Our Units
Scientist Expertise
10-Year Overview
Cooperative Research Units
The Cooperative Research Units program was established in 1935—and codified by Congress in 1960— with a tripartite mission. Today, there are 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities, with a national program office located at the U.S. Geological Survey headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
Our Tripartite Mission:
1. Deliver applied research to fish and wildlife resource decision makers,
2. Enhance graduate education in fisheries and wildlife sciences to cultivate the next generation of conservation professionals,
3. Provide robust technical assistance to personnel managing fish, wildlife, and ecosystems.
Publications
Habitat selection of an endangered marsh bird varies by tidal stage and captive or wild origin Habitat selection of an endangered marsh bird varies by tidal stage and captive or wild origin
A thorough understanding of habitat selection is vital for making informed management decisions for recovery efforts of endangered species. The light-footed Ridgway's rail (Rallus obsoletus levipes) is a federally endangered species that relies on tidal marshes, but little is known about how tides influence microhabitat selection. We used solar-powered GPS transmitters to compare habitat...
Eye lens stable isotope analysis reveals potential discharge-related changes in habitat use by Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) Eye lens stable isotope analysis reveals potential discharge-related changes in habitat use by Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus)
Stable isotope analysis (SIA) of eye lenses can provide a retrospective view of resource use over a fish's life. This tool can be valuable for studying long-term isotopic changes in non-game species that typically receive limited research emphasis. We assessed shifts in isotope composition of Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) from eye lenses of fish (n = 39) collected from the James...
The monster in the backyard: A cultural analysis of wolf conflict in the American West The monster in the backyard: A cultural analysis of wolf conflict in the American West
1. Conflict between people and large carnivores remains among the most persistent problems in conservation, threatening carnivore populations and the communities that live alongside them. Decades of technical and financial research and intervention, from livestock protection tools to compensation programs, have not resolved these conflicts. Understanding the persistence of these...
Science
USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center Fiscal Year 2025 Highlights
The USGS Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) proudly supports Federal, State, Tribal, and other partners by delivering high-quality data, cutting-edge science, and practical tools to support natural resource management. Below are some of NOROCK’s highlights during fiscal year 2025.
Graduate Education
While becoming a leader in the conservation workforce, graduate students in the Cooperative Research Unit Program work to (1) Conduct research with USGS scientists through a host university, (2) Collaborate directly with natural resource managers to inform decision making, and (3) Earn a Master of Science or Doctoral Degree.
Research
Fish and wildlife research is essential for understanding ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. It provides the data needed to manage habitats, conserve species, and address challenges like climate change and invasive species. By studying these natural systems, we ensure healthy environments that support both wildlife and human communities.