Ecosystems Mission Area
Land Management Research Program
Our focus is ecosystems, the biological communities of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Much of our research is about how to restore and manage ecosystems while maximizing their ability to support biodiversity and services (e.g. coastal protection, water availability, pollination, erosion control etc) and preparing for anticipated climate change impacts.
Large-Scale Restoration Science
These projects are restoring critical ecosystems and their biological communities, including threatened and endangered species, revitalizing local economies, and improving the quality and safety of life.
EXPLOREWildland Fire Research
Wildfires are a natural process in most regions of the U.S. They serve a vital role in nature but can also be unusually intense, widespread, or frequent. As a result, response and recovery costs are increasing.
EXPLOREEnvironments Research
USGS scientists conduct research to inform the management and conservation of ecosystems across the US. Explore our science using the links below.
Sage-grouse and Sagebrush Ecosystem
Learn MoreThis work requires a broad set of capabilities such as identifying stressors, predicting future conditions, developing and evaluating management alternatives, making difficult trade-offs, and predicting fish and wildlife habitat use. Managing natural resources on behalf of the public usually impacts multiple stakeholders in different ways, so we work with partners to use decision analysis as an approach to structure their decisions and navigate difficult choices in a transparent way.
Related Content
USGS Wildland Fire Science: an Overview
This is a Story Map that provides a broad overview of the research performed at USGS that is relevant to the field of wildland fire science.