Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has rapidly evolved over the last 20 years and has become a cornerstone for biological planning.  As this technology has become more widely accepted, multiple agencies are applying it for conservation planning and program delivery, resulting in extensive overlap of efforts. In the Great Plains, separate GIS efforts were underway by the Playa Lakes (PLJV) and Rainwater Basin (RWBJV) Joint Ventures, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  To facilitate collaboration, communication and reduce redundancy in GIS data development, the organizations formed the Great Plains GIS Partnership (GPGP) in January 2004, combining resources and professionals in a central office in Grand Island, Nebraska.

The GPGP enables staff from the USFWS, RWBJV, and PLJV to work together and share expertise, experience, data, and equipment while working on separate projects in similar landscapes.  Developing this type of communication network allows for efficient and effective use of talent, equipment, and funding to cooperatively develop data as well as reduce the potential for redundant data production.