The Southwest Biological Science Center:
Providing Unbiased Actionable Science & Information to Support Natural Resource Management Needs of the U.S. & Department of the Interior Priorities
Providing Unbiased Actionable Science & Information to Support Natural Resource Management Needs of the U.S. & Department of the Interior Priorities
A new app to report flash floods and debris flows in Grand Canyon
New backcountry alert system for the Grand Canyon
Visitors can subscribe to the alert system using satellite communication devices
Visitors can subscribe to the alert system using satellite communication devices
Genetic divide among humpback chub in Grand Canyon?
The Southwest Fire Innovation Landscape Network
Advanced tools for fuel monitoring and assessment of wildfire risk
Advanced tools for fuel monitoring and assessment of wildfire risk
SBSC Science Informs Invasive Species Management
From efforts to deter smallmouth bass, predict insect invasions, and combat non-native plants — our science gives managers tools that lead to real on-the-ground results.
From efforts to deter smallmouth bass, predict insect invasions, and combat non-native plants — our science gives managers tools that lead to real on-the-ground results.
Southwest Energy Exploration
SBSC provides expertise and data to land managers to improve ecosystem services during and after energy development.
SBSC provides expertise and data to land managers to improve ecosystem services during and after energy development.
Southwest Biological Science Center
The SBSC provides sound science, specialized expertise, and objective and timely tools to Federal and State agencies and the public to inform land management decision-making, and support thriving landscapes for the Southwest’s abundant natural resources and vast public lands. This research assists those who manage, conserve, and rehabilitate rivers and arid regions of the nation.
Dryland Ecology and Management Support - the Terrestrial Drylands Ecology (TDE) branch of SBSC
Dryland Ecology and Management Support - the Terrestrial Drylands Ecology (TDE) branch of SBSC
SBSC conducts research in terrestrial drylands to deliver information that aids land & wildlife management to promote productive ecosystems. Our work provides tools used to mitigate impacts of drought, wildfire, and invasive species, as well as science that supports Department of the Interior economic and cultural activities including recreation and ranching.
Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center & Lake Powell research - the River Ecosystems branch of the SBSC
Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center & Lake Powell research - the River Ecosystems branch of the SBSC
The SBSC Rivers branch, which includes the Grand Canyon Monitoring & Research Center, studies the biology, ecology, and processes of rivers, primarily in the SW. We provide the public and decision makers with relevant scientific information about the status and trends of natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and Lake Powell.
Quick Links
Quick Links
- Learn how SBSC supports DOI priorities
- GCMRC science informs hydropower and invasive species management
- SBSC initiatives support ecosystems & economies on the Colorado Plateau
- Restoration Assessment & Monitoring Program for the Southwest (RAMPS)
- Outstanding in the Field podcasts
- The Southwest Repeat Photography Collection
- Our Staff Directory
News
RAMPS Newsletter - Fall 2025
RAMPS Newsletter - Fall 2025
September 22nd: Art and Science Converge at USGS for a Flagstaff Festival of Science Exhibition
September 22nd: Art and Science Converge at USGS for a Flagstaff Festival of Science Exhibition
Genetic Divide Among Humpback Chub in Grand Canyon?
Genetic Divide Among Humpback Chub in Grand Canyon?
Publications
Rising rates of wildfire building destruction in the conterminous United States Rising rates of wildfire building destruction in the conterminous United States
Many regions of the world have seen an increase in highly destructive wildfires, driven by well-documented increases in burned area and growth of housing in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), which exposes more homes to fire. However, it is unclear whether wildfires are also becoming more destructive due to changes in wildfire behavior or in the development patterns of exposed...
Assessment of dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) occupancy and habitat suitability at −12 Mile Slough, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona Assessment of dragonfly and damselfly (Odonata) occupancy and habitat suitability at −12 Mile Slough, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona
Management practices that enhance habitat complexity in dam tailwaters often aim to increase biodiversity and improve ecosystem health. However, in other instances, management practices may simplify habitat features to help minimize the establishment of invasive species. These tradeoffs are complex, particularly in the face of drought and warming water temperatures. In Glen Canyon...
Rapid structured decision making for Hypomesus transpacificus (delta smelt) summer–fall freshwater outflow management Rapid structured decision making for Hypomesus transpacificus (delta smelt) summer–fall freshwater outflow management
Managers of the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Projects (SWP) in California are confronted with difficult tradeoffs between water uses and associated values affected by water management decisions. These decisions involve altering the timing and magnitude of water releases from dams and reservoirs, which can affect habitats for economically important and Federally and State...
Science
USGS Science Syntheses for Public Lands Management
Scientific information is fundamental to understanding how proposed actions on public lands may impact the environment. Development of new science is occurring at rates that can make it challenging for biologists, resource managers, decision makers, private landowners, and other stakeholders to ensure they are using up-to-date, high-quality science information to inform their decisions. Further...
eDNA and the Efficacy of Management Actions
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful feedback tool, giving managers fast, clear, and cost-effective evidence to guide decisions and improve conservation outcomes.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Environmental Health Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory
eDNA Science for Species Management, Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity Monitoring, and Habitat Restoration
Using eDNA to track biodiversity, guide restoration, and safeguard ecosystems for the future.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Alaska Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory