Review of Completed Natural Resource Projects
	
The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) is in the process of organizing a peer review of 18 recently completed research projects from FY96-97.  A list of these projects is included in the attached file.  Further information about the LCMR, the Commission's funding sources, and past projects supported can be obtained from the LCMR web page (http://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcmr/lcmr.htm)

        We are seeking individuals who would be willing to review projects by mail within the next few months.  Our goal in the review is to obtain an interdisciplinary review of the 18 completed research projects.  The review will provide project managers with feedback on methodologies and outcomes, and also provide the Commission with expert opinions about next steps and potential priorities for future LCMR-funded research.

If your schedule permits and you are interested in participating in our review process, please respond to me at our e-mail address ([log in to unmask]) regarding your availability, your areas of expertise, and specific project interests.  Please include a brief paragraph describing your professional experience and qualifications that would make you a good candidate for our review process.  Alternatively, you can send a one page CV, or resume.  Reviewers may receive a $55.00 per diem for each days work.

        Future Review
	
The LCMR is also in the process of initially reviewing proposals for funding in FY00-01.  Our intent is to convene several peer review panels in Fall 1998 to review research projects initially selected for funding.  These panels will meet in St. Paul, MN.  Each panel will receive presentations from project managers to enable firsthand discussions of the proposals.  The goal of this review will be to provide project managers feedback on their proposed workprogram and to provide the LCMR members with expert opinions about the projects before funding decisions are finalized.  The panel will not be asked to rank or recommend projects.  A similar per diem and reimbursement of expenses, including travel costs, will be offered for members of these review panels. If you are interested in participating in this process, please indicate so in your response.

Thank you for your time and consideration.  I look forward to hearing from interested individuals in the near future.

Susan Thornton
Manager of Research and Planning
(612) * 296 - 2406
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