Research at SASI

SASI's RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

The Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute (SASI) is operated for the purpose of preserving this pristine Sonoran Desert site as a place where educational events including teacher training, Members workshops, school field trips and lectures can be held in a natural environment showcasing native Sonoran arthropods. Additionally, the site is being used to conduct biological research on native arthropods, flowering plants and meteorology.

Founded in 1986, SASI is a member-supported Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about arthropods and ecological processes, particularly in the Sonoran Desert. We maintain the right to select those who will conduct research at the Institute and ask that certain materials of educational value be donated by researchers for on-site archiving and use. SASI is a member in good standing of the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS).

At the present time, due to space and multiple use considerations we can only accommodate a few researchers at one time engaged in short and long-term projects. Research will be allowed only after submission of a SASI Request to Conduct Research (updated annually if on a long-term basis). Requests should be sent at least four weeks in advance of actual field and/or lab work, and should include the research objectives, procedures, anticipated duration, space/equipment/housing requirements, and specific location(s) of the study.

Basic Research which also has the potential for resulting in interpretive materials (such as poster displays, photographs, natural history notes, drawings, identified pinned/preserved specimens for the SASI synoptic collections, video clips, 35mm transparencies, museum exhibits etc.) will be given the highest priority when reviewing research proposals.

SASI leases its facilities from Pima County Parks and Recreation (SASI is located within the 17,000 acre Tucson Mountain Park). As such, all Members, visitors and researchers must abide by all County regulations for appropriate behavior and uses within Tucson Mountain Park (TMP). The Park and the Institute is protected habitat and visitors expect the opportunity to observe wildlife under natural conditions.

It is the policy of the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute to encourage arthropod, botanical and meteorological research by independent workers. Research of a basic nature is considered to be organized study/monitoring that produces new knowledge without regard to foreseeable practical applications. Study procedures must not conflict with the primary function of the TMP and the Institute or detract from the integrity of rich on-site Sonoran Desert natural communities. For these reasons, research in and around sensitive areas (to be determined by SASI and TMP) and areas of heaviest visitor use is generally not permitted except where study procedures are not of a conflicting nature.

In addition, the collecting, capture, and/or marking or destruction of biological specimens must be justified, and in general, are permitted only in relatively remote areas and under special circumstances. Within the fenced SASI core area and the extended 320 acres, the collection of specimens as museum vouchers, pinned specimens for the SASI synoptic collection, and other biological/chemical studies will be permitted on a limited basis with prior approval. Collecting living or dead arthropods for display, personal use or monetary profit will not be permitted under any circumstances. Pima County has established a very restrictive use policy which does not allow the removal of plant, animal and mineral specimens.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS and PUBLICATIONS

Publications resulting from work conducted at the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute should acknowledge the Institute on the title page. SASI requests the opportunity to make written comments to the author of any SASI-sponsored research in the Tucson Mountains prior to publication in popular or technical published media for accuracy of statements pertaining to the SASI site and acknowledgements. All research conducted on the grounds of SASI must fully acknowledge the Institute and its support staff and volunteers in any resulting publications. Five copies of such reprints are requested for archival purposes from each senior author.

RESEARCH and COLLECTING PERMITS

Scientists will hopefully use the Institute grounds to begin long-term monitoring studies which cannot be performed outside the TMP in areas threatened by encroaching urbanization. These studies should contribute to a better understanding of the Tucson Mountain environment and its use by people. SASI will issue a letter of invitation to conduct research following the submittal of the SASI Request to Conduct Research form (see attached) by the researcher. By signing this form, the researcher(s) agrees to accept and abide by all conditions set forth by Pima County and SASI, submit annual progress reports, a final report, and, as appropriate, copies of theses, dissertations, and publications (reprints) and donated educational materials resulting from research conducted on SASI grounds.

