Where we WERC
Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin
Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin
Our Scientists at WERC
Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment
Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment
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.
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News
Publications
Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2024 annual report Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2024 annual report
Executive SummaryThe purpose of this report is to provide the Marine Corps with an annual summary of the distribution, abundance, and breeding activity of the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP or “Base”). Surveys for the flycatcher were conducted on Base between May 8 and July 24, 2024. All of...
Wake Atoll: Evaluation of plant biosecurity Wake Atoll: Evaluation of plant biosecurity
Introduced organisms can cause substantial effects across most landscapes. Island ecosystems, especially tropical islands, are at elevated risk from introduced organisms. The risks are even higher for tropical islands with moderate or high levels of transit, yet this can be minimized by application of appropriate biosecurity requirements. In this study, we examined the potential for non...
Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) at select locations on the San Luis Rey River, San Diego County, California—2024 data summary Distribution, abundance, and breeding activities of Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) at select locations on the San Luis Rey River, San Diego County, California—2024 data summary
We surveyed for Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) at select locations along the San Luis Rey River, including along the middle San Luis Rey River near Bonsall and the upper San Luis Rey River near Santa Ysabel, California, in 2024. Surveys were completed at six locations: two along the middle San Luis Rey River (Bonsall [BO] and Rincon), which were...
Science
Ground-truthing an easy guide to biocrust morphogroups
Land and resource managers are increasingly aware of the contribution of biocrusts to ecological functions and have expressed interest in training and resources to recognize biocrusts in the field. This knowledge will help enable managers to address biocrusts in carrying out analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). WERC scientists have drafted a single page, easy guide to...
State of Knowledge of Biological Soil Crusts: A synthesis of work to inform land management.
Land and resource managers are increasingly interested in up-to-date information for biocrust conservation and management. To facilitate the use of evolving science by land managers, WERC scientists are compiling a synthesis of recent work on biocrusts related to their ecology and management. This knowledge will help enable managers to address biocrusts in carrying out analyses under the National...
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...