Planning for two improvements is now underway. Both require outside grants.
     First, we are writing a grant to the National Science Foundation to remove the Ranch House garage and build a modular meeting room. This rooms will be about 32' x 30' and will provide the first room at Hastings large enough and designed for a group meeting. We will include a small restroom and kitchen so groups can fix meals. The proposal is due in March of 2003.
     Second, a proposal has been written to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners in Wildlife Program to build four 1,000 square foot shallow ponds for amphibian research along Big Creek. Using storm flow and a small diversion structure, with about 1,500 feet of pipe, we hope to build the structures in 2003. We are seeking matching money from the Carmel River Watershed Council. This will be a demonstration of a restored wetland (vernal pool) complex, and a new research facility for Hastings.
     The new propane heaters in the Robertson House are keeping the interns warm and giving them a few extra hours each day that would otherwise have gone to hauling firewood and building fires. Our new Skycasters system came through the storms without damage. And we had the job announcement for a trail builder posted and Chris Reed applied through UC. We hope to keep that project moving along.
     Mark Johnson has been busy with the usual car repairs, gutters, culverts, etc. All part of keeping the 26 buildings running.