Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Norris, Robert M.
- Extent:
- 5.0 Linear feet
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Robert M. Norris Papers, MS-13. Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, C.H. Muller Library. University of California, Santa Barbara.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Norris papers provide a solid picture of the early administration of the University of California Natural Land and Water Reserve System (NLWRS) and its growth and development into the UC Natural Reserve System (NRS). Many of the files are concerned with the role of the UC campuses within the system and the creation of a system wide academic plan as well as campus academic plans. Notable documents include the 1978 Academic Plan, a report by Kenneth Norris called "The Importance of the Natural Reserve System to the University of California," and files on the 1989 MOU signed by the Interagency Natural Areas Coordinating Committee on ways to identify and manage California’s natural areas. Other notable documents include the 1991 "Final Report of the Natural Reserve Steering Committee on Long-Range Planning" that reflects the current administrative structure, staffing, and roles of the system wide and campus offices.
As Norris was the chair of UCSB's campus advisory committee for so many years, there are quite a few files on the establishment of UCSB's reserves: Sedgwick Ranch, Santa Cruz Island, Valentine Ranch, Coal Oil Point, and Carpinteria Salt Marsh. There are also a number of files about non-UCSB reserves and potential reserve acquisitions. Also included are administrative files on budget, annual reports, correspondence, management plans, and committee minutes.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Robert M. Norris was Professor of Geology at UCSB from 1952 to the early 1980s and the first chair of the Department of Geology from 1960-64. He taught physical geology, geomorphology, geology of California, and a field mapping class.
He was very active in the development of the UC Natural Reserve System and served as director of the Santa Cruz Island Field Station (now a UCSB reserve) from 1970-75. He chaired the UCSB NLWRS Faculty Advisory Committee (also called Chancellor’s Administrative Committee on the NRS) from 1978-1992 and helped create the UCSB NRS academic plan in 1979. He was also a member of the UC NRS University-wide Advisory Committee from 1972-1991 and the Management Sub-Committee for Granite Mountain Reserve. Some of his work on the California Desert Conservation Area Advisory Committee is included in this collection.
- Acquisition information:
- Collection transferred from the UCSB NRS Office, which received it from Norris.
- Processing information:
-
Finding aid created with support from the National Science Foundation and University of California Office of the President. Collection processed by Laurie Hannah and Olivia Heir.
- Arrangement:
-
Collection is arranged alphabetically as one series. Folders are mostly chronological.
Access and use
- Preferred citation:
-
Robert M. Norris Papers, MS-13. Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, C.H. Muller Library. University of California, Santa Barbara.
- Location of this collection:
-
University of CaliforniaHarder South 9615Santa Barbara, CA 93106, US
- Contact: