In recent years, there has been significant attention on advancing data management in the region. PNAMP has recognized the importance of data management to regional monitoring activities and recognized the highly technical nature of data management discussions. Many groups throughout the region are discussing and working on data management and it has been difficult for PNAMP steering committee members and PNAMP partners to stay informed on details of these discussions and activities. In recent months, there have been many discussions regarding the role of PNAMP in assisting with the advance of regional data management. Partners have expressed interest in knowing what tools are available, initiating a review process for existing tools, and sharing lessons learned between existing development efforts. Others emphasize the importance of setting regional standards, inter -agency agreements, and executive mandates. Regardless of direction, most partners express the importance of engaging in dialog with staff at the local field offices.  Because data management activities are scattered among agencies whose jurisdictions frequently overlap administratively but often divide along geographic and resource boundaries, the group has explored the requirement for a dedicated PNAMP Data Steward.  This proposal describes the US Geological Survey's plan to fulfill the coordination function.  

While continuing its membership on PNAMP-related Executive, Steering, and Technical Committees, the USGS is prepared to support the PNAMP data management coordination needs by dedicating staff to the coordination function.   The Data Steward will have USGS supervision and administrative support as needed.  The Data Steward will participate in a neutral manner to facilitate the data management efforts of PNAMP, and serve as lead staff and liaison for PNAMP in regard to regional data management efforts. As a USGS Northwest Area Office employee, the incumbent would maintain neutrality and interact proactively with state, tribal, and federal entities as well as other stakeholders in PNAMP. This proposal describes specific tasks and costs required by the USGS to provide a Data Steward, administrative/clerical support, and related operational costs for FY2010.  At BPA's request, we have separated out the tasks and costs required by USGS for the PNAMP Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator positions.  These position will be supported by BPA under Project # 2004-002-00.