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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

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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

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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

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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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Research Spotlight: What Habitat Features Make Duck Nests Vulnerable to Raccoons and Striped Skunks?

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Building maps to help geothermal energy and greater sage-grouse coexist in Nevada’s sagebrush country

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Saline Lakes Stakeholder Workshop Meeting Materials

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Publications

Best practices for distributing and deploying U.S. Geological Survey Shiny applications

A goal of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research is to create actionable science for U.S. Department of the Interior managers and partners. Properly managed and released software tools can quickly, accurately, and easily translate scientific results to aid managers’ decision-making. The USGS policies on software development and distribution affect how authors of USGS software products must navigat
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Daniel F. Shryock, Micah C. Wright, Phillip J. van Mantgem, Todd C. Esque
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

AIMS for wildlife: Developing an automated interactive monitoring system to integrate real-time movement and environmental data for true adaptive management

To effectively manage species and habitats at multiple scales, population and land managers require rapid information on wildlife use of managed areas and responses to landscape conditions and management actions. GPS tracking studies of wildlife are particularly informative to species ecology, habitat use, and conservation. Combining GPS data with administrative data and a diverse suite of remotel
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Michael L. Casazza, Austen Lorenz, Cory T. Overton, Elliott L. Matchett, Andrea Lynn Mott, Desmond Alexander Mackell, Fiona McDuie
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

A spatially explicit modeling framework to guide management of subsidized avian predator densities

Anthropogenic resource subsidization across western ecosystems has contributed to widespread increases in generalist avian predators, including common ravens (Corvus corax; hereafter, raven). Ravens are adept nest predators and can negatively impact species of conservation concern. Predation effects from ravens are especially concerning for greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter
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Shawn O'Neil, Peter S. Coates, Sarah Catherine Webster, Brianne E. Brussee, Seth J. Dettenmaier, John C. Tull, Pat J. Jackson, Michael L. Casazza, Shawn P. Espinosa
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Science

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Waterbird Ecology and Movement in the Saline Lakes

How do changing conditions in the terminal lakes of the Great Basin effect the migratory birds that depend on them? USGS scientists investigate bird movement and habitat use to find out.
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Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Saline Lakes Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
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Waterbird Ecology and Movement in the Saline Lakes

How do changing conditions in the terminal lakes of the Great Basin effect the migratory birds that depend on them? USGS scientists investigate bird movement and habitat use to find out.
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Drain carrying runoff from farm fields in Imperial Valley

Selenium Cycling in Salton Sea Wetlands

The effect of selenium toxicity on wildlife has been known for more than 50 years. This issue drew particular attention in the 1980s when embryo deformity and mortality was observed in birds at a wildlife refuge in California. Harmful effects from selenium were determined to be connected to irrigation drainage water. As a result, an effort began to monitor levels of selenium in irrigation drainage...
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California Water Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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Selenium Cycling in Salton Sea Wetlands

The effect of selenium toxicity on wildlife has been known for more than 50 years. This issue drew particular attention in the 1980s when embryo deformity and mortality was observed in birds at a wildlife refuge in California. Harmful effects from selenium were determined to be connected to irrigation drainage water. As a result, an effort began to monitor levels of selenium in irrigation drainage...
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Black-footed ferret on the prowl

USGS Science Supporting 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act

This Endangered Species Day, we’re celebrating the USGS science that helps achieve sustainable management and conservation of some of the Nation’s most endangered flora and fauna.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
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USGS Science Supporting 50 Years of the Endangered Species Act

This Endangered Species Day, we’re celebrating the USGS science that helps achieve sustainable management and conservation of some of the Nation’s most endangered flora and fauna.
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