Hi,
My name is Christian Commander and I am a graduate student at California State University, Sacramento. I’m very interested in looking at the plant Giant Reed (Arundo donax) and I am looking to do my research in the Napa River watershed. I am very passionate about conservation, and I am very excited about the prospect of this research.

I am writing to ask for your help in approaching land owners for access to creeks and dams (specifically in the St. Helena area) to examine Giant Reed. Furthermore, I am researching potential field sites and could use your help in finding both dammed and undammed creeks/tributaries in the Napa River watershed. I have already researched York Creek extensively, and I believe it would be a great potential research site. My work would not be intrusive, and I would of course be very respectful to both the land and the land owners.

I know the sensitivity required when approaching land or vineyard owners for doing research on their land, and because of this I would be truly grateful for your help.

I would love the opportunity to talk with a representative of Friends of the Napa River over the phone, or in person, to discuss my goals in more detail. I think this research would be a great opportunity, and I believe that your organization could greatly help me in my work. Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

~Christian

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Christian J. C. Commander
B.S., Animal Biology – University of California, Davis
M.S. student, Biological Conservation – California State University, Sacramento