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Where we WERC

Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin

Field Stations

Why we WERC

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Mission Statement

Our Scientists at WERC

Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment

Research Scientists

How we WERC

Scientists use a variety of survey methods in the field

Data & Tools

Explore our WERC

Join us as we discover the secrets of the natural world

Outreach

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

The Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) is a USGS Ecosystems Mission Area operation serving primarily California and Nevada. WERC scientists work closely with Federal, State, academic, and other collaborators to address a diverse array of high-profile topics. Topics include research on effects of wildfire, sea level rise, drought, energy development and more on federal Trust species.

Research Scientists

WERC USGS hat in Santa Cruz

WERC science is driven forward by our scientists and staff.

Research Scientists

WERC Quick Links

Check out our most up-to-date data, events and science.

News

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Water-Starved Shrubs Likely Intensified Recent Wildfires in Southern California

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Remembering Jan van Wagtendonk, who shaped fire and recreation management in the iconic Yosemite National Park

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Diverse Aging Rates in Ectotherms Provide Insights for the Evolution of Aging and Longevity

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Publications

Distribution and demography of Coastal Cactus Wrens in Southern California, 2015–19

Surveys and monitoring for the coastal Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) were completed in San Diego County between March 2015 and July 2019. A total of 383 plots were surveyed across 3 genetic clusters (Otay, Lake Jennings, and Sweetwater/Encanto). From 2015 to 2019, 317 plots were surveyed 8 times (twice per year in 2015, 2017–19). Additional plots were added in later years as wrens
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Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Updates for Wake Atoll biosecurity management, biological control, survey, and management, and integrated pest management plans

Pests and invasive species have been defined as any organism that can have real or perceived adverse effects on operations, or the well-being of personnel, native plants, animals, their environment and ecosystem processes; attack or damage real property, supplies, equipment, or are otherwise undesirable (paraphrased from many sources including 53 Federal Register [FR] 15975, May 4, 1988, as amende
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Ecosystems, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Research to inform passage spacing for migratory amphibians and to evaluate efficacy and designs for open elevated road segment (ERS) passages

This is a multifaceted project that includes three main areas of research targeted to inform effective crossing systems for migratory amphibians, a large group of species which are at very high risk from negative impacts from roads within their habitats (Glista et al. 2008, Hamer and McDonnell 2008, Semlitsch 2008, Brehme et al. 2018). The three projects presented in this report are:1) Movement di
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Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Science

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Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific Pocket Mouse Monitoring and Research Program

Once thought to be extinct, the Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) was rediscovered in 1993 and is currently found at three population sites along the southern California coast. USGS researchers and their partners developed a comprehensive long-term monitoring plan to assess the status and trends of Pacific pocket mouse and identify important drivers of population dynamics...
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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Pacific Pocket Mouse Monitoring and Research Program

Once thought to be extinct, the Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) was rediscovered in 1993 and is currently found at three population sites along the southern California coast. USGS researchers and their partners developed a comprehensive long-term monitoring plan to assess the status and trends of Pacific pocket mouse and identify important drivers of population dynamics...
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Five mule deer stare at the camera as they stand in a field of dry sagebrush

Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
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Ecosystems, Land Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy

USGS scientists are contributing to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy, a strategy intended to provide guidance so that efforts to conserve the iconic greater sage-grouse can be expanded to the entire sagebrush biome to benefit the people and wildlife that depend on it.
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A Yosemite toad looks through a mesh fence, holding itself up on its back legs

Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
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