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
Application of close-kin mark–recapture to an American black bear population using harvest samples Application of close-kin mark–recapture to an American black bear population using harvest samples
Close-kin mark–recapture (CKMR) offers a promising alternative to traditional mark–recapture methods for estimating wildlife population parameters. CKMR estimates demographic parameters by identifying genetic relationships between individuals, effectively “recapturing” parental genotypes through their offspring's genetic profiles. One key advantage of CKMR over traditional methods is the...
Evaluating seedling traits, maintenance and effective costs to support tropical forest restoration practices Evaluating seedling traits, maintenance and effective costs to support tropical forest restoration practices
While large-scale restoration is essential, tropical forest restoration often depends on small-scale practitioners and landowners who produce, plant and maintain trees. Their collective impact on restoring forest diversity and function is substantial, making it critical to address the constraints they face through efficient, effective techniques.We used generalized linear mixed models to...
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.