The collection of plants, animals, minerals, human artifacts or fossils and other natural objects, when specimens of such objects are necessary for conducting bona fide research (eg. as museum voucher specimens), may be allowed when substantiated by an approved research proposal. Collectors must comply with all applicable Arizona and Federal laws regulating collecting and associated activities, including provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906, where fossils are concerned. The collection of specimens for use in off-site educational programs and/or the development of general study collections will not be authorized in instances where similar specimens can be obtained outside the boundaries of the TMP. When requested, the researcher will provide the SASI staff with copies of any pertinent Federal or State collection permits. Collecting for personal use or profit will not be permitted under any circumstances. Voucher specimens resulting from biological research shall by prepared by the researcher or his/her assistants (eg. pinned, labeled and identified insects) and deposited in a permanent public museum along with duplicate specimens donated to the SASI synoptic arthropod collection and herbarium.

FEE SCHEDULE

Fee schedules will be determined by Staff and SASI Finance Committee. SASI recognizes that separate rates for senior investigators with institutional grant support versus graduate or undergraduate students and others with only personal sources of income should be considered. "Trade-offs" can be considered, ie. a student who does not have funding but provides occasional program services or other volunteer activities which benefit the organization and override the research-related overhead expense of the Institute.

A project initiation fee of $100.00 will be charged. Unforseen expenses to the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute will be reimbursed by the Researcher as they occur.

RESEARCH FACILITIES

Currently the SASI has only one room available for indoor research activities, the Arthropod Discovery Lab. It serves many functions and is evolving as funding is received for equipment and lab furniture. Due to its multipurpose use, including educational programs, conference and exhibit fabrication in addition to research activities, access and use must be scheduled well in advance on an individual basis by the Resident Director. A full orientation to workspace and equipment use procedures will be provided.

The water at SASI is not potable due to excessive minerals. Researchers should bring adequate drinking water.

Statement on Associates in Entomology

A. The purposes of the Associate Program are to recognize contributions of time or research materials to the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute by individuals other than staff, and to engender productive relationships with such individuals. This statement establishes the operation of the Program and the responsibilities and privileges of Associates.

B. The following three categories of Associates are recognized:

1. Research Associate in Entomology. Used for a qualified scientist who is engaged in original research and whose activities complement those of the Institute. This category may be either on-site or off-site.

2. Associate in Entomology. Used for an individual who provides volunteer services but does not fit category (1) as an active research scientist; may be a student. The Associate is a volunteer whose work normally is on-site and involves curatorial or technical tasks at a level that should be recognized.

3. Field Associate in Entomology. Used for an individual who collects for and/or donates specimens to the Institute on a frequent basis. Work is generally off-site. Note: An individual may be appointed to more than one Associate category.

C. Appointments - Associate appointments will be for one year, generally running from October 1 - September 30 although a new appointment can be initiated at any time during the year. The Associate List will be reviewed annually prior to October 1 to establish reappointments and new appointments. Associate appointments normally are initiated by the Director who is concerned with the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute's collection; this of course does not preclude recommendations being made to the Director by other staff members. A proposal for appointment or reappointment will be reviewed by the Director. All appointment letters and identification cards will be signed by the President, SASI Board of Trustees.

An appointment as an Associate may be rescinded at any time, if it is judged in the best interests of the Institute to do so. In such cases, approval of the President will be obtained.

D. Responsibilities. Associates normally communicate with the Institute in relation to their appointments through the Director. The nature of volunteer responsibilities will relate to the Associate category in obvious ways. Thus, an Associate in Entomology may be asked to perform particular tasks by the Director. A Field Associate may be asked to look for particular materials. The task-related responsibilities of a Research Associate will be determined by the individual's relationship with the Institute; i.e. in some cases, a Research Associate may be asked to assist through identifications or invited to collaborate in a particular project, while in other instances, no specific tasks will be requested. Associates may be asked to submit a summary of their relevant activities for the Annual Report by September 30 of each year.

E. Privileges. Associate titles may be used professionally when appropriate. If uncertain about use of title (e.g. in publishing) or other representation (e.g. use of Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute stationery), the Associate should check with the Director.

The Institute will attempt to facilitate the scientific work of an Associate, e.g. through access to the collections. Space, equipment, supplies, and keys may be provided; this will be evaluated on an individual basis in relation to activities, priorities, etc.

The same discounts on Institute publications will be made available to Associates as to staff. The Member's publications and similar materials will be provided as they are to staff. Associates are encouraged to publish through the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute.