interested individuals or organizations. <o:p></o:p></p></div><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><hr size=1 width="50%" noshade style='color:black' align=center></span></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><a href="http://ymlp29.com/ughwwhjjgsgbegjwyjggwebbq"><span style='color:black'>Unsubscribe / Change Profile</span></a> <br><a href="http://ymlp29.com/m/"><span style='color:black'>Powered by YMLP</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in'><img border=0 width=1 height=1 style='width:.0104in;height:.0104in' id="_x0000_i1028" src="cid:image001.jpg@01D3BA12.70487210" alt="Image removed by sender. 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