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By Alaska Science Center January 28, 2025

This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and National Park Service staff address priority research needs identified by the National Park Service.  On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.

Return to Ecosystems >> Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs

National Park Service priorities change annually through this program and results of past studies can be found under Data and Publications on this page. 

For 2025, the USGS is focusing on the following science needs identified by the National Park Service Alaska Region:

  • Analysis of genetic variation in wolves from Denali National Park and Preserve and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska
  • Aquatic ecosystem impacts from metal mobilization to Arctic rivers
  • Hydrologic status and influence of climate change and glacier loss in the Taiya River Watershed at Klondike Gold Rush NHP and Dyea and Chilkoot Trail 
  • Video collar analysis of seasonal behavioral, habitat, and dietary patterns of caribou in the Western Arctic Herd
  • Bark beetles as ecosystem engineers: Effects of spruce mortality on fire behavior and insect biodiversity in Denali National Park and Preserve
  • Establish baseline of Alaska small-mammal population dynamics prior to Ambler Road development to assess potential future impacts

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Elodea spp. on a rake in Sand Lake in Anchorage, Alaska

Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
Learn More

Limnological Data from Experimental Exposure of Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to Elodea in a High Latitude Lake Limnological Data from Experimental Exposure of Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to Elodea in a High Latitude Lake

This dataset provides nine tables of data from an experimental study in which juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were reared in floating net pens (limnocorrals) and exposed to Elodea spp. (a potential invasive species in high latititude lakes) and native aquatic vegetation. Data include: (1) coho salmon body, otolith, and stable isotope measurements, (2) abundance of...
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.
Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park
Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park
Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

USGS biologists Steve Matsuoka, Lauren Hitt, and Rachel Richardson search for landbird nests in Denali National Park. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

USGS biologists Steve Matsuoka, Lauren Hitt, and Rachel Richardson search for landbird nests in Denali National Park. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish
Akilik River stream sampling
Akilik River stream sampling
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish

Akilik River stream sampling

Akilik River stream sampling

Hiking up a stream from the Akilik River drainage to set minnow traps for fish sampling. This is a stream type at the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park.

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish

Akilik River stream sampling

Akilik River stream sampling

Hiking up a stream from the Akilik River drainage to set minnow traps for fish sampling. This is a stream type at the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park.

By
Alaska Science Center
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage in the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park. This is part of the Hydro-Ecoloy of Arctic Thawing (HEAT) project.

By
Alaska Science Center
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage in the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park. This is part of the Hydro-Ecoloy of Arctic Thawing (HEAT) project.

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure in freshwater habitats Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure in freshwater habitats

Invasive species introductions in high latitudes are accelerating and elevating the need to address questions of their effects on Subarctic and Arctic ecosystems. As a driver of ecosystem function, submerged aquatic vegetation is one of the most deleterious biological invasions to aquatic food webs. The aquatic plant Elodea spp. has potential to be a widespread invader to Arctic and...
Authors
Michael Carey, Gordon Reeves, Suresh Sethi, Theresa Tanner, Daniel Young, Krista Bartz, Christian Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

eDNA Metabarcoding Analyses of Diet in Yellow-Billed Loons of Northern Alaska eDNA Metabarcoding Analyses of Diet in Yellow-Billed Loons of Northern Alaska

Environmental DNA is a burgeoning tool used to address wide-ranging scientific questions, including determining diets of difficult-to-sample predators. Loons are large piscivorous diving birds that capture and consume prey underwater, making it nearly impossible to visually determine their diet via observation alone. Identifying species' diets is important for understanding basic life...
Authors
Damian Menning, Brian Uher-Koch, Melanie Flamme, Trey Simmons, Joel Schmutz, Sandra Talbot
By
Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska

The Taiya River flows through the Chilkoot Trail Unit of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in southeast Alaska, which was founded to preserve cultural and historical resources and further understanding of natural processes active in the surrounding coastal-to-subarctic basin. Riverine processes exert an important influence on ecologically important boreal toad (Anaxryus boreas...
Authors
Janet Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Environmental DNA: An emerging tool for understanding aquatic biodiversity Environmental DNA: An emerging tool for understanding aquatic biodiversity

Field surveys for aquatic organisms provide critical information that is important for robust resource management. However, such surveys are expensive and labor intensive, particularly in large, remote landscapes like those that characterize much of Alaska. Traditionally, characterizing aquatic biodiversity necessitated the physical capture and identification of individual organisms...
Authors
Trey Simmons, Damian Menning, Sandra Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Using redundant primer sets to detect multiple native Alaskan fish species from environmental DNA Using redundant primer sets to detect multiple native Alaskan fish species from environmental DNA

Accurate and timely data regarding freshwater fish communities is important for informed decision-making by local, state, tribal, and federal land and resource managers; however, conducting traditional gear-based fish surveys can be an expensive and time-consuming process, particularly in remote areas, like those that characterize much of Alaska. To help address this challenge, we...
Authors
Damian Menning, Trey Simmons, Sandra Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Rapid response for invasive waterweeds at the arctic invasion front: Assessment of collateral impacts from herbicide treatments Rapid response for invasive waterweeds at the arctic invasion front: Assessment of collateral impacts from herbicide treatments

The remoteness of subarctic and arctic ecosystems no longer protects against invasive species introductions. Rather, the mix of urban hubs surrounded by undeveloped expanses creates a ratchet process whereby anthropogenic activity is sufficient to introduce and spread invaders, but for which the costs of monitoring and managing remote ecosystems is prohibitive. Elodea spp. is the first...
Authors
Suresh Sethi, Michael Carey, John Morton, Edgar Guerron-Orejuela, Robert Decino, Mark Willette, James Boersma, Jillian Jablonski, Cheryl Anderson
By
Cooperative Research Units

Detecting and inferring cause of change in an Alaska nearshore marine ecosystem Detecting and inferring cause of change in an Alaska nearshore marine ecosystem

Community composition, species abundance, and species distribution are expected to change while monitoring ecosystems over time, and effective management of natural resources requires understanding mechanisms contributing to change. Marine ecosystems in particular can be difficult to monitor, in part due to large, multidimensional spatial scales and complex dynamics. However, within the...
Authors
H. A. Coletti, James Bodkin, Daniel Monson, Brenda Ballachey, T. Dean
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

A primer on potential impacts, management priorities, and future directions for Elodea spp. in high latitude systems: learning from the Alaskan experience A primer on potential impacts, management priorities, and future directions for Elodea spp. in high latitude systems: learning from the Alaskan experience

Invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems are growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes. The aquatic plants of the genus Elodea are potential invaders to Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems circumpolar and at least one species is already established in Alaska, USA. To illustrate the problems of preventing, eradicating...
Authors
Michael Carey, Suresh Sethi, Sabrina Larsen, Cecil Rich
By
Alaska Science Center

The impacts of human recreation on brown bears (Ursus arctos): A review and new management tool The impacts of human recreation on brown bears (Ursus arctos): A review and new management tool

Increased popularity of recreational activities in natural areas has led to the need to better understand their impacts on wildlife. The majority of research conducted to date has focused on behavioral effects from individual recreations, thus there is a limited understanding of the potential for population-level or cumulative effects. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the focus of a...
Authors
Jennifer Fortin-noreus, Karyn Rode, Grant V. Hilderbrand, James Wilder, Sean Farley, Carole Jorgensen, Bruce Marcot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Alaska Science Center Project Updates for Collaborative Science with USFWS, NPS, and BOEM

USGS Alaska Science Center Project Updates for Collaborative Science with USFWS, NPS, and BOEM

One of the primary missions of the USGS is to provide science for decision making, particularly for Department of Interior management bureaus such as...

Read Article

This is a nation-wide collaborative program, supported by the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, through which USGS and National Park Service staff address priority research needs identified by the National Park Service.  On this page, we highlight research taking place in Alaska as part of this program.

Return to Ecosystems >> Collaborative Science for Priority Information Needs

National Park Service priorities change annually through this program and results of past studies can be found under Data and Publications on this page. 

For 2025, the USGS is focusing on the following science needs identified by the National Park Service Alaska Region:

  • Analysis of genetic variation in wolves from Denali National Park and Preserve and Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska
  • Aquatic ecosystem impacts from metal mobilization to Arctic rivers
  • Hydrologic status and influence of climate change and glacier loss in the Taiya River Watershed at Klondike Gold Rush NHP and Dyea and Chilkoot Trail 
  • Video collar analysis of seasonal behavioral, habitat, and dietary patterns of caribou in the Western Arctic Herd
  • Bark beetles as ecosystem engineers: Effects of spruce mortality on fire behavior and insect biodiversity in Denali National Park and Preserve
  • Establish baseline of Alaska small-mammal population dynamics prior to Ambler Road development to assess potential future impacts

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Elodea spp. on a rake in Sand Lake in Anchorage, Alaska

Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center
Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

Effect of Elodea spp. on Fish Performance Mediated Through Food Web Interactions

The potential for invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems is growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes.
Learn More

Limnological Data from Experimental Exposure of Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to Elodea in a High Latitude Lake Limnological Data from Experimental Exposure of Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to Elodea in a High Latitude Lake

This dataset provides nine tables of data from an experimental study in which juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were reared in floating net pens (limnocorrals) and exposed to Elodea spp. (a potential invasive species in high latititude lakes) and native aquatic vegetation. Data include: (1) coho salmon body, otolith, and stable isotope measurements, (2) abundance of...
By
Alaska Science Center

Below are multimedia items associated with this project.

Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.
Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park
Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park
Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

USGS biologists Steve Matsuoka, Lauren Hitt, and Rachel Richardson search for landbird nests in Denali National Park. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Three scientists with backpacks in low shrubs searing for landbird nests in Denali National Park. Mountains in background.

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

Searching for landbird nests in Denali National Park

USGS biologists Steve Matsuoka, Lauren Hitt, and Rachel Richardson search for landbird nests in Denali National Park. 

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish
Akilik River stream sampling
Akilik River stream sampling
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish

Akilik River stream sampling

Akilik River stream sampling

Hiking up a stream from the Akilik River drainage to set minnow traps for fish sampling. This is a stream type at the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park.

By
Alaska Science Center
Scientist walking up the Akilik River with a minnow trap to catch fish

Akilik River stream sampling

Akilik River stream sampling

Hiking up a stream from the Akilik River drainage to set minnow traps for fish sampling. This is a stream type at the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range, Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park.

By
Alaska Science Center
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage in the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park. This is part of the Hydro-Ecoloy of Arctic Thawing (HEAT) project.

By
Alaska Science Center
Sampling a stream in the mist in the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage

Sampling a stream from the Akilik River drainage in the Boreal-Arctic transition of the Brooks Range in Noatak National Park and Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park. This is part of the Hydro-Ecoloy of Arctic Thawing (HEAT) project.

By
Alaska Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure in freshwater habitats Elodea mediates juvenile salmon growth by altering physical structure in freshwater habitats

Invasive species introductions in high latitudes are accelerating and elevating the need to address questions of their effects on Subarctic and Arctic ecosystems. As a driver of ecosystem function, submerged aquatic vegetation is one of the most deleterious biological invasions to aquatic food webs. The aquatic plant Elodea spp. has potential to be a widespread invader to Arctic and...
Authors
Michael Carey, Gordon Reeves, Suresh Sethi, Theresa Tanner, Daniel Young, Krista Bartz, Christian Zimmerman
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

eDNA Metabarcoding Analyses of Diet in Yellow-Billed Loons of Northern Alaska eDNA Metabarcoding Analyses of Diet in Yellow-Billed Loons of Northern Alaska

Environmental DNA is a burgeoning tool used to address wide-ranging scientific questions, including determining diets of difficult-to-sample predators. Loons are large piscivorous diving birds that capture and consume prey underwater, making it nearly impossible to visually determine their diet via observation alone. Identifying species' diets is important for understanding basic life...
Authors
Damian Menning, Brian Uher-Koch, Melanie Flamme, Trey Simmons, Joel Schmutz, Sandra Talbot
By
Alaska Science Center

Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska Hydrology and geomorphology of the Taiya River near the West Creek Tributary, southeast Alaska

The Taiya River flows through the Chilkoot Trail Unit of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in southeast Alaska, which was founded to preserve cultural and historical resources and further understanding of natural processes active in the surrounding coastal-to-subarctic basin. Riverine processes exert an important influence on ecologically important boreal toad (Anaxryus boreas...
Authors
Janet Curran
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Environmental DNA: An emerging tool for understanding aquatic biodiversity Environmental DNA: An emerging tool for understanding aquatic biodiversity

Field surveys for aquatic organisms provide critical information that is important for robust resource management. However, such surveys are expensive and labor intensive, particularly in large, remote landscapes like those that characterize much of Alaska. Traditionally, characterizing aquatic biodiversity necessitated the physical capture and identification of individual organisms...
Authors
Trey Simmons, Damian Menning, Sandra Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Using redundant primer sets to detect multiple native Alaskan fish species from environmental DNA Using redundant primer sets to detect multiple native Alaskan fish species from environmental DNA

Accurate and timely data regarding freshwater fish communities is important for informed decision-making by local, state, tribal, and federal land and resource managers; however, conducting traditional gear-based fish surveys can be an expensive and time-consuming process, particularly in remote areas, like those that characterize much of Alaska. To help address this challenge, we...
Authors
Damian Menning, Trey Simmons, Sandra Talbot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Rapid response for invasive waterweeds at the arctic invasion front: Assessment of collateral impacts from herbicide treatments Rapid response for invasive waterweeds at the arctic invasion front: Assessment of collateral impacts from herbicide treatments

The remoteness of subarctic and arctic ecosystems no longer protects against invasive species introductions. Rather, the mix of urban hubs surrounded by undeveloped expanses creates a ratchet process whereby anthropogenic activity is sufficient to introduce and spread invaders, but for which the costs of monitoring and managing remote ecosystems is prohibitive. Elodea spp. is the first...
Authors
Suresh Sethi, Michael Carey, John Morton, Edgar Guerron-Orejuela, Robert Decino, Mark Willette, James Boersma, Jillian Jablonski, Cheryl Anderson
By
Cooperative Research Units

Detecting and inferring cause of change in an Alaska nearshore marine ecosystem Detecting and inferring cause of change in an Alaska nearshore marine ecosystem

Community composition, species abundance, and species distribution are expected to change while monitoring ecosystems over time, and effective management of natural resources requires understanding mechanisms contributing to change. Marine ecosystems in particular can be difficult to monitor, in part due to large, multidimensional spatial scales and complex dynamics. However, within the...
Authors
H. A. Coletti, James Bodkin, Daniel Monson, Brenda Ballachey, T. Dean
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

A primer on potential impacts, management priorities, and future directions for Elodea spp. in high latitude systems: learning from the Alaskan experience A primer on potential impacts, management priorities, and future directions for Elodea spp. in high latitude systems: learning from the Alaskan experience

Invasive species introductions in Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems are growing as climate change manifests and human activity increases in high latitudes. The aquatic plants of the genus Elodea are potential invaders to Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems circumpolar and at least one species is already established in Alaska, USA. To illustrate the problems of preventing, eradicating...
Authors
Michael Carey, Suresh Sethi, Sabrina Larsen, Cecil Rich
By
Alaska Science Center

The impacts of human recreation on brown bears (Ursus arctos): A review and new management tool The impacts of human recreation on brown bears (Ursus arctos): A review and new management tool

Increased popularity of recreational activities in natural areas has led to the need to better understand their impacts on wildlife. The majority of research conducted to date has focused on behavioral effects from individual recreations, thus there is a limited understanding of the potential for population-level or cumulative effects. Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the focus of a...
Authors
Jennifer Fortin-noreus, Karyn Rode, Grant V. Hilderbrand, James Wilder, Sean Farley, Carole Jorgensen, Bruce Marcot
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Alaska Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Alaska Science Center Project Updates for Collaborative Science with USFWS, NPS, and BOEM

USGS Alaska Science Center Project Updates for Collaborative Science with USFWS, NPS, and BOEM

One of the primary missions of the USGS is to provide science for decision making, particularly for Department of Interior management bureaus such as...

Read Article
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