and experimental approach being used to test management strategies. Forest Service, NRCS and TNC personnel have worked with the Malpai ranchers for nearly two decades. In both study areas, collaborative efforts emerged out of group discussions and have not been handed down by an agency or scientist (Kay 2012). Interviewees in both groups identified that one reason they have continued their involvement over time is because they feel like the groups have been successful at getting things done (Kay 2012). With the Malpai, their combination of small, shortterm work in combination with their long-term monitoring and science projects helps keep their momentum (and investors) going (Kay 2012). At Las Cienegas, some stakeholders have identified that they feel like they can get more done in the Sonoita Valley than with their other projects, and that is one reason they have stayed involved (Kay 2012). The groups have also managed to finance their projects for several years. The 10-year SBEM grant enabled several research projects to take place in the Borderlands, and grant-writers for this project attribute the collaboration across sectors and interests as critical to winning the grant (Gottfried and Edminster 2005). Sharing resources between organizations, a strong network of public, private and non-profit organizations, supplemented with grants and university partnerships has strengthened the financial and personnel network of the Malpai. Similarly, with Las Cienegas, the partnership, personnel and financial resources from various organizations has helped to support efforts there. At the same time, absence of consistent funding puts long-term monitoring and experimental projects at risk of ending. For the Malpai, lack of grant and donor money has halted long-term monitoring for the past few years. Loss of money also contributed to the ending of the McKinney Flats project. At Las Cienegas, removal of invasive species largely relies on grant money. These groups should be concerned with the absence of a secure long-term source of funding.
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