I am a proud ecologist who completed my doctoral thesis at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in 2008, titled Surrogates for cryptogam conservation – associations between mosses, macrofungi, vascular plants and environmental variables. Many of my collections of macrofungi, mosses and even the wonderful mycoheterotrophic Fairy Lantern (Thismia rodwayi) are stored at the Tasmanian Herbarium (HO). These collections include two paratypes for Cortinarius austroviolaceus and Cortinarius vinosipes.

I am proud that my work is contributing to better understanding the amazing biological diversity of Tasmania. I am horrified that the ongoing work to improve our understanding of our fellow living flora and funga will be curtailed by the cuts to TMAG.

Governments should properly support our important scientific institutions for current and future generations. I am appalled that these cuts to science, which are the basis of our knowledge, are being proposed. I support community efforts to stop these awful funding cuts.

Best wishes

Sapphire

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Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher

Fungi4Land & Fun Fungi Ecology

PO Box U42

Uni of New England, NSW 2351

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We acknowledge the work of all of those who care for country.