A vital part of the resource assessment and reservoir analysis work in evaluating the potential for gas production from the western basins is the coring program. In addition to the resource assessment, the program should prove valuable in the resource development by providing information needed for gas recovery estimates and well spacing as well as improving stimulation technology. The USGS is doing the majority of the resource assessment work and has the lead role in identifying areas where cores are needed. To obtain the cores, associated well logs, test data, etc., in the areas of interest, the Department of Energy (DOE), or one of its contractors will negotiate cooperative agreements and/or contracts with interested companies. Special well tests and analyses using computer techniques also may be part of the total evaluation program.