[SOS-PCA] May SOS Call Notes

[Haidet, Margaret (Megan)]

*** Please note, due to SOS training courses for the next two weeks, the
June call will be postponed until June 21st, 2016*

SOS Collectors’ Call Notes

May 3, 2016

There were 39 participants on the call.

The SOS Listserve is the primary means for communicating with SOS
Collectors. This list provides information about seed collection, training
opportunities, new articles as well as notifications for the monthly SOS
Collectors’ Calls.

Collectors’ Calls occur on the first Tuesday of each month. Calls are for
current SOS collection teams, interns, and mentors. You will be notified
about these calls via the listserve. Notes from the calls will be posted
over the list. Please contact me if you need the call in phone number and
passcode. The phone number and passcode remain the same each month.

All new collectors should read become familiar with the SOS Technical
Protocol (
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/fish__wildlife_and/plants/seeds_of_success/protocol.html).
Training sessions are held each spring to train new collectors and interns
in the SOS Protocol. There is an expectation that all collectors will
attend an SOS training workshop. This includes interns and any contractors
that are hired by a BLM office.

Planning for 2016 collections

**** Please send* *estimated total number of collections* to be made in
2016 and your *targeted species lists *to National Coordinating Office –
These priorities are set at the office, state and ecoregional level. This
information is critical in helping us plan for and budget processing and
storage requirements.

SOS Resources

-          Website (http://www.blm.gov/sos) including how to guides,
Protocol, etc. We know the search function is down.  It will be replaced
rather than repaired.

-          Listserve – All collectors are encouraged to join the listserve
so they may stay informed with SOS announcements and collectors’ calls.
Please forward this information to those who may not already be on the SOS
list.

-          National Coordinating Office – If you have any questions that
cannot be answered by looking at the website, feel free to contact Megan
Haidet, SOS National Collection Curator (mahaidet at blm.gov, 202-912-7233)

SOS Data

-          Each SOS seed collection should be accompanied by a fully
executed data sheet

-          The web-based data entry portal will be released soon.  Webinar
training opportunities will be announced over the SOS list.

-          Seed Collection Reference Number is Important – Each SOS
collection is given a binomial code that is used as the primary identifier
of the unique seed lot. Each seed collection reference number must be
formatted correctly to maintain consistency in SOS collections. Please
note  OR010-17 would be the 17th collection for the SOS team in Lakeview,
Oregon, which has a collector code of OR010

-          Send first couple of data sheets to Megan for review for accuracy



Tips for making quality native, wild land seed collections:

-       Try not to collect form seeded areas, talk to local specialists,
ES&R, DOT, etc. that may know about the seeding history at your collection
site

-       Do cut tests throughout the population to ensure seed is at peak
maturity

-       Overestimate the number of plants you think you should collect
from. Count the number of seed per plant and multiply out to get to 10,000+
seed.

-       Data forms should be completely filled out; there are no optional
data fields.

-       Package and label material well – roll over, tape and/or staple
paper bags.

-       You may ship multiple collections in a single box.

Low Balance Lots – An email was sent out to teams that made collections
with low balances in 2015. This seed is being offered back to the original
collection teams.

No pest strips – All seed lots should be exposed to No Pest Strips for at
least 48 hours to prevent damage to seed. We also want to minimize the risk
to folks that are . Keep the pest strips in as long as necessary, if you
see insects after 48 hours.

Updates from the Smithsonian Institution –

Don’t forget to include a transmittal form which transfer or gift your
voucher specimens to SI.

All plants should be prepared to fit on the correct size of an herbarium
sheet (11x16).

Include labels, but not data forms

Update from the Bend Seed Extractory –

They have finished cleaning all SOS lots from 2015 so they are prepared to
begin cleaning 2016 lots right away. They are however operating with a
limited staff until later this summer so please do not request back
material prior to August 15, 2016.
Megan Haidet
Seeds of Success
National Collection Curator
202-912-7233

www.blm.gov/sos
www.blm.gov/seedstrategy
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