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J Recommendations Preserved collections from the VCRB serve as voucher for many RIP investigations and as a long-term source of additional biological and historical information. In recognition of their importance to RIP, we (the principal investigators for this project) recommend incorporation of a new General Recovery Program Support task in RIPRAP-to "provide for the long-term care, cataloging, and accessibility of preserved collections as voucher for Recovery Implementation Program research and as a resource for additional taxonomic, biological, and natural history information." A substantial number of VCRB backlog collections (57% of current holdings) remains uncataloged, minimally labeled, sometimes in non-standard containers, and variously placed on existing shelving, boxed, or stacked on floors and counters. A proposal will be submitted to complete work on backlog collections. We recommend continued support of this effort. Beginning with our contracts for processing 1994 collections (FY 95), we included a 5% increase in estimated cost per sample to cover collection cataloging, catalog labeling, and initial maintenance. That figure will be revised in future contracts to reflect more precise estimates of the time and effort required for those tasks. We recommend that all future contracts for sample processing and projects requiring preserved collections include adequate funds for cataloging and initial maintenance tasks. We now hold more UCRB collections than can be accommodated on existing shelving. We have tentatively identified space near the current storage area for expanded collection storage (a portion of adjacent room 33A or space along the lab's south wall), but additional shelving or cabinets will be needed. Provisions for new shelving and related facility modifications (if necessary) will be included in the above referenced proposal for completing work on backlog collections. Some improvements to existing shelving are also needed. We recommend RIP support for expansion of collection storage capacity and improvements to existing shelving. Beyond initial cataloging and handling, collection maintenance and management is an ongoing responsibility. Collections require periodic (at least annual) checks of fluid levels, condition of containers, and proper organization on storage shelves. Collection access and use, including loans and transfers, must be facilitated, approved, monitored, and documented on behalf of the RIP. Once the proposed project to complete work on backlog collections is finished, we recommend annual recovery program funding of ongoing curatorial activities by LFL, perhaps as part of or in association with the ongoing Database Management Program. Bibliography Hoagland, K. E., editor. 1994. Guidelines for institutional policies and planning in natural history collections. Association of Systematics Collections, Washington, DC Humphries, 1. 1994. MUSE tutorial and reference manual, 7th edition. The MUSE Project, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Snyder, D. E. Draft. Larval Fish Laboratory Collection policies and procedures manual. Larval Fish Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. 17