USGS CoreCast

Several USGS scientists are investigating the problem of fatal bat and bird collisions with wind turbines. USGS scientist and bat specialist Dr. Paul Cryan at the Fort Collins Science Center chats with Juliette Wilson about whether we can have our wind turbines and healthy populations of bats and birds too.

(7:30) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (6.94 MB)  

Mercury contamination was detected in every fish sampled in 291 streams across the country. About a quarter of these fish were found to contain mercury at levels exceeding the criterion for the protection of people who consume average amounts of fish, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

We talked to Lia Chasar, lead ecologist on the USGS study.

(6:27) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (6.00 MB)  

Climate change is happening across the entire Nation and is projected to continue in the future with widespread impacts.

USGS Chief Scientist for Global Change Research Virginia Burkett fills us in on a new report that provides the most current climate change projections, outlines potential impacts, and provides recommendations for future actions.

(8:13) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (7.60 MB)  

Attention citizen scientists: We need your help watching the way the world changes!

For nature, timing is everything. So how does climate change affect the timing of things like flowers blooming and animals migrating, and why is this so important?

Learn more, and find out how YOU can help us by observing the world around you from USGS scientist Jake Weltzin, Director of the National Phenology Network.

(9:46) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (9.02 MB)  

Safe drinking water supplies are critical to maintaining and preserving public health. But how healthy is that resource? A recent USGS study found low levels of man-made chemicals in water entering and leaving drinking water treatment plants. USGS lead scientist Greg Delzer explains the findings of this study.

(7:42) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (7.13 MB)  

The USGS and the Coast Salish Tribal Nation have partnered during the annual Tribal Canoe Journey to study and help improve resources of the Salish Sea.

This final episode in the Corecast Tribal Journey gives an overview of the journey, including a look at preliminary results and additional short video clips and commentary as they paddle through the San Juan Islands and British Columbia (in the Transcript section).

Also available in:
YouTube | MPG/WMV (152.84 MB) | QuickTime (42.95 MB) | Audio only (6.13 MB)

(6:41) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (42.95 MB)  

Millions of pounds of lead used in hunting, fishing, and shooting sports wind up in the environment each year and can threaten or kill wildlife, according to a new scientific report.

Sarah Gerould, head of the USGS's Contaminant Biology Program, talks with Dr. Barnett Ratter, a USGS scientist at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and a co-author of the new report, about the ways lead is affecting wildlife and their habitats. This episode includes images and video.

Also available in:

(11:25) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (22.88 MB)  

Water quality in the Salish Sea will be measured during the Coast Salish annual summer canoe voyage, the Tribal Journey.

This project will blend traditional knowledge of the Coast Salish People with USGS science in an effort to help improve management of ancestral waters experiencing environmental decline.

(7:01) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (6.50 MB)  

Heavy rainfall across the Midwest has caused major flooding. USGS National Flood Specialist Bob Holmes gives us the latest information on the rising rivers and what the USGS is doing to respond.

(5:22) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (4.99 MB)  

The Senate is holding a hearing on pharmaceuticals in water, and the USGS is supplying information.

Herb Buxton, USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Coordinator, fills us in on related research and findings.

 

(9:03) | Transcript/Links | Download directly (8.36 MB)