The LTRAS Executive Committee met 24 May 2000. Present were Ford Denison, Dennis Bryant, Ted Hsiao, Louise Jackson, and Richard Plant. A more systematic approach to approving research at the site was discussed, with the aim of increasing the number of faculty members using the site over the long term. There was some skepticism about whether current procedures are a significant impediment, relative to lack of funding. But we agreed that it would be worthwhile to distinguish between categories of research, based on the potential for short- and long-term interference on other research at the site, with a simpler approval process for low-impact activities. After some discussion, we agreed to define appropriate activities for different areas of each plot, as shown below. Approval of low-impact sampling (e.g., Oakfield core samples to 30 cm, or leaf/petiole sampling), in the low-impact sampling areas shown at left, would only require filling out the first part of a revised Research Authorization Form (perhaps on the web), and would normally be approved by the Director without consulting the Executive Committee. To minimize effects on neutron probe access areas (marked X) and on adjacent subplot and yield-monitoring areas, foot traffic through the low-impact sampling areas would be directed along the four furrows marked with dark arrows. Forty subplots, each 15x15 ft, were defined per plot; examples are shown at left. Any nonuniform treatments (e.g., supplemental fertilizer) would be confined to subplots. It was noted that not all of our farm equipment is 15 ft wide, and the exact location of beds varies somewhat among years, so our ability to apply such treatments will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. The subplots could also be used for other high-impact research activities, e.g., excavation of roots or removal of large diameter cores. The Executive Committee retains the responsibility for allocating subplots to co-PI’s and approving any high-impact research activities within them. It was agreed that subplots be paired when possible, in such a way that paired plots have the same treatment history. The co-PI to whom a subplot is currently assigned could authorize low-impact activities (defined as those activities on the "automatic approve" list for the low-impact sampling area) in their subplot without consulting the Director, subject to field-access restrictions that may be imposed by the Associate Director based on wet conditions, pesticide exclusion periods, etc. We did not have time to discuss whether there should be some lifetime limit on the number of subplots assigned to an individual co-PI., nor whether there should be a subplot rental charge, in addition to any costs for subplot-specific work by LTRAS staff